Devoted to small businesses and those who run them

Late in 2007, I brought you news of the Blog Pepper Contest. Know More Media and Tornado Solutions offered one lucky blogger 30 days of free blog consulting.

I've just caught up on the news that a winner has been announced. Congratulations to Susan at The Kitchen Designer.

I'm not sure if the blog coaching process has started yet, but I can say that Susan has a pretty impressive blog.

Here are 5 things I think small business owners thinking about starting or ramping up their business blog could learn from Susan.

1. Regular updating

2. Images to die for... appealing to the senses when you are marketing your skills, knowledge and designer's eye is a savvy thing to do. The blog layout and design is clean and professional too, and in keeping with the topic.

3.  Building on topical events. A visit to a Martha Stewart event and a Super Bowl Sunday post are the type of thing that keep this business blog current, topical and interesting.

4. Susan injects her own personality into the blog with lots of natural storytelling and anecdotes to engage the reader, and to help us get to know her. It's all about connecting with your readers. 

5. Susan's knowledge and passion for kitchen design shines through in her detail and care with posts, and the useful information she provides.

I could go on. I wish Susan all the best with her business blog. I'm sure it will go from strength to strength. She is in good hands with her blog coaching with the Tornado Solutions and Know More Media Blog Pepper team.