One of the main problems facing corporate bloggers is that their posts can be taken the wrong way, or controversy can get stirred up. Since one blog post has the potential to make or break your company, it is very important to make sure that you are managing your blog property. A good blog will benefit your company; a bad blog could destroy it. Let’s go over some things that you need to know before you start blogging.

1. Controversy can be good and it can be terrible –

While controversy can stir up a lot of excitement and can result in extra page views, it needs to be the right kind of controversy. Bad controversy feels like a never ending trial that brings you down and could bring down your company. Never get involved in blog or flame wars, as this will only feed controversy. Never make the mistake of engaging a reader in an inflammatory exchange – even by email. It will backfire.

2. Comments can make or break you.

If you are going to allow comments, you are treading some dangerous waters unless they are managed properly. While companies that don’t allow comments are usually accused of being too closed up, those that allow comments freely on their blogs usually end up regretting it. One answer is to allow comments on your blog but require that each one be approved before it is posted live. This is usually the best answer for most blogs. There may still be some grumbling from those that don’t get their comments approved, but it is manageable.

3. Never use your blog to air company problems.

You may be frustrated with the direction your board is taking or you may be fed up with clients. Your blog is not the place to talk about this. Likewise, if there is more than one company blog, they all need to present a united front for the company. Bloggers should never disparage the company they work for in print. Many have lost their jobs for doing just that and the harm they caused their companies is palpable.

4. Always be professional.

There is a big difference between writing fun posts that are professional and getting down and dirty in the mud. Your posts should always reflect your company and should never be overly personal or inflammatory. You want to present an image of professionalism and that is never done with posts that cause controversy or that are immature. Hold your tongue, or in this case, your keys and leave the nasty comments off the blog.

These are just a few things that you need to be aware of before you start blogging. A blog management company can help you with knowing what to say and what not to say. This is a very good service for companies that are completely new to corporate blogging and want to avoid a potential disaster or setting a bad example for their company.

Photo Credit: Kristi M Evans

Originally posted 2008-07-24 05:53:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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