Public Relations & Social Marketing Insight

Learn how you can use your blog not just as a traffic and lead generator -- but also as a lead nurturing tool....

When it comes to the role of business blogging in inbound marketing, there's no question that it fits quite nicely into the 'Attract' stage of the methodology. Because blog content makes excellent social media fodder and is naturally discoverable through search engines, it can be a phenomenal way to attract new visitors and prospects to your website. Furthermore, blogging also plays a critical role in the 'C

onvert' stage, since we all know how effective it can be for lead generation. But there's another part of the inbound marketing methodology where blogging also fits -- and doesn't get enough credit. And while it may not be where most marketers would primarily put it, it can definitely have a significant impact here, as well. That, my friend, is in the 'Close' stage -- the stage of the methodology in which marketers are actively trying to nurture leads to a point of sales-readiness. Because not all blog readers are brand new visitors, right? I bet many of the leads in your database are reading your blog -- shouldn't you pay them some attention, too? That's right! Not only can your blog help you bring in qualified visitors that you can convert into leads; it can also be a powerful lead nurturing tool.

A bit of a marketing Swiss army knife, that business blog. So, are you ready to start squeezing more juice out of your blog in the middle of the funnel? Here are 11 great ways to start using your blog as a tool to nurture your existing leads....

Blogs are more influential than social networks in shaping consumers’ opinions and purchase decisions, according to Technorati’s 2013 Digital Influence Report. Even so, brands seem to be investing more on other social channels, particularly Facebook, than on blogging.

Below, additional findings from the 2013 Digital Influence Report, based on surveys conducted among 1,200 consumers, 150 top brand marketers, and 6,000 digital influencers. When making decisions about what to buy, consumers rank blogs as the third most influential digital resource (31.1%), behind retail sites (56%) and brand sites (34%)....