Fight Recession Woes with Good Deeds

A few weeks ago, a new clothing store opened across the street from my house. The first time I went in, I balked at their high prices and never went back -- until they threw a huge neighborhood party, that is. Conscious that my section of town has been suffering from the down economy, the shop started throwing parties every Thursday night with free refreshments, food and live music for anyone who wants to come. The next thing I knew, I decided their vintage belts weren't as expensive as I had originally thought and left with a full stomach and a new purchase.
Nice gestures like these are great for consumers, but also serve as a great marketing and customer-relations strategy, says this Wall Street Journal article. Donating services to charity groups, churches, schools and other nonprofits can "increase local visibility, deepen local business ties and create opportunity for new business," says Christine Banning, vice president of marketing and communications at SCORE, a Washington-based group that provides free counseling to small businesses.

Using a Blog to Bring in Business

So you finally did it: You started a blog on your company Web site, and you're trying to update it daily, weekly or monthly. Congrats! You've taken the first step. If you're going to spend the time and energy to blog, though, you better make sure it's paying off. To avoid the most common mistakes that first-time company bloggers make, check out this Newsday article. If you want your blog to succeed, the article states, don't be:
1. Inconsistent. Update your blog regularly. You have to keep providing useful information to your audience to keep them interested. 2. Too elusive. People need to see more than just your company logo when they visit your blog. Give them a name and face, along with contact info. 3. Overly self-promotional. It's OK to brag a little in posts, but don't just tout your company. Instead point your audience to helpful links, studies and other relevant information. 4. Focused only on business. Don't be afraid to get personal in your posts. Show your human side. This will help you create conversations and relationships. 5. Reclusive. Ask for and encourage feedback from your audience. Post content that will spark conversation and debate.
The article also makes an important note about readers, friends, followers, ect: It's not how many you have; it's about how much community you build around your brand.

Beef Up Your Blog Content

If you've set up a blog for your small business but are having trouble coming up with new, relevant ideas for posts, you're not alone.
"Generating ideas for fresh, original, high-quality content is difficult, especially for those new to blogging," according to this article on OpenForum.com.
To help you brainstorm for ideas, OpenForum suggests five different types of posts to consider writing for your business' blog, including:
Advice or tips: Share your expertise, whether it is with your peers or your customers.
Behind-the-scenes: Help strengthen the relationship with your customers or clients by letting them see a side of your business they normally don't. If you're not up to writing a full entry, take some pictures and post them as a peek into a day in the life of one of your employees—or you.
Interviews or profiles: Talk to one of your employees, an expert in your field, or one of your most loyal customers for a different perspective on issues relating to your business.