LaTosha Johnson speaks about her article and about Blogging.

This month we have a new featured article. LaTosha Johnson submitted an article about blogging titled "Why does your company need a blog?" From A Writers POV interviewed her about her blog to get a little more insight on her thoughts about the topic. Read her interview below.

Dominique Watson (DW): Why do you think so many people are not using a blog to enhance their company?

LaTosha Johnson (LJ): I believe a lot of companies do not participate in blogging because it requires a significant time commitment. It takes a lot of energy to produce quality content and many companies have a tendency to be selfish. They want your business, but they don’t want to take the time to get to know you. Blogs require you to be patient because it takes a significant amount of time to build up a following. Many companies throw in the towel because they do not want to “waste” their time. However, those who subscribe to this mentality should reconsider starting a blog because once you start a blog—you have to keep it up. According to the 2008 Technorati survey, 7.4 million out of the 133 million blogs the company tracks had been updated in the past 120 days. If your company finds itself apart of this statistic, it does not leave a positive impression on those who find your blog. According to eMarketer 45% of the US Internet population read blogs and by the year 2013 it is projected to be 58 percent. Many people read blogs to learn more about topics that interest them and to engage in discussions. However, if your last post was three months ago people aren’t going to feel like commenting because they will feel the moment has passed. You ended the discussion before it even got a chance to get started with this person! No one wants to comment on a blog that has not been touched because the chances of you responding are slim to none and no one wants to engage in a one way conversation. Technorati’s survey mentioned that 54% of corporate and professional bloggers feel that they are better known in their industry because of their blog. Companies that are willing to tough it out and consistently post to their blog ( you do not have to post everyday, but let your readers know about how many posts they can expect to receive from you so you do not leave them wondering about your commitment), can also experience this same type of success.

DW: What are other options business owners can use their blog for?

LJ: Blogs are a subtle way for companies to build a relationship with those who are interested in your industry. By writing on various topics that are within your industry you are demonstrating your expertise and people will seek out your services when they are ready. Companies can also use their blogs to communicate services issues to their customers or use it as an opportunity to have a question and answer session about trends occurring within your industry. Companies should not use their blog as another method of promoting their services. If you produce quality content and they like what they are reading, they will remember you and be more receptive to conducting business with you.

DW: What if business owners are not familiar with blogging. Do you think it's ok to use forums instead?

LJ: If business owners are not familiar with blogging they can always hire someone to ghostwrite on their behalf (I know shameless plug!). I am not against forums, because I belong to quite a few of them. However, creating a blog not only helps you create relationships on your own “turf”, but blogs also help you to optimize your website, thus increasing your chances of ranking higher in the search engines.

DW: How long have you been a blogger?

LJ: I have always loved writing, but I have officially been blogging since December 2008.

DW: What is your business and how do you use blogging to enhance your business?

LJ: My company is called TargetStars, Inc. and we provide marketing, market research and virtual assistant services to small companies and solopreneurs. We use blogging as a means to communicate with prospects and customers so they can put a face to a name. Also, we provide ghostwriting and newsletter services (this falls under our virtual assistant services) so our blog allows individuals to see firsthand the quality they can expect to receive should they decide to purchase our services.

DW: What is some extra advice you can give to our readers about blogging?

LJ: Be authentic and be willing to mix it up. Blog about trends occurring within your industry, but do not forget to add your personality.

I think LaTosha made some really good points. I actually just started The POV Lounge and it's a lot of hard work. I like to post daily but sometimes I get busy. I notice a lot of celebrities have blogs or they blog. Others simply call on a personal spokesperson to speak on their behalf but I agree with LaTosha, blogging yourself, for your business, to you customers/fans is much more personal.

The full article can be read and commented on here: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/featuredarticle.htm

Before we end today's blog...

Do you have an article youy would like to submit on the writing/business field? Submit your article today and it could be our featured article in August. http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/guestarticleform.htm

Signing Off,

Dominique Watson