Blogs have come a long way from online diaries. What once was perceived as ramblings from a few anonymous people is now a necessary tool for any online business.

The term “blog” is short for “web log” and didn’t join the popular lexicon until “bloggers” debunked a Dan Rather/60 Minutes story on President Bush’s National Guard Service. Bloggers found many holes and impossibilities in the story, and within hours the internet and the national media was a buzz. These pseduo-journalists in their pajamas (as Dan Rather begrudgingly referred to them) had destroyed Rather’s story and with it his credibility. Within days, RatherGate had led to firings at CBS, an apology by Dan Rather himself, and eventually his retirement. This moment in history propelled the “blogosphere” to national prominence and solidified blogging as a tool for political activists, prospective journalists, and businesses alike.

Now it seems like everyone has a blog, and there is good reason for that. From Hollywood celebrities to news personalities and captains of industry; anyone who is anyone has a blog or online journal. Far from “Dear Diary” musings, blogs are a tool where otherwise unheard voices can be expressed, experts can be discovered, and businesses can expand their markets. Those who have a targeted focus and blog consistently find that they often build an audience of regulars and develop a reputation online. With these regular readers and increased visibility comes increased traffic to your website and the ability to increase sales.

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