Blogging: The "Why"In accordance with Andrew Sullivan's article, "The Blogging Revolution," the blog is really a unique medium that opens up possibilities not previously seen. "Poised between media, blogs is often as nuanced and well-sourced as traditional journalism, however they have the immediacy of talk radio," says Sullivan.What does which means that for the small business owner? By their very nature, blogs do several important tasks for smaller businesses. They allow you to:Influence public conversation about your companyYou can find few things more frustrating for your small business owner than to be blindsided by a crisis and not have a quick methods to respond. In her article, "Does Your Company Belong in the Blogosphere?," Katherine Heires says, "A corporate blog allows a company both to help keep an ear to the ground to listen to what's being said about it and, if necessary, speak up with a correction."Even when your company isn't in crisis, a blog allows you for journalists to get the latest, most accurate information regarding your company--and that's important, just because a Euro Magnet and Columbia University Survey of the Media in 2005 found that 51% of journalists view blogs regularly. In fact, according to marketing writer Brian Quinton, you may attract PR attention simply because you do have a small business blog.Enhance brand visibility and credibilityA blog establishes your expertise in your industry. For instance, Jonathan Schwartz, president and COO of Sun Microsystems, used his blog (one of many Sun blogs) to determine himself as a cutting-edge leader on issues related to computer operating systems. According to blogging consultant John Lawlor (blogs4business.com), "Bloggers that excite and offer value with their readers get traffic." In the same way important, blogs offer you a higher search engine results positioning, because se's love links and fresh, focused material.Achieve customer intimacyCustomers want to see the human side of your company, as well as your blog provides that giving your company a human voice. By using a blog, you can speak directly to consumers without having the info filtered, and perhaps misinterpreted or slanted, by journalists or analysts. You may also allow your clients to respond with complaints, suggestions or perhaps a much-needed compliment.Finally, understand that blogging is really a low-cost platform. That's more income that stays in your pocket!Andrea's writing background includes features, editorials, reviews, profiles, poetry and fiction. She was the winner of the MOTA short story contest in 2002 and received honorable mentions for fiction from Writer�s Journal magazine in 2002 and 2004. Andrea served as editor of AVA (Advertise Virginia) Magazine from 2005 to 2006. Have a look at her blog at http://creativewithwriting.blogspot.com.