Almost half of small businesses say they would use a blog to persuade more people to visit their website - but only 3% of those quizzed are planning to do anything about it.

The findings come from Blogging for Business, a report put together by web hosting company Fasthosts.

So what can a blog do for you? The main benefits include the following:

• Create interactivity with your customers.
• Help you build relationships.
• Encourage you to update your website regularly.
• Encourage people to visit your website regularly.

Fasthosts' Andrew Michael said:

"In today’s hyper-competitive market, blogs provide a fantastic way for small businesses to differentiate themselves through personalising their website and attracting more customers.

"The corporate blogs of large companies are bound by corporate guidelines and gate keepers, so for small businesses there is far greater opportunity for interesting comment and genuine dialogue with customers."