Blogging 101
So you’ve had a look around on KMB and want to be a blogger? Or you’ve started a blog but aren’t quite sure what to do next? Angela Noelle from Striking Keys kindly shares with us 7 steps to get started…
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1. Choose
- …a platform (some of the major freebie players include WordPress, Blogger, tumblr, Live Journal, and MySpace) – weigh up things such as which provider your friends are using, which blogs you like the look of, and what kind of features are important to you; and
- …a blog name (this will serve as all or part of your web address and become your blog’s identity – you can change this later, so don’t fret too much).
2. Create
- …a profile (your way of introducing yourself to readers);
- …your “look” for the blog (by trying on in-built templates or installing one from another site online);
- …your first post (even if it’s just a test post with meaningless text that you’ll delete before you show anyone your spot on the web – you need that first post to see how things are going to look);
- …a header/banner maybe (just typing your title/blog name in is okay, but you may want to stylise things a bit more); and
- …a “blog email“ possibly (if you want to keep your alerts and replies related to your blog separate from your personal email…maybe without your surname);
3. Tweak
- …your page elements (now that you’ve posted something, you can see your layout in action and make cosmetic and layout changes to your posts’ style and sidebar widgets – add, remove or edit);
4. Streamline
- …your blog settings (explore the default settings and make changes that suit you, your preferences and lifestyle – Do you want to receive comments via email instead of checking back for them? Will your blog be public or private? Do you want to subscribe your mum/aunt via email? Make your blog work for you instead of you working like mad to manage your blog).
5. Participate
- …by commenting when you visit others’ blogs (you’ll come to know how valuable these are);
- …by acknowledging when readers comment on your blog (with replies or return visits, when possible); and
- …by joining a community that matches your blog and tastes…or four (like Kiwi Mummy Blogs)!
6. Post, Post, Post
- It doesn’t have to be every day, but the precedent has to be repeated to constitute a blog.
7. Publicise
- You’re posting on the web for a reason, right? Otherwise you’d just be keeping a diary. If you want certain people to check your space out, be sure to point them in the right direction! Publicity can be simple; such as a link on Facebook, an email announcing you’ve joined the blogging ranks, or word of mouth.
If you have any questions regarding blogging, we are happy to help – email us here.
