3 quick tips to create content for a business blog

By Debbie Weil

If you've been wondering what content belongs in a blog vs. an e-newsletter, here are 3 quick tips:

First, despite what you've been reading in the mainstream press about blogging as the new new trend online, blogs do not have to be "cool." They just need to be useful.

Tip #1: Blog content should link to other resources.

You can use a blog to quickly summarize and point to articles or news stories on the Web that are relevant to your prospects or customers. You might also offer a quick synopsis of a recent article in your e-newsletter, with a link back to the full version.


Tip #2: Keep it short.

A blog post can be as short as one sentence or as long as several Web pages. But a brief paragraph with one or more links works best. It's easier and quicker to write and will help you sidestep the procrastination that often accompanies publishing an e-newsletter. It's also easier to read and digest.

Tip #3: Develop your blog writing "voice" over time.

If informal and edgy doesn't mesh with your company's culture, concentrate instead on being succinct, newsy and... useful. The litmus test for "what to blog" is that it be useful in some way to your readers.


Want to learn more about business blogging?

Register for Debbie's July 1, 2004 audio/Web conference: The Uncool Blogging Seminar. More info in the box at right. Or click here to learn more and sign up today... Only 50 tickets and they're going fast!


Useful links to more articles about blogging and RSS

By Debbie Weil

3 reasons to publish an e-newsletter AND a blog

Why the Air Conditioning Contractors of America's blog is not, er, cool

RSS vs. Email Delivery: Is Email Dead?

5 tips for a "useful resource" blog

This article was first published in the June 30, 2004 issue of WordBiz Report