Drewery Publishing

Well, it depends. You may not “need” a blog, but if you need a website that is easy to maintain, share information, and receive input from visitors, a blog site can be the solution many small businesses or individuals are looking for. Let’s start with some basics and try not to lose anyone along the way to a blog site useful for business or personal use.

A blog is an instantly, frequently, and easily updated web site. It can be as simple as a online personal journal documenting some topic or subject you just happen to have a passion for. For example, if you were wanting to share your photos with friends and family of that great expedition to the Grand Canyon with commentary and journalistic ramblings, a personal blog would be a better choice than a plain, five page website full of pictures and some text. Your blog can help you document each day of your adventure with relevant pictures and your thoughts providing useful context. But, what about for business?

There has been a growing number of businesses using blogs to better communicate with their customers and clients. A business web site using blogging software and tools is a excellent way to keep the cost of owning and maintaining a web site to a minimum. Unless you have a need for specific gadgets and programming, the cost of your web site need not be expensive or unmanageable. In fact, a blog site can display inventory, complete shopping cart transactions, and provide feedback and comments.

And the really really cool thing about blog sites: They don’t have to cost anything. That’s right! Once you have chosen the blogging platform of choice, there are tons of free templates available for download. However, for complete disclosure, I must warn you that all blogging software, tools, hosting sites, and templates are not equal in ease of use and modification. But, if you have the inclination and interest in using these valuable tools to promote your business, organization, or personal publishing, you will not be disappointed at the wealth of sources that provide tutorials and “how to” documentation to help your journey. You need not become a programmer to gain an understanding of how to alter themes and templates, or install gadgets and add-ons to make your site a world-class destination.

Stay tuned for additional articles on blog sites, but check out the helpful links we have provided to wet your appetite. You can also give us a call to provide you with a comprehensive development plan for your site.

~ by Rodney on December 16, 2006.