One of the easiest ways to start generating traffic is blogging. They are a very important tool in online marketing, so if you dont yet have one, this article should help you to understand why they are so powerful.

Originally short for web log, it can be used for whatever you want. A newsletter, a personal diary or a soapbox for your interests or opinions.

You will also build your credibility and personal brand by using blogging, as well as increasing your traffic.

Blogging will be a great help in developing relationships with people interested in online marketing and what you do.

Search engine placement is another advantage of using blogs. You do need to include relevant keywords for this to work but is easy to do.

Blogging is a great way to keep in touch with your prospects. People like to see new and updated content when they are looking into an opportunity or business.

If your prospects can relate to you, by viewing your updated blog content, they will be more likely to want to do business with you, when the time is right for them to purchase.

If you are concerned about how much blogging will cost your online marketing budget, then do not worry! There are free methods available such as Blogger.com.

I would also advise you to include links to your about me page (bio page) as a minimum within your blog.

This again helps with building trust and openness as your visitors will see exactly who you are and what you stand for.

Use caution when using Wordpress.com. I have second-hand experience of these accounts being shut down when used as a promotional site for online marketing through my involvement with the Turn-Key Marketing Group.

Hosting your own blog can be a little complicated to the new starter, so I wont discuss that in this article. Start with a free blogging service and then decide whether you want to host your own as your experience in online marketing increases.

One final note on blogging.

Dont forget that your content must contain value. You want to educate and inform people about what you know about, not pitch them a sale. Introduce your visitor to specific benefits of your business and develop the relationships you have with your visitors. That is how to use blogging within your online marketing strategy.

Ed Hodgson is a successful online marketing coach who shows others the proven strategies that he regularly uses for his own internet business. Blogging is a core method that he uses to educate people and advise them on generating a substantial income online.