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	<title>Dixon Media Group : Web Development : Social Media : Digital Strategy &#187; Small Business</title>
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		<title>Where Should a Business New to Social Media Begin?</title>
		<link>http://www.dixonmg.com/social-media/where-should-a-business-new-to-social-media-begin-97/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dixonmg.com/social-media/where-should-a-business-new-to-social-media-begin-97/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 18:02:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bill</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Getting Started]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[This is a question that has crossed the mind of most buiness owners at some point. Unfortunately there&#8217;s not one answer that fits for every business. The answer to this question depends are what your goals are. In other words, it is important to have a digital strategy that clearly lays out what you are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-98" title="getting_started" src="http://www.dixonmg.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/getting_started-300x126.jpg" alt="getting_started" width="300" height="126" /></p>
<p>This is a question that has crossed the mind of most buiness owners at some point. Unfortunately there&#8217;s not one answer that fits for every business. The answer to this question depends are what your goals are. In other words, it is important to have a digital strategy that clearly lays out what you are looking to accomplish.</p>
<p>However, tactically speaking one option that is often a good place to start for many businesses is a blog. A blog can be created for free using a service such as <a href="http://wordpress.com/" target="_blank">WordPress</a>.</p>
<p>A few reason blogs are beneficial include:</p>
<ul>
<li>A blog is a simple way for a businesses to begin conversations related to their industry and provide a unique point of view</li>
<li>Blogs are great for search engine optimization; they allow multiple entry points for internet visitors to find out about you</li>
<li>Blogs let you dialogue with others online through the use of comments on your blog</li>
</ul>
<p>Blogging can be as simple or complex as you want to make it. However, below are some tips for effective blogging:</p>
<ul>
<li>Keep post relatively short &#8211; typcically no more than 200-300 words</li>
<li>Blog on a consistent schedule &#8211; readers will learn to expect new content regularly</li>
<li>Use photos and videos in your post to add visual appeal</li>
<li>Use headlines that will catch people&#8217;s attention and make them want to read your blog posts</li>
<li>Include links to relative content and items you discuss in your posts</li>
</ul>
<p>Many small businesses in a variety of industries are using blogs, often as their homepage.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.themartellexperience.com/blog/" target="_blank">Martell Home Builders</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.carpetsbyotto.com/" target="_blank">Carpets by Otto</a></li>
<li><a href="http://mossycreekcustom.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Mossy Creek Custom</a></li>
</ul>
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