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Graco blog is fantastic

March 3rd, 2008 Posted in Blogging/Podcasting

As a (relatively) new parent, the Graco brand certainly has made a footprint in our household. Through a new Twitter friend, I found out about the new(ish) Graco blog. As a corporate blog, this is one of the best I’ve seen yet. That’s pretty impressive considering the role the Graco Legal Department probably played in this launch, and ongoing maintenance!

Here’s a few reasons why Graco is rocking this blog:

Parenting content first, product second
It’s absolutely fantastic that when I read the blog tonight, there was 4 entries before I came to one about the Graco product, and even that lacked any blatant “sales”. Instead focusing on the fact that Graco customers created a mashup to showcase where the new product was appearing in stores locally around the US.  The Graco blogging team clearly understands that they’re here to connect with parents, and what better way than to talk about parenting? Once the connection’s made, who do you think those parents are going to choose?

Put the rules front and center
The main nav, as well as the top of the left sidebar both contain links to the Rules of Engagement. Easy to fine, easy to read, easy to understand. Therefore, it’s hard to ever argue that Graco didn’t respect the users if they have to decline to post comments.

Get the whole team involved
There’s a great  collective voice to the blog that really showcases the team overall, rather than anyone person due to the fact that multiple bloggers are blogging. Instead of just showcasing an individual, you’re really conveying the spirit of the team. And of course, they pass The Bus Test.

Subscribing is easy
Like the Rules of Engagement, “How to Subscribe” is prominently shown in the main navigation and left sidebar. The wording is simple, understandable to even those who are reading a blog, any blog for the first time. Even better, the Subscribe page is very simple and gives clear directions rather than tech terms.

The mission is in the header
Right up at the top, the purpose of the blog is clearly stated. Wonder what a blog from a product manufacturer is all about? They tell you:

So much happens at Graco whether we are developing new resources for parents or being parents ourselves. Stop by often and hear directly from members of the Graco family about our passion for creating a company that relieves worry so you can experience the wonder of each new moment with your child.

Doesn’t reinvent the wheel
They’re using WordPress, and they’re not afraid to admit it. (Check the footer) Kudos to overcoming the silly corporate mindset that permeates too many groups that custom software somehow equates to more “professional”.

Congratulations to the Graco team for navigating what must be difficult political and legal waters to produce yet another great product. Now I’m off to read more about how to parent a child that sounds a whole lot like me at that age. Sorry, Mom & Dad…

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This entry was posted on Monday, March 3rd, 2008 at 8:16 am and is filed under Blogging/Podcasting. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
  • http://www.communityguy.com Jake McKee

    Thanks for stopping by, Lindsay. I should add another point in your favor: You monitor and participate in the discussion! Great work :)

  • http://blog.gracobaby.com Lindsay Lebresco (Graco)

    Thanks Jake- I’m blushing- really. It’s nice to hear that the content is engaging. It’s been a lot of fun for all of us- we’re lucky to work somewhere that we get to talk about our kids as part of our “job.” As you said, it was a bit of an undertaking with legal but they are on board and learning right along with us. We are dipping our toes in the product side of the conversation but I’m much more likely to share a pic of my kid than I am of my fav. car seat (although I often feel like a proud mom for both) Since we make it so easy to subscribe ;) I hope you come back to check in on us! Thanks again.

  • http://blog.gracobaby.com Lindsay Lebresco (Graco)

    Thanks Jake- I’m blushing- really. It’s nice to hear that the content is engaging. It’s been a lot of fun for all of us- we’re lucky to work somewhere that we get to talk about our kids as part of our “job.” As you said, it was a bit of an undertaking with legal but they are on board and learning right along with us. We are dipping our toes in the product side of the conversation but I’m much more likely to share a pic of my kid than I am of my fav. car seat (although I often feel like a proud mom for both) Since we make it so easy to subscribe ;) I hope you come back to check in on us! Thanks again.

  • http://www.communityguy.com Jake McKee

    Thanks for stopping by, Lindsay. I should add another point in your favor: You monitor and participate in the discussion! Great work :)

  • http://www.wordofmouthguru.wordpress.com Lloyd Duggan

    Jake,
    What a refreshing corporate perspective Graco has about blogging! This seems to be a rare case where the corporate marketers were able to trump the legal beagles. The points you highlighted about their blog demonstrates that Graco is one of the few companies that are about creating and maintaining a relationship with their customers rather than just completing a transaction.

    I especially like your observation about their use of WordPress. As a new member of the blogosphere, this “word of mouth’ about WordPress gives me a sense of relief and comfort that I made the right choice. Great post!

  • http://www.wordofmouthguru.wordpress.com Lloyd Duggan

    Jake,
    What a refreshing corporate perspective Graco has about blogging! This seems to be a rare case where the corporate marketers were able to trump the legal beagles. The points you highlighted about their blog demonstrates that Graco is one of the few companies that are about creating and maintaining a relationship with their customers rather than just completing a transaction.

    I especially like your observation about their use of WordPress. As a new member of the blogosphere, this “word of mouth’ about WordPress gives me a sense of relief and comfort that I made the right choice. Great post!

  • http://www.thedrewblog.com/index.php/2008/03/06/baby-your-customers/ Baby Your Customers « The Drew Blog

    [...] is exactly what Graco has done and at least one new parent is singing Graco’s praises on his Community Guy blog: As a (relatively) new parent, the Graco brand certainly has made a footprint in our household. [...]

  • Mike H.

    At first, I thought you meant Graco, the industrial/commercial fluid company. If they had a blog, it probably would have been the first ever in the construction/building materials industry!

  • Mike H.

    At first, I thought you meant Graco, the industrial/commercial fluid company. If they had a blog, it probably would have been the first ever in the construction/building materials industry!

  • http://www.communityguy.com Jake McKee

    Ha ha ha – yeah, Mike WHOLE different kind of Graco :)

  • http://www.communityguy.com Jake McKee

    Ha ha ha – yeah, Mike WHOLE different kind of Graco :)