THE SCIENCE OF BLOGGINGFDOM

01.23.14

Every Student Should Have a Blog• Here are a few reasons why:

• Learn how to use a content management system• Build an audience for your writing• Cultivate a community• Practice writing skills

A Few Points About Blogs• Blogs continue the conversation

• Collaboration• Sharing of knowledge• Help• Community

• Blogs are not magic• They take time• They take commitment • They take determination

Three Characteristics of a Blog

•Blogs are frequently updated and presented in reverse-chronological order

•Blogs have a headline and body. They can also include links, photos and other media

•Blogs allow for comments

Keystone Moment in Blogging History

Blogs Have Come a Long Way

• You no longer need extensive knowledge of HTML or coding to have a blog (but it helps)

• Blogging platforms are known as content management systems, or CMSs

Game Plan to Creating a Blog• Step 1: Determine Your Topic

• What are you passionate about?

• Step 2: Establish Goals• Why are you doing this?• What do you hope to get out of it?

• Step 3: Create a Basic Plan• Name, description, mission

• Step 4: Choose a Platform• We use WordPress in class• Free to host on its server• You can pay for domain, customize CSS

Find Your Audience• This isn’t easy!• Think of the reader first

• Be concise, don’t BS, organize your ideas, write clearly and edit

• Make posts scannable• Use bullet points, subheads, bold

Become a Better Blogger• Write good headlines• Have a good attitude (no one likes Mr. Negative)• Post photos and videos• Participate in the community

• Read other blogs, link back to them, leave comments

• Post often

• Be passionate

Gary V’s Tips For Bloggers

1. Identify your passion

2. Brainstorm a bunch of blog topics

3. Answer this question: Can I talk about this better than anyone else?

4. Name your personal brand

5. Chose your medium

6. Start a WordPress or Tumblr account

7. Post content

8. Take part in the community

9. Use Twitter search to find people talking about your passion

Gary V’s Tips For Bloggers

10. Use blogsearch.google.com to find other blogs

11. Find Facebook fan pages related to your topic

12. Repeat Steps 7-11 over and over and over

13. Do them again

14. Do them one more time

Do You Read Blogs?• Which ones? Why? Or why not?