Blogs have experienced tremendous change over the past several years; they’ve gone from merely opinion sites and sources for rants and evolved into a powerful tool for online business marketing. The importance of having a blog for business is now something that cannot be overstated. They provide a multitude of benefits, a boost in traffic, and best of all, they’re completely free to own.
The obvious reason that any business would want a blog is to increase traffic. Blogs are a source for the fresh, ever-changing content that people like to read. Whether they’re returning customers or have just heard about the business, blogs give them the opportunity to read some useful information and stick around for awhile. Business websites, especially retail websites, don’t often change their content except to add a new product. Blogging thus gives business owners a reason to put new articles up on a regular basis.
Blog Is Your Press. However, if you use a good press release service it can cost you hundreds and thousands of dollars. Why not use your blog as your press. Press release still might be a good idea, but having a blog certainly reduces the needs of it. Free advertising to the most qualified leads – now that’s marketing at its best and your blog helps you do that.
Leader Blogs - Lodging industry leaders or franchise companies can create a blog to communicate their corporate initiatives, news and history, or add a personal touch by adding voice casts.
Niche Specific Blogs – The lodging industry can create niche specific blogs. Examples of such blogs include those catering to luxury travelers and travelers looking for great deals or travel videos such as Upgrade Travel Blogs.
Destination Specific Blogs – These blogs showcase a destination, featuring top attractions, tours, dining, etc., and offer featured hotels. Destination blogs can feature one hotel or can be used by several hotels. Essentially they are not focusing on the hotel, but rather they are talking about a destination that brings people to the hotel.
Company Specific Blogs – Companies marketing to a specific industry can create a blog focused on that industry. Blog categories highlight the main products the company is offering.