Should I Blog If I Don’t Like to Write?

If you’re interested in the ways that blogging software or a blogsite can help your marketing, but you don’t like to write or aren’t a strong writer, there are options for you.

Before you make a final decision, consider that many bloggers find the act of writing blog posts becomes much easier over time, as they get into the rhythm, find their voice, and start getting responses from their audiences. While you may be an unhappy blogger if you truly dislike writing, you don’t have to completely love writing to use a blog as a business marketing strategy.

Podcasts. Podcasts are audio broadcasts that are converted to a file type that can be accessed from the Internet. Podcasts can be “streamed” (listened to) from a computer connected to the Internet, downloaded for later listening, and added to a portable music player for listening on the go.

Many podcasts are free, just like most blogs, and getting new podcasts works much like receiving notification of new blog posts (more on this later). For instance, I use iTunes, a free downloadable software program for PCs and Macs. I can visit the iTunes store online, browse the hundreds of available podcasts by category, and click a button to subscribe. Whenever I open iTunes in the future, the software automatically checks to see if that subscription has any new Podcasts; if so, they’re downloaded automatically. If I connect my portable audio player, iTunes automatically also places the new podcasts there as well. I store them up for listening on my morning run or during long car, train and plane travels.

If you’re more comfortable and more effective talking than writing, then podcasting may be a realistic option. You’ll need to create an audio broadcast, which can be done with a computer-connected mic or via free and low-cost teleconferencing services that allow you to call in and record, then save your digital audio file. You may find it helpful to have an audio editing program, which are available at reasonable cost and even free (though some podcasters don’t edit…they simply broadcast whatever got recorded). And you’ll need a place for your Podcasts to reside on the Internet. There are services that make this a cinch and you can also make your Podcasts available from your website or blogsite.

Mediators who podcast to reach their target market can include content similar to that in any good business blog. For instance, you could:

• Record your opening statement so that potential mediation clients get a fuller understanding of what might happen at the table.
• Have someone interview you about what happens in the mediation room, including myths and realities.
• Interview a member of your target audience who has made successful use of mediation.
• Record your answers to questions about ADR, mediation, etc. that are commonly asked you by members of your target audience.

Vlogs. Also called vBlogs and video blogs, vlogs are essentially blogs with video clips instead of, or as a supplement to, print. As more computer users have access to broadband services (as opposed to dial-up accounts), streaming video is gaining popularity.

You’ll need a bit more technology to produce a vlog than a blog, though it’s not complicated tech and some of it is now bundled with software already on your computer when you purchase. You’ll need a way to make a video clip—a computer, a camcorder that records digitally, or a digital camera capable of recording moving as well as still pictures. You’ll need some editing software, which is now bundled automatically with many new computers, including both Macs and PCs. And You’ll need a place for your videos to reside on the Internet, preferably on your own site or connected seamlessly with your own site, since you want your vlog to be associated with you, not the service that’s streaming it for viewers.

Much like blogging and podcasting, content for vlogs should focus on video your target audience would appreciate and find useful. Depending on your audience, you might included items such as:

• A short clip of your mediation room or offices, to show people what a mediation meeting room looks like.
• A clip of you answering common reader/viewer questions.
• A clip of your opening statement.
• A welcome video for anyone new to your site.
• Interviews with people relevant to your target audience.

Vlogs and podcasts are a real opportunity to create personal connection with visitors to your site because there’s no substitute for the sound of your voice or the ability of a visitor to literally look you in the eye in your video.

[Note: The final print version of this blook will offer links to information on each of the above. I’m still researching the sites I most want to include and recommend.]

All Three. The times they are a-changin’. Fast. There’s no rule that says you have to be a blogger or a podcaster or a vlogger. As the latter two forms get simpler to create, there’s good argument to be made for doing some of each. A multi-pronged approach allows you to reach portions of your target audience who prefer to consume information by reading, or by listening, or by watching.

Human Editors. If blogging in the traditional sense is of more interest than podcasting or vlogging, another option is to find an editor to polish your writing. I’m aware of bloggers who trade their services with a good writer in order to make this option affordable or no-cost.

Copyright 2006 by Tammy Lenski. All rights reserved.