Comments on: Do Business Blogs Need Help Pages?

By: Kermit

Kermit — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 21:42:37 +0000

Lorelle -

I am having one of those “Duh!” moments. This obviously makes sense. I have a couple fo blogs to do some work on…

Thanks!

Kermit

By: Gradin.com

Gradin.com — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 17:48:53 +0000

Internet, Spread your Wings and Fly

I used to be one of those elitist programmers that sought out the most obscure uses of the DOM or unknown HTML tags. Hell, I used to only use VBScript, and throw out angry comparisons of my pure VBScript solution to a JavaScript one.
…

By: Digigirl

Digigirl — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:16:33 +0000

I’ll agree that many sites are way too busy, with way too many links. But I also think that at least a basic Help page is a good thing. My site is very new and pretty self-explanatory, but I’ve provided a Help section with info on how to contact me, how to suggest books for review, etc. I think having a Help page - no matter how basic - contributes to the personalization of a blog or website, helping the user to remember that there’s a real person on the other end.

By: mpty

mpty — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 09:33:43 +0000

I think that some help is appropiate, but too many things to click on, however loved by Google and Co. are diverting your visitor from the actual content.

Having said that, I must admit I will do one too when my I am done theming my weblog. Question is, as to which topics you cover in the help pages. I intend do explain just what a weblog is, how people can register, why they should register, and how to use RSS. My place is going to be a portfolio slash keep up with me slash agenda kind of place, it leaves one to ask themselve what functionality is needed.

I think weblogs should be simple, as simple as possible. And that corporate or business pages should be just what they are, appealing yet to the point.

In this day and age I think one of the things for businesses’ online presentation, is that is does not have a zillion links, like a lot of weblogs (I stash too I admit it).

By: Olaf Gradin

Olaf Gradin — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 04:21:56 +0000

I maintained a “Help” page on my personal blog for a long while. It was a practice in earnest to fight the good fight. I tested browser compatibility and noted errors with specific browsers. It helped me…never my audience. I think I gave up after reading “Don’t Make Me Think.” Ultimately, that is really the mindset and the answer. If I have to provide a help page, perhaps I’m doing something wrong. Perhaps I’m not making that personal connection with people because I’m ostracizing them through some personal elitism. I remember when DHTML was really cool and working with the DOM in unique, arcane methods was more a resemblance to the occult than anything Web 2.0 represents today. We’ve all grown up on this stuff. Internet adolescence is over and it’s time to get a real job; move out of your parent’s basement (no offense to you 30-somethings living in your parent’s basement). So I don’t have a “Help” page anymore. I try to offer help in more constructive ways - ways that a “Help” page can only make excuses for. Besides - who actually takes the time to read a manual, let alone my blog manual?

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 23:57:30 +0000

Lorelle, I think this is a fantastic idea. True, not every business needs to do this. It’s really a question of context, but I can think of quite a few businesses where this would be about as important to the success of a company blog, as the blog itself.

@remotecontrolceo, I can see your point regarding FAQ pages. Maybe you could elaborate on what you mean by “a bit more personality”? Again, to me, it’s all contextual. The problem with FAQ pages isn’t impersonality per say, it’s that most people don’t realize they have questions. And if you don’t think you got one, you won’t go to the FAQs.

On that point, that is precisely why this is such a good idea. Most people don’t know they have questions about blogs and/or blogging.

P.S. Nice “what do you think?” to close off your post. Tsk tsk.

By: Miriam Schwab

Miriam Schwab — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 18:56:21 +0000

I’ve been thinking about doing this for a while. However, my business blog on its own has been so effective at bringing in business I actually just don’t have the time to get around to it!

By: freshspot

freshspot — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 11:23:04 +0000

Several things that I think are very important and often overlooked before the help pages are even started:

1. A great “About” page with details on who is writing the blog and why, affilations, links, contact information, how to pitch information and stuff like that.

2. A “best of” or “go here first” place with the “greatest hits” posts. The reverse chronological aspect opg blogs means that the most recent post is at the top. But we need to point first time visitors to what’s best.

Cheers,

David Meerman Scott

By: remotecontrolceo

remotecontrolceo — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 03:00:30 +0000

@Ross, good for you. The interesting next step might be to ask the readers for feedback on what they would like to have seen on your page.

@Joanna, I have been thinking that we bloggers could get more creative and in the process really improve the readers experience.

@Micahel, I ignore FAQ pages because they seem so impersonal, they all seem the same, and are boring. They present just the facts whereas I am thinking adding a bit more personality and thought would improve the experience and help them too.

By: Michael Martine

Michael Martine — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 15:13:32 +0000

I think for something like a blog, a FAQ often serves several purposes, help being one.

Side Rant:
If the business blog has marketing people like MLO describes involved in it, it’s hopeless and ruined. Blogs lay down the new rules of marketing — they don’t follow the old rules, and anyone who doesn’t know the difference is in for a world of frustration.