Question of the Day
Why do you "Blog"?

Question of the Day
What is the best way to create "Buzz"?

Question of the Day
What is you current favorite television commercial, and why?

Question of the Day
What blogs do you frequent?

It's Time To Get Blogging!
A Weblog, usually shortened to "blog," is a type of Website in which entries are made by a variety of people.

Blogs often provide various personal thoughts or experiences, information, updates or news on a particular subject, such as politics, celebrity or music information or local news; Personal blogs typically function as online diaries. Blog posts are usually short, informal, sometimes controversial or funny, and sometimes deeply personal.

A typical blog can include text, images, and links to other blogs, Websites, and other media related to its topic. Most blogs are primarily textual, although many include audio, photos and even links to video.

There is a great variety of different types of blogs, for example:

B-Blogs: Business blogs, usually external

Blawgs: Lawyers' blogs

Intrablogs: In-house blogs

K-Blogs: Knowledge blogs, also usually kept in-house

Warblogs: War correspondents' blogs

B-Blogs can grab attention:

B-Blogs may have caught your eye; they have caught the attention of many businesses and Internet surfers, and can fit well into a small business marketing plan. The following are a few important things a well-performing B-blog can do for a business Website:

Since it is easy to add to and update content on a blog, it can help to keep the business Website fresh.

A blog can help establish rapport and credibility with visitors; a blog is a great way for potential customers to learn about your company.

For small businesses, a blog can be a cost-effective way to establish an Internet presence.

Since the author’s e-mail address and Website are included in most blogs, it allows readers to communicate directly regarding specific postings, and can result in direct conversations.

What are essential traits of a good b-blog?

The best b-blogs have flair and capture the attention of bloggers interested in the topic being discussed. Authors of successful b-blogs offer lively, relevant, to-the-point, informal and well-written postings. Because a Weblog (or blog), is formatted reverse-chronologically and time-stamped, readers expect blogs to be updated regularly. Good blogs never get stale; in fact, it is almost guaranteed that no one will complain that a blog is updated too often.

Essentially, B-blogs need to highlight the owners' unique voice and expertise regarding the blog topic without crossing into mindless self-important ramblings.

Now Blog on!!!

Ask
Is Your Brand Aging?

Many times a company may have great products or services, but their marketing or brand becomes dated. Ineffective or worn out branding and marketing are red flags for business disaster.

Consider the following:

Is the company’s visual identity dated?
Keep the company graphic identity fresh. Sometimes small changes (or "tweaks") made over time can be subtle and can hardly be noticed; yet can impair the identity or create inconsistencies. Make sure that the company’s visual identity looks cohesive and current.

Ask
Is the company’s graphic identity looking tired? Are the company’s marketing tools graphically inconsistent and worn out?

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An Aging Primary Market
The aging of consumers can force change. Never take a loyal market for granted or forget to attract new markets. Having a core group of loyal customers can be very positive….as long the brand continues to keep the aging customers and/or attract new customers.

Ask
Are there new potential markets getting overlooked in marketing efforts? What are the needs and changes of aging customers?

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Products or Offerings Not Consistent With Current Times
It is essential that marketing and products stay current. Rather than allowing the competition to replace you…consider replacing yourself with updated products or services. Technology, design, packaging, even terms and conditions - they all are important parts of marketing and branding.

Ask
Is your company keeping ahead of trends or at least staying current in the areas of technology, packaging, products and customer relations?

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Misaligned Marketing Strategies
There are many ways to distribute products and a growing number of marketing vehicles to advertise to your target markets. Stay current with marketing opportunities and find new ways to connect with your customers. The easier your product is to buy for your target market, the better.

Ask
Is a retail outlet the best way to reach a niche market? Do your customers shop online? What are the newest techniques and are they suited to your marketplace?

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Overall, ask yourself how your company’s brand is doing in the above areas. Give your company a grade in each area. Then grade your competition in the same areas. Compare how you are doing in the marketplace and take the needed changes to give your company a brand new life.

For the podcast of this article, download http://www.mcshome.com/podcasts/Agingbrand.mp3.