Is Social Media Replacing Blogging?

McCauley Marketing Services uses a combination of print advertising, digital marketing, social media, and customer relationship management methods to best meet client needs.  We’ve watched Facebook evolve from hobby to necessity for individuals as well as businesses.  And now, the blog seems to be evolving similarly.  Originally crafted as an outlet for hobbyists looking for a place to discuss/ share their latest niche news, blogs have turned into a powerful marketing tool for businesses.

According to a recently published article in Forbes Magazine by contributing author Jeff Bercovici, 54% of “corporate bloggers” report an increase in the amount of blogs they post when compared to last year.  Unlike the corporate end of the blogging spectrum, 53% of “hobbyist bloggers” say they now use social media like Facebook and Twitter to communicate their material.  When asked what caused them to switch venues, the pastime penmen preferred the short, yet effective nature of social media.

While the 140 character limit is appealing given the inadequate amount of spare time everyone seems to have these days, marketers are left wondering- is this “micro blogging” really as effective as the full-length, less cryptic looking messages of WordPress (and similar) blogs?  The polarized statistics stated above are further proof:  for business, the blog is boss.

Individuals may be content to believe whatever their “friends” are tweeting without written proof, but consumers are a little less likely to throw their money at a business who claims via tweet, “@customerseverywhere Best product in the #respectiveindustry for the #bestvalue on earth follow us @yourcompanyhere http://bit.ly/afq779.”

Full-length, regularly updated blogs allow businesses to establish their brand with a “voice” based on the material they discuss, how they address reader questions, etc.  The blog also allows small business owners to establish a following with particular audiences by allowing readers to “subscribe” to their posts and forward posts on to their friends.  Businesses can also use their blog posts to spotlight material on their website.

To learn more about marketing through blogging, visit the McCauley Marketing Services blog or subscribe to their monthly newsletter.