Many businesses find blogging a valuable tool for communicating with employees, customers, and the larger public. Knowing how to craft effective blog posts will equip you to reach a large audience and develop strong communities within and outside your company.

For what purposes do companies use blogs? Check all that apply.

a. Collaborative meetings

b. Public relations

c. Market research

Read the scenario, and answer the following questions.

You work for a sporting goods retailer, and you’re trying to find ways to increase customers’ interest in cycling products. You decide to write a blog post explaining the health benefits of cycling.

Which is the best opening for your blog post?

a. Sales have been down in our cycling department, which is unfortunate because cycling has many health benefits. If you equip yourself with the right gear at our stores, you could begin a new healthy, adventure.

b. Cycling improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, burns calories, and increases your immunity.

c. Does getting back in shape seem like an impossible task? Have you given up your New Year’s resolution to drop pounds and gain stamina and strength? What if I told you getting healthy is as easy as riding a bike?

d. Cycling is good for you for many reasons. The following list explains the health benefits of cycling.

When readers post comments on your blog, which guidelines should you follow when you respond? Check all that apply.

a. Respectfully respond to comments with which you disagree.

b. Respond only to positive comments.

c. Wait at least a week before responding to a comment.

d. Don’t ramble.

e. Proofread your responses before posting them.