blogging basics
DESCRIPTION
Presented at the New Westminster Public Library on March 24, 2009TRANSCRIPT
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!
