This is the third in a series of posts featuring small business owners' suggestions for things you can do to be successful in 2010.
Last week, I told you about Joan Morais, an IBN member who increased her productivity and profitability this year by hiring a virtual assistant. I also told you about Marla Bosworth, a member who doubled her 2009 sales by doing a few simple things that anyone can do. Today, I'm sharing how fragrance therapist and natural perfumer JoAnne Bassett used a free blog to beef up her business in 2009.
Of course you know from the posts in my Social Media Category that I firmly believe that anyone who wants to maximize their business opportunities needs to use a blog to do it. That's why it gives me great pleasure to know that JoAnne is enjoying great success with her blog. Here's how blogging helped JoAnne expand her business this year, and her suggestions for why you should launch a blog of your own, if you haven't already done so.
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This year, I … launched The Aromatic Journeys Blog. I was hesitant at first, but Donna Maria's posts about blogging and social media made it seem simple and rewarding, so I decided to give it a try.
I blog about lots of things. Sometimes, I share what I have created in my perfume room or what is new with me on the business side. Other days, I include pictures from my flower garden and the fragrant oils I create by harvesting, tincturing and macerating them. I love using “Wordless Wednesday” to share photos that illustrate something beautiful. I also like to blog my new products and perfume classes and seminars.
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This was a great move for me because … it resulted directly in new Twitter followers, FaceBook friends and fans at my Fan Page. It also increased visitors to my e-commerce site.
The upshot of all of this has been increased product sales and natural perfume making class attendees. Announcing sales and discounts at my blog is a timely way to get the word out. I don't have to wait a month or more for a feature article or ad to appear in a magazine. Each time I make a sale announcement or share other information with my readers, I see instant results!
- 2010 is a great time for you to do this because … you will see an increase in traffic to your e-commerce site. You can use your blog as a networking tool by adding such things as RSS feeds and by using keywords that increase your search engine standing. More exposure means more traffic. More traffic means more sales.
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A tip to get you started is … I use Blogger for my blog. It's free and easy to set up. You could also use TypePad or WordPress. Not only is blogging easy, but it's also fun!
Blogging Means Business
JoAnne says that after being in business for over 20 years, maintaining a blog is one of the most efficient and cost effective means she has ever done to support her success. Says Joanne, “A blog has been more fun that I ever thought it would be. I am enjoying being creative and growing my business at the same time. Plus, I'm getting worldwide exposure to wholesale and private label clients who have come to me as a direct result of my blog.
Question: If you have a blog, is your story similar to JoAnne's? Have you seen an increase in visibility and sales, and enjoyed the process too?
