Traditional media outlets are tried, true and trusted by the public as sources for important information. Working with reporters should be a key part of any healthy public relations campaign. Another key part of a well-planned pubic relations initiative is your online presence. This includes your Web site and also new media tools like blogs, Facebook and Twitter. Working together, these are very effective communication tools to help you deliver your messages to your audience.

If you haven’t added a blog to your online communications mix, you should. Here’s why:

Your message, in your words. Almost any third-party medium will put its interpretation on the story and may add information from multiple sources. However, a blog is your opportunity to deliver your message in your own, unfiltered way. And many savvy Internet users now know that blogs are the place to find the freshest content on a Web site.

Be an industry thought leader. No one knows more about your products and services than you. You build trust and become a thought leader by posting solid content related to what you do, and over time you become a reliable and respected source representing your industry. Potential customers will take special interest when you begin the conversation as the “best in the field.”

Search engines love updates. When people need products or services they are not as likely to reach for the Yellow Pages any more. Google, Yahoo and Bing are the starting points for most of the buying decisions happening today. We all know landing in the first three or four places in search results is important. And there are all sort of necessary strategies to optimize your Web site so it ranks high on the list.

One of the fundamental elements search engines look for is change. They love to see site updates. Sometimes it’s tough to find ways to constantly refresh your Web site, and a blog is a great way to keep those updates happening. A good blog is updated regularly. By consistently loading solid, fresh content onto your blog, you provide folks with helpful information, and search engines help make it easier for searchers to find.

If you haven’t added a blog to your online presence, now is the time. When thoughtfully planned and regularly updated, your blog can be a very powerful communication tool. And, while new media provides lots of effective communication tools, well-written, useful content is still the key. Make sure your consultant has a strong background in writing and editing.

If you want to add a blog to your communications mix or have added a blog but don’t know how to get the digital wheels turning, we can help. Moxley Carmichael has developed and manages several effective and informative blogs for our clients and our own firm. Some of these include:

Gastrointestinal Associates’ For Your Digestion

Cherokee Distributing Company’s On Tap

South College’s From the President’s Desk

Foothills Weight Loss Specialists’ Weighing In

Moxley Carmichael’s staff blog about the changing landscape of communication The New Streak

And, East Tennessee’s Best Blogger and Twitterer, Cynthia Moxley’s The Blue Streak

We would love to help you develop and maintain a blog that is effective, insightful and a key component to your online presence and communications strategy.

We’d love to connect.  Send an e-mail or call us today at 865-544-0088.