On Tuesday nights at 8-9pm EDT we host a chat session on Twitter where small business owners can ask questions, share stories and make new contacts.

To follow the next chat go to Tweetgrid.com and follow along on Tuesdays. If you want to add to the conversation, you must have a Twitter user account.

For more details on the chat check out Where To Turn For Small Business Answers.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009 • 8-9pm EDT
Hosted by: @SternalPR and @SternalMrktg •  Questions from: @smbiz

Topic: Blogging for Small Business

Specialist:

• Ellie Mirman (@ellieeille) – Inbound Marketer and Social Mediaphile at HubSpot and EllieMirman.com
• Pam Slim (@pamslim) – a start-up author / coach at Escape from Cubicle Nation
  
• Holly & Mindy (@mommieswithcent) – two work-at-home mom’s who created a coupon/deals blog at MommiesWithCents.com

Here’s the recap:

Question 1: Why would a small business start a blog if they already have a Web site? #smbiz

DeenaEsq: @smbiz Well, the best reason is to establish your expertise and drive traffic to your site, no? #smbiz

mommieswithcent: Q1. A blog is more personal and includes more cross-promotion. #smbiz

ellieeille: @smbiz A blog can be a great marketing tool – It’s a great way to create fresh content & build inbound links, which are key for SEO. #smbiz

Stuartcfoster: @smbiz SEO benefits, development of community, and free marketing (via sharing)small businesses ARE niche blogs waiting to be created #smbiz

ellieeille: A blog also helps build thought leadership, humanizes your brand, and allows for 2-way convo w/ audience. #smbiz

wvpmc: Especially useful for co’s that are distributors, franchisees, VAR’s – where website follollows corp format #smbiz

ellieeille: @wvpmc To that point, websites are often static & not so engaging – a blog can help you engage prospects before they’re ready to buy #smbiz

Question 2: If ur just planning ur online presence, should you have a blog, a Web site, or both? #smbiz

ellieeille: (Q2) Both – a website adds legitimacy and gives oppty for prospects to research your products. #smbiz

ellieeille: A blog is for non-promotional content – for thought leadership and SEO. #smbiz

Stuartcfoster: @smbiz Both. Can’t interact with your cust through a corporate site as well as you can through a blog…but corp site better for CTA #smbiz

mommieswithcent: Q2. Both are ideal, but not necessary. A blog is much more personal than a website. A blog is a great marketing tool. #smbiz

wvpmc: if separate, do you think they should be on separate domains or hosted on the same domain? #smbiz

ellieeille: @wvpmc Most importantly, your blog needs to be on a URL that you own and control. #smbiz

DeenaEsq: @wvpmc I find that having them linked on the same domain drives traffic from one to the other. #smbiz

Stuartcfoster: @wvpmc Depends. A variety of free options exist (do you have the budget to do on your corp site?) Your own url adds trust though. #smbiz

ellieeille: @wvpmc It helps to have your blog and website be on the same domain for SEO reasons (whether a subfolder or subdomain). #smbiz

mommieswithcent: @wvpmc Having them on the same domain could lead to confusion between blog and website though. #smbiz

ellieeille: @Stuartcfoster Using a free URL for your blog is the BIGGEST mistake you can make – http://bit.ly/pcTN5 (expand) #smbiz

GeriRosman: Blog is definitely opp to be more personal. But there’s pressure to post regularly #smbiz

wvpmc: some platforms allow you to create duplicate copy on another domain – perhpas uses a 301 redirect? #smbiz

mommieswithcent: @GeriRosman There might be pressure and blogging requires regular updates, but it keeps your readers interested and wanting more. #smbiz

Stuartcfoster: @ellieeille Agreed. But a lot of small biz don’t have the expertise or money to make a sub-domain blog. Free one can act as placehold #smbiz

mommieswithcent: @Stuartcfoster It only costs about $10/year for a domain name. #smbiz

ellieeille: @Stuartcfoster Just be careful not to get locked into a site/domain that you can’t control. Could hurt you later on. #smbiz

(Examples are www.yourname.typepad.com, yourname.wordpress.com, yourname.blogspot.com)

Question 3: What are some of the steps and challenges of creating a blog? #smbiz

DrFernKazlow: @SternalPR Q3 People start blogging w/out clear strategy. #Smbiz

ellieeille: Major blogging challenge for biz is time commitment for creating content – but be sure to leverage mult authors, answer FAQ, etc #smbiz

wvpmc: I once heard it is good to have your first 25 posts in mind before you start- makes you set goals and plan ahead #smbiz

ellieeille: Also getting buy-in from execs/owners – make sure to have mktg analytics to show traffic, leads, & customers coming from blog. #smbiz

ellieeille: Some businesses worry about negative comments, but it’s better to be open and address them than sweep them under the rug. #smbiz

DeenaEsq: @smbiz For me, it’s doing the research and making sure the information that I’m providing is the most current. #smbiz

mommieswithcent: Q3. A blog takes a skill to write and one must have a good niche otherwise it’s a big challenge. #smbiz

DrFernKazlow: @SternalPR Considered my goal, branding, time constraints. Just starting a second blog in line w/ brand but to accomplish other thgs #Smbiz

mycarlady: I find my most commented blogs answer problems #smbiz

ellieeille: @mommieswithcent To your point, I think the biz needs to have good content to share & writer needs to be passionate about the topic #smbiz

wvpmc: passion always comes through – otherwise it’s too dry – also creates authenticity #smbiz

Question 4: Are there any industries where having a blog makes more sense than others? #smbiz

ellieeille: @smbiz All businesses should be creating content, and a blog is a great way to do that. I’ve seen blogs in financial, govt, mftg #smbiz

DeenaEsq: @smbiz Q4. Well, certainly if you’re in an industry where your client base isn’t online, it doesn’t make sense to have a blog. #smbiz

pamslim: Q4: I think all industries can benefit from a blog, as long as their key customers read them! #smbiz

ellieeille: Also, If there are no blogs in your industry yet, all the better! Take the oppty to build your online rep & connect w customers. #smbiz

Stuartcfoster: Blogs=value added. Is it valuable to your cust to have that info? Then you need one (grammar, spelling, writing skill count though) #smbiz

sweetsue: @wvpmc There is a learning curve in blogging, you have to jump in and see what you have to say. Action –> the best learning. #smbiz

Stuartcfoster: Q4: Every industry can be supplemented through the use of the blog. Just need to identify target demo/customer and write #smbiz

ellieeille: @sweetsue I totally agree! Try writing a few posts and learn from your experience. #smbiz

SternalPR: @Stuartcfoster I think every industry should b developing relationships w customers, employees and constituents. #smbiz

wvpmc: Blogs also provide a great opportunity to interact with customers – when they engage they invest #smbiz

mycarlady: Q. 4 panel: should the blogger be concerned that his/her post will alienate futre/current clients? #smbiz

ellieeille: @mycarlady Why would the post alienate customers? Be authentic, transparent, and produce valuable content. #smbiz

pamslim: @mycarlady I think you want to support, challenge your audience to think. alienating them not good. #smbiz

SternalPR: @mycarlady I’d say the blogger should provide conversation that engages. But obviously has to be sensitive to industry issues. #smbiz

ellieeille: @wvpmc Engagement is key, I agree. Blog also helps you nurture those folks early in sales/marketing process. #smbiz

DrFernKazlow: RT @ellieeille: @wvpmc Engagement is key, I agree. Blog also helps you nurture those folks early in sales/marketing process. #Smbiz

Question 5: How much time should u dedicate towards ur blog? #smbiz

ellieeille: (q5) Spend an hour a week writing, publishing, promoting, monitoring 1 blog article. Remember you don’t have to be Hemingway. #smbiz

mommieswithcent: Q5. Putting about 10-20 hrs. per week is ideal on a blog. #smbiz

SternalPR: Q5: I’d say it is best to try and contribute each day, if possible. If not every other day. #smbiz

wvpmc: @ellieeille excellent point – in strategizing why you blog, know how it fits into your lead generation to conversion cycle #smbiz

pamslim: Q5: I think question should be: how much time should you devote to communicating w/customers/solving probs #smbiz

ellieeille: Also devote 1-2 hrs per week reading and commenting on other blogs. #smbiz

pamslim: Q5: Some people see blogging time as separate from “productive” marketing activities. I challenge that, when blog is done well #smbiz

Stuartcfoster: @smbiz Consistency extremely important here. A great blog takes time to develop so plan accordingly. Comment in your niche too! #smbiz

ellieeille: @SternalPR If possible, devote a half hour per day catching up on blogs in your industry, & post 1 blog article / week to start #smbiz

DrFernKazlow: How much time you spend blogging depends on your biz and market strategy – your personality AND your life! #Smbiz

BulkyWebEU: @wvpmc even better is to have them on the paper (at least titles) as you will not forget what you wanted to write about #smbiz

sweetsue: Note that @problogger is beginning 31 Days to a Better Blog on April 6. Consider signing up – almost 7000 ppl worldwide are in. #smbiz

ellieeille: @pamslim Our blog is a HUGE driver of traffic, leads, & customers – it is central to our lead gen program, on top of other benefits #smbiz

mycarlady: Q 4 panel: is there any info. on what % of blog traffic comes from commenting on other blogs? #smbiz

pamslim: @mycarlady not sure on exact % of traffic from comments. I think of it in terms of relationships built, not pure #s #smbiz

ellieeille: @mycarlady It’s more than traffic – it’s abt building relationships w bloggers & other readers, could measure links, org traffic #smbiz

blfarris: Could you spend your time just reading and commenting on others blogs. Does that demonstrate enough expertise? #smbiz

mommieswithcent: @mycarlady It depends on how much you comment and your site rating. Commenting is one of the best marketing tools. #smbiz

wvpmc: @dmscott used to say begin with reading blogs, then commenting, then do your own #smbiz

Stuartcfoster: @ellieeille Like Hubspot’s marketing strategy. Cool toys (the .graders), informative blog, and free trial. Simple but effective. #smbiz

ellieeille: @blfarris Reading & commenting is key, but helps to have your own place to write & engage w people, a home base to direct people to #smbiz

Question 6: What are some missteps that u should watch out for when starting a blog? #smbiz

pamslim: Q6: Missteps for starting blog = no clear focus, too many cat posts, no personality, no useful info or links shared #smbiz

mommieswithcent: Q6. Make sure you write your own material. Learn the different host sites to find out which is best for you. #smbiz

wvpmc: @pamslim what’s a cat post? #smbiz

ellieeille: @wvpmc I’m a big fan of @dmscott. Reading then commenting then writing is good path, but don’t dilly dally in creating own content #smbiz

SternalPR: @SternalPR Just like other company communications you develop, u have to be careful w how ur blog communicates w others. #smbiz

mommieswithcent: Q6, Another misstep is spending too much or too little of time blogging. #smbiz

DeenaEsq: @mommieswithcent Absolutely important. Using other ppl’s content is a violation of the law. #smbiz

mommieswithcent: @DeenaEsq Very important. It makes your readers get involved. #smbiz

pamslim: @wvpmc “cat post” was my attempt at humor = too much unrelated personal info not relevant to others #smbiz

tmsruge: @pamslim commenting on blogs is also a good way to build an audience, also a wy 2 get cred. especially if ur comments are insightful #smbiz

ellieeille: @DeenaEsq Comments are incredibly important! Allows the convo – http://bit.ly/3DdUMk (expand) #smbiz

CharlieGilkey: Re: Q5. How is establishing a credible relationship with your customers/prospects anything but productive marketing? #smbiz

DrFernKazlow: @SternalPR Q6: lack of focus, lack of strong, clear brand, lack of voice, lack of engagement, lack of relevance #Smbiz

mommieswithcent: allowing comments is VERY important! You want to establish a relationship with you readers #smbiz

pamslim: @tmsruge I find biggest benefit on commenting on other blogs is building relationship with blog owner #smbiz

ellieeille: (Q6) Biggest blogging mistake is using a free URL like myblog.wordpress.com– you can use free SW but use a URL you own & control. #smbiz

SternalPR: @CharlieGilkey Yes but is it smart to have ur blog ALL about marketing to customers? #smbiz

wvpmc: what about ghost bloggers/ could be a great solution for the small biz owner who hates to write #smbiz

ellieeille: @wvpmc Guest blogging can work, but the writer should be knowledgeable and passionate about the topic/industry #smbiz

JohnGrover: Fav @ellieeille If there are no blogs in your industry yet, all the better! Take the oppty 2 build your online rep & connect w custs. #smbiz

tmsruge: content always has to be key, wether in comments or on ur own blogs. aspire 2 own the category that u write about. be the go-to site #smbiz

blfarris: Instead of “ghost blogging” how about having someone edit or clean up your posts? #smbiz

Bobbiec: @ellieeille here, here, your URL is a major part of your SEO efforts, mine reflects my business type (and contains keywords) #smbiz

Question 7: What are some effective ways to promote ur blog and drive traffic? #smbiz

ellieeille: (Q7 re: promoting blog) Email friends, family, optin email list, trade guest articles w similar blogger, promote via social media #smbiz

mommieswithcent: Network! Network! Network! Comment on posts, email groups and word of mouth is great advertising. #smbiz

DeenaEsq: @smbiz Q7: Make sure you take advantage of discussion grps that allow you to have your blog feed in your posts. #smbiz

mommieswithcent: a great way to promote your blog and is to have a giveaway esp. if it’s your own product. #smbiz

pamslim: Q7 effective ways to promote your blog =write great content, link to great experts in your field, comment on posts #smbiz

blfarris: I often write 75% to 80% of my article then have a writer “polish” it. #smbiz

Bobbiec: @SternalPR Q7, I continue to get a majority of my traffic from both my sites via twitter #smbiz

jonnew: Promote your blog on Soc Mrktg platforms like FB, Twitter, etc. #smbiz

wvpmc: I also hard code anchor tags in press releases for both the website and blog #smbiz

ellieeille: @blfarris Even around here, we always have someone proof our posts. We all make silly or wordy mistakes from time to time. #smbiz

pamslim: @jonnew I agree, Twitter and Facebook have been great new avenues for sharing new blog posts #smbiz

DeenaEsq: @DeenaEsq Not really. A good ghost will discuss with the bus. own. and get it exactly as they would do it(mny owners fear writing) #smbiz

SternalPR: Seriously, folks, if u aren’t familiar with stumbleupon it is a great way to drive traffic to blog. #smbiz

mariaduron: @blfarris That’s exactly what I do – post my own + have clean up + editing done by proofreader #smbiz

pamslim: Q7:in the early days, I did participate in blog carnivals. may be “very 2005,” but worked then. #smbiz

ellieeille: @SternalPR StumbleUpon is great for traffic, but no conversions afterwards. Only good if you want eyeballs. #smbiz

SternalPR: @blfarris Just sign up and start stumbling yours AND others. The traffic growth is exponential and consistent. #smbiz

CharlieGilkey: @SternalPR it depends on one’s view of marketing. If it’s authentic storytelling, then there’s no problem. #smbiz

Bobbiec: @SternalPR I’ll take a look at it. I also started a monthly event which is driving a lot of visibility & I comment on blogs #smbiz

sweetsue: @Bobbiec Yeah – twitter is a great way to promote blog visibility. And to get ideas for blog posts thru questions, discussions. #smbiz

DrFernKazlow: @pamslim Blogcarnival talked abt in #blogchat Sunday as effective for getting traffic – so it still works! #smbiz

pamslim: @CharlieGilkey @SternalPR I view marketing as getting people to know, like and trust the real you – not hard selling #smbiz

tmsruge: RT @ellieeille (Q6) Biggest blogging mistake is using a free URL like myblog.wordpress.com–use free SW but use a URL u own & control. #smbiz

SternalPR: I also include SEO keywords in press releases, which helps build links online. #smbiz

Question 8: What are some good things to do to convert traffic into sales? #smbiz

ellieeille: (Q8) Have clear and relevant calls to action and use custom landing pages to convert blog traffic into leads. #smbiz

drjfpmd: @SternalPR Time your blogs with ongoing news is a good way to draw traffic. Say for tax people this would be good time to blog.#smbiz

mommieswithcent: we use “tell a friend” in our blog posts #smbiz

blfarris: What if you have a local market, is blogging still effective to convert sales? #smbiz

ellieeille: Q8 – Remember to offer value in exchange for what you’re asking! Would YOU give up your email address? #smbiz

mariaduron: Q8: U have 2 have a sales funnel, distinct step by step from SM, 2 free, 2 low pay, 2 payment plan, etc. #smbiz

pamslim: Q8: Blog traffic into sales = have easy-to-find link to your services, make it clear what you do, how you help others #smbiz

SternalPR: @blfarris The best is Marketwire. It costs a small investment but the links and SEO are well worth it. #smbiz

ellieeille: @blfarris Yes, write localized content to drive those readers #smbiz

DrFernKazlow: @SternalPR Trust, relevance – being the solution 2 the problem the client has & the relationship with them so they want 2 buy from U #smbiz

wvpmc: if biz blogs once a week, is there a preferred day? open rates on email newsletters have best open rates Tues-Wed #smbiz

Bobbiec: @blfarris i would also combine with an e-newsletter (especially for local business) Also look at SEO based on zipcode #smbiz

SternalPR: RT @blfarris: What if you have a local market, is blogging still effective to convert sales? #smbiz

pamslim: Q8: blog traffic into sales = if you write killer, useful content 80% of time, readers will really support your biz, want to buy #smbiz

blfarris: @mariaduron That sales funnel is key. What is your objective in each interaction. Credible => contact => Sale #smbiz

ellieeille: @blfarris @sternalpr @hubspot is pulling together data on making the most of press releases, incl info on wire services – stay tuned #smbiz

ellieeille: Also, a blog can be great for nurturing leads into sales by staying in touch with leads on a regular basis. #smbiz

DeenaEsq: @smbiz Q8: Offering information that people can really use, they come back for more… #smbiz

Question 9: How can u promote products/services in blog posts or on blog? #smbiz

ellieeille: Q9 – Don’t use your blog to pitch your product. No one cares. Use it to build thought leadership, SEO’d content, engage w prospects. #smbiz

pamslim: Q9: I think you can promote prods or services rarely but clearly in posts – don’t be ashamed, but don’t hit them over head #smbiz

sweetsue: @pamslim Agreed that blogging is about exposure in your market; establishing your reputation. Sales builds on that. #smbiz

pamslim: Q9: for example, if I write tons on one subject, then create coaching program around it, I share w/readers #smbiz

ellieeille: Q9 con’t – When appropriate, link back to your product, or provide calls to action to drive lead generation on your website. #smbiz

wvpmc: I think focusing on product pitching can be the biggest mistake a biz can make – this is where you engage and build the relationship #smbiz

Bobbiec: @SternalPR I think product promotion needs to be genuine & based on real usage. People see thru you if you don’t #smbiz

mariaduron: @ellieeille UR right – it’s not 2 sell. It’s 2 communicate UR expertise + passion.That’s why put blog URL in twitter profile #smbiz

pamslim: @SternalPR what I have heard about Digg is that it can drive crazy, brief traffic, but that rarely stays around. #smbiz

ellieeille: @SternalPR Front page digg can get 1000′s of visitors in an hour – but don’t bother unless you have chance at front page #smbiz

mommieswithcent: Q9. What about ads on your blog and others? Host giveaways and sponsor writeups. #smbiz

DeenaEsq: @mommieswithcent You’ve got to be very careful about offering “giveaways” and/or “contests” on your blog. Lots of legal issues… #smbiz

blfarris: Do any of you have more than one voice on your blog? (e.g. different team members)? #smbiz

ellieeille: @blfarris Yes, we have multiple blog authors, and we find it actually drives more engagement. (Also easier on the blog “owner”). #smbiz

pamslim: @blfarris I have been really stingy with my blog – no guest posters for now. have been asked lots, but prefer to keep it simple #smbiz

tmsruge: Q8: You’ll sell more if you are investing in relationship-building, not marketing. If u invest in ur relationships, they’ll sell 4 u #smbiz

Question 10: How important is to have quality images, widgets, video, podcast, etc & what R resources to get started? #smbiz

mommieswithcent: Q10. Every blog niche is different. Quality images and widgets are important, but video and podcast are not necessary in every blog. #smbiz

ellieeille: There are so many social networks out there – many specific to industries – find those (something like digg may not be relevant) #smbiz

jonnew: @SternalPR Need to be real careful here. Not too salesy and based on other’s genuine experience not yours if it is your product. #smbiz

pamslim: @SternalPR I think quality images, good, relevant videos, etc. are important and enhance content #smbiz

wvpmc: you have to be careful with file size of images, etc. or blog can load very slowly #smbiz

blfarris: With more than one voice, do you try to balance the posts? Do you keep the “voice” consistent, or let it vary? #smbiz

ellieeille: Q10 – Multimedia is great, but not essential for getting started. Adding images is easy & low-hanging fruit (http://bit.ly/jBSLq (expand)). #smbiz

pamslim: Q10 favorite beginner tools for podcast: host by Libsyn.com, record in Garageband. Sweet and simple. #smbiz

ellieeille: Q10 – Must-haves for when you start a blog: your own URL, subs by RSS and email, social media integration, analytics, support. #smbiz

SternalPR: @twibird Still lots of opportunity to engage with local market through a blog. Good to use integrated mrktg here. #smbiz

ellieeille: @blfarris Overall voice is consistent, but varies from author to author – variety can be good, as long as it fits w company #smbiz

pamslim: Q10 although my blog is still on Typepad, will move to WordPress w/in month, recommend for new bloggers. #smbiz

wvpmc: anyone have experience with Thesis theme? #smbiz

intuitioneer: Q10: must have: wordpress on your own hosting account (not wordpress.com) #smbiz

pamslim: @wvpmc going to use Thesis theme when move. Heard good things from @copyblogger about it #smbiz

intuitioneer: I love the Thesis theme but it’s even better if u have a bit of web exp. RT @wvpmc: anyone haveexperience w Thesis theme? #smbiz

DrFernKazlow: @wvpmc Just designing a blog with it now – miss the richness of my Joomla site, but reviews were good and wordpress has advantages #smbiz

Question 11: Whats best way 4 small biz to handle tech support/ques without an IT dept (coding, server backups,etc)? #smbiz

ellieeille: Q11 – There is marketer-friendly (vs IT-friendly) blog SW out there. You shouldn’t have to deal with complicated coding or servers. #smbiz

ellieeille: For ex, HubSpot blog software has simple interface for writing, posting, analyzing, plus tech support & expertise. #smbiz

Bobbiec: @SternalPR sometimes I just lurk — always good stuff. Am starting my own biz. trying to decide whether to do a NPO or for profit #smbiz

mommieswithcent: Q11. Educating yourself by research is a great tool and necessary to handle IT concerns. #smbiz

jonnew: @SternalMrktg We have found a one person IT shop who is on call and does a great job consulting. We have monthly retainer w him. #smbiz

pamslim: Q11: if you mean how do you get help w/your website and blog w/out IT dept, I rely on my smart Twitter friends for basic ?’s #smbiz

mommieswithcent: Q11. Other bloggers are also great to ask IT questions to. Again…network, network, network. #smbiz

SternalPR: @pamslim It’s a big frustration when dealing with the technicals of doing ur own blog. Many sm biz don’t have luxury of it dept. #smbiz

mariaduron: 4 tech support U really need 2 friend a techie U can trust be it freelancer or in dept. of big box #smbiz

BulkyWebEU: @intuitioneer I agree, but I had installation problem so for now I have to use .com until I figure out what’s wrong with my server #smbiz

pamslim: Q11: otherwise, I love @jonnew’s recommend to hire person on retainer to help w/ongoing tech challenges #smbiz

Bobbiec: Q11 my site is WordPress, mostly created by my wonderful tech friend@highrockmedia but I can maintain it myself. #smbiz

Question 12: SEO is all about in-bound links – how do you get more people to link to your blog? #smbiz

ellieeille: @smbiz Blogs are great for building inbound links – the key to getting more inbound links is to produce helpful and unique content. #smbiz

pamslim: Q12: best way to get good incoming links is write great stuff, build relationships w/people w/bigger audience, share #smbiz

ellieeille: Increasing blog freq will also likely help w sub count and provide more content for people to share and link to. http://bit.ly/lH0A (expand) #smbiz

ellieeille: Also, engage on other blogs – read and comment – to build relationships with other bloggers, who could end up writing about you. #smbiz

wvpmc: the key with inbound links is to get them to use your primary keywords #smbiz

mommieswithcent: Q12. Polls get readers involved as well as good content. #smbiz

Bobbiec: @mommieswithcent good one — polls are great. I like to ask questions to get people involved #smbiz

janetgoldstein: @pamslim Can I add question? Yr take on newsletter vs/+ blog? Is the newsletter passe? I’m thinking: Classroom vs. teachers lounge. #smbiz

pamslim: @janetgoldstein nope, I still love newsletters. they have built in permission to share your “wares”, unlike blogs #smbiz

jonnew: @janetgoldstein Butting in here. We suggest to clients to do both and cross promote. Best of both worlds. #smbiz

DeenaEsq: @ellieeille But be very sure tht you have apprpriate opt ins. SPAM laws are very touchy… #smbiz

rongraham1: @janetgoldstein, I have heard people say they do both. But they’d either have to have help or do it full-time, almost. I can’t. LOL #smbiz

Question 14: What are good resources (online and offline) to get started with a blog? Self promo is ok here. #smbiz

pamslim: Q14: books: BlogWild by Andy Wibbles, Clear Blogging by Bob Walsh. #smbiz

rongraham1: @SternalPR, this might be the time to hear whether people are using Tumblr or not. I am hearing things about it. I want to know. #smbiz

pamslim: Q14: I always look to @problogger @copyblogger and @soniasimone for good guidance on blogging #smbiz

ellieeille: @DeenaEsq Absolutely – only email your opt-in subscriber list, and review CANSPAM before you send. #smbiz

connectingwomen: One of the best resources I have found online and offline is to network with other bloggers. #smbiz

ellieeille: If you’re looking to start or improve your biz blog, we’ve collected our fav free resources in this mktg hub: http://bit.ly/bizblog (expand) #smbiz

SternalPR: I want to thank our panelists for being here. @pamslim @ellieeille @mommieswithcent. #smbiz