Marshall Yard:

By: Susie Kleiner 

I started this blog at the end of June, right out of the womb! In January 2007, I was given the task of learning SEO and learning about internet marketing.  In the 11 months that I have taken over this task, I still feel that I am in my infancy.   I have read several forums, and articles, and enjoy the research.    The questions that arise on forums from newbies in the SEO industry are all questions that have helped me learn.  There are so many great forums out there, Digital Point,  Small Business Forum and High Rankings, just to name a few.  If you are struggling with SEO, Blogging, Marketing over the internet these are awesome places to start.

I attended a few online seminars, and someone gave me some great advice in regards to being approached by SEO firms, which, I have to say, we get about three calls a week on people soliciting their services.  Walk cautiously, and be aware of the red flags.  If a firm “guarantee’s” you top placement in the search engines, take a step back.  There are “no” guarantee’s, IMO (in my opinion) (I had to look that one up) I was also told that if an SEO firms vehemently seeks you out, remember, most firms that are reputable, and good at what they do, do not have the time to make cold calls, and most likely have a full plate.

I am not saying that all firms that make cold calls in SEO services are not on the up and up, I am saying arm yourself with some knowledge, and ask alot of questions.

Now, blogging, is it worth the time? I do believe it is, if your company is not already doing so, it is a great “personal” approach to the market place, offer up insight and educate interested parties.  When you are starting out with anything, it is so overwhelming, I felt like I was on the Titanic and sinking pretty quickly, but it is fascinating to read the comments left by readers, and it is interesting research in regards to finding where people are coming from and the keywords they are using.  That will as well give you an education in new keyword phrases you can use for the development of your website, blog or online advertising. 

I am from the old school, and I do enjoy actually talking to live people, instead of pressing 1, 3, 6 or 9 on your touch tone phone, I usually just hit “0″ so I can get a actual person on the other line.  But, in order to stay on top of the game, blogging is on the fore front, our decision makers of the future are coming out of college and the social networking, and social media that are on college campus are sky-rocketing, and I think it’s “lift off ” time for businesses to take the necessary action.   

News travels at light speed now, within minutes of any event, you can locate information online about it.  Whether it is National News, International Events, the information is out there to find.  It took me a few weeks to convince some of the decision makers here, that blogging can help business.  It is much easier if you are in a niche market, but striving to get your company and your brand awareness out there, should be on the forefront of your marketing strategy.  Part of that plan should include blogging, and social media. 

Face it, it does get to be a project when you are writing about the same thing each and every day, learning to put a personal spin on it, and sharing passions of your own spun in an inventive way can only solidify your brand or product.  Tell a story, remember the Taster’s Choice couple? Okay, I am dating myself, but that is something that sticks in the heads of us over forty, it’s all about the approach.  Be inventive, and be honest, people will continue to read and become loyal followers, and if they happen to come to your blog and continue to stick around, it may come up at a cocktail party, or at a charity event, and someone may be listening and that someone could be a potential “decision maker.” 

That in my opinion is the dynamics behind blogging for business.  And thats all I have to say about that!