Web 2.0 and Social MediaBusiness in a Connected World

Chapter 2b

© McHaney and Sachs 2016

Blogging for Business

DecisionPrimary decision for businesses: whether to host their blog(s) internally or to use hosting services.

Blog Environment

Hosting Options Include cloud services or setting up own internal server.

System ConfigurationOrganization needs computing hardware and software in-house.

Internal Hosting

Advantages Provides a business with flexibility and

freedom. Ensures organization possesses data and

information associated with Web site. More easily integrated with business Web

site. Allows organization to develop internal

expertise with the blog administration.

Disadvantages For small businesses, upkeep might

represent a challenge. Requires internal technical expertise and

software/hardware platform.

Internal Hosting Software Examples

Internal Hosting Software Examples (Continued)

Relies on Cloud ServicesUses third-party Web sites.

External Hosting

Cost ConsiderationsGood for startup businesses attempting to control initial costs.

Technology ConsiderationsGood for small businesses with limited IT infrastructure.

Individual BloggersThey often take this approach.

SoftwareUpgrades done by vendor or with minimal effort.

External Hosting (Continued)

Customer SupportSupport lines and customer service usually available.

SEOBlog may be automatically submitted to search engines.

CostsHosted blogs can be placed on free Web sites or on sites that cost a fee.

Con: Business data resides on another organization’s hosting platform

External Hosting Software Examples

External Hosting Software Examples (Continued)

External Hosting Software Examples (Continued)

General Hosting Solutions

Other Hosting Options

A general hosting company can offer instant blogging installations for a low cost

These companies often bundle domain name registration into a package together with a set of blog development tools and support for a set yearly fee.

Other Hosting Solution Examples

Businesses WordPress is blog platform of choice for many businesses.

Professional Blogging with WordPress

HistoryFirst released in 2003 by Matt Mullenweg. Grown from simple Web site enhancement code to powerful content management system.

UsageDownloaded over 100 million times. Believed to power 25% of top 1 million Web sites worldwide.

Content ManagementWordPress most popular content management system on the Web.

Leading Blog Software: WordPress

WordPress is True Web 2.0

Free, open source platform based on PHP and MySQL. Large community develops enhancements, fixes bugs, and contributes ideas for

new releases. Offers easy-to-use themes and templates that provide solutions for less

technical users and framework for technical users to create custom ones. Unique template system and plug-in architecture.

WordPress Open Source Philosophy

WordPress Advantages and Features

WordPress Advantages and Features (Continued)

Summary

Blogs are a class of applications among the first to become associated with transition from static Web pages to social media and Web 2.0.

Blogs have transitioned from online journals and bulletin board systems to interactive venues for facilitating communication and messages.

Businesses use these powerful tools to create a community of customers, potential clients, and employees.

Blogging is a standard practice in nearly all Fortune 500 firms as well as in many small and medium sized businesses.

Contact: Roger McHaney, Kansas State University, mchaney@ksu.edu