In this instant-communication world, buzz means business! And one of the greatest ways to get customers and potential customers buzzing about your business is with a Web log, commonly called a blog. Blogs can help you:

Introduce the people behind your business

Discuss relevant issues

Provide a clearinghouse for information and expertise

Show your business as a good corporate citizen

Support an exchange of ideas

Get honest feedback from your customers

Affect public opinion

If you’re new to blogging, or if you know the mechanics of a blog but want some help refining and targeting yours, Buzz Marketing With Blogs For Dummies will get you going right away. An expert blogger shows you the ins and outs of putting together a professional-looking blog, walks you through the jargon, helps you decide what your blog should do, and even explains various software solutions. You’ll find out how to:

Set up and maintain a blog, write in blogging style, and observe blogging etiquette

Define your audience and target your blog to reach them

Involve your customers, earn their trust, educate the public, and build community

Avoid possible legal pitfalls while keeping your blog interesting

Encourage contributions and links to your blog

Use images and design an eye-catching format

Optimize your blog for top search engine ratings, track your results, and measure your success

Written by Susannah Gardner, who has taught online journalism, directed multimedia efforts, and provided custom Web solutions to clients, Buzz Marketing With Blogs For Dummies even shares tips from the experts who establish and maintain some of the top-rated business blogs. You’ll discover the secrets of success, how to spot and solve problems, what software can enhance your blogging life, and a whole lot more. It like having a staff of experts on call!