What do Rafting and Blogging Have in Common?
Posted Friday, August 8, 2008 by Ali Sales
A lot if you're an employee at Compendium Blogware. A few weeks ago we took the entire company on a whitewater rafting trip to Pennsylvania. The event was planned by our very own Kaila Woodside, who was a whitewater rafting guide for several years in Ohiopyle. Not only is she a fantastic part of our sales organization, Kaila can steer you through a drop the size of Niagra Falls.

Okay, maybe it wasn't that bad, but as someone who's never rafted below, that's just about what it felt like for me.

What did the company get out of our whitewater rafting event? Of course we got team building, bonding, and all sorts of great stories (and pictures), but we also got a lot of great blogging content. And that content helps visitors that show up at our business blogs understand that yes, we are a company that provides blogging software, but we're also an organization full of smart, fun, and hard working individuals who aren't afraid to roll up our sleeves, dig in, and kick some butt.

A big part of any company blogging program -- regardless what industry you're in -- is showing your human side. That's why I'll leave you with this great picture of me and my raft mates on the Yougheny River!


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Compendium Welcomes the Eugene Chamber of Commerce
Posted Friday, August 8, 2008 by Kristen Hanschu
Compendium Blogware is happy to announce that our newest client, Eugene Chamber of Commerce, is blogging.  Not only are the blogging, but they are already seeing results!  In just one month of posting content they have seen all but one of their keywords ranking in Google. 

How have they accomplished this in such a short time?  The answer is, and will always be, content.  The way to get better rankings in the search engines is by adding updated and relevant content on a regular business.

Blogging for SEO is a growing business trend that companies are continuing to see the benefit of.  Our blogging platform is easy to use and makes blogging fun.  The Client Success Team at Compendium will help you get your blogs off the ground and provide you with continuing support for the life of your blog.  We are here for questions, consulting, and getting your company the results that you are trying to achieve.  What other blog software can say that? Well, none to be exact. 

If you would like to view Eugene Chamber's Blog click here.  Leave them a comment while you are at it!
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Google ramping up YouTube ads
Posted Thursday, August 7, 2008 by Eric Romer

I came across an blog post from Saul Hansell in the New York Times' Bits blog that highlights what most of us regular YouTube users have noticed lately: an increase in ad-supported videos.

The author points out that the ads are more reminiscent of "the gaudiness of MySpace than the sterility of Google," and describes how the Kings of Search are trying to get a return on their $1.65 billion investment when they purchased YouTube last year. 


Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of behavioral targeting when done properly, and not intrusively like Facebook's Beacon nightmare.  For example, the image above has a text ad in the top right corner for Obama's book, which is probably relevant to a person watching a video about the man.  But, like Saul said, it's a little harder to justify "enhancing user experience" with a Nissan ad that pops up on the bottom.

As online video grows (which it will), I'm sure this model will be tweaked and improved.  However, right now, it's very much a "shouting" method of marketing.  The first time an ad has no relevance to me, I stop paying attention.  This only needs to happen once or twice (Myspace is a prime example), and then I tune out.

For businesses trying to reach their target audience, corporate blogging software allows you to create very relevant, personal content for those in the market to buy.  The best "behavioral targeting" is to deliver highly relevant, recent information to those seeking it.  As the digital shift continues, every organization will have a company blog in the next 3-5 years.
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Startup Weekend - Indianapolis Sept 12-14
Posted Tuesday, August 5, 2008 by Eric Romer


Through an interaction with a potential client today, I was introduced to an intriguing event: Startup Weekend.  The basic premise is a group of highly motivated developers, marketers, entrepreneurs, and business-minded people gather for a weekend to pump out ideas for companies and projects - and they actually develop them from start to finish.  Wow. 

This immediately made me think about the 48 Hour Film Project which was recently in Indianapolis.  I've had a couple of friends who've participated in the past years, and I always thought, "what a cool concept!"  You have a set period of time to start from scratch, and end up with a finished film project.  Well, now there's something similar for those with entrepreneurial minds (by the way, I just spelled entrepreneurial without the red-underlined AutoCorrect feature popping up - I was very proud of that)

So, this is event is coming to Indianapolis September 12-14, and I'm planning to participate.  It's been an incredible experience transitioning from a global corporation with thousands of employees to working for a small startup software company of 25 people.  And I love it.  The startup atmosphere is contagious, and our blogging software company in Indianapolis is no exception.  Being on the front lines of an ever-evolving and rapidly growing company is like nothing I've experienced before.

I encourage you to check out the event if you have an interest in this type of thing.  If it sounds boring, check out GiggleSeed, one of the companies born from Startup Weekend Columbus.
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Boating... and business blogs
Posted Monday, August 4, 2008 by Eric Romer
I had a great weekend at a friend's lake house, which consisted mostly of relaxing, boating and eating.  However, I managed to sneak in some talk about business blogging as well. 

One of my biggest struggles with being on the cutting edge of a new blog software is how to break it down to layman's terms.  In any form of communication, you have to speak the language of your audience.  If I'm talking to a business that is well-versed in SEO and Paid Search Advertising, my discussion will be more granular and technical.  However, some people don't want to know how the engine works, they just want the car to run.

Our host for the weekend, Harry, was intrigued by Compendium's solutions for business, but needed a quick explanation.  OK... so what's the best way for me to describe what we do, cocktail in hand on the boat, so it's relevant to Harry?  I got it... his hip replacement surgery next week.

Me: So, before your surgery, did you do any research?
Harry: Well, yeah, of course.
Me: Did you use a search engine?
Harry: Like Google?  Yeah, I'm pretty sure I did.
Me: Well, what we do is provide software to businesses, and in this case it would be a doctor/surgeon/health care provider, to tell relevant stories about hip surgery and recovery.  So, when you, the potential patient, goes to do research, you find a human being giving you up-to-date, relevant information.  It looks similar to a website, but with more of a conversational, personal communication.
Harry: Sounds like it makes sense...
Eric: (pulls out iphone) Here, let me show you...

Then I went on to do a Google search of a Compendium client.  If you want to hear how this process works from one of our clients, Tampa Bay Convention & Visitor's Association, click HERE to sign up for the Webinar Thursday, Aug. 14th.

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Using Corporte Blogs to Disclose Information to Investors
Posted Friday, August 1, 2008 by Megan Glover
The SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) announced this week that corporate websites and other forms of online media such as blogs will be a permissible vehicle to disclose information for investors.

Here's a good article that gets to the heart of the ruling.

So why is this so important for enterprise blogging solutions, like Compendium? Couple reasons:

1. Need - the need for corporations to have blog software is only going to increase.

2. Legitimacy - occasionally we'll get the question, "is blogging a fad?" We know the         answer is "no" but now we have the federal government promoting blogging for             business as a "recognized channel for distribution."

And, for businesses - gosh what better time to embrace a blogging strategy, and save up a little cash that would otherwise go to releases! So now among other things business can blog to:
  • disclose information
  • get found in organic search
  • humanize their marketing
  • and, blog to acquire new business.
There couldn't be a more profitable and deserving time for businesses to start blogging.
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Video and Business Blogging: Fun and Profitable
Posted Thursday, July 31, 2008 by Chris Baggott
Big Corporatations try and make things so complicated.   I always say that innovation starts at the bottom...the so called Minor Leagues.   Think sports marketing, everything cool in sports marketing (bat night, concerts, fireworks...even frisbee dogs) started in Minor League Baseball.

This is especially true in business blogging.   With the advent of Affordable blogging software, some of our best bloggers turn out to be coming not from the ivory towers of the fortune 500, but from the SMB's.   Forget Jonathan Schwartz or Robert Scoble...

Root Beer Float Recipe from Business Blogger Lizan Brand of Greenfield LiquorsIf you want to emulate great Blogging Best Practices, pay attention to Lizan Brand.

Lizan is focused on Blogging for Search. She highlights high value and unusual products using all the best SEO tactics including the right keywords, geo targeting and blended search favorites like video.  Why?

So when someone is looking for a specific product or a drink recipe in Greenfield or any of the surrounding communities like the big city of Indianapolis, she's the number one choice.

As a result, she has been featured in the  Indianapolis paper which is over 20 miles from her store. This week she was featured in DMNews (trust me, she doesn't consider herself a direct marketer) and the things that she blogs about, she is now buying by the case.  This is the best thing about Business Blogging, telling a great story about things that move your business forward.  

Sure Greenfield Liquors sells 6 packs of cold Miller Lite, but her profits come from high end wine and Liquor.   Blogging on these topics rings the cash register.

Watch this video and see if you don't end up thirsting for a Root Beer Cocktail :-)
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Why We Should Host Your Blog
Posted Wednesday, July 30, 2008 by Kristen Hanschu
In an article from Duct Tape Marketing, by John Jantsch, he talks about the benefits of hosting a blog on your own server.  This is a feature that Compendium Blogware provides for you.  There are many benefits to NOT hosting your own software. 
  1. You do not have to learn how to apply the upgrades to your existing software.
  2. We walk you through any questions that you might have so you fully understand the functionality of your software.
  3. Any problems that you experience with "free" blogs, you are expected to fix.  We take the guessing game out of it by fixing the issues for you.
  4. Our company is open for suggestions that you have for product requests.  Therefore, you get to use a software that you are comfortable with. 
Our blog hosting software is always changing and improving to fit the needs of our clients.  If you are considering utilizing an organizational blogging platform look no further than Compendium.
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Obsession...
Posted Wednesday, July 30, 2008 by Sarah Sedberry
Alright, I admit it.  I have completely given into to the iPhone craze (although, I still retain some pride as I did not stand in line for 5 hours to get the phone on the first day, I waited until day 2).

iPhoneThis is my first Apple product so I am certainly no apple-head, but I can now understand the passion expressed by Apple users.  However, this conversion of loyalty is not caused by what you would think. As Jon Fortt over at Fortune Magazine mentions in his article:

"The iPhone’s magic isn’t in the features – not the 2-megapixel camera, or the Safari web browser, or even the music and video capabilities. It’s in Apple’s knack for making all those features easier to locate and use."  Not only is Apple making it easier for consumers to use, they are also reshaping the wireless game by making a move "from phone sales to software development".  

The iPhone's impact on business is monumental as well.  There are endless choices out there for the professional looking to be mobile; but with the iPhone's ease of use, larger screen, quicker web access and user-friendly internet tools make it an easy choice for me.  Having access to the internet no matter where you (as long as you have a signal) without having to carry around a clunkly laptop/computer bag will only breed more and more users surfing the web.  

The next time I'm standing in line, have a lay over in the airport, or waiting on my friends for a get together - guess what I'll be doing - that's right, checking in on all of my clients blog posts (ha ha). 

In all seriousness though, with the focus on technology, it is important that a business get their name out there and be searchable.  Corporate blogs are a perfect answer to this, as search engines love the fresh, relevant, and frequent content that blogs create.  Our blogging platform keeps the process simple, as well as, delivers powerful results (like the iPhone).  Not to mention, we also partner with our clients, and provide day to day support, and are available to answer any questions that may arise.

Millions of searches are run every day, and we here at Compendium Blogware want to help ensure that it's your company that is showing up in those searches, for your targeted consumer.  With our easy to use software, active support and customer service, your corporate blog will see success and perhaps you'll become "obsessed" as well...
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Does the Thought of Corporate Blogging Make Your Head Explode?
Posted Wednesday, July 30, 2008 by Ali Sales
You're not alone. This article, 25 Tips for Marketing Your Blog, made me think of how daunting business blogging can be for any kind of organization.

There are some good tips in this article, don't get me wrong.

It's just a lot to think about, and you're a busy person, right? I am a big fan of using subject matter experts (SMEs) as much as possible. I don't want to be an accounting pro or a legal pro -- I want to have a basic understanding and then pay and rely on people around me to help.

Okay, so you know where I'm heading with this:

  • Wouldn't it be great if you could do the same thing with a corporate blogging program?
  • Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a blogging partner who can worry about all the details so that you can focus on writing content for your company blogs?
  • Oh, and wouldn't it be great to use a blogging solution that lets you log in, type your content, and then the blogging software itself structures that content in a way that helps you get found in the search engines?
Well, stop the head explosion and accept that you don't have to know all the answers in order to get started. You just have to find the right partner, and by default, the right blogging tool.
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Compendium clients are seeing success!
Posted Tuesday, July 29, 2008 by Lindsey Young
We've started something pretty cool here at Compendium.  Our Client Success team has started sending out emails to the rest of us sharing statistics, and major successes of our clients.  I have found this pretty helpful when talking to potential clients, especially trying to drive home the point that early adopters will prevail using our software.  The sooner you start, the sooner your organization is going to see increased search engine traffic, engaged readers, and eventually more business! 


I'm always amazed at how potential clients that are coming to us know they need to be blogging, they just don't know why.  That's always my favorite part of our conversation when I get to inform them, and see the light bulb go off!  I'd like to share an exerpt from NetSquared.org: 

"Did you know that over 57 million Americans read blogs? U.S. blog readers average 23 hours online each week! An average of 64% of Canadians visited blogs in 2007. And 10% of online consumers in the U.K. read blogs at least once a month.”

For the complete article go here.  Like our CEO Chris Baggott always says, "we're changing the world!".

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25 Ways to Market Your Blog
Posted Wednesday, July 23, 2008 by Kristen Hanschu
We focus on a wide variety of marketing tactics surrounding our blog writing software. In a recent article by Lee Oden, he goes on to discuss each one of his secrets to blogging for search engine optimization. I do have to disagree with his second point where he names his favorite blogging platforms.  This is probably due to the fact that this author is not familiar with our better blogging software.

One of the major differences between Compendium and our "competitors" is that we walk you through each one of these 25 marketing initiatives.  Where as, the other blogging tools allow you to set up a blog and then leave you to figure it out on your own, we hold your hand through the entire process.  Our client success team is trained to get your blog off the ground and have you ranking on keywords as soon as you possibly can. 

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Blogging for Search: Text Book Example
Posted Wednesday, July 23, 2008 by Megan Glover
At Compendium Blogware, we drink the kool-aid. We blog to get found in organic search and our compending software helps us maximize the keywords we're targeting in search.Instant Chat

So -it's always fun to share some real-life examples of blogging success! We had a prospect (now potential client) find us through our blogs yesterday. Here's how it happened:

1. Prospect was looking for blogging software.
2. Prospects googled "Blogging Solution"
3. The Compendium Blog "Blogging Solution" appeared as the #1 search result.
4. Prospect browsed the blog to affirm the information was on point.
5. Prospect clicked on the Live Chat Call-to-Action, which triggered me!
6. Prospect and I chatted she was interested in a demo.
7. Prospect was forwarded on to Business Development
8. Prospect is now a Sales Ready Opportunity - and might close within the month!

Does this pattern of events sound familiar?

Personally, when I'm searching for something, my search starts and ends in the organic section of a search engine. That's why, as a marketer, it's your job to get found in organic search and blogging is a tool that will help you do so.

And, with the right calls- to- action on your blogs you will convert blog visitors into potential customers. In our case, a simple Live Chat feature appealed to this particular prospect. View it here.

Do you have Blogging ROI stories to share? If so, Compendium wants to know about them. Please send blogging ROI results to: megan@compendiumblogware.com.

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Two ears, one mouth
Posted Tuesday, July 22, 2008 by Eric Romer
Seth Godin has a great blog.. despite my disagreeing with his "Limits of Meta" post from last week.  He's published various books on marketing, and has an amazing knack for simplifying concepts.

His recent post titled "Are they ready to listen?" talks about the concept that most marketers forget:"is my audience ready to listen to what I'm telling them?"

I really like this concept, and totally agree that it's vital to a business's communication with potential customers. 

This can be related to all facets of life.  For example, I went to a concert on a Sunday night in Indianapolis recently.  The bands were all talented, and the promoter worked hard to flyer the city and get the word out.  But, people don't want to go out on a Sunday night... regardless of how good the act is.

The same thing applies to business, as Seth points out: "The tragic mistake of demographics and media planning is that they overlook the single most important issue: is the person you're talking to ready to listen?"

Guess what??  The web has changed marketing. Search engines give you (a company) the power to LISTEN, instead of shout at prospects with traditional forms of media... hoping they are ready to hear you.  Business blogs allow you to be found easier in Google, engage readers with relevant, conversational content, and convert them.  Simple as that.

Easy blogging software allows this process to happen with little effort.  Start creating content today, and spread those two ears out over the internet.  Now, you can sit back and listen... When people WANT you to talk to them, you'll be there. 

To see this in action, Google "blogging solution", and see what the top 1 or 2 result (out of 11 million) is in the organic results.
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Managing Time AND Blogging
Posted Tuesday, July 22, 2008 by Jenni Edwards
messy deskLately, I have been serious about getting better time management and organizational practices  in place as lately I seem to have been a day late and a dollar short too many times --- and mostly, at my own fault.  Although, the picture isn't actually my desk --- it sometimes feels as if I am not too far off of this mess!

Being a start-up at Compendium it's been too common for me to get distracted with big picture conversations (i.e. - How business blogging will change the face on online marketing?) and personnel/procedure changes have also contribute to some time wasted.  I am working on focusing on the day to day things that I need to do to introduce more prospects to Compendium and grow our client base --- and with some help from some new Salesforce reports and dashboards, have been trying to do just that.

So in saying this --- I also am trying to get more organized about blogging itself.  It seems as if lately I either have so many topics to blog about or nothing at all and that steady stream of content that blogging for SEO needs is lost out on -- thankfully, there are many of my colleagues within Compendium that are stepping up their blogging game and luckily, with our unique software which allows for all of our content to compend into keyword driven blogs; my organization and time management woes don't impact our overall blogging success as much as if I was the lone blogger. 

Here are some of the ideas I am hoping to use to organize my own personal blog entries and would love other suggestions that you all might use!
  • Writing down blog ideas in the same place (whiteboard, notebook) rather than a million different places.
  • Not writing for perfection the first go around...rather go back and editing the post 30 minutes later with a clear view.
  • Sticking to my set aside 1/2 hour to blog on Tuesdays and Thursdays (and hopefully being inspired enough to get an additional  post in over the weekend).
  • Looking at my blog and other Compendium employee blogs before blogging --- What are some good ideas?  Did I just talk about this?  Is this relevant to the reader?
Hope this is relevant to you --- blogging isn't hard, but just as in everything in life; being organized makes it even easier! 
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Should You Allow Comments on Blogs
Posted Friday, July 18, 2008 by Kristen Hanschu
Individuals and organizations who are using some of our competitors (and for sake of being respectful, I will not name names) are running into problems with people commenting on their blogs.  A reader will leave a negative remark and the accused has no way of monitoring or deleting the comment. In fact, there have been some lawsuits over unlawful statements and comments that are made on blogs and websites. 

In a recent article by Wendy Davis, Roommates.com was sued for civil rights violations.  With this said, our prospective clients are usually nervous when it comes to the commenting portion of our business blogging software.

Our blogging platform allows the individual or company to view all comments before they go live.  Compendium's advanced system give them the power to approve and decline all comments that people leave. Therefore, nothing will be shown on your blog site that you did not approve.  To view what our comment section looks like, you can view my blog.  Additionally, our comment section requires that the reader fill out a captcha which does not allow for people to spam your site.

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Spell Checking for your Web Browser
Posted Friday, July 18, 2008 by PJ Hinton
One edge that word processor programs traditionally have had over web browser based editors is spell checking.  Many web-based content creation applications, including our own blog authoring software, now include a spell checking feature.
 
Built-in support for spell checking has been slow to make its way into browsers.  Since version 2, Firefox has supported in-line spell checking (those squiggly red underlines you see under suspected misspellings).  Internet Explorer 7 doesn't have this feature at all.

Still, that's no excuse to avoid using a browser based editor, because there are easy tweaks that you can employ on both browsers to give you an experience comparable to that of modern word processors.  Over at CNet's website, Dennis O'Reilly has a recently published blog post that spills the details.

That's just one more reason to add to the list for not using a word processor as your blog posting software.

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How Do You Get Ranked in Google?
Posted Wednesday, July 16, 2008 by Kristen Hanschu
As part of the Client Success team at Compendium, it is my duty to ensure that our clients are seeing results from their blogs.  We mainly look to Google when it comes to keyword rankings.  Google currently holds almost 70% of the search engine market.  This is why we strive to get our clients keywords ranking on the first page in Google, and many of them do. 

The real question is:  How do I get ranked?  In an article by Amit Singhal, he explains how this happens. There are 3 main ways to get your company found in Google. 

1) Best locally relevant results served globally.
2) Keep it simple.
3) No manual intervention.

We focus on the first two very heavily.  This is done by writing constant and relevant content.  Many people think that "the look" of the blog will bring you traffic.  Quite the contrary, updating your content is the only way to do so.  We provide the blog creation software that gives you the ability to do so.
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If you don't blog, how do you tell stories?
Posted Monday, July 14, 2008 by Chris Baggott
Seth Godin has a quote at the beginning of "All Marketers are Liars".  

"Either you are going to tell stories that spread, or you will become irrelevant."

Websites are for facts and figures.....blogs are for stories.  Every company has stories that come up every day.  Customer interactions, product innovations, problems solved.  An employee based blogging strategy empowers your people to tell these stories!  it's a business blogging best practice.  

Compendium Blogware is a perfect example.  As a blogging software company in Indianapolis we empower all of our employees to participate in our blog strategy....they blog, the software organizes the content around keywords and topics.

Not only do we drive a ton of organic traffic, we get to tell a lot of compelling stories.

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Great Ideas For Blog Writing - Thanks Chris Brogan
Posted Monday, July 14, 2008 by Jenni Edwards
I like Chris Brogan, I generally just think he seems like a nice guy and has a good blog; so I read it pretty regularly.  This is a side note, but I think one thing that might be left off of this post that I was inspired by today was just that "be a nice guy".   Compliment others, let others know when you find something cool or neat, share your knowledge, admit your faults in your blog...all just simply part of being nice.  You may not get a lot of people reading your corporate blog regularly like Chris does, but when people do find your blog through search they will like you, stick around, read more and ultimately 'convert' --- all based on them 'liking you'.

Anyways, what Chris did share is a comprehensive list of blog tips.  Below are a few favorites that apply to many of us business bloggers from the various compiled articles:
  • Don't over think it.  (It's a blog not a dissertation.)
  • Comment on other great blogs.
  • Mix it up.
  • Above all else, be human.
And my major rebuttle to all of this is "Platforms Aren't That Important"...really Chris?  Would you send out your e-newslettters from your personal account instead of an email service provider?  I think it is important that businesses at least consider a business blogging platform that is built with both their administrative needs and goals around organic search in mind, but as you said Chris --- to fully disclose all of your affiliaitions --- I do work for a blogging software company.


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