Ina Steiner
AuctionBytes
“The best blogs are ones where bloggers use their own voice, their own style.”
AuctionBytes
“The best blogs are ones where bloggers use their own voice, their own style.”
AuctionBytes (www.auctionbytes.com) is where serious online sellers go in search of news, tips, opinions, and products geared to support their online businesses. Founded in 1999 by Ina and David Steiner, the site hosts an ever-growing sheaf of services for sellers. The Steiners are authorities on the companies and products that are used in in online auctions and marketing; publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Smart Money Magazine, and Fortune Small Business frequently consult with the Steiners.
In making the transition from a directionless and sporadic blog to an effective, professional blog that supports a major website, Ina Steiner has become an expert on key aspects of successful blogging. Here are some of the most important lessons from Steiner:
A specific focus or mission is necessary to sustain a blog.
Be mindful that people in your industry may be using your blog to help make business decisions.
Before you post, think about how a typical buyer will view what you have to say, and its potential effects on buying decisions.
For online merchants, blogs can be a way to increase your visibility with potential buyers. You can use your blog to showcase your product or industry expertise so shoppers will feel comfortable buying from you.
Wait until after your blog is established to promote it.
RSS feeds can be more efficient in delivering content than e-mail newsletters.
If you have a website in addition to your blog, cross-promote whenever possible. Consider ways that you can keep those who don’t use RSS feeds advised on blog postings.
Although it’s impossible to read everything, keeping up with competitors’
blogs is a necessary part of business blogging.
In making the transition from a directionless and sporadic blog to an effective, professional blog that supports a major website, Ina Steiner has become an expert on key aspects of successful blogging. Here are some of the most important lessons from Steiner:
A specific focus or mission is necessary to sustain a blog.
Be mindful that people in your industry may be using your blog to help make business decisions.
Before you post, think about how a typical buyer will view what you have to say, and its potential effects on buying decisions.
For online merchants, blogs can be a way to increase your visibility with potential buyers. You can use your blog to showcase your product or industry expertise so shoppers will feel comfortable buying from you.
Wait until after your blog is established to promote it.
RSS feeds can be more efficient in delivering content than e-mail newsletters.
If you have a website in addition to your blog, cross-promote whenever possible. Consider ways that you can keep those who don’t use RSS feeds advised on blog postings.
Although it’s impossible to read everything, keeping up with competitors’
blogs is a necessary part of business blogging.