Fitness Industry Solutions

January 2, 2007
Author: Tom Perkins - Business Development Coach and Certified Personal Trainer

According to blog website Technorati, there are over 55 million blogs. That is a lot of people that have something to say, and more and more people are reading them too. According to 2005 estimates, some 30 percent of the 55 million internet users are blog readers. While many individuals have embraced the power of the blog, many businesses have hesitated to jump in to the blogging game because they do not see the advantages. There are however several to note.

Spreads the Word. Blogging has become a quick way to get the word out about a new product or service. Those who read about it will quickly pass it along in emails to others who will pass it along, and so forth and so forth. Before you know it, hundreds, if not thousands of people will have heard of your new product or service. Blogging is definitely a fast and cost-effective way to get the word out.

Builds Awareness. Since blogging typically allows readers to comment and leave feedback on what they read, it serves as a great way to build a relationship with you through questions and answers. When consumers are more aware of your services or products, and your willingness to discuss it, they feel more comfortable in giving you a try.

Defines and Positions. Do you want to be viewed as a leader, innovative, cutting edge, or a guru? Blogs can be used to support, define and/or position you and your business not only within your industry but among your clients.

Expands Your Reach. Most blogs have a syndication feature built into them (RSS Feed). This feature makes it easy for you to put your content out for others to include on their websites. When they include your information on their site, it usually provides a click thru to yours so people can read your blog in its entirety. That ultimately means an increase in traffic to your website and that’s a good thing.

Keeps it Fresh. Do you have a great website? Does the content change frequently? Most people do not have the time or the expertise to continually update their websites with fresh information. Unfortunately, that means that once people have visited your site, what’s to keep them coming back for more? A blog allows you to update your website with new and interesting information on a daily basis. Not only does this bring your customers back to check it out, but it also increases the chances of the search engines pick up your site. That is a lot more affordable than paying for search engine ads.

Those who use blogs as part of their marketing plans have discovered that blogs bring in more visitors to their website and that a higher percentage of those who visit a blog, if motivated by what they read, will actually buy from that company. So, if you have something to say and have a few minutes in a day, blog away!

With a degree in Accounting, certified as a personal trainer, and primary function as a business development coach; Tom Perkins works with personal training departments, fitness professionals, management of health clubs, as well as fitness product and sports nutrition companies in the areas of sales, marketing, and promotion; operations and administration, and staffing and human resource management. With 6 startups in 17 years under his belt and over 20 years of working with the fitness industry Tom leads companies to profitability through Fitness Industry Solutions www.fitnessindustrysolutions.com.