Thanks to technology, more and more people are now able to create online business that allow them to live thousands and thousands of miles away from their clients and customers.
This business model is certainly convenient, but it does have its downsides. With an increase in online business, there is a decrease in face-to-face business.
In the past, a customer would walk into the same businesses on a regular basis. They would get to know the owners, who in turn would get to know them. There would be a familiarity and a relationship would form.
Customer relationships are a key element to business success. People want to do business with people they like. When a customer likes and enjoys a business owner, they will want to do business with that person. They won’t even think of turning to the competition.
This doesn’t mean that online business owners are at a total disadvantage. It may be a little bit harder to build long-distance relationships with customers, but it can be done. The following are some tips to help you get started:
Blog Regularly
This is a really important step. If a blog isn’t updated on a regular basis, people will lose interest. Posting several times a week will keep readers coming back on a regular basis.
Provide Good Information
Your readers are coming to your blog for a specific reason: the content! So keep your blog full of fresh, quality information that is relevant to your customer’s interests. For example, if you sell custom-made baby blankets, your blog readers will probably not be interested in reading about motorcycles.
Get Personal
Your blog doesn’t have to be all business and nothing but business. It’s okay to get a little personal on your blog. Your readers want to know more about you! Just don’t go overboard and start detailing every mundane event that happens. Your readers probably don’t care if you had peas for dinner last night.
Ask For Feedback
A blog should be interactive and fun. Ask questions your readers can respond to. This will keep your readers engaged and interested in your blog, plus it will help you figure out what they really like and want more of.
Have Fun
Most importantly, blogs are supposed to be fun! This a way for you to communicate with your customers and build real relationships. There’s no need to stress about doing things “correctly.” Just relax, have fun, and be yourself!
****************************************************************
Back To Blogging (www.backtoblogging.com) starts September 8 - did you sign up yet? This is a free, four week program that helps small business owners blog better. Tips include information on blog design, how to create content, how to promote a blog, and how to use blogs to earn an income. Registration is free – just visit www.backtoblogging.com to sign up.
{ 0 comments… add one now }