Blogging Basics

What this class will cover:

What is a blog?

Types of Blogs

Developing Your Blog

Blog Anatomy

How to Create a Blog Post

What is a blog?

A blog is a mashup of two words: web and log. It’s a “chronological series of website updates,

written and organized like a traditional diary. It can be a photo gallery, a diary, a news source, or a

corporate marketing tool.” (Blogging for Dummies) It’s an online space where people share their

thoughts, insights, and experiences. People that blog are called bloggers.

Types of blogs

Personal Blog: Gives readers a look into your life. Content might include video, photos, text, and

anything that tells your story.

Examples:

Ma.tt (creator of WordPress): http://ma.tt/

From High in the Sky: http://bit.ly/1PkdcLs

Business Blog: This type of blog tells the story of the business. It opens up a conversation with your

customers, colleagues, and the world. Content might include industry trends, community, charity, or

volunteer work, current news, etc.

Examples:

Disney Parks Blog: http://bit.ly/1hHpmiK

A Taste of General Mills: http://bit.ly/1hHpYF6

Podcast Blog: A variant on blogging using audio instead of text. This blog can also be used to collect

“show notes.” Show notes are a collection of the details of each podcast.

Examples:

Paperclipping Roundtable: http://bit.ly/1LQ97HY

Sound Opinions: http://bit.ly/1loBeIa

Video Blog: Shortened to vlog. A variant on blogging using video instead of text.

Examples:

Steve Garfield: http://bit.ly/1OxPCdW

The Vlog Brothers (John & Hank Green): http://bit.ly/1MsD3KS

Portfolio Blog: Similar to a personal blog, but this type of blog focuses on showcasing your work.

Examples:

Harry Kenney-Herbert Photography: http://bit.ly/1PyuWSu

Developing your blog Why blog? (Identify your blog goals)

To share my experiences and expertise

To speak up about an issue I care about

To become more involved with my hobbies and passions

To be part of a community

To advance my career or start a career in writing

To keep my family and friends updated about my life

Who’s Your Audience?

Define Your Topic

What is your blog about?

Brainstorm potential posts

Name Your Blog

Create a name based on your blog goals and your audience.

Blog Anatomy

Blog Header

Blog Post

Reader subscription options

Blog archive by date

Blog archive by tag

Blog post info

To get the new post page and start a new post, click on New Post.

Add post title here

Text for the blog post goes here.

To publish a blog post, click Publish.

Blogging Basics Resources

Blog Services

Blogger (owned by Google): www.blogspot.com (free)

Wordpress: www.wordpress.com (free and paid)

Typepad: www.typepad.com (paid)

LiveJournal: www.livejournal.com (free and paid)

Blog.com: www.blog.com (free and paid)

Tumblr: www.tumblr.com (micro-blogging, mostly photo based) (free)

Squarespace: www.squarespace.com (paid)

Vlog Services

YouTube: www.youtube.com (free)

Vimeo: www.vimeo.com (free and paid)

Helpful Sites

Blogs in Plain English: http://bit.ly/1L7NINh

Blog Basics from GCF Learn Free: http://bit.ly/1L2ipVm

25 Basic Styles of Blogging: http://bit.ly/1KkOuZf

How to Rock Blogging: The Beginner’s Guide: http://bit.ly/1IlKY0x

5 Essential WordPress Tips for Beginners: http://on.mash.to/1jOow5w

How to Come Up with a Blog Name: http://bit.ly/1Xb8XmJ

Books

Blog Design for Dummies by Melissa Culbertson [Call # 006.752 CULBERTSON]

http://bit.ly/1G0W6zi

Blogging for Dummies by Amy Lupold Bair and Susannah Gardner [Call # 006.752 BAIR]

http://bit.ly/1R7b7zH

Create Your Own Blog by Tris Hussey [Call # 006.7 HUS]

http://bit.ly/1GeVIb4

Teach Yourself Visually Complete WordPress by Janet Majure [Call # 006.78 MAJURE]

http://bit.ly/1LK8A0p

Visual Quickstart Guide: WordPress by Jessica Neuman Beck [Call # 006.752 BECK]

http://bit.ly/1Pb6OWx