If you're considering starting a blog for your business or non-profit, here are a few reasons why a blog is good for your website and a few decisions you make as you begin setting up a blog.

1. Blogging For Business Version 1.0

2. My name is Nicole Ouellette. I own my own internet marketing company, Breaking Even Communications. You can find me online (@breakingeven) or somewhere in northern or Downeast Maine.

4. Searchable- with tags, archives, etc.

5. Interactive elements- commenting (but could also include more)

6. Anatomy of A Blog Archives Newest entry on top Subscription options User participation Keep readers on the page

8. Recent posts

9. Archives and/or Search

10. Subscription options

11. Blogroll

12. Social Media integration

13. Look at blogs you like for other feature ideas.

15. Easy-to-use software

16. People read blogs

17. Bloggers are increasingly credible

18. Visitor interaction more than a regular site

19. Why Do Search Engines Like Blogs? Keywords Links Tags Frequently updated content

20. Companies With and Without Blogs In Search Engines Blog

21. Blog Software is easy to use. Most blogs have easy-to-use software: http://www.breakingeveninc.com/blog/wp-admin

24. “What do you think?” (post or poll question)

25. Commenting/Forums

26. Contests/Giveaways

27. Guest posts/other writers

28. (Note: Not all blogs have all these features.)

29. Interactive Blog Feature: Poll

30. Interactive Blog Feature: Comments http://tv.winelibrary.com/

31. Interactive Blog Feature: Share http://barkwheats.wordpress.com/

32. Formula for a Good Blog Content + Concern for readers + Call to action

34. Writing skills?

35. Able to learn (or pay someone for) tech?

37. Buying something on your website

38. Facebook fan your brand page

40. Some think the 'power' of a blog should be used to optimize your website (like me).

41. It doesn't matter — because the blog is linked to your site!

42. http://www.problogger.net/archives/2006/02/15/choosing-a-blog-platform/

43. Option Three: Going The Free Route Ex: www.yourblog.blogspot.com Upside- It's free, and there's some customization available. Downside- Long domain, limited customization/storage, optimizing a domain that isn't yours.

45. What is your budget?

46. Do you want a lot of control over design?

47. What do your friends use? Your industry?

48. How technologically able are you?

49. http://www.ojr.org/ojr/images/blog_software_comparison.cfm

50. Popularity of Platforms From Problogger.net

51. Example- Wordpress http://itsallaboutthecookie.wordpress.com/

52. Example- Blogger http://thomsinger.blogspot.com/

53. Example- Blogger www.mainemaven.com

54. Example- Tumblr http://jenbee.tumblr.com/

55. Example- Posterous www.danamoos.posterous.com

56. Blog and Website Design www.classicboatshop.com/blog www.classicboatshop.com/blog www.classicboatshop.com Make your blog look like your website to give a cohesive feel.

58. Assume skimming (bullets, bold, etc.)

59. Try photos/video. (Creative Commons.)

60. Be consistent with publishing.

62. Ask a question at the end of a post.

63. Be yourself. (Re: You aren't CNN.)

64. Be controversial (or at least host a debate).

65. Have useful, interesting information.

66. Accept user-submitted content.

70. Make sure it has a mobile version (most blogging software does this automatically).

71. Make it so people can subscribe via email or RSS (use a service like Feedburner).

72. Integrate it with social media (like NetworkedBlogs for Facebook).

74. Conversions (How many people took your desired action)

76. Blogs can establish authority, connect you with others, and 'educate' people about your company, products, and services.

77. There are many blog platforms to pick from.

78. Connect with readers and other bloggers.

79. Make sure it's worth it (specific goals).

80. Resources Mequoda.com (For online publishers- free white papers on Fridays) Problogger.net (A blog by and for professional bloggers) Keyword Search Tools (Google has a free one) Your real life and online friends

81. Thanks!