Small Business Blogging 101

Many small businesses are adding blogs to their online holdings. Why? To take advantage of the fact search engines love the dynamic nature of blogs. How does this help the site? It adds to its online popularity. In addition, the business owner can quickly promote business innovations, issues and dealings through easy to learn blogging applications available today.

What do you need to start your own business blog?

A small business web site-- could cost between $100 and $1000 per year. Well worth the cost, if it adds to the bottom-line. I recommend a Linux platform. See the next bullet for explanation.
An installation of WordPress-- a free blogging platform that can only be installed on a Linux/Unix operating system. You will also need php and an available MySQL database. Most of the time these resources are included with Linux web hosting plans. If they are not included with a Linux based plan you are evaluating, look for another provider.
A digital camera. There is no need to get the top of the line in as far as mega-pixel storage capacity. As a matter of fact, even though most internet users are going with broadband access these days, a six mega-pixel digital camera is more than enough to capture photos for web site usage. Today you can pick one up-- for about $200.
A thorough understanding of your business and the ability to communicate concisely and clearly your business' goals and merits. Keep in mind, a picture is often worth a thousand words.

Let's look at a small business that blogs. PinkCakeBox.com is the site for renown pastry chef-- Anne Heap. The site also boasts a blog. The owner is well known for her sugary delights especially, wedding confections. What does she blog about? Why, her latest creations, of course. Her site combines two of my favorite things-- cake and good business blogging.

Regina Thomas is a software consultant [QiSoftware.com] and provides web hosting for small business owners [Hosting-Q.com].