Brandon Connell
G’day and welcome to the first ever guest post on Alexwhalley.com! I was lucky enough to meet Brandon Connell through the blogosphere recently and am constantly impressed with his drive, his passion to help others, and of course the amazing amount of awesome content that he consistently puts out there.(he’s obviously not busy enough if he has time to share his top content with me and my readers) But seriously, it is with great pleasure that I introduce Brandon Connell. Brandon’s blog is located @ http://www.brandonconnell.com where he teaches you how to make money blogging. Enjoy!
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I often write about how to make money blogging, and I rarely get to write about how I got into blogging in the first place. So how did I start blogging? I did it for my business. I run a web design and seo company, and I designed a custom WordPress theme to match my website.
Now the question you have to ask yourself as a business owner is whether you need a blog or not. In simple terms I would answer you with some questions. Such as…
- – Do you intend to increase the traffic to your website?
- – Do you intend to make additional revenue through ad sales?
- – Do you want public interaction with your company?
- – Do you plan on getting modern or lagging behind?
Each question can easily be answered by you if you understood the facts behind blogging.
If you intend to increase your web traffic, then blogging is a major solution. The search engine friendly properties of blogs alone is worth the effort. It is a well known fact that blogs that are updated regularly get top 10 rankings in Google and other search engines. Add on top of that the ability to connect your blog with various social networks and social bookmarking networks out there, and you have yourself a traffic magnet.
When I installed WordPress on my web design and seo company website, and I started blogging, I noticed a huge increase in search engine traffic for keyphrases I never intended to rank for. I also noticed referral traffic from sites like Digg and StumbleUpon among others. There are millions of people out there looking for something, and by blogging about it, you will help them find you instead of someone else. Once you have the eyes on your blog, you can direct them to whatever product or service you have to offer. Just imagine how great it would be to have a viral free marketing system like this in place!
If you want to make an additional income for your company, you would benefit from your blog by having direct ad sales available for purchase. There are lots of advertisers out there looking for a popular blog or website that’s relevant to their offer to place their brand on. By having a blog setup, and posting regularly, you can make an extra $50 per ad slot or more.
Blog advertising is a growing trend as blogging replaces traditional media in the 21st century. We are seeing newspapers die, and they will be replaced by iPads and other smart devices that are heavily designed to work in unison with current technologies like blog media, video, and audio.
Another money-attracting feature of blogs is your ability to setup a newsletter and market to your subscribers. You can promote your offers, and at the same time sell ad space within your newsletters. The possibilities are truly endless for monetizing your company blog.
Are you looking to interact with your customers? Ummm… hello! Blogs are great for that. They have this wonderful feature called “comments” which allows a reader to respond to your blog posts. Actually, I am hoping you leave one of those comments right here.
The cool thing about the interaction is that if a customer feels comfortable with leaving a comment on your blog, it means that you have that customer engaged. That customer is likely going to be one of your best customers because they know that they can visit your blog and actually be heard by you. They will feel even better if you respond to them publicly with a reply to their comment. This kind of interaction is healthy for your business and you can learn a lot about what your customers like and dislike.
Blogging is modern. Newspapers havn’t quite figured this out yet or they would have invented the iPad before Apple did. I have been dreaming of carrying a mobile newspaper with me for years. One that updates in real-time, and saves trees! Blogs are the most modern thing you can have online in 2010. If you don’t have one, chances are you are very elderly. If your business doesn’t have one, chances are it is suffering in one way or another.
Are you ready to decide on whether or not your business deserves to succeed?
Sign up for my free newsletter at http://www.brandonconnell.com/about-me/free-newsletter/ (I promise your privacy is important to me).
Brandon Connell
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{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
The times are changing, whether business owners like it or not. There’s a small coffee shop near me that is doing a great business with the younger crowd because they have a blog (and facebook page) and post specials, news, etc. They have their blog as part of a website where they also sell/ship products so they get extra business that way too. I can understand feeling intimidated by it to begin with, but I don’t understand avoiding something that clearly will draw in business if handled well.
You should write a post about that story Jean, really good lessons in there for all of us.
Wow, everywhere I go it’s Brandon Connell. Are you my conscious? Dude, if you start showing up in my dreams, I’m charging you rent
I know blogs have been around awhile, but I enjoy seeing them get better. I honestly believe there will soon be a degree in Blogging. The ‘ol Journalism degree is a bit out of date. Plus, blogs have created careers in themselves. So has Twitter. A friend of mine just hired someone to send, receive & read her Tweets.
Yes, the blogosphere is a great place, now that you’re here
So long as you don’t dream about him on no pants friday or no bra wednesday, we’ll be fine. LOL
Dude, did you see that nasty photo he posted on the comments of my Twitter article? OMG it almost made my wife throw up.
Just did then! THAT is gross.
This is what I’m missing without a Twitter account??? I better get one, don’t want to be left out of the Nasty Photo club
“No Pants Friday”? Check. It’s Friday and I’m not wearing any pants. Though I don’t see Brandon anywhere…
“No Bra Wednesday”? This is such a good idea for so many reasons…
Rock On
Lee
Hey Brandon,
Nice Post man. I have to agree with Scott, soon there will be a degree in blogging
!! “ol Journalism degree” 
!!
!!
I see your are very active doing guest posts. Great job man. Keep it up
Thanks for sharing this great Post.
~Dev
I actually have a journalism degree and spent a couple of years as a reporter. That industry is dying faster than Michael Richards’ career after his famous racist rant.
Totally agree with you, Dev. Before long people will be majoring in “Blogging.”
Rock On
Lee
Blogging can definitely make a huge difference to your business if you know how to go about it the right way. What I’ve heard all around and am finally setting up here very soon (it took me forever to actually wake up to this) is a mailing list which can do incredible things for your blog and your business.
Great post!
Hey Eric, same here mate! I read this post and ironically, another on Brandons blog and it made me fire myself up and get this opt in form setup already. No point in delivering consistent value if you can’t monetize this in the long run right?
PS: Sites looking good man (I had seen it before, just did not remember)
Blogging with any significant success (like getting substantially more qualified traffic to a sales page that converts to more buyers) requires talent for writing, commitment to keep at it, and the knowledge about the best ways to optimize posts for SEO and connect with other people through social media.
This is not the best Return on Investment for many people and many businesses. Their time and money can be better spent in other ways.
I have recently counseled several people not to blog because I felt they did not have what it takes to succeed.
Well there is certainly nothing wrong with that. It is better to leave the option off the table rather than disgrace your company because of a lack of direction. But even then, that’s what employees are for right? Somebody else who has the talent can take on the project.
Brandon, I was actually referring to self-employed people or those with very small businesses.
I do think that nearly all businesses should have a website, and perhaps they can make good use of Facebook or Twitter with a minimum time investment.
I understand. I do however, get lots of business from those small businesses and self employed people who told me that they needed a website because having just a Social profile was not enough to conduct business.
Those types are basically unaware of how important a website is for their business, and that the social networks were really only an extension of their website. A blog is more of a marketing tool though. Without learning how to make a blog work for themselves, they are missing out on a lot!
Hi Brandon,
The section about interacting with your customers is key to me. Really, the ability to interact with other people is the reason that the Internet has gained popularity as it has (well, that and naughty pictures).
@Eric & Alex – I too am working on getting my email list started. There are quite a few things that worry me about it, but I know it has to happen soon…
Have a great day!
There are two great ways to interact with customers online. One is the CRM (client relations management) and the blog. The blog is public though, and shows you have openness.
Hey Brandon, Brandon here.
I had to laugh as I read the 4 qualifying questions for whether you need a blog or not. Ummm…I guess if people want to stay in business into the future…it would be a hearty yes to each…other than maybe the advertising not being a requirement (maybe they could generate revenue some way else), but yeah, for the most part, it is get on the ship, or stay in the port.
Nice post,
Brandon
Hi Brandon. I just noticed this and other comments. Sorry on the late reply. I agree, without a blog a business doesn’t stand a chance against competitors that do. Plain and simple.
I can definitely see the value in blogging to build relationships with people.
The thing that I’ve been thinking about is the relationship between time invested in writing regular blog posts, and results achieved.
I know some people make money on their blogs from selling ad space, having affiliate links to Amazon etc and seem to make a good living from it. Then there are others who use it as a tool to build their brand and let others know more about them and what they do, but their income is not directly from the blog itself.
The questions you asked and answered have helped me go back to basics and remember my purpose for having a blog in the first place. Keeping mind of that purpose helps me blog better without losing focus of what I’m doing it for.
Thanks Brandon!
Bailey
Hi Bailey. Thanks for the comment. Blogging doesn’t always have to be a “direct” revenue source. I have a blog on my web design and seo company website for pure communication and tips.
Great guest post Brandon and Alex.
Back in my old magazine editing days, the publisher decided he wanted me to write some of my patented comedy blurbs on the website. So I put up little 200-word ditties every few days or so, and the hits went through the roof! I’m not saying it was because of my writing (well, not entirely anyway
), but updating the site more often seemed to make a huge difference.
Through tracking, we noticed that we’d actually get people subscribing to our magazine that entered through one of my little rants. And more importantly from a biz standpoint, people would download advertising information too.
Just my little story, sorry for rambling
Rock On
Lee
Thanks for that Lee. It is crazy what you can find out in your stats. I wrote an update about medical marijuana laws in Illinois and it has been bringing in steady traffic daily. I can say that it has even done better than some of my on-topic posts!
Kudos, Alex, for having your first guest author adorn your blog – you sure know how to pick ‘em!
Fantastic post, Brandon.
My motto is “Blog or be flogged!”
As a matter of fact, blogging is my all-time favorite social media platform. Hands down, bar none, blogging is the best. I participate in other forms of social media, of course, but blogging has been the most effective (and fun) means of building a community. I love all the banter and interaction that goes on via the comments. My loyal readership consistently adds value to anything I post. I wouldn’t trade them for all the tea in China.
Also worth noting …
I’ve discovered blogging to be the ultimate venue for branding myself and my business. My blog gives my readers a really good glimpse into my personality and my lifestyle. And blogging provides me the opportunity to share my marketing messages with my target audience.
Thanks for an enjoyable read!
Melanie
Thanks Melanie,
I really appreciate the insight and thought that went into this comment, and I totally agree with you and the power of the blog.
Love your motto btw
I think that its necessary to start a blog to improve the chance of your business to be known to possible clients. I know that many people are interested on starting their own blogs. I am also interested on starting my own blog for my business.
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