Corporate blogging makes it possible for people within an organization to communicate with one another by blogging and form communities around projects, products and other areas of common interest. Over the years, several best practices in corporate blogging have evolved.

Corporate blogs are primarily of two kinds internal and external. Internal blogs refer to blogs within the organization that operate behind a firewall. Some organizations have only a single blog to update employees about the latest news and changes implemented. This is far easier to manage, control and ensure that the content adheres to the corporate policies. Some enterprises allow employees to form blogs and share their ideas, though such practices are harder to control. Blogs improve communication, increase knowledge and clear doubts instantly and hence are necessary tools. External blogs are made available on the Internet and can be viewed by anyone. It allows company representatives to communicate with customers, allowing the company to make announcements, get reviews about its products etc.

Best Practices in Corporate Blogging:
1. Creating an open, transparent and honest blog: the blog should give specific details as to who started it, what his position in the company is. Make sure the content is credible and that no attempt is made to hoodwink bloggers as that can severally damage the reputation of the firm when found out.

2. The blog should be created carefully as it is primarily designed to retain existing customers as well as develop interest in the products and recruit new customers. It should develop a community of bloggers who actively participate in blogging, hence the content has to be written by some one experienced and knowledgeable, and they can include links of other blogs that relate to the product or subject of the blog by asking permission from the owners of those blogs.

3. The writing has to be consistent as also the blog policies that have to be enforced.

4. It is essential that corporate seek legal counsel to develop blogging policies such that information shared and posted in blogs can be informative without too much censor as well as comply and conform to the Sarbanes-Oxley rules and other regulations that govern information exchange.

5. Keep updating the blog and make sure to stay committed to the blog.

6. When mistakes occur, make sure that instead of covering up and destroying the corporate image further, the company can quickly acknowledge a mistake was made and make amends.

7. Have adequate tact to deal with negative posts that will dispel doubts about the company or its products, try conversing with such bloggers asking their opinion how your product or services can be improved.

8. The blog must be designed to conform to the usability guidelines.

9. Have a clear idea about the purpose of the blog and have periodic checks to see if it is serving the purpose and if there are benefits.

These are some of the best practices in corporate blogging.
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Alexander Gordon is a writer for http://www.smallbusinessconsulting.com - The Small Business Consulting Community. Sign-up for the free success steps newsletter and get our booklet valued at $24.95 for free as a special bonus. The newsletter provides daily strategies on starting and significantly growing a business.

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