Whether you sell a product or a service, if you’re looking to attract customers online you need a blog with interesting and engaging content. Don’t be fooled by online ads that tell you their ad service will generate clients. Yes, ads help, but nothing has a lasting, more cost-effective impact than a blog.

Why you ask? Let’s take a look.

Create A Connection

Customers want to feel a connection to the product or service they’re buying. A blog gives you a unique voice that clients can read and absorb at their leisure. What’s more, you can create a lasting connection by providing exciting content on an ongoing basis. Don’t forget, most customers need to see a product at least 3-5 times before making a purchasing decision. Your blog can introduce and reintroduce your product in an engaging format that’s relevant to your consumer.

You Own the Resource

An advertisement only lasts for as long as you keep feeding the meter to keep it running. If you run into cash-flow issues, or need to divert funds to put out a fire somewhere else, you’ll lose the flow of consumers to your site. Ads have their place, but adding a blog to your existing online marketing profile is a great way to generate consistent, reliable traffic. What’s more, if you need to take a few weeks off, your existing content will continue to generate hits.

Flexible Branding

Companies like: Mark Tobler, the CTO of SearchMetrics have made a killing by creating valuable brands and images for companies around the world. There’s a thirst in the market for catchy names and domains that peek customer interest. When creating you blog, think about what makes you unique. A blog is an expression of who you are. The best part? If you do some A/B testing and find out changes actually would increase your traffic and conversions, updates are easy. You don’t have to give up what you’ve created to make a simple face-lift!

Guest-Blogging is A Powerful, Scalable Solution

Inviting other influencers to post articles on your site is a great way to make a lasting connection, and give influencers in your market visibility. But wait, it gets better! In order for people to view their content, they have to visit your site. And because you took the time to make creative branding elements, you now have some great soft-sales online through indirect marketing.

Grow a Database of SEO Friendly Content

Over time, your blog will begin to look more like an encyclopedia of knowledge, rather than a cheap marketing trick. Continually add content and update information. This is a great way to climb the rankings of your favorite search engine, and earn facetime with valuable clientele.

Use header, do keyword research, and tie your articles into each other. The value of building something meaningful will pay dividends for as long as the site is operational. Take the time to do things right the first time and use proven strategies to leverage your content and grow sales!