Blogging for Fame and Fortune

In doing research for a technology client of mine I discovered that with corporate blogs marketers seem to get blogging for “fame” but not blogging for “fortune.”

My research suggested that people who read corporate blogs tend to skew toward first-time visitors (think prospects.)  Prospects start a search looking to enhance their subject matter knowledge or solve a problem.  Relevant blog content that seems likely to fit their request goes to the top of the organic search list. Those prospects then have a reason to contact the content provider and perhaps continue on to become a customer. 

And people, in general, like blog data – they think it is more honest, educational and not as hard-sell as corporate websites can be.  So it turns out, as in most things marketing-related, relevant content that provides a tangible value is the most important aspect for corporate blogs to contribute to business success.

Fun for Foodies

I love brands that create great concepts and deliver on them in their stores to the smallest detail. One of these brands is Fresh Market. They started in 1982 with a new idea about grocery shopping.  I am sure they have fine-tuned their concept over the years but the two stores that opened in my market are fantastic.  It is the only time I have ever really been happy shopping for food.  A friend in the design industry said the stores are too dramatic for her.  But, nothing can be too dramatic for me.  They provide a really pleasant (without trying too hard) experience. Adding to my admiration is the fact they carry the original Patsy’s sauce from Patsy’s in New York rumored to be Frank Sinatra’s favorite Italian restaurant.  Of course it is $8 a jar but well worth it.  My only disappointment is the web-site. It looks nothing like the store.  If anybody from Fresh Market reads this – please call me.