Writing a blog is a proven social media method of driving traffic to business sites for the purpose of expanding the customer base and increasing profits. It is a cost effective form of marketing that is constantly growing in popularity, so to truly reap the benefits of a business blog you need to generate a large following and make your blog stand out from the competition. Here are five ways that you can blog better:

Own your domain: There are many advantages to blogging on a major blog server like Blogger or WordPress. These services are available at no cost and you are given a URL that includes the server’s name in it like bloggingforbusiness.blogspot.com. However, you’ll get more traffic to your site if you buy your own domain. Major blog sites offer to host your own URL for a small fee that’s well worth it.

Design does matter: Your design is a big part of your readers’ first impression. You want it to be attractive with pleasing colors, and above all easy to navigate. Your readers should be able to find the blog posts and information they’re looking for in a matter of seconds without having to sort through unnecessary clutter.

Content is key: A blog is all about the information you provide your readers and how you relate it to them. Taking the time to write quality, personable and educated posts will keep your readers coming back again and again. You want them to view you as the expert in your field and trust what you have to say.

Exchange links: Share the love and link to other people’s blog posts that you enjoy. If they have trackbacks turned on, you will receive a link back as well in the comments section of the post of which you linked. Most of the time when you comment on anther blog there is a space to include your website address as well so comment as much as possible to get more attention.

Ask questions: A blog is all about being interactive.  Your readers want to feel included so ask questions in your blog posts that will spark thoughts and ideas in your readers, encouraging them to leave comments.

There’s no doubt that a blog will improve your web presence and increase website traffic, and the better your blog, the better the business.

Image: First of all, you need to create an image for yourself. Think of it as what your business is going to wear to an important meeting with a client. A crisp and clean, easy to read logo is a must along with a complementing color palette. You want to be memorable as consumers are overrun by hundreds of brands each day. Be appropriate with your selection and take a look around to gain some ideas. The image of your brand is what your clients will base their first impression on.

Exposure: Now that you have created the face of your brand you need to get it out there. Internet marketing makes it possible to expand your outreach to the world markets at any time of the day. Through social networking websites and inexpensive advertising you can release your ideas and business models to a targeted audience in hopes for a return in profits. Another way to gain exposure is to involve yourself in other business professional’s blogs or social networks. Large groups who are intrigued by your knowledge may read comments made in a discussion relating to your services. This technique will expand your network.

Credibility: Another key way to ensure your branding is at its maximum advantage is to solidify your credibility. Find out what your consumers like and what they don’t. Ask for consumer comments or offer a survey for an incentive to retrieve some information on how to make your business the best it can be. A credible business will bring back current customers and allow for the opportunity for them to pass the word of your business to their networks.