Blogging

YourDictionary.com defines a blog as "a journal or diary written for public viewing on a website and consisting typically of personal reflections, commentary on current events, etc. arranged chronologically. Blogs are a widely used tool for personal expression and promoting one's business.

What Is a Blog?

The word blog came to be from a shortened version of the term "web log." A blog can be a website with a series of articles or a section of a larger website with frequently updated pieces. Blogs can even be video-based which is a video blog or vlog.

Starting a Blog

There are many choices available to start a blog. You can put a blog together with little coding or web design knowledge. Just use one of the many popular blogging sites designed to get you started with a minimum of effort and cost. If you are comfortable using scripts, you can make a more customized blog to express your personality.

Developing Your Blog Writing

Sometimes with writing the hardest part is getting started. Since a blog needs to be on a regular schedule coming up with ideas can be tough. You can look for ideas for blogs that inspire by focusing on a niche that truly interests you. Writing what you know and focusing on reviewing products and services you have an expertise in are good sources of blog ideas.

Blog Tech Tips and Tricks

Blogging can be enhanced with links to your social media accounts, personalized templates, and ads to increase your revenue. Some modifications you can make include adding Amazon ads with affiliate links to earn money from your writing. Try adding some blogger widgets to enhance your blog such as a Twitter feed, hit counters, and map trackers.

Free Blogging Templates

There's a wealth of free blogging templates available for many of the most popular blogging platforms. If you have some coding knowledge, you can even make your own.

Blogger Templates

Blogger is a popular platform with many free layouts you can download, including some pretty ones or ones with three-columns for a specific design layout. You can learn to make your own for Blogger by using the template codes. If you know Dreamweaver software you can also edit Blogger templates.

WordPress Themes and Headers

WordPress is one of the most popular blogging programs. You can do a lot of customization with WordPress including finding free WordPress headers and installing them to your blog site. You may find that choosing a WordPress theme can be tough as there are thousands of options. A Theme Chooser can help you narrow down your picks.

Blogging for Business

Blogging is an effective strategy for bringing visitors to your site to increase sales of a product or service, as well as increase your visibility in Google searches. It is now widely used for public and media relations and disseminated not only through a company's website but their social media channels as well. It is an adaptable strategy that can be used with just about any type of business, from life coaching to interior design to men's fashion and swimwear.

Blogging in Education

Blogs are also proving to be useful in the area of education. They are used as a teaching tool for common school subjects like math and science. They are also used as a way of providing feedback between teacher and student while reinforcing writing skills.

Driving Traffic to Your Blog

Once your blog is online, the next step is driving readers to your site. You should also have at least a minimal knowledge of effective SEO practices for your blog. Some fast ways to get eyes on your site include blog carnivals, guest posts, and plug-in optimization. You can also try traditional methods like advertising, word of mouth, and presenting your work in other venues.