This week eMarketer published a study about the most compelling corporate blogs. Followed directly by iMediaConnection running a headline article titled "5 agency blogs you should be reading" by Michael Estrin. It seems that though many online marketers have "moved on" from blogging to bigger and better social internet outlets, these two media giants still think blogging deserves our consideration.

Blogging is the foundation to any online effort. It gives a personal touch to an impersonal sale pitch (your website). It creates an opportunity for interaction that is available to the public  in most any format (including your ebook reader). Estrin describes a corporate blog as a chance "to testdrive a company's... persona". In a previous post, I describe your blog as "getting coffee" with your reader.

Let's quickly discuss 3 reasons you should have a blog:

1. Optimization: New, expanded text and keywords will never hurt your website.
2. Introduction: Think of your blog as a handshake with potential clients. This is your chance to show a little of your best before they do business with you.
3. Foundation: A blog is a place you can build from. Social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook should always connect back to good solid content that shows your expertise.

Its fun to post, and tweet and check-i , but a blog should never be forgotten as part of your online marketing. Its also the best place to start a more engaging online effort. Hands down: It is still the best way to truly connect with your target audience!

I am very excited to share my first podcast. Hopefully, this will become a regular show and I plan to call it: Word of Net.

I recently did an interview with Doyle Slayton of www.salesblogcast.com. If you have not read his fantastic blog you should. He has a very successful start-up blog and we discussed how he used social networking to gain readers, what to blog about and the response from different generations to blogging. If you are even considering blogging for your business, you should give it a listen.

The other blog I mention is by Problogger and and the article is about relationships with other bloggers.

Listen to the podcast here

Or download directly:

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3