blogging basics

Blogging Basics

Briana Tomkinsontenthtothefraser.ca

About me

Focus

Introduction to bloggingBlog planning workshopHow to launch a blogHow to grow your audience using Twitter and FacebookOvercoming common roadblocksFinding your niche in the media ecosystem

What is a blog?

A blog is a personal diary. A daily pulpit. A collaborative space. A political soapbox. A breaking-news outlet. A collection of links. Your own private thoughts. Memos to the world.

Your blog is whatever you want it to be. There are millions of them, in all shapes and sizes, and there are no real rules.

In simple terms, a blog is a web site, where you write stuff on an ongoing basis. New stuff shows up at the top, so your visitors can read what's new. Then they comment on it or link to it or email you. Or not.

- Blogger.com

Why blog?

You have something to sayMeet people who share your interestsLearn something new, and chronicle your progress People want to know what you're up toEstablish yourself (or your business) as an expert or thought leader

Source: Hinchcliffe.org

Who blogs?

ambitious and achievement-orientedinterested in communityreader-orientedvisualself-reflectiveinterested in learning'a bit obsessed'playfuldesire to be focused and effective

- Vancouver psychotherapist Isabella Morihttp://www.inspirationbit.com/the-psychological-profile-of-a-blogger/

Blog genres & examples

Hyperlocal: http://www.tenthtothefraser.ca/Personal: http://www.arbolog.com/Political: http://burnabypolitics.blogspot.com/Gossip: http://www.laineygossip.com/Technology: http://mashable.com/Personal Finance: http://www.thesimpledollar.com/Humour: http://failblog.org/Photography: http://www.durhamtownship.com/Video log (vlog): Ask A Wheelchair Girl - http://www.youtube.com/user/josiejoseAdvocacy: http://desmogblog.com/Business: http://blog.builddirect.com/

.... and more

Workshop: Plan your blog

Why do you want to blog? What could you write about? Who would you like to read your blog?Brainstorm your first 10 posts

Put your audience first

Who is your audience?What are their goals? How can you help them?What do they get from the relationship?

Find your voice

Give yourself timeAllow room to evolveWrite as though you're talking to a friendRevisePractice

Launch

Name your blogCheck domain availability (doteasy.com)

Choose a free, hosted blog to startWordpress.comBlogger.comTumblr.com

Create an account, and follow the instructionsStart writing

Extras

Choose a themeAdd links to other blogsAdd widgetsBuy a domain nameCustomize your templateAdd web analytics

Google and/or Sitemeter

Grow your audience

Comment and guest post on other blogsUse built-in tagging and categorizationAdd 'subscribe by email' option (i.e. Feedblitz)Network at offline events (Tweetups, related events, etc.)

Boost your blog with Twitter

Create a related Twitter account with URLUse Twitterfeed to update Twitter automatically when you have new blog postsSearch for related keywords & follow people who use them'Tweet' on topic

Publicize your blog via Facebook

Import blog feed in 'Notes' Update your status to announce blog launchIf blogging about a niche subject, create a FB page

Track your progress

Web analyticsUnique visitors, # pageviews, referring links

Technorati rankingGoogle PageRankIncoming links (via Google Blog Search)Frequency of commentsNumber of RSS/email subscribersOffline feedback

Monetizing your blog

Involves serious effortBest if primary motivation is not moneyRequires dedication, focus, passion, and compelling unique contentGoogle AdWords are easiest, but selling your own ads is more lucrative

More: http://www.problogger.net/

Overcoming writer’s block

Create an editorial plan Keep an idea fileSolicit guest postsAsk and/or answer questionsAdd your thoughts to what someone else has saidCompile a listAggregate a 'best of the web' or a 'link roundup'Collaborate Ask your readers what they'd like you to write about

Legal pitfalls

Libel and slanderAvoid name-callingRemember that all are innocent until proven guiltyBe careful in how you word criticism

CopyrightSeek out creative commons imagesExcerpt text, don't copy & paste the whole thingAlways credit sources

* Note: I'm no lawyer - contact one if you need advice!

Finding time

Integrate blogging with usual activitiesSchedule time

Write or dictate notes during your commuteBlog during lunch breaks, if your work allowsSet aside time first thing in the morning or after dinner

Blog about your passions

‘People’ problems

Be courteousAllow disagreementRespect boundariesDon’t feed the trollsStand by your words

Finding your niche within the media ecosystem

Befriend other bloggers and mediaAdd value to the conversationReveal opinions and perspectives that are missed in mainstream coverageGeek out – go deep

Conclusion

Blog about your passionsFocus your efforts by creating a planBlogging is as much about connecting with others as expressing yourselfLearn as you go - it may take a few tries before you settle on an idea and find your voiceWhen in doubt – Google!

That’s it!

Thanks for listeningYou can find me:

tenthtothefraser.catwitter.com/10thtothefraserbriana.tomkinson@gmail.com