Companies That Blog Get More Traffic and Links

Posted in Marketing, Search Marketing on August 26, 2009

We’ve been talking corporate blogging with almost every client and prospect for a while now. We’ve cited branding reasons and SEO reasons for blogging, among others. Sometimes it’s a hard sell. Companies not focused on web marketing find it difficult to justify budget spending in untested areas.

To start a blog, a company needs available resources: budget, employee(s), strategy, and promotions. How do you convince a company NOT blogging that it’s in their best interest to start? For internet marketing agencies like ours, it always helps when a study is announced that supports your recommendations.

HubSpot posted an article last week citing a  study showing that companies who blog draw a whopping 55% more website visitors than companies who don’t blog. 55 PERCENT! On top of traffic, companies who blog receive 97% inbound links from other sites, which translates into both referral traffic and increased search engine rankings.

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Before you take this data and run off to the CMO to insist on a company blog, keep in mind these essential points:

1. A boring company blog won’t be linked to or visited by many people.

2. A poorly designed blog will be irritating to look at and will drive people away.

3. What works in one industry may not work in yours. Know who your target audience is and write what they will find valuable.

4. Blogging is a REAL strategy for branding, SEO, and customer relationship management.

5. The right blogging platform and tools can make blogging so much easier.

Still not enough to sell your boss on a company blog? Leave a comment below explaining your situation and we’ll help if we can.

Posted by Daniel Dessinger and tagged with , | View Comments

About Daniel Dessinger

Daniel joined MarketNet as a Senior Search Marketing Specialist in March 2008. He provides strategy and implementation of search marketing, reputation management, and social media marketing initiatives. Daniel got his start as an online community moderator/manager in 2001. These days, he loves sharing his thoughts and passion for blogging, Twitter, pursuing your purpose, and analytics-based testing. View all posts by Daniel Dessinger →
Aug 26 2009
  • Rick Dees

    I think the reason more companies don’t blog is the fear factor. They’re afraid of what the reader or competitor will say in the comments section, so they cower behind the illusion that they’re safe as long as they don’t see the criticisms.

    I’d rather know what my detractors are saying so I can respond. Empower. Don’t cower.

  • Rick Dees

    I think the reason more companies don’t blog is the fear factor. They’re afraid of what the reader or competitor will say in the comments section, so they cower behind the illusion that they’re safe as long as they don’t see the criticisms.

    I’d rather know what my detractors are saying so I can respond. Empower. Don’t cower.

  • Jaycee

    I am SOOOooo going to show this to our CMO. Talk about old school mindset!Thanks!

  • Jaycee

    I am SOOOooo going to show this to our CMO. Talk about old school mindset!Thanks!

  • April Foos

    I might be sending you a request for some help soon. We’d already be blogging, but we’re still trying to figure out what to write about. We’re not a “creative” type of industry. What we do is much more factual and no nonsense. I wonder how many ways there are to say what needs to be said.

  • April Foos

    I might be sending you a request for some help soon. We’d already be blogging, but we’re still trying to figure out what to write about. We’re not a “creative” type of industry. What we do is much more factual and no nonsense. I wonder how many ways there are to say what needs to be said.

  • http://www.dallasprosports.com/ Daniel Dessinger

    Definitely. Let us know when you’re ready. I’ve found that so many practical product companies are missing out on the possibilities, including demonstrations of how the product works, testimonials, real life scenarios, Q&A;, and much more.

    There are so many ways to promote your business while informing and engaging your audience.

  • http://www.dallasprosports.com/ Daniel Dessinger

    Definitely. Let us know when you’re ready. I’ve found that so many practical product companies are missing out on the possibilities, including demonstrations of how the product works, testimonials, real life scenarios, Q&A, and much more.

    There are so many ways to promote your business while informing and engaging your audience.

  • http://blog.insightconsulting-group.com/?p=524 The Verdict on Social Media: A Meta-Blog | The Dotted Line Blog

    [...] Let’s apply these two studies to potential gains in the American workplace. Industrial psychology tells us that work offers employees a sense of identity, describes one’s social status, contributes to overall self esteem, and strengthens a feeling of belonging. By allowing employees to discuss industry related issues via social media, employees will not only benefit from the cathartic, morale boost of sharing their day-to-day experiences and opinions online, but potentially brainstorm new strategy solutions. Furthermore, this activity will reinforce their connection with the company as a valued member concerned with enhancing the reputation of their larger corporation. Additionally, businesses will themselves benefit from the blog in terms of increased visibility, more web visits, and free promotion. [...]

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