Creating a blog for your direct sales company? Do's and Don't

This week's challenge may have a few of you stumped. Here are some guidelines to help you get started.

UNLESS your company gives you permission (or doesn't prohibit it), do not use any trademarked names in your blog web address, title, etc. many extablished companies (like Pampered Chef, The Body Shop at Home, PartyLite, Lia Sophia, etc) have very strictrules about "internet advertising" or "national advertising". Usually this includes using any of their trademarked names or words without permission.

That means you can't call your site "PamperedChefCooking.blogspot.com" or "LiaSophiaRocks.bogspot.com"

You could use "cookingchef.blogspot.com" or "pamperedcooking.blogspot.com" or something like that.

But if you do that, realize that you'll be stuck with that name even if you change companies.

Think you'll never change companies? So did the reps at Sarah Coventry.

I've had great success using a phrase related to my industry: BeautyRemarks.blogspot.com

You'll notice that I don't blatantly promote my affiliation with any company, I offer advice and helpful articles, and redirect readers to sign up for my newsletter - which is where I include all that juicy information.

That way, I'm not getting in trouble with my company, and I can still generate leads in my sleep.

It may seem like an extra step, but it protects you.

On the other hand, if your company is all for lettig you promote online, GO for it. When you can use your company brand name in your posts, it help you appear higher and more frequently in the search rankings when people are looking for your products by name.
Just realize that if you ever switch companies, you'll be stuck with an old blog that will be difficult to keep updated and you may have to start over with a new blog.
Questions? feedback? this is the place to put it!