CATCHING THE BLOG BUZZ

TORONTO, CA – Marketing is nothing new, and these days, neither is blogging. But the combination of the two is proving to be a powerful force that is taking the Internet by storm.

Entrepreneurship expert Evan Carmichael has just released his list of the Top 50 Marketing Blogs to Watch in 2008. A mix of industry heavyweights and fresh up-and-comers, all of the bloggers are changing the way the blogosphere is doing business.

There are the names you might know, like John Jantsch, whose Duct Tape Marketing Blog has grown to become one of the most popular online destinations for practical small business marketing tips. How can you use eBay as a marketing tool? What can the iPod teach you about marketing? Jantsch has the answers.

But then there are the bloggers who are not so well known, “yet,” says Carmichael. “Marketers are like anyone else, turning to blogs to increase their own credibility. And some of them are doing one heck of a good job.”

The Top 50 Marketing Blogs to Watch in 2008 is divided into ten different categories covering all things marketing. From building a brand, to utilizing technology in marketing, to search engine marketing, Carmichael highlights the Top 50 from across the board.

“These guys aren’t just the occasional bloggers,” he says. “These guys live and breathe their blogs. If they’re not already the best at what they do, it won’t be long.”

From Andy Beard, a blogger who promises to tell you everything he knows about niche marketing, and with “loads of attitude,” to John Moore, who will help you conduct a brand autopsy, Carmichael’s list of bloggers covers all the bases.

“I wanted to bring attention to some of the current and rising stars in the online marketing world,” says Carmichael. “They’re making waves for a reason, and they just might be able to help other entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.”

How did Carmichael decide who made the cut and who didn’t? “It was easy,” he says. “These bloggers are being talked about because they’re getting people talking. They’re well-written, to the point, practical, and sometimes even pretty funny.”

The number of marketing blogs has exploded in recent times, which is both a good and a bad thing, says Carmichael. “It’s great that people are trying to make a name for themselves online and offer resources to others, but it’s dangerous when entrepreneurs start to take serious advice from just anyone.”

That is why he created his list, he says, to point people in the right direction. “I know how valuable time is to entrepreneurs. I wanted to help them save some of that time by gathering all the best marketing advice in one place.”

Best of all, says Carmichael, the sites are free. “These bloggers aren’t asking you to buy a membership or pay any kind of fees. They’re laying out their knowledge for all to read, so why not take advantage?”

To check out the Top 50 Marketing Blogs to Watch in 2008, visit http://www.evancarmichael.com/Tools/Top-50-Marketing-Blogs-To-Watch-In-2008.htm

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Evan Carmichael is available for an interview. Please contact him at evan@evancarmichael.com.

Evan is an entrepreneur and international speaker. Evan's website, http://www.evancarmichael.com/ is the world's #1 website for small business motivation and strategies. With over 240,000 monthly visitors, 1,600 contributing authors, and 35,000 pages of content no website shares more profiles of famous entrepreneurs and inspires more small business owners than EvanCarmichael.com. Evan has been interviewed by newspapers, radio stations, and television stations including The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, Metro, CHUM FM, CityTV, Global TV, OMNI TV, Enterprise, and the Toronto Sun.