In my previous post, I discussed tips for developing an internal blog. Now I will explain why an internal blog should be used and the benefits it brings to companies.
A private, internal blog could be a company’s solution to improve communication within their organization.
Internal blogs make it possible for a team to collect and share advice and ideas. Different departments can sometimes find it hard to collaborate, and an internal blog could be the solution. Blogs can also have information available at any time and keep it private, only allowing access with a log-in password. This solution is inexpensive and can be set up very easily.
In the video below, Catherine Cummings, Assistant Vice President at the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank, shared her experience and success with creating an internal blog for her company.
Cummings’ bank needed improved internal communication. An internal blog was created that allowed anonymous bloggers to leave anonymous comments. This decision was made to create “buzz,” because most companies do not allow participants to remain anonymous. The goal of the blog was to have employees check it regularly for news and updates. The blog was loosely regulated and moderated, which I think was a good idea to show how confident the company was in its employees.
Cummings offered advice for other companies who are interested in creating an anonymous blog. She was very adventurous and said to “just do it.” She thought it was better to “beg for forgiveness rather than ask for permission.” Cummings has gained credibility through this internal blog, and the communication team’s credibility has also increased.
Some corporations do not like to hear the word “blog.” A common misunderstanding is that internal blogs take a lot of time to set up and are complicated to develop. Andrea Albl, Director of Web Services at Modern Machine Shop, shared her tips on how to develop an internal blog.
I thought her first tip, to “develop a blog plan,” was very important. It is hard to create an effective blog if you are unsure of its purpose. I think it is important that companies make a plan before they start blogging. They should decide what direction they want the blog to go before they make the first post. If the blog is for a business or organization, it is important to decide who the primary writer should be. This way, the blog will have the same tone throughout and will be easy to follow.
Tip number four, “relax and write,” is imperative to follow for an effective blog. I agreed with Albl’s advice that it is important for a blog to flow like a conversation. I like to read blogs that do not sound like news releases. When it is casual and relaxed, the blog will attract readers because it will be enjoyable to read. This writing style also invites conversation and dialogue. No one wants to read a blog laid out like a corporate meeting.
I was very happy that one of Albl’s tips was to “keep it real.” I think this was the best advice that she gave. Through researching how to create an effective blog, I discovered that almost every source gave the tip to be honest when blogging. Erin Byrne gave this advice in her article from PRWeek. Being honest gains the audience’s trust, attracts followers, and creates transparency.
If Albl’s six tips are followed, an internal blog will be a quick and easy way to communicate with a group. (Don’t forget about the many free software options!)
