If you own a business, chances are, you’re an expert – on something. After all, what else would have driven you to start your company? And that’s exactly why your customers come to you. Whether you have the most up-to-date fashions, a patented carpet-cleaning technology or the most comfortable hotel beds around, you’ve cornered your market in some way. And that expertise is exactly why your business should have a blog.

A blog is your way of connecting with your customers outside your business. And when you make those connections, the chances of the customers ending up inside your business are even greater. Blogging may be the lowest-cost, easiest way to rev up your business. Here’s why:

Blogs drive traffic to your website

Your customers already know who you are. But your potential customers don’t. That’s why you need make yourself available – all over the web. Publishing relevant content regularly makes Google really like you. And when Google likes you, customers find you.

Blogs convert potential customers

So what happens when those casual surfers end up on your site? Magic! Actually, a sales conversion process. A good content marketing plan doesn’t end with a blog. It starts with a blog and continues through a call to action that facilitates a sale. It’s like an automated customer converter.

Blogs show your expertise

When you blog, you share your knowledge. And why give away that expertise? Because it helps to establish you as an expert in your field. Think about it; if a potential customer already trusts your tips on cleaning red wine stains, aren’t they more likely to choose you when they’re looking for a professional carpet cleaner?

The results are long term

Advertising usually provides short-term results. Not so with a content marketing plan. As you produce quality content, you’ll start building relationships online – with customers, publications and other businesses. And those relationships bring in even more new relationships. Over time, that’s a whole lot of relationships.

Ready to start blogging? There’s never been a better time than today.

Submitted by guest blogger and NHLA member Kenny Eliason, NeONBRAND.