Does blogging work?
On the occasion of Strive Notes’ 100th posting I thought I’d review progress. We started this blog site primarily to create a sense of community among Strive Public Relations consultants, since most of us work from independent offices. I think we’ve been partially successful in this endeavour with several Strivers taking part in discussions over the last few months. I’d like to see fuller participation, but I know that not everyone is comfortable with the medium.
A second objective was to raise the profile of the consultancy and drive traffic to the main website. And Strive Notes has certainly done that. Growing from a measly 200 visits per month to about 8,000, since its inception, this blog has been doing the job. Also, as far as SEO goes, we are certainly pushed up the agenda.
The tertiary objective was to solidify client relationships and increase sales leads. I’m not so sure that we’ve achieved this. I’ve little evidence that clients and prospects are looking at this blog. No client has ever commented, although one did once mention it in passing. I’ve never received an email from a prospective client to say, “tell me more about your services”.
Now, when you consider that client relationships and new business development are the lifeblood of any consulting firm, it makes me question if all the effort that goes into blogging is worth it. Perhaps the time would be better spent prospecting in more traditional ways?
I think, to find my answer, I’m going to commit to doing another 100 postings and see how it goes. Then I’ll have another think about if Strive Notes should continue. Wish us luck! 
Filed under: public relations
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Sherrilynne, one thing that perhaps was not on your original list of objectives is “grow your network”. How well do you think your blog has contributed to that?
Now a technical comment, your SEO could be much better if you alter the links in your blog.
“strivepr.com/wordpress/?p=102″
will not index as well as
“strivepr.com/wordpress/archives/does_blogging_work”
As a result, you may achieve more of objective three!
Finally, I think that in the long haul blogs will become as important as email, but there’s a hell of a lot of education and greater adoption before this will happen. By then you might have 1000 or more posts – which gives you greater authority than someone starting out.
Sher,
When I followed the discussion string on a topic of interest (GM and Reich) you, and comments did pop up. Small anecdotal evidence that amongst your associates in the virtual PR world that your name is going to be increasingly recognized in the PR/Marketing industry. Hang in there! Mercer has got something there!
The knowledge and expertise you are developing is priceless. You are an early adopter in a communications area that has barely begun to be embraced.
Blog for yourself, enjoy the process, connections and spleen-venting. The rest is gravy.
Rob, thanks for the tech tip. I’m going to try to get that done. Thanks also for the words of encouragement.
Rita and David, thanks also to you both for reading and taking part. We’ll see what the next 100 posts hold for us.
Networking & Community, Search Engine Marketing and Improved Client Relationships – three classic ways in which a blog can produce excellent benefits for an organisation, so it is great to see that you have been achieving your objectives here.
I am currently building a resource on Business Blogs in the UK, in conjunction with others, which will be published on the New PR Wiki very soon. I trust it will be okay to include this one and if you have others that you read and find useful then please let me know.
Congratulations on your success here.