Is Creating a Blog Site for Your MLM Business a Good Idea?
| Posted in Blogging | Posted on 12-10-2010
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Creating a Blog Site for Your MLM Business
One question I hear quite frequently lately is…
Should I be considering creating a blog site for my MLM business?
The answer that pops into my head first then is actually another question … Do you want to earn an income?
If the answer is, YES, than this is really a no brainer. If you are in business to earn an income and it’s not just a hobby than you do need a central location, a hub or a “nerve center” to send your contacts and prospects to.
This nerve center should be a place where you can interact with you prospects. Where they can get information but at the same time leave you feedback/comments and start a conversation with you as well.
Creating a blog site is the best way to accomplish that. You do need a way to build that relationship with your prospects. I am sure you have heard about know, like, trust. People who know, like and trust you are much more likely to buy from you or join your business than those individuals who don’t. Think about it, would you buy from a stranger?
There are a few things to consider however when you make your own blog.
For one, do stay away from free blogging sites such as Blogger and the free version of WordPress.com.
Remember, you are creating a blog site for your business so you want your blog to look professional. The best blog platform I found to make your own blog and have it look very professional is WordPress.org.
While it is free to download your own templates from WordPress.org, (by the way you can find thousands of really cool-looking blog templates there,) you would need to host your own blog. I use HostGator to host my own blogs, because they let me host unlimited blogs for a very low monthly rate with their “Baby” account and I have been very happy with them.
Another point to consider when creating a blog site for your business is to add and opt-in form on your site so you can capture your visitors’ information and keep in touch with them through an email series or a newsletter. (I use Aweber.) Make sure you place this opt-in form at a prominent spot. The best place is the right-hand site above the fold. “Above the fold” is everything you see on your screen without having to scroll down.
So, what do you think?
Is creating a blog site for your MLM business a good idea or not?
I happen to think it’s a great idea
Did you make your own blog yet? Share your experience and give us your feedback in the comments below.
To Your Success …
Ilka Flood
The Enlightened Networker
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Image Credit: Salvatore Vuono
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Twitter: marcus_baker
said on 13-10-2010
Hi Ilka,
I believe having a self hosted blog is essential if you are a network marketer.
Our businesses are about us and a blog is the perfect platform to give people an insight into who we are, what our values are and how we position ourselves to serve others.
I like to think of my blog as a cross between my own online HQ and my online home.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
October 13th, 2010 at 10:59 am
Hi Marcus,
I absolutely agree with you. I believe having your online HQ (as you called it) is very important. As networkers we do need a way to “network” and connect and a blog is just the perfect solution.
By the way, I also see it as “my online home.”
Thanks for stopping by and for your great comment!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hi Ilka
“The best blog platform I found to make your own blog and have it look very professional is WordPress.org.”
Couldn’t agree more.
As you say it’s your nerve centre, your hub. When a potential client visits your site, he is looking at a snapshot of you and your business.
Don’t let your website disappoint… WordPress.org every time.
BTW – Ilka I’ve just installed a very simple Captcha on my blog. Don’t have to type anything, just click a box. Take a look see what you think.
Keith Davis invites you to read..Facts tell… emotions sell
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
October 13th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Hi Keith,
I found the same thing. Used to be on Blogger when I first started because I didn’t know any better. WordPress.org is definitely the way to go to present in a more professional way.
Btw, checked out your new CAPTCHA. Very easy to use. Are you going to tell us what the plugin is??
Cheers and have a great evening!
Ilka
[Reply]
Keith Davis Reply:
October 13th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Hi Ilka
Free plugin.
Read about it here…
http://www.growmap.com/growmap-antispambot-plugin/
Coded by the CommentLuv man, Andy Bailey so it has a good pedigree.
I was getting lots of spam from the spam bots.
This plugin has reduced it to zero.
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[Reply]
Hi Ilka,
Yes, most definitely YES. A blog is a very good idea, and having it self hosted is an absolute must.
I use hostgator too, they are very good. I didn’t know what I was doing when I choose my auto responder, but I’m very happy I started with Aweber. Great recommendations!
Susanna
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[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
October 14th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
Hi Susanna,
I happen to think the same way
I had used a different hosting company and a different autoresponder in the past, but I am extremely happy with HostGator and Aweber.
Thank you for stopping by and for your great feedback!
Ilka
[Reply]
I never seen the sense in having a blog in the very beginning, but after finding out all the benefits of a nerve center, I can’t do without it.
You explained it perfectly Ilka,
Jonathan
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[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 11:44 am
Hi Jonathan,
I can totally relate. I felt the the same way. But listening to several top earners in the industry talking about the importance of ONE central location to send all your contacts to really changed my mind.
The feeling of possibly “missing out” is a very powerful motivator
Thanks for stopping by, Jonathan and for your great feedback!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hi Ilka,
Great post! I know that my business has changed so much for the better since starting my blog this past summer. It’s been so helpful in tying all my online activities together into one great centralized location.
Great job!
Heather
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[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Hi Heather,
I agree with you. A blog is definitely a great marketing and communication tool. I’m sure glad I started mine.
Moving it from Blogger over to WordPress made a world of difference as well. WordPress is just so much more professional.
Have a great weekend!
Ilka
[Reply]
Twitter: JymTarrant
said on 16-10-2010
Hey Ilka,
Absolutely spot on. I agree that a well presented and put together blog is the best central hub for any online MLM business.
As you say one of the key ingredients is a good autoresponder system to enable you to keep in touch with your visitors and continue to build relationships and share value.
I’ve also found it’s great fun building my blog and I’ve made some wonderful connections with other bloggers and networkers too!
Thanks & all the best,
Jym
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[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 10:58 am
Hi Jym,
Building relationships with other bloggers and networkers is a valuable plus that I have come to appreciate as well.
Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!
Ilka
[Reply]
A blog is a very important part of one’s online marketing strategy. Starting a Blog is an article with a video tutorial I posted about the importance of self hosting.
One mistake I constantly see- not being consistent in managing the blog. Starting a blog is like buying a pet. It will need to be fed and exercised in order for you to expect to be shown some love!
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[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
October 17th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Hi Phil,
I like your comparison about a blog being just like buying a pet. That’s absolutely true! A blog needs constant updating in order to bring visitors and build a relationship with them.
Thank you for stopping by and for your great feedback!
Have a wonderful week!
Ilka
[Reply]
I use HostGator to host my own blogs, because they let me host unlimited blogs for a very low monthly rate with their “Baby” account and I have been very happy with them.
[Reply]
Absolutely yes, blogging is one of the best way. It will be effective if you frequently update it with quality and informative content.
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[Reply]
I agree wisth above.I think that’s a good idea..
[Reply]
Twitter: thowsyne
said on 13-04-2011
Hey Ilka,
I guess I need to dig this site the more, cos I can see some good stuffs in here.
I like the way you begin this “Do you want to make money?”
On the ‘About Me’ page of my blog, I write “Welcome to my Online Office” and it is no joke. My blog is my office. The nerve center. The hub.
Every strategy I use is centered around it. Infact you can increase your alexa ranking by using prettylinks to make all your accounts online go through your web address e.g my facebook address is run through my site as http://TosinMLMExpert.com/myfacebook
It is mandatory for an online entrepreneur to have a blog. Period!
Thanks for sharing, Ilka!
Tosin
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[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 11:54 am
Hi Tosin,
I love the way you open your “About Me” page. That’s brilliant and absolutely appropriate because indeed your blog is your “Online Office.”
Thanks for letting us know about prettylinks! I for one didn’t know about this!
By the way, didn’t know about that little Skype trick you showed on your recent blog post either. Still need to implement it.
Gosh, so much to do, so little time
Enjoy your day!
Ilka
[Reply]
Sweet tips! I’m new to the bloggin Seen so I’m glad I ran across your blog.. It might take me a min to take it all in, so I’ll def be back to do some studying… Thanks again!
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[Reply]