Setting up a blog is one of the easiest, cheapest and most effective ways to promote your business and expand your customer base.

However, just setting the blog up will not be enough to get the dramatic results and profits that everyone ultimately wants.

Here are 3 ways you can use your blog to build and promote your business:

Keep People Informed

Particularly in today’s economy, if you don’t correspond, people will assume you’re gone.

Make sure everyone knows you’re around and ready to leap into action whenever they need you by posting updates, tips and even sales information on your blog.

Develop Rapport

People are more likely to work with people they feel an affinity for. However, you probably don’t have time to develop a meaningful friendship with every potential client.

However, corresponding via a blog – especially if you allow user comments and occasionally respond to them – develops a feeling of trust between you and your readers.

When it’s time for them to find someone to work with in your business arena, you will already be a trusted name for them.