Build a business

A detailed system for creating a business blog has just been published, making it easier for independent professionals and business owners to reach more clients through Internet communications. The Build a Better Blog System ebook was published online recently.

Blogs, or web logs, are easily updated web pages that can create customer dialogue through interactive postings. Smart business professionals-from CEOs of Fortune 100 companies down to the corner bakery owner-have started using blogs to communicate in a personal way and to give a human voice from behind the office doors.

Because they are inexpensive and easy to use (no tech skills required), blogs offer several distinct advantages for independent professionals and small business owners. Now everyone can have a voice on the Internet and capture the hearts and minds of potential customers.

Besides step-by-step tutorials on everything from how to import your business banner, rename your blog, and add subscriber sign-up forms, to submitting your blog to directories, there are many tips, tools and techniques for driving traffic to your blog. Tutorials are accompanied by articles on effective blog writing, a list of blog resources, and examples of effective business blogs.

One of the most valuable features of the ebook is the companion ebook of 25 interviews with successful business bloggers, many of whom have blogs with huge numbers of followers. They each provide insights on how they grew their blogs and achieved remarkable success and following in a short time.

For more information, visit buildabetterblogsystem.com.

Fasthosts Internet Ltd, a leading web hosting provider, has released a study showing that 53 per cent of US business owners seek more involvement in the purchasing of their IT services, such as hosting, than ever before.

The survey of 132 US business owners found that in the past year, over half (53 per cent) have purposefully sought a greater understanding of the IT services they use as a direct result of economic pressures, and intend to be more involved in selecting their IT service providers going forward.

From those businesses that use dedicated hosting services, 1 in 4 owners wish to renegotiate associated costs this year. As businesses worldwide scrutinize IT costs, Fasthosts is encouraging UK companies to review their hosting costs and seek out the best possible technology for their money.

For more information, visit fasthosts.com.

A leading provider of white-label social networking software recommends businesses adopt social networks as a key method of internal communication to help keep costs down as the recession continues.

Larger companies with multiple offices are being urged to utilize social networking technology to their advantage as a way for employees to communicate with each other more efficiently and effectively, saving costs at the same time.

Social networks have become a valuable channel for engaging with customers and are also an effective way for staff members to communicate internally, especially for large companies where employees are separated by large distances and different time zones.