Ive spent months answering questions from marketers about blogs and blogging and how they fit into the marketing mix. Still, 99% dont understand the power of blogging.

What most marketers dont seem to grasp is the people element". People have wants and needs and a desire to fill them. People want to belong to something bigger - a group, an organization. They want to be recognized and respected by their peers, noticed by leaders in their group and looked up to by their followers. Social. Community. Acceptance. Fellowship. Trust.

Key Marketing Concept: Fill peoples wants and needs. Help them feel a sense of belonging, a sense of trust and they will spend their money.

In other words, build a rapport with people. People. Not Traffic, not Visitors, not Prospects People.

Dont just post articles on your blogs, post messages". Forget salesletters on your blog, post reviews". If you want to include an affiliate link in a post, say so.

How do YOU feel about the product or service youre blogging about? Are you passionate or confident, based on personal experience, that a product is all or more than its cracked up to be? Whats your real opinion on the product? Have any ideas or tips on how that product can be of even more use to your followers?

Blog about it, honestly, passionately. And for heaven sakes enable your blogs commenting feature so you can discuss your views with your community. Thats where the real power of blogs is - the personal interaction.