Blog School - What People Say

10a_2 "Using a blend of research, marketing and branding nous, James Cherkoff offers the corporate world a thorough grounding in how to capitalise on blogs and online communities. He brings an energetic, and often evangelistic, fervour to this task."  Marc Brenner, Editor, Research Magazine

"James Cherkoff ran a series of excellent workshops which helped agency personnel and clients get a much better understanding of the opportunities presented by the web today.  The sessions were lively, thoughtful and provocative, and were laid out in a clear and intelligent way. I'd recommend them highly." Jason Cobbold, Director, BBH, London

Blog School - The Benefits

People have always enjoyed sharing their passions, voicing their problems and socialising with like minded groups.  We used to chat over the garden fence, complain with letters to the editor and join local clubs.  Today, increasingly, we turn to blogs, video-sharing and other networked media when we feel the need to connect.  Success3_3_2

The ability for a company to connect in this world is increasingly valuable in the following areas:

1) Speak To Your Audience - Direct, ongoing contact with key customers, prospects, influencers and stakeholders.

2) Market Insights - Blogs allow you to listen to real people discussing your brands and marketplace.

3) Credibility & Trust - When handled correctly blogs create brand trust and relevancy.

4) High Visibility & SEO - Better 'natural' performance in search engines.

5) Easily Measured - Traffic, visitor activity and feedback can be measured easily.

6) Easily Integrated - Blogs can be easily incorporated to support existing web, PR and marketing activity.

Blog School - Writing For The Web

Writing for the web is different from other media for a very simple reason: people can answer back.  This creates great benefits, such as the ability to start dialogue - but also some pitfalls.  This 'live' quality to writing a blog requires a particular approach which can be a very powerful way to communicate and engage an audience.  However, we know that a blank blog page be a daunting prospect.  So, to help people engage and get going, wCommunity2_2e break the subject down into four areas:

1) Concept - What is the blog for?  There's no shortage of blogs out on the web so it's important that you know what the blog is for - before you start.  Identifying this focus from the outset will be of particular use as the blog develops.

2) Environment - Blogs are simple tools for engaging in online conversation.  And there's plenty of conversation to be found.  Before you begin, it's vital to identify relevant forums and conversations.  Not only to understand  what is being said, but by who and why.

3) Content - Having established what the blog is for and the environment it will be 'living' in, the next step is to create a plan of content for at least a six month period.  This doesn't need to be set in stone or overly detailed.  However, it is helpful to think about the main subject areas and strands you will focus on.  If only so others can understand what you are trying to do and become involved.

4) Platform & Tools - There are so many different blogging and social media tools available that the choice can be overwhelming.  However, choosing the right main three or four tools for you is the key.  At Blog School we will run through the many options and look at examples of how they are used effectively - and not so effectively - by other companies.

Blog School - Who Delivers The Courses?

Jc2James Cherkoff is editor of the blog Modern Marketing, one of the best regarded marketing blogs in Europe.  He has also written about blogs and blogging for the FT, BBC, Independent, Observer, Ad Age, Research Magazine, Media Week, Reuters, WebProNews, changethis.com, Business Week  and the Guardian.

James speaks at conferences and events around Europe and the US, including MIT MediaLab, Reboot, PICNIC, NESTA, Danish Institute of Technology, Durham Business School, Chinwag, IRS, NMK and MRS.  You can here him here talking on BBC Radio 4.

When not running  Blog School James Cherkoff operates at Collaborate Marketing.  The consultancy helps companies in Europe and the US operate in networked media environments.  In 2007, James was named as a Thought-Leader in Research Magazine's '50 To Watch'.

James lives in Hackney, London with his partner and daughter.  When he isn't knee deep in blog-world he is likely to be found watching and discussing Arsenal FC, cooking spicy food, drinking Rioja, running around Hackney Marshes, reading horrific crime novels or playing peek-a-boo.

Blog School - What Happens On The Day?

Idea Every Blog School is slightly different, depending upon the particular requirements of the organisation.

The sessions are always designed to be lively and interactive in nature, with a good mixture of discussion and practical exercises.

After the session attendees will understand what writing for the web requires and why it is different from other media.  They will be able to articulate their goals and immediately begin to put what they have learnt into action.

Blog School can be run on client sites or on premises that we organise and run on your behalf.

Blog School - How Much Does It Cost?

PostingFull day on site workshop: £2,500 - £4,750 depending upon requirements and participant numbers.

We can define a final fixed price in a proposal to you, following an initial discussion. 

This price will include preparation, delivery and follow-up.

Additional costs include any premises and catering if required.

Blog School - How Can I Find Out More?

Question2 If you would like to discuss any aspect of Blog School or have a question then email us here.  Alternatively you can call 0208 985 6108 or 07779 269 531.  We are always happy to have a chat on the phone or over a cup or coffee.  Look forward to hearing from you.