by Mack Collier

Whenever I speak to small businesses that are considering launching
their own blog, there are always a few people that want to know which
blogs I think they should be reading to stay up to date on the
ever-changing world of social media.  If you are just getting started
exploring blogs, here are some of my favorite ones that should help you
quickly get up to speed on blogging and social media.

Here’s my list of must-reads, and if you click on the person’s name, that will take you to their Twitter account.  If you are on Twitter, you should be following these people there as well as reading their blog. 

Social Media Strategy:

Chris Brogan’s Blog - Chris’ blog does a great job of not only showing you how to use social media sites and tools, but also explains how you can create a social media strategy, and incorporate the use of these tools into that strategy.

Social Media Explorer - Jason Falls and Kat French help you navigate the social media space with all the latest news and trends.  This blog becomes much more valuable after you have gotten your feet wet with these tools.

Shannon Paul’s Very Official Blog - I like Shannon’s blog because it’s written through the eyes of the social media user, and as such, can give you great insights into how your customers will view your blog, and what they are looking for.   

Social Media Measurement:

KD Paine’s PR Measurement blog - KD is the true social media measurement ‘guru’, and she’s one of the leading experts for measuring the ROI on not only social media efforts, but marketing and PR as well.

Kami Huyse’s Communication Overtones blog - Kami’s blog focuses on pr and marketing communication efforts, but she also has wonderful insights into social media.  Check out this social media case study involving Sea World San Antonio.

General Blogging Help:

Darren Rowse’s Pro Blogger - Written for bloggers that want to make money from their blogging, this blog still is a treasure chest of tips and tricks to make you a better blogger.

Brian Clark’s CopyBlogger - Also great for blogging tips, with a focus on writing compelling copy.

Business Blogging Strategy:

Toby Bloomberg’s Diva Marketing blog - Toby’s blog offers invaluable advice and case studies of small businesses and companies that are using blogs and social media in their communication efforts.  She also does a wonderful job of profiling successful bloggers.

Business and Blogging - General blogging advice, but slanted toward the business that’s using blogging as a way to connect with its customers.

Mike Sansone’s Converstations blog - Absolutely perfect for anyone that needs Blogging 101 help.  Mike does a very job of walking you through the very basics of blogging, down to a dictionary of blogging and social media terms.

These ten blogs will give you a great introduction to blogging and social media.  My advice is to not only start reading these blogs and following them on Twitter, but start interacting with them as well.  Read their blogs and leave a comment.  Ask a question if you see something you don’t understand.  Or if you are on Twitter, talk to them there about the posts they write, or share their posts with your Twitter followers.  The key is, don’t just watch this space, participate!  That’s the best way to learn, by not only listening, but by asking as well.  That’s the wonderful thing about the blogging and social media community, so many people will go out of their way to help you, if you’ll just give them the chance! 

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