A web technology blog for small-business owners
This blog will be about helping small companies use the internet more effectively.
As a small-business owner or entrepreneur, you know that reaching a wide audience is vital. You've heard that the internet can play a big part in a successful business but perhaps don't know where to start. You have enough on your plate just keeping things running smoothly. There's no time to become an expert and there's no budget to hire an expensive consultant. Besides, who can you trust? There are charlatans out there who'd happily run away with your hard-earned savings.
Sound familiar? If so, this blog is for you. It will help you apply technology to your business, spot new ideas that might otherwise go unnoticed, and find ways to make your life easier. As a result, you'll be able to use the internet to improve your business.
OK, this sounds good. But at this point, you're probably expecting the sales pitch for my book or seminar. Of course, there is always an ulterior motive and it would be foolish of me to think you're not intelligent or savvy enough to realise this. So here's what I'm trying to achieve with this blog:
- I want to convert readers to customers by proving that we're useful to their business.
- I want existing customers to get to know us a little more.
It's all about building trust. The more people know you, the more likely they are to spend money on you. And this leads me nicely to my first internet tip for small businesses.
Blogs are a proven way for companies to reach a wider marketplace. But some companies take the wrong approach, using it as a glorified press-release section, publishing nothing but "why we're so great" articles. In reality, people aren't that interested in a constant stream of spin and new project wins.
A personal blog is, by definition, about you and it's OK to be self-absorbed; your family and friends are a natural audience who want to know what you're up to. Company blogs are different. Readers need a reason to keep coming back so articles also have to be relevant to their lives. Two ways to do this are:
- Including helpful information.
- Generating discussion that engages them.
I will aim to do both.
Future articles
Future articles will explore this topic in more detail. Other themes will include explanations about technology without the geek-speak; tips to make your life online easier; and news in my industry that may affect you. Once in a while, I'll indulge myself by telling you about developments at Another Cup of Coffee, how we work, and the method behind our madness.
Since blogs are also about creating dialogue, please feel free to post your opinions and questions. No doubt, other readers will find your input valuable. If you'd like me to cover a specific topic, drop me a note and I'll try to fit it in.
About the author
If I'm to make claims about helping you, you'll probably need to know a little more about me. As a quick introduction, I'm Anthony Lopez-Vito, founder of Another Cup of Coffee. Rather than use up space writing about myself here, I'll direct you to my LinkedIn profile. Other members of the team may also contribute at some point. In the near future, I aim to present guest authors who are clients, partner companies, or suppliers.