When you have a corporate blog, it is important to realize that it will be saying a lot about you. Whether or not it’s projecting a good image of your company is entirely up to you. Here are some tips to make sure that your blog says all the right things.
1. Pick a design that is professional and integrated to your overall site design.
You don’t want rainbows and lollipops for your theme if you are in a serious business. Likewise, if your business is rather whimsical in nature, a drab theme is a bad idea. Your graphics will speak louder than words, so make sure that your blog’s theme and design match your corporate image as closely as possible.
2. Avoid stiff and unfriendly prose.
One of the main reasons that companies start up a corporate blog is to initiate better discourse with the public and cast an image as being a consumer friendly company. If your blog’s posts are dry and stiff, you won’t be doing that, in fact, you’ll be doing the opposite. Make sure that the blogger you pick has the ability to write with engaging prose that is still professional. This can be tough, but picking the right blogger with the right voice means everything in this business.
3. Allow your readers to comment on your posts.
Having a one sided blog that does not allow reader interaction gives a very bad impression of your company. You’ll want to take that chance and allow your readers to take part in the discussion. If you don’t, you may be seen as unfriendly and too “corporate.” It is better to err on the side of being open to discourse than it is to try to squash it out. Use moderated comments if you are not comfortable with having comments go live as soon as they are written.
4. Have a little fun with your posts.
If your blog is all about your company and your products, it can start to feel like a very long and drawn out sales pitch. To break up this problem, have a few fun posts every week that really engage the reader. Use polls to make it more fun and to get your reader’s feedback. Don’t be afraid to let your hair down a little bit, but always try to stay professional.
5. Don’t turn your blog into a diary of a trainwreck.
If your company is going through a rough patch it can be tempting to turn your blog into a diary and defensive tool. This is not a good idea and will give the impression that you are about to crash and burn. Always keep the tone lively, and talk about your internal matters, but never drag company dirty laundry into the public eye. This simply cannot end well.
A blog management company can help you navigate these waters and create a blog that is engaging, professional and able to meet your goals.
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Originally posted 2008-07-11 05:12:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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