Interesting developments are emerging in Logoworks, a  division of HP. Beginning today, Logoworks by HP is introducing several new affordable and versatile blog design offerings to help businesses ride the Web 2.0 wave and start building customer interactivity and perhaps, even online communities. Along with free downloadable templates Logoworks is also offering custom blog design packages.   Businesses can now communicate directly with customers in a more open yet still highly, professionally branded forum that adds a personal touch to any commercial website regardless of the business’ size (did I say free?).

As HP's top blogger I know a little about the infrastructure required to keep a blog up and running. Actually, the writing part is the easiest part of the blog. The two more complicated pieces are researching what to write about (that takes time) and the mechanics of posting and presenting a blog (online) on the web. The Logoworks announcement address the second of the two issues by providing you professionally developed blog templates which will enhance the presentation of your website to readers.

Developed by award-winning designers, the templates run the gamut from fun and whimsical to contemporary and elegantly simple. With such a wide variety of styles, we think you will undoubtedly find a template to suit your personality or business.

It is no wonder blogs are gaining momentum in business. It is an effective way to have direct dialog to keep your customers informed, but also as a way to solicit feedback and establish a two way conversation with customers. There is nothing quite like getting direct "in your face" customer feedback on your products. For example as an HP blogger, I have answered a lot of questions about printing using Microsoft's Vista OS.

According to a recent survey by Forrester (“Top Enterprise Web 2.0 Predictions For 2008”, Jan. 25, 2008), 24% of companies have considered implementing Web 2.0 initiatives as a priority in 2008 – and 27% of companies are specifically considering creating blogs.

Finally, there are two other things the people at Logoworks are doing which are also pretty cool. First, they have updated the Logomaker design tool for a dramatically improved logo design experience. Logomaker 2.0, which will be available the week of May 12, delivers an enhanced design experience with a new and improved user interface and updated design choices for the DIY small business owner. This enhanced functionality allows small businesses to create a free logo for their website in mere minutes.

Second as an added benefit, Logoworks by HP is also hosting a free webinar about business-related blogging on Wednesday, May 7. Chris Baggott, small business expert and successful business blogger and founder of Compendium Blogware, will share his insights about blogging for business purposes. The session will touch on a variety of issues from the basics such as what a business blog is (and can do for businesses) to how to setup and maintain a successful blog. Register here for the free Logoworks by HP Blogging Webinar on Wednesday, May 7.

For more in-depth information about blogs in general, I suggest you look here. 

Happy Blogging!