nd stay on it. If you value original content more than inbound links, you'll likely want your blog on your existing company domain, vice-versa if the reverse is true.

Another thing to think about is software. If you choose a web-based blogging platform then the decision to put the blog on a separate domain will have already been made for you. If you want the blog on your domain, then you'll have to get some blogging software and download it on your server. Do your research and pick the right blogging platform for your company's needs.

Finally, choose a suitable design. Do you want to use a template or would yo

You've heard of blogs, and you've heard that they make for great content. You've even read a few to see what it's all about. If only you had the time and the talent.

Don't fret the talent part. It's not about that. Still, a company blog does take time.

You have to take the time to research every post and ensure the content matches your company philosophy. While you write, you've got to keep in mind keywords, link and content that readers like to read. It can be challenging. You'll even have to find creative ways to tie in current events and industry news to your company.

But there are different purposes for blogs and you have to figure out first what you want your blog to do. Do you want it generate leads or promote your products? Maybe you just want to communicate with your current customers about upcoming products and pending personnel changes, or address stock valuation issues with company stockbrokers. Whatever the case, it must have some clear direction.

Next, you'll need to decide whether you want your company blog to be managed by someone within your organization or if you want to hire a freelancer. If your company is so small that you can't afford to give an employee the time to do the requisite research and blog posting then you may have to hire a freelancer. Be sure you get someone who can write well about your industry.

Another decision you'll have to make early on is how often you'll want your blog published. Do you want a weekly blog, or a daily blog? Anything less than a week is not enough but it's better if you go with a daily or, at least, two or three times a week. Whatever the case, you have to be consistent. Make sure you're never late and that you publish on the same day each week or the same time each day. Otherwise, you may lose your readers.

Choose a focus and stick with it. A blog doesn't necessarily have to be as broad as your company mission, although that is an acceptable way to approach a company blog. You may decide that you want to stick only with management issues. Maybe you just want a human resources blog, or perhaps you want to use your blog to notify customers of new and pending developments. Again, consistency is key. Don't change midstream without a compelling reason.

You'll also need to consider infrastructure. Do you want your company blog on the company domain or do you want it to have its own domain? Either way has advantages but, again, you don't want to change midstream so pick a course and stay on it. If you value original content more than inbound links, you'll likely want your blog on your existing company domain, vice-versa if the reverse is true.

Another thing to think about is software. If you choose a web-based blogging platform then the decision to put the blog on a separate domain will have already been made for you. If you want the blog on your domain, then you'll have to get some blogging software and download it on your server. Do your research and pick the right blogging platform for your company's needs.

Finally, choose a suitable design. Do you want to use a template or would yo

for blogs and you have to figure out first what you want your blog to do. Do you want it generate leads or promote your products? Maybe you just want to communicate with your current customers about upcoming products and pending personnel changes, or address stock valuation issues with company stockbrokers. Whatever the case, it must have some clear direction.

Next, you'll need to decide whether you want your company blog to be managed by someone within your organization or if you want to hire a freelancer. If your company is so small that you can't afford to give an employee the time to do the requisite research and blog posting then you may have to hire a freelancer. Be sure you get someone who can write well about your industry.

Another decision you'll have to make early on is how often you'll want your blog published. Do you want a weekly blog, or a daily blog? Anything less than a week is not enough but it's better if you go with a daily or, at least, two or three times a week. Whatever the case, you have to be consistent. Make sure you're never late and that you publish on the same day each week or the same time each day. Otherwise, you may lose your readers.

Choose a focus and stick with it. A blog doesn't necessarily have to be as broad as your company mission, although that is an acceptable way to approach a company blog. You may decide that you want to stick only with management issues. Maybe you just want a human resources blog, or perhaps you want to use your blog to notify customers of new and pending developments. Again, consistency is key. Don't change midstream without a compelling reason.

You'll also need to consider infrastructure. Do you want your company blog on the company domain or do you want it to have its own domain? Either way has advantages but, again, you don't want to change midstream so pick a course and stay on it. If you value original content more than inbound links, you'll likely want your blog on your existing company domain, vice-versa if the reverse is true.

Another thing to think about is software. If you choose a web-based blogging platform then the decision to put the blog on a separate domain will have already been made for you. If you want the blog on your domain, then you'll have to get some blogging software and download it on your server. Do your research and pick the right blogging platform for your company's needs.

Finally, choose a suitable design. Do you want to use a template or would yo

d blog posting then you may have to hire a freelancer. Be sure you get someone who can write well about your industry.

Another decision you'll have to make early on is how often you'll want your blog published. Do you want a weekly blog, or a daily blog? Anything less than a week is not enough but it's better if you go with a daily or, at least, two or three times a week. Whatever the case, you have to be consistent. Make sure you're never late and that you publish on the same day each week or the same time each day. Otherwise, you may lose your readers.

Choose a focus and stick with it. A blog doesn't necessarily have to be as broad as your company mission, although that is an acceptable way to approach a company blog. You may decide that you want to stick only with management issues. Maybe you just want a human resources blog, or perhaps you want to use your blog to notify customers of new and pending developments. Again, consistency is key. Don't change midstream without a compelling reason.

You'll also need to consider infrastructure. Do you want your company blog on the company domain or do you want it to have its own domain? Either way has advantages but, again, you don't want to change midstream so pick a course and stay on it. If you value original content more than inbound links, you'll likely want your blog on your existing company domain, vice-versa if the reverse is true.

Another thing to think about is software. If you choose a web-based blogging platform then the decision to put the blog on a separate domain will have already been made for you. If you want the blog on your domain, then you'll have to get some blogging software and download it on your server. Do your research and pick the right blogging platform for your company's needs.

Finally, choose a suitable design. Do you want to use a template or would yo

rily have to be as broad as your company mission, although that is an acceptable way to approach a company blog. You may decide that you want to stick only with management issues. Maybe you just want a human resources blog, or perhaps you want to use your blog to notify customers of new and pending developments. Again, consistency is key. Don't change midstream without a compelling reason.

You'll also need to consider infrastructure. Do you want your company blog on the company domain or do you want it to have its own domain? Either way has advantages but, again, you don't want to change midstream so pick a course and stay on it. If you value original content more than inbound links, you'll likely want your blog on your existing company domain, vice-versa if the reverse is true.

Another thing to think about is software. If you choose a web-based blogging platform then the decision to put the blog on a separate domain will have already been made for you. If you want the blog on your domain, then you'll have to get some blogging software and download it on your server. Do your research and pick the right blogging platform for your company's needs.

Finally, choose a suitable design. Do you want to use a template or would yo

nd stay on it. If you value original content more than inbound links, you'll likely want your blog on your existing company domain, vice-versa if the reverse is true.

Another thing to think about is software. If you choose a web-based blogging platform then the decision to put the blog on a separate domain will have already been made for you. If you want the blog on your domain, then you'll have to get some blogging software and download it on your server. Do your research and pick the right blogging platform for your company's needs.

Finally, choose a suitable design. Do you want to use a template or would you prefer a custom design? If you choose a template, try to go with something that isn't built using frames; the search engines have a difficult time reading frames. Also, pick something that is easy to use for the person who will manage your blog. You might want to get some feedback from the person who will be doing the posting for your blog. Make your decisions on the best advice and not on what some other company did before.

A company blog can be very rewarding. It makes for a great marketing tool but you must be sure that you keep the proper focus. Keep one thing in mind: It could take awhile before you see results from your blog; be patient and give it some time, six months to a year, before you decide it isn't working. And remember what it's purpose is - don't expect a lead generation blog to make sales for you.

Good luck on your new company blog.