blogging basics why do you want to blog and can you be committed to it? what does it take to be...
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Blogging Basics
Why do you want to blog and can you be committed to it?
What does it take to be successful?
Webinar
Please Mute your Lines
Ask Questions through Question tool
VTC Digital Marketing
Dave NeudeckDigital Marketing [email protected]
Mary BishopDigital Marketing [email protected]
Robin MamunesDigital Marketing Content [email protected]
Casey HigginsDigital Marketing Content [email protected]
Tom KirkMultimedia [email protected]
So What’s Different?
A blog = the webThe web = a blog
BLOG in a Nutshell
New content is added often
Blogs are interactive, especially comments
Blogs link to other blogs and websites which make them more semantically rich for Google and other search
Getting StartedWhat’s your purpose?
Serious brand development/writing
Casual involvement
This can determine your platform
Getting StartedSome Considerations
Technical skill/Support
Customization
Format/Media capabilities
Social integration
Cost – Paid vs. Free
SEO
Monetization
Getting Started
Some examplesWordPress
Most popular, huge user base, many add-ons, wide range of what you can do
BloggerPopular, Google supported, Google restricted
TypePadBeen around, $9 and up a month
TumblrVery niche, short format, hybrid blog/social, trendy
Getting Started
Other Options
Squarespace – paid
Livejournal – hybrid social
Ghost – web 2.0
Posterous (DEAD!)
Facebook?, Instagram?, LinkedIn?, Google+?
Purposes of a BlogEasily Create & Manage Content
Be your own publisher.Push Your Strengths
Focus on what your destination does well (outdoors, food and spirits, history, the arts …)
Showcase Your Lesser-KnownsShine a spotlight on your hidden gems
Plant Ideas of What You’d Like to Be Known ForIs craft beer just making its way into your area? Or maybe your
restaurants are receiving acclaim. Tell about it.Receive and Respond to Feedback
Enable commenting on your posts to build audience interactionInvite Q&A
Gather Your IdeasThe Content – where does it come from?
You write itYou find it elsewhere and share itYou invite others to write it for you
The Calendar – how often to publish?Depends on the above
If you write it, you’ll want to give yourself some space (once a week or once every two weeks).
If you find and share, post more often (twice a week).
If you invite others, post more often (once a week).
Caveat: Be prepared to edit what you’re sent, which takes time.
Time CommitmentHow you answer the content questions dictates your time commitment.
You Write = Greatest Amount of Time•Establishes a report with readers.•Opportunity to establish a brand voice if you don’t have one.•Delivers the message you want sent.
You Share = Guest Writes•Either you’re finding content to share or you’re editing, giving feedback, and importing what a guest writes.•“Finding content” can simply be leaning on Google Alerts to deliver content to your inbox.
Share EverywhereNo one will know your blog exists if you don’t tell
them.• Facebook• Twitter• G+• Pinterest• eNewsletter• RSS feed
Share EverywhereNo one will know your blog exists if you don’t tell
them.
G+
eNewsletter
RSS feed
Measure & Test
Determine what resonates with your audience by trying different approaches.Do they like photos?Video embeds?In depth reporting?Lists of hot spots?Insight from authorities?Does one topic gain more attention than another?
Test each approach.Google AnalyticsSocial feedback – Facebook engagement, Twitter interactions,
etc.
Spend a Little
Does your Facebook audience seem to like your
blog post?
“Boost” it to reach
more people.