Blogging Resources
Blogging software & tools
Now that you know what a blog is, and how it can benefit your business, let’s
look at some of the most commonly used ways to get your blog up and running.
WordPress
WordPress is the most popular blogging software used online today. This is
because it is not only free to use, but has a huge support community that helps
new and veteran users alike.
The biggest advantage to using WordPress, is that it is constantly being
updated and improved upon. In fact, because it is open source software, there
are hundreds, if not thousands of programmers constantly creating WordPress
plugins.
These plugins are basically like bonus features you can use with the software,
to upgrade its functionality (Making your life much, much easier).
You can view a list of these plugins at:
http://codex.wordpress.org/?pagename=Plugin
One major feature of the software, is that it automatically creates a RSS feed for
your blog (The benefits of RSS will be discussed later on).
Each time you post to your blog, the software automatically updates your feed.
This is a dynamic feature that will help expose your blog to a wider audience,
and best of all, requires no extra work on your part.
Installing WordPress
The first step you will need to take, is to download WordPress here:
http://wordpress.org/download/
You can then follow the detailed installation instructions. Should you run into
any problems, don’t hesitate to use the support forum at:
http://wordpress.org/support/
After you have installed the software, you will want to change your theme. The
theme is simply the layout/design of your blog. You can make it look as simple,
or as creative as you wish.
To choose a theme for your WordPress blog, visit:
http://wordpress.org/extend/themes/
Once you have chosen your preferred theme, simply download the file to your
hard drive. The zip file should contain easy installation instructions for changing
your theme in a few simple steps.
These are just the basics you need to get started using WordPress to power
your blog. As you become more familiar with the software, you can slowly begin
to use more of the advanced features and plugins.
Popular WordPress Plugins
As we discussed earlier, there are a vast amount of helpful plugins you can use
for WordPress. Here are some of the most popular plugins available:
Grunion Contact Form – A simple contact form plugin that is also used on
WordPress.com http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/grunion-contact-form/
Gravity Forms – A high tech plugin that lets you build custom forms and is
extremely extensible.
https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=54585&c=ib&aff=138786
One Click Backup v. 1.3 – Quickly and easily backup your blog using this plugin.
http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/28/wordpress-one-click-backup-version-13/
Google Sitemap Generator – One of the hottest ways to get your Website/blog
pages listed on Google is by using a Google Sitemap.
http://www.arnebrachhold.de/2005/06/05/google-sitemaps-generator-v2-final
Use this plugin to instantly generate your own Google Sitemap, and you should
see a dramatic increase in the pages Google indexes from your blog.
WP Subscribe To Comments – This plugin will give your readers instant email
notifications when there are new comments to your posts.
http://www.scriptygoddess.com/archives/2004/06/03/wp-subscribe-to-comments/
This is a great way to keep your visitors coming back to read your blog!
Blogger
If you are searching for the easiest way to start a blog, then perhaps Blogger is
the solution for you.
You can setup a Blogger account and add your first post, literally within minutes.
The drawback is that you only have so much control over the design/layout of
your blog, and a limited amount of features.
If you can live with these shortcomings, then a Blogger account is your best
option.
Setting Up Your Blogger Account
Step 1 – Getting Started
Follow the link below and click on the “Create Your Blog Now” arrow.
http://www.blogger.com/
Step 2 – Create Your Account
Once you have clicked the arrow, you will be taken to the “Create An Account”
page.
Here you will create your account username/password (Be sure to write down
this information and put it somewhere safe).
Don’t forget to read over the Terms of Service agreement, and check the
acceptance box.
Click on the “continue” arrow and move on to step 3.
Step 3 – Name Your Blog
The next step is to name your blog.
It is a good idea to name your blog after the theme for which you intend to use it
(I.e. Water Gardening, Ice Hockey, etc). Simply naming your blog, “My blog” or
“Jane’s Big Blog” is unprofessional and generally won’t catch people’s interests.
Putting some extra thought into your blog name can pay huge dividends down
the road.
Once you have decided on an appropriate name, you can fill out the forms.
Hint: To keeps things simple, keep the blog title and blog address the
same.
Ignore the advanced settings option, and click on the orange “continue” arrow.
Step 4 - Choose Your Blog Template
You are almost there, just one more step to go!
This is where you get to have a little fun and let out your creative side, by
choosing your blog template.
Keep in mind that this template can be changed at anytime. Some people like to
try out all of the templates, until they find one that is just right for them.
Or if you prefer, you can create a custom template for your blog. However, this
can all be done at a later date.
For now, simply click the tab by the design that catches your eye and continue
on to the next page.
Step 5 – Generate Your Blog
Now comes the easy part. Just sit back and relax while Blogger creates your
blog.
After your blog has been created, you will see the following page:
Click the “Start Posting” button to make your first official post.
Congratulations! You are now a blogger! How easy was that?
--->
Blogging software & tools
Now that you know what a blog is, and how it can benefit your business, let’s
look at some of the most commonly used ways to get your blog up and running.
WordPress
WordPress is the most popular blogging software used online today. This is
because it is not only free to use, but has a huge support community that helps
new and veteran users alike.
The biggest advantage to using WordPress, is that it is constantly being
updated and improved upon. In fact, because it is open source software, there
are hundreds, if not thousands of programmers constantly creating WordPress
plugins.
These plugins are basically like bonus features you can use with the software,
to upgrade its functionality (Making your life much, much easier).
You can view a list of these plugins at:
http://codex.wordpress.org/?pagename=Plugin
One major feature of the software, is that it automatically creates a RSS feed for
your blog (The benefits of RSS will be discussed later on).
Each time you post to your blog, the software automatically updates your feed.
This is a dynamic feature that will help expose your blog to a wider audience,
and best of all, requires no extra work on your part.
Installing WordPress
The first step you will need to take, is to download WordPress here:
http://wordpress.org/download/
You can then follow the detailed installation instructions. Should you run into
any problems, don’t hesitate to use the support forum at:
http://wordpress.org/support/
After you have installed the software, you will want to change your theme. The
theme is simply the layout/design of your blog. You can make it look as simple,
or as creative as you wish.
To choose a theme for your WordPress blog, visit:
http://wordpress.org/extend/themes/
Once you have chosen your preferred theme, simply download the file to your
hard drive. The zip file should contain easy installation instructions for changing
your theme in a few simple steps.
These are just the basics you need to get started using WordPress to power
your blog. As you become more familiar with the software, you can slowly begin
to use more of the advanced features and plugins.
Popular WordPress Plugins
As we discussed earlier, there are a vast amount of helpful plugins you can use
for WordPress. Here are some of the most popular plugins available:
Grunion Contact Form – A simple contact form plugin that is also used on
WordPress.com http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/grunion-contact-form/
Gravity Forms – A high tech plugin that lets you build custom forms and is
extremely extensible.
https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=54585&c=ib&aff=138786
One Click Backup v. 1.3 – Quickly and easily backup your blog using this plugin.
http://weblogtoolscollection.com/archives/2005/01/28/wordpress-one-click-backup-version-13/
Google Sitemap Generator – One of the hottest ways to get your Website/blog
pages listed on Google is by using a Google Sitemap.
http://www.arnebrachhold.de/2005/06/05/google-sitemaps-generator-v2-final
Use this plugin to instantly generate your own Google Sitemap, and you should
see a dramatic increase in the pages Google indexes from your blog.
WP Subscribe To Comments – This plugin will give your readers instant email
notifications when there are new comments to your posts.
http://www.scriptygoddess.com/archives/2004/06/03/wp-subscribe-to-comments/
This is a great way to keep your visitors coming back to read your blog!
Blogger
If you are searching for the easiest way to start a blog, then perhaps Blogger is
the solution for you.
You can setup a Blogger account and add your first post, literally within minutes.
The drawback is that you only have so much control over the design/layout of
your blog, and a limited amount of features.
If you can live with these shortcomings, then a Blogger account is your best
option.
Setting Up Your Blogger Account
Step 1 – Getting Started
Follow the link below and click on the “Create Your Blog Now” arrow.
http://www.blogger.com/
Step 2 – Create Your Account
Once you have clicked the arrow, you will be taken to the “Create An Account”
page.
Here you will create your account username/password (Be sure to write down
this information and put it somewhere safe).
Don’t forget to read over the Terms of Service agreement, and check the
acceptance box.
Click on the “continue” arrow and move on to step 3.
Step 3 – Name Your Blog
The next step is to name your blog.
It is a good idea to name your blog after the theme for which you intend to use it
(I.e. Water Gardening, Ice Hockey, etc). Simply naming your blog, “My blog” or
“Jane’s Big Blog” is unprofessional and generally won’t catch people’s interests.
Putting some extra thought into your blog name can pay huge dividends down
the road.
Once you have decided on an appropriate name, you can fill out the forms.
Hint: To keeps things simple, keep the blog title and blog address the
same.
Ignore the advanced settings option, and click on the orange “continue” arrow.
Step 4 - Choose Your Blog Template
You are almost there, just one more step to go!
This is where you get to have a little fun and let out your creative side, by
choosing your blog template.
Keep in mind that this template can be changed at anytime. Some people like to
try out all of the templates, until they find one that is just right for them.
Or if you prefer, you can create a custom template for your blog. However, this
can all be done at a later date.
For now, simply click the tab by the design that catches your eye and continue
on to the next page.
Step 5 – Generate Your Blog
Now comes the easy part. Just sit back and relax while Blogger creates your
blog.
After your blog has been created, you will see the following page:
Click the “Start Posting” button to make your first official post.
Congratulations! You are now a blogger! How easy was that?
--->
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