“Our Pick” Business Blogging

“Sleek and shapely wins the style race,” begins USA Today’s review of the the new Banana Republic sheath dress collection by designer Roland Mouret. Always intrigued by fashion, preferring simpler silhouettes, I was intrigued by this article from a blog content writer’s viewpoint as well as from that of a would-be wardrobe connoisseur. Here’s why”

Reporter Andrea Mandell begins with testimonials – Mouret’s dresses are being worn by the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, and Halle Berry – but goes on to assure readers that the Banana Republic versions are wallet-friendly.

“When buying products, consumers are influenced by references,” choosing products that appear to have a “higher status”, explains Professor Nienke Vlutters of the University of Twnte. In blogging for business, don’t forget to tell them “who else is doing it”!

Next, the designer himself is interviewed. He talks about his own favorite from the collection: the one-shoulder color-black dress, inspired by the one seen on Jennifer Chastain.

Customers want to buy from or work with the person who has the reputation, credibility, and knowledge of an expert, and that’s exactly the result we professional blog writers are aiming for on behalf of our business owner and professional practitioner clients.

What really gives the USA Today fashion piece its “pow!, in my opinion, is the section “Our Pick”. “We love his emphasis on sleek details such as this subtly patterned Sloan leopard panel pencil skirt…”, says Mandell.

The real blogging value gets added, I’ve always maintained, when content writers add “spin” to the information presented, basing the comments on the  business owner’s or practitioner’s own business wisdom and expertise. In other words, don’t just serve up information – add “your pick”.  Readers want to relate to you when you have knowledge AND an opinion to offer.

Interviews in a blog? Yes. Testimonials? Yes. But then, share your picks!