This is the fourth article in our periodic series Alumni ABCs. The goal of the series is to offer food for thought and suggestions on ways you can maximize exposure for your award-winning product, service, or resource.

In my role as Director of New Media, I’m often asked “do I need a blog?” or its cousin “what do I do with a blog?” The short answers are “yes” and “whatever you want.”

A blog adds an interactive dimension to your marketing and promotional efforts.  It is wonderful way to engage your fans in conversation.

• If you’re writing a new book, you can keep them up to date with your project … and they can encourage you to keep going when writer’s block strikes.
• If you’re passionate about a particular cause or product, it is a forum to speak your mind.
• If you just want to create a photo gallery, you can do that too.

A blog can be whatever you want it to be … but it HAS TO HAVE A PURPOSE. There are plenty of free platforms, but before you pick one, you need to think about what you want it to do.

Several months ago, a friend introduced me to the A-List Blogger Club. It is an incredible resource for blogging, whether you’re still deciding what to do, whether you want to remodel (like I did), or how to monetize your blog. I use it for ideas and discussion routinely.

In today’s mail, I got an announcement of a new Blogging Bootcamp called “Skyrocket Your Subscriber Count.”The Bootcamp runs from July 16 to August 6 and they will accept registration until midnight July 15th (Eastern US).

Even if you’re not sure about the bootcamp, do check out the site. There are free resources and downloads available to help you continue to build your brand.