Choosing a Blogging Platform

You are starting a blog and want to know the ins and outs of blogging.  Borrow a copy of Blogging for Dummies (http://www.amazon.ca/Blogging-For-Dummies-Lupold-Bair/dp/1118712099) or Professional Blogging for Dummies (http://www.amazon.ca/Professional-Blogging-Dummies-Susan-Getgood/dp/0470601795) from your local library.  Or, like I did, visit Ollies Discount Store in Niagara Falls New York and purchase a copy for only $6.99 (U.S).


So far, I've talked about picking a blogging niche, a blog name and the history of blogging.  Today, I am going to talk about a blogging platform.  I thought a blogging platform was like a philosophy; however, it is nothing of the sort.  A platform is simply the software a blogger uses.  Popular blogging platforms are Blogger, WordPress and Tumblr which are all free.  TypePad is also a platform, but comes with a fee.  For more information, read Word Press for Dummies (http://www.amazon.ca/WordPress-For-Dummies-Lisa-Sabin-Wilson/dp/1118073428).

Blog platforms typically include a dashboard, a library of design templates.  You follow the platform's instructions to apply the template to your blog.  Professional Blogging for Dummies recommends that you set up a test blog to see what works best for you, thereby answering questions like:

1.  Do you like the dashboard?
2.  Is it easy to change the blog's design?
3.  Are support forums offered?
4.  Are you able to customize your blog using widgets and plug-ins?
5.  Are you able to map your own domain name to the blog address assigned by the service?

For more information about blog platforms visit http://thenextweb.com/apps/2013/08/16/best-blogging-services/.

Some blogging platforms also serve as hosting services.  However, you can pick a separate platform and hosting service.  Keep in mind that if you want to link your new blog to an already existing website, you can't use a hosting service.  If you choose to go with a separate hosting service, here are some points to remember.  First, choose your platform first, and your hosting service second.  The service must be compatible with the platform.  Second, pick a service that will allow you to use your own domain name.  That should remain front and centre.  Third, if you read a blog which you really like, don't hesitate to ask the blogger what host service they use.  Fourth, pick a hosting service with adequate storage for possible photos, podcasts, etc.  To learn more, read (http://www.amazon.com/Podcasting-For-Dummies). Fifth, research the company's reputation.  Sixth, if all else fails, hire a blog consultant or designer. Finally, look at the control panel you will be using to manage your web hosting account.  Is it user friendly?  Possible host services include Web.com, Go Daddy, Network Solutions, BlueHost and DreamHost.

For more information about web hosting services visit http://www.seanogle.com/entrepreneurship/best-hosting-services.

Professional Blogging for Dummies

At Ollie's Discount Store in Niagara Falls, New York, I bought a copy of Professional Blogging for Dummies for only $6.99 (regular $29.99).  While I have had a blog for three and a half years, I thought it was about time I learned how to be a professional blogger, to make money at my blog.

I was happy to learn that I am already doing some things right.  I post regularly and frequently.  If I can't post, then I save the date and catch up later on.  I always include photographs or pictures in my posts.  Another thing I have been doing lately is listing previous posts which connect with a current post, almost like cross references.  I also have my five most popular posts listed on my home page. Recently, I started including tags in my posts to encourage backlinks.

Here are some things I can do to expand my reader audience.  Firstly, I can provide a link to other blogs, called a blogroll.  That way, I will get fellow bloggers aware of my blog and hopefully invite reader comments.  I can become a regular follower of other blogs and make comments on their posts. I can also link to Youtube for a sound bite occasionally.

I like the author's suggestion of categorizing my blogposts.  It makes it more reader friendly.  That way, I increase the likelihood of a reader reading more than just the current post.  

Of course, to make money, I can sign up with Google Adsense which I am in the process of doing. There are also freelance writing opportunities online for bloggers like Hubpages.

The author, Susan Getgood, also mentions how to monitor and measure the success of your blog, called Google analytics or metrics:  how many people read your blog (page views); how engaged they are with your blog ex. read one post, read multiple posts; how people find your site ex. search keywords; which are your most popular posts.  As the author states:

"Understand though that even a little bit of attention to your metrics can reap big rewards.  Just keep the importance of your metrics in perspective.  After all, you're a blogger, not a calculator."

So, look out fellow professional bloggers, here I come!

To read author Susan Getgood's blog "Marketing Roadmaps" visit:
http://getgood.com/roadmaps/

To order a book, visit:
http://www.amazon.ca/Professional-Blogging-Dummies-Susan-Getgood/dp/0470601795

http://www.amazon.ca/Professional-Blogging-Dummies-Susan-Getgood/dp/0470601795