Stop Looking at Your Blog as “Just a Blog” – By @ZacJohnson

Guest post from superstar Blogger and branding authority, Zac Johnson.

Blogging isn’t what it used to be. Back in the day a blog was for someone who wanted to make personal notes and write stories online… almost like a personal diary. Jump forward a few years and blogging is everywhere. We can all thank WordPress for building the ultimate free platform and content management system for making this happen.

Now blogs are everywhere. Businesses have blogs, celebrities have blogs and no matter who is writing the content or what it’s for, at the end of the day it’s all about engagement.

When I launched my blog at ZacJohnson.com back in 2007, I had no idea what would happen with the site, but since it’s launched it’s completely changed the way I run my business and brand on the internet. Thanks to the blog I’ve been able to massively expand my personal and brand reach while also being able to speak at difference conferences around the world and also appear on ABC and FOX news.

So what can you do with a blog of your own?

This is a question that many of you are probably asking yourself right now. The good news is that a blog is very easy to setup and only costs a few bucks. The average costs for a blog are only $10 a year for a domain then another $7 a month for hosting. The WordPress platform and the content you write about on your site is free.

Once your blog is setup you can do whatever you like with it. Here are just a few ideas.

• Create a blog around your passions or hobbies
• Write about your favorite TV shows or events
• Start a content business and earn money off reviews
• Establish yourself as an authority figure with your knowledge
• Grow your own business and feature your services through the blog

Why Your Blog is Not “Just a Blog”

As mentioned, when I launched my blog is just exploded my brand and business. With a blog I was able to connect with a whole new audience, get new visitors and readers through the search engines who are finding my blog every day and also create an awesome source for side income as well.

Blogging isn’t just for fun anymore, it’s a real business and you need to treat it that way.

The best way to find out what you should be doing with a blog is to take a look at your competition and see if they are blogging and how they are engaging with their audience in the process. The whole purpose of your blog is to create engagement and a two way conversation with the people that are visiting your site. The more your customers can relate with your company, services and brand… the more likely they will continue to use and pay for your services.

Don’t look at your blog as a “job” where you are just throwing garbage content out there for the sake of getting new content on the site, then about it as a long term lead generating solution. The better the content you provide, the more likely people are to share your content and help grow out your brand and services among friends and social networks.

“Zac Johnson currently has 18 years of experience in the world of online marketing.  You can follow Zac on Twitter through his handle at @zacjohnson.”

*Photo is from the flickr creative commons and is attributed on the photo.