“Recent studies have shown that social networking sites like Myspace are less effective at getting a bands name and music out there,” said Mike Fratt, general manager for Homer’s Music and Gifts. “The latest buzz is through viral marketing and getting your name plugged in a blog. How often you appear on other people’s blogs will generate more interest.”
What is it about blog marketing that people love so much? Well, first of all, there’s something very edgy and “street” about getting the latest product info or news from a blog. Lately it seems that sites like Myspace or Digg are getting the word out to the masses before traditional newspapers and TV media. Round-the-clock junkies focused on a particular niche whether it’s new gadgets, home cooking secrets, celebrity gossip, relationship advice or real estate finds diligently report their findings in an informal tone that sounds more like a friend than a telemarketer.
Blog marketing isn’t like traditional advertising schemes, where your inbox is filled with junk, your mail box is overflowing with trash, your phone is blowing up with inarticulate callers and you’re bombarded by commercials during your favorite shows and annoying billboards on your way to work. Instead, blog marketing is a subtle, often humorous, always informative and to-the-point summary. Since we’re always so busy, it may be hard to find time for that 2,000 word magazine article or that hour news program, but a 200-word blog can be digested quicker than that turkey sandwich!
For your business, blog marketing is much more practical than it may seem. Some owners feel it’s too much time and work to upkeep, but many people hire someone to write blogs for them at something like $100/month, which as you know, is small potatoes for a marketing budget. You’ll be happy to know that search engines love fresh, updated content that’s full of keywords, links and relevancy. If people like your blog, they’ll keep coming back each day, pass your stories along to friends and buy your stuff. All these things will also improve your search engine ranking, in addition to leading to that much coveted word-of-mouth advertising and eventually direct sales. Blog marketing truly is the way of the future!