Starting a blog was not as hard as I thought it would be. I already knew my way around computers so I didn’t have to learn that part. For the technical start up I used a book that led me step-by-step through the process. It made the whole thing fairly simple.
Although I normally object to the “For Dummies” books, I knew I was a dummy in this area. So, I got WordPress For Dummies. There is also Blogger For Dummies. (WordPress and Blogger are the two main hosts for blogs.) The books were available at my library.
There are a couple of things I suggest before you start:
- Know ahead of time what you want to blog about.
I brainstormed on paper about possible subjects for my blog. I wanted to write about the fun of being retired but that can be a wide open subject. So I picked some areas of interest, like books, travel and food, and tried to come up with enough blog post ideas to carry me through several months. Many people focus their blog on just one of those ideas. In other words, I could have started with just a food blog. - Write up some blog posts before you even start the blog.
I wanted to make sure this was something I could sustain for a long time. I had about two dozen posts written before I started. This also helped me know that I liked the discipline of regular writing. It wasn’t just a passing fancy. - Make a list of possible names for your blog.
It’s nice to have a name people will remember easily. Then check to make sure someone else doesn’t already have that name. - Visit lots of other blogs in your blog niche.
See what their blogs look like and what they talk about. Also read the comments in several posts. Usually there is a community of bloggers that builds within a niche. See if you notice the same people commenting on several of the blogs you read. Once you get your blog going you want to join in on the conversation. That’s the best way to build visitors to your blog. - Decide how often you want to post to your blog.
Most people post three to four times a week. I post six to seven days a week but then I’m retired and obsessive. (Ha) You want to be consistent. People will become regular readers if they see a new post on a regular basis.
Those are a few of the things I would suggest doing if you are serious about writing a blog. It’s a lot of fun but it can be a lot of work too. You should know that before you start. The most enjoyable part of blogging is meeting new people from all over the world. I’ve made friends and learned so many new things I never would have had the chance to do otherwise. Good luck to you. If you decide to start your blog, let us know and we’ll come visit you.
Thank you Margot. Very good Introduction to the world of blogging. These tips are informative and will help me as I create my new blog.
I am going to a Introduction to blogging workshop at Salt Lake City Community writing center this month. Three sessions starting Nov 2 for 3 weeks – once a week… How to convey your ideas and express your personal voice; craft interesting blogs using the tools of effective online etiquette…
My blog is travelsandlifelonglearning@blogspot.com – inexpensive and /or free activities for the whole family; traveling and lifelong learning for all stages of life including 50 and older; life in the country…. I wonder if I should make my address shorter?
I set up a blog over a year ago – see below as a travel blog/free and/or inexpensive activities. Don’t have many readers, but ones that do, enjoy the stories and available activities… My question is when answering blogs on here, how I don’t ”stop the thread of conversation”? I know I am to contribute my opinion on the subject or start a new one. Started a “Direct Line to Social Security – an Office Close to You”.
Hi Diane,
I’m not exactly sure I understand your question. Are you referring to your own blog or Vibrant Nation?
By the way, your blog address as given in your previous comment is wrong. I finally figured out you meant: travelsandlifelonglearning.blogspot.com You used @ instead of a dot. A shorter address would help people remember where to find you. My blog address is joyfullyretired.com. It’s easy to remember and works well for my readers. Try for a title with just a couple of words.
Thank you on your comment. On ending conversations, I mean this blog; it seems that when I reply to a post, a lot of times that is the end of the posts…
Do you have any suggestions on my blog? Thank you for correcting my address.
I started a blog about a year ago - http://www.travelsandlifelonglearning.blogspot.com. It is divided into three sections, the original blog is “Is Your Bag Packed?” / “Did You Know?” – Exploring SLC, UT neighborhoods, current activities, and adventures…. Second is “Living in the Country” about starting a farm and living in the country; third - ”Traveling and Lifelong Learning” – Mom and Pop Stores, Main Street in the 1900s, Railroads, Hometown…..
Please come and visit, I would appreciate your comments…..