Join us as we discuss how blogs can still play an important part to any marketing strategy...
With today's news feeds dominated by relentless scroll-inducing video content (thanks TikTok and Instagram!) one might wonder: are blogs still relevant in 2024? Well, we think the answer is a resounding YES! So much so we've chosen to start our very own blog site for all things creative, social and well, whatever tickles our fancy.
Anyway, back to BLOGS! With the creation of blogs dating back to the mid 90s, it's safe to say that THIRTY YEARS on they're still ever-present and hugely valued in today's digital landscape. This form of content sits at the opposite end of the spectrum to the latest viral TikToks or fleeting Instagram stories - so let's look at why blogs still matter, especially to the businesses who use them:
Credibility
Blogs provide a platform for companies to showcase their expertise and thought leadership. Want to be seen as being knowledgeable about a certain topic? Writing in an analytical and thought-provoking way around a subject is a sure fire way to show credibility. By consistently doing this, companies can position themselves as industry leaders in a field, earning the trust and respect of their audience!
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO used to be a term that bamboozled many a professional marketeer, let alone the uninitiated! However, SEO has shown its importance to digital marketing strategies in companies all around the world. Blogs remain crucial for driving organic traffic to websites and well-written blog posts with relevant keywords can significantly improve a company's search engine ranking. Yes, they really do pack a punch!
Brand Perception
Social media channels are a great place to start if you want to understand a brand's identity, values or tone of voice. But for deeper storytelling and content exploration, blogs really are unrivalled.
The longer form of content gives a brand more opportunity to delve into issues that matter to them and communicate them fully - instead of just 280 characters! (ahem, X!)Â Not to mention... companies can leverage their blog content across social media channels, driving traffic back to their website and nurturing leads through the sales funnel. A win-win?!
Driving Traffic
Taking a closer look at 'traffic' - and we aren't referring to those lovely jams you find on your morning commute - blogs have the ability to highlight a company's USPs, products or services in a way a hard-selling advertising campaign can't. We know for a fact that pushy sales messaging and excessive direct adverts can have the opposite effect of what they're actually trying to achieve! By strategically placed call-to-actions (CTAs), companies can guide visitors towards desired actions, such as signing up for a newsletter, downloading a whitepaper, or making a purchase... a much softer sell, that could strike a chord with savvy shoppers.
Building Relationships
This is what it's all about, isn't it? Providing valuable and relevant content to their audience, companies can build meaningful relationships with their customers, creating BRAND LOYALTY. Acquiring a new customer can cost FIVE times more than retaining an existing customer! Surely it makes sense to keep your existing customer/communities happy?! Writing engaging blog posts that address common pain points, offer solutions, or provide insights into industry trends is a great place to start adding value.
The Bottom Line
There's no doubt blogs remain an indispensable tool for companies looking to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing! While social media platforms are the kings of unparalleled reach and immediacy, blogs provide the perfect platform for long-form, in-depth content that fosters a whole host of benefits. Companies, no matter the size, can establish themselves as industry leaders, build lasting relationships with their audience, and ultimately drive business growth through blogs. And here's the best part... It's never too late to start blogging... just ask us!
Before we go... we saw this quote and wanted to share it with you, here's to spreading more happiness!
"Every time you post something online, you have a choice. You can either make it something that adds to the happiness levels in the world—or you can make it something that takes away." ~Zoe Sugg
Are blogs still relevant in 2024?
Yes, absolutely!
No, not so much