Blog’s matter more than ever!

Google buzz seems like just another social network, but it is not particularly for bloggers. If you do not use Google Reader the implications are pretty hard to understand. It might seem obvious that more eyeballs will = more readers. I know there are many bloggers that don’t care about how many readers they have… but some blogs are part of what is known as an SEO (Search Engine Optimization) effort by organizations. If this is the case than buzz is possibly the most important social network out there for you.

Google has their search Algorithm, and it constantly changes adjust and moves. The theory is that they want to cut down on the noise… by doing changing their equation they are attempting to avoid this complaint about search engines…

It appears that Buzz has been added to Google’s equation… Buzz allows Google to track top blogs and lower the ranking of SEO blog schemes (not real blogs, just random keywords with links). Google reader integrates a formerly random sharing feature that automatically buzzes a blog. The more a blog gets buzzed, the higher that  Blog ranks on the search engine.  In short your content and your audience wanting to share that content is more important than ever. I suggest looking for ways to increase interest and interactions from your audience to increase your share rate.

I know this wasn’t a blog review but its the combination of 2 blogs I wrote @ nostrum

A “Sweet and Saucy” Business Blog

I’m back and I survived finals… and now have major relief.

Today I’m going to review another local blog, but this time there is a twist as it is the first business blog I will cover. My Sweet and Saucy (@mysweetandsaucy on twitter) is a organically grown business making amazing deserts. If you find yourself in the LA area check it out!

When it comes to business blogs normally there is a lot to dislike. Business blogs (even small business ones) often lack personality, creativity, and substance. I could go on and demonstrating weak, unauthentic, uncreative, and out of date blogs. However I strongly believe that there is more good in highlighting a business that is doing it so well.  Sweet and Saucy makes a great case study.

As I land on the home page the very first thing I notice is the consistent feel and general navigational comfort. The blog is the very first page one would land on from the web, so clear navigation is important. The blog also hits the mark on getting photos right at the fold. Its like getting a taste (pun) of what the blog is about.

(Side note) There are several different schools of thought as to how users should arrive at a corporate blog from the web. A whole debate on the subject has often been waged in various marketing circles that I wont dive into. My personal take is that the location of a blog  on a website depends on a bunch of variables.

::sponsors and partners::

Many businesses are very nervous about allowing sponsors to have space on their blog. Contrary to what many may think this fear isn’t irrational! Google ad words is probably not a good solution for a business blog… unless that business wants links to the competition on the website. Selected sponsors may offer awful service  tarnishing their reputations and yours. The benefits can be substantial, new streams of revenue, partnerships, etc. It’s not a no risk, no reward situation.

If you’re running blog and you are considering adding sponsors, I clearly want to state this is not a bad idea! However take a tip from sweet and saucy, clearly label that they are a sponsor. Include a link for advertisers who are interested so they can contact you. Finally never allow a selected sponsor space until you have used their product. In the end its your brand you are protecting.

Last thing I want to highlight… Sweet and Saucy shares baking resources which I think is a great idea. Some may argue that these resources actually cut into revenue because people will bake on their own.. They may have a point but the more likely scenario is people that bake have added a positive brand impression. This group will lean toward sweet and saucy when they don’t want to bake.

Avoidance and fear are not the solution creativity and selectivity are.

Melody the owner won’t even have open @ reply conversations on twitter with non-affiliated partners (ie me)… its classic and wise brand protection. However she always sends DM back acknowledging positive comments!

Check out http://www.mysweetandsaucy.com/ leave a comment below / rate the site.

Again as always if you would like your blog included send an e-mail to : hockeyonabus@gmail.com

or send a @ reply to mhandy1 on twitter.