Lincoln Sign Company, Small Business Blog
Businesses of all types are using blogs in a number of ways. One of the best-known small business bloggers is J.D. Iles, owner of Lincoln Sign Company. J.D. maintains a blog separate from his company website and uses it as a way to promote his business, generate good will with his customers, and as a means for readers to get to know him and his family.
When asked why he started blogging J.D. said, "I wanted something that I could update whenever I wanted with little effort and present fresh information to my customers on a regular basis.
"It occurred to me, if I had a way to show a customer a daily progression of jobs and events through our shop, a customer could get a good, overall view of what we do on a daily basis. In effect, they could get a 'shop tour' whenever and wherever they were, and see us at our best and brightest."
J.D. testifies to the fact the blog has generated new business for Lincoln Sign, and serves as a creative outlet as well.
J. D. uses a lot of photos on his blog, mostly of the signs he's creating. In fact, he shows the sign in progress as it's being made. Not only does this create exceptional PR value for his customer, it is a great marketing technique. It shows the handiwork, detail, and artisanship that goes into the making of each sign.
Occasionally, J.D. will show pictures of his shop, other employees, even his family. He allows us to see "behind the scenes" and get to know the man himself. We get a view into his world and the things that make him tick.
I've always said that people don't like to do business with businesses. They like to do business with people, preferably people they know well. Through J.D.'s blog I get to know him. I can tell you this, if ever I need a custom-made sign to hang as a shingle for my business, I'm calling Lincoln Sign!
