From Wikipedia - "The term blog is a shortened form of weblog or web log.
Authoring a blog, maintaining a blog or adding an article to an existing blog is called "blogging".
Individual articles on a blog are called "blog posts," "posts" or "entries".
A person who posts these entries is called a "blogger".
A blog can be a powerful marketing and communications tool, which helps companies communicate better with customers, suppliers, partners, shareholders, and employees.
Companies that use blogs most successfully, develop better relationships and greater trust with their target audience, and thus market themselves more effectively as a result.
When prospects and customers are searching for product or company information blogs can be a critical component of their information gathering.
Additionally, blogging establishes you as a thought leader, an expert - someone who doesn't just participate in conversations, but initiates them.
So, what does it take to be a good B2B blogger? Focus on these four tips for success as a B2B blogger.
Sincerity - about connecting to and helping your customers You know what your customer's needs, interests, and pain points are.
And you're genuinely concerned with helping them succeed.
You're not afraid of answering the hard questions and you welcome dialogue even if it's negative, because you understand that your sincerity enables the creation of trust.
And trust is the key upon which customer relationships are built.
Passion - about industry trends and how they affect your customers Knowledge is the key.
It's how we make decisions.
Your customer is busy, impatient and inundated by a tide of information competing for attention.
Because you are passionate about industry trends and how they affect your customer you solve real business problems with valuable, relevant information about topics that you personally know and love.
Honesty and authenticity You have to be real.
Your customer is sophisticated, they will gravitate to you only if they trust you and feel you are being honest with them.
The Internet has made the business world transparent.
Your prospects and customers expect honesty.
Your authenticity is also important to your reputation.
Be yourself.
Show your personality.
Be real and write for real people with your authentic voice.
Good listening skills You are beginning a dialogue, and part of all dialogues involves listening.
Encourage questions and comments and get involved with your audience by answering questions and replying to comments.
View your blog statistics and note which blog posts are more popular.
Address those topics again and involve your audience by asking thought-provoking questions.
Summary The real essence of blogging is writing about topics that deeply interest you with sincerity, passion, honesty and authenticity.
Understand that your blog is not a monologue, but the beginning of a dialogue with your prospects and customers.
They come to you seeking help, looking for information, hoping for answers to questions.
By writing blogs that provide information and add value, you're on the right track to being a good blogger! A regular blog needs a degree of commitment and attention, but it does become easier over time.
Blogging keeps you alert for blog ideas to write, ready to share your thoughts and business insights, gives you a sense of satisfaction in providing value, and, in the end, produces a lasting piece of work that benefits you and your company.