Is blogging important?

Questioning the importance of a blog is something that is asked regularly. "Is it really that important to have an active blog?"

Yes, absolutely without a doubt. Blogging/articles are a vital element to any website. "Content is king" as the saying goes. It shows life to viewers. It gives search engines new content to index. A blog helps bring in new visitors and fresh faces. It's how people find and experience a brand. Not just by static content, which is very important, but by the regular and timely release of quality content. One can market like crazy, but opportunities are missed when fresh content isn't added on a regular basis.

Do people really read blogs these days? 

If that question was just read, the answer is clear: Yes. Blogs and articles freely available online is the bread and butter of the Internet. Free content. It's what makes About.com, Wikipedia and Squidoo popular. Knowledge is power. Content is king. If offered without cost, it will be devoured hungrily. If offered regularly then loyal readers will follow.

With an estimated 2 billion potential readers online¹, there is really no shortage of eyes to view new content. With mobile phones and tablets such as the Apple iPad, Amazon Kindle or Barnes & Noble Nook Color becoming so readily used as news readers, the estimated number could very well grow far beyond these numbers.

"The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow."  -Bill Gates

If you write it they will come.

It isn't too difficult to produce content for a blog. Find an idea that ignites a passion within. From there, all that is necessary is 300 - 500 words. Find a picture that helps give the words more personality, and viola! The blog entry is completed. 

In truth, the hardest part of a blog is finding regular topics. The first step is finding the industry and niche to write within. Once this is identified, given a touch of time and some keyword research, 20 - 30 titles and ideas could easily be explored. Some ideas can produce several, interlinking blog/article ideas. Having a few multi-part entries can be beneficial as it builds more page views, gives users more time to be exposed to a brand and it even builds anticipation as the series of articles are released.

"Almost overnight, the Internet's gone from a technical wonder to a business must." -Bill Schrader

Blogging isn't strictly for driving traffic. It is also an authority builder. It shows knowledge and expertise in a professional field. Whatever niche chosen, write with pride. This isn't just about the article, but about selling the company on a level beyond product or service. It is selling confidence.

Blogging is the necessary cog in a functioning machine.

The importance of regular updates is as vital a oil in a vehicle. Without it, the machine breaks down and ceases to produce the desired results. The results every web site owner wants: continual, positive movement.