Blogging | Forum « Talking about something vs. Selling it

Talking about something vs. Selling it (10 posts)

Topic tags: blogging, conversation, product, selling, service

Glen Gorham said
1 year, 3 months ago:
I want to get opinions from you all about what the difference in your blogs are if you are trying to just engage in conversation (however meaningful it is, and it is) vs. selling something (product or service).
These are two different audiences and should likely be treated differently.
@glengorham | # | Top
Joan Muschamp (Fagnani) said
1 year, 3 months ago:
@glengorham In my opinion the purpose is to share some of your knoweldge, hopefully with not only others in your business but your prospective target clients. By demonstrating thought leadership and expertise, you become trusted in your market–either for referrals or direct business later on.
I do not typically view a blog as a direct selling vehicle, but that is my bias as a servcies business. It is possibly more easily accomplished in a product company, if the article is about a problem your product solves. But again, I view blogs as not ads, but information.
That’s my personal perspective. Interested to hear what others have to say.
@joanmuschampfagnani | # | Top
Debbie Lynn Butler said
1 year, 3 months ago:
Well said @joanmuschampfagnani. I, too, read blogs for information instead of a sales pitch.
@debbielynnava | # | Top
Paul Wylie said
1 year, 3 months ago:
@glengorham @joanmuschampfagnani @debbielynnava Yes, I’m in agreement it’s always best practice to offer helpful insights into your markets pain points rather than spewing marketing hype. There is a time and place for that though.
After posting a news release to your companies site then it is fine to talk about your product/service after-all if it is newsworthy enough for a PR then it is of worth to your market.
@ptwylie | # | Top
Judith Gotwald said
1 year, 3 months ago:
If your blog is doing a good job, reaching others with good ideas, others will start “selling” for you.
No one reads blogs to be sold on something. Patience. Let things evolve.
@judithgotwald | # | Top
Joan Muschamp (Fagnani) said
1 year, 3 months ago:
@judithgotwald Totally agree
@joanmuschampfagnani | # | Top
Judith Gotwald said
1 year, 3 months ago:
@joanmuschampfagnaniThanks, may i add one thought. If I have a favorite ax to grind, whether it’s selling or ranting, I follow an 80/20 rule. I make sure that at least 80% of the time I’m helping others with my content I review this at least weekly to make sure I’m on track. It is easy to get derailed. It’s amazing how guilty I can feel when I get anywhere close to 20%.
I label the more personal posts “Commentary” with a little subheader piece of art. It adds a bit of passion to the blog, which makes it more human and believable.
It seems to increase readership!
I call this the difference between inbound marketing and ingrown marketing.
@judithgotwald | # | Top
Jay Rombach said
1 year, 3 months ago:
I believe @judithgotwald brings up good points. What I have learned is that blogging is about conversation and dialogue. In that way you sell yourself indirectly based on your expertise and meaningful interaction. That, in turn, becomes the precursor to “attracting” people to your product and/or service.
@jay_rombach | # | Top
Joan Muschamp (Fagnani) said
1 year, 3 months ago:
@judithgotwald I really like your 80/20 rule. Adds some spice and you’re not just saing yes to everything
@joanmuschampfagnani | # | Top
Stefanie Frank said
1 year, 3 months ago:
I see blogging as an educational tool that can grow a brand, build trust, reputation, and yes sales.
Here’s a thought provoking article on the subject that I happen to agree with.
http://www.thesaleslion.com/inc-500-bad-bloggers/
The crux of the article is that “We can either be great teachers and set the tone for our industry, or we can write about stuff that doesn’t mean a dang thing in the eyes of the consumer…”
I know for this particular blogger he uses his blog in part as a platform to get paid speaking gigs, which according to him is working out well for him. He does not sell directly on the blog but he will occasionally mention an event that he’s speaking at or some other opportunity that’s filled with value.
@glengorham
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