What is a blog?  Join Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole as they share why they started the Kandrac & Kole blog back in 2009 and how it has benefited them and their business.

1.  Why?

A. Attracts an audience

• Decide what type of person you want to attract
• Create topics and articles that your audience will find interesting

B. Great marketing tool

• It costs relatively nothing
• Your blogs can be shared and "lives" online forever
• You can "advertise" yourself without it sounding like an ad

C. Tells your story

• It is your voice
• Be authentic
• Be honest

D. Makes you an authority on a subject or subjects

• Talk about mistakes and what you've learned
• Give examples
• Give your audience a reason to come back

E. Creates opportunities

• Brands will reach out to you
• Guest blog – portray yourself in front of another audience and gain followers
• Blog Tours, DIY projects, get free product

F. You can make money from it

• Affiliate Marketing – earning a commission by recommending a product or service to your followers
• Blogging for brands
• Ads on your site
• Selling your own products and services

G. Improves SEO

2.   HOW YOU benefit

A. You will be a better writer B. You will learn more as you do research C. You will meet new people D. You will inspire others E. You will become more confident as you build an audience F. You can make money

3.  Our favorite blogs:

A. The English Room

B. Design Indulgence

C. Velvet and Linen

D. Laurel Bern

E. Designed with Carla Aston

F.  Leslie Hendrix Wood - Hadley Court