Blogging ... Do You Have What it Takes?

Blog is a contraction of 'web log.' Basically, a blog is a log of thoughts, ideas, useful links, photos, videos, latest news or scandal. Blogs are a series of posts or messages assembled, usually, in reverse chronological order (the newest is always on top). Blogs, through the late 1990's were lists of links maintained by tech savvy individuals. But, in recent years, they have become personal opinion platforms by the owner and his/her visitors, as well as a home-base to run a business from.

Posts are the main element in most all blogs. Each has a subject line, much the same as email. Next comes the body of the message, or the main part of the post. Usually, posts invite comments as a way for readers to respond to what's been said. Many posts include the time and date it was submitted. Often, blogging is a thing of the moment, and people aren't as interested in reading out of date posts.

That's about it, a blog in a nutshell. Blogging is just an easy way of publishing and sharing your thoughts on the web.

Why Should You Write a Blog?

There as many reasons to create a blog. Some blog to boost motivation, others to entice business growth. And, still others blog only to share and debate issues with others. Whether you use blogging to network for business reasons, or share photos and memories, or a host of other reasons, blogging can be great fun.

There are many ways to earn money on the Internet. Blogging is just one of a thousand or more methods that can be used. Blogging is attractive because it's easy to get started. No experience of any kind is required. All you really need is some common sense, the ability to read and follow directions, and a willingness to keep on keeping on with it.

Keep It Fresh

Search engines love websites that are sprinkled with new material regularly, and blogging is a good way to make sure your content is always fresh. Keeping your blog's content new and active gives you a better shot of getting high ranking and, in turn, lots of traffic, from a Google search.

Basically, a blogging platform is the software used to publish your content on the Internet. Similar to word processor and web browser varieties, there are many different types of blogging platforms available. Blogger is Google"s free version. WordPress software is free, but you still need an online hosting company, and a domain Go-Daddy is probably as cheap and reliable as it gets for hosting and domains, but there are many other competitors out there, so search and shop before you buy.

What's It All About, Alfie?

There are blogs set up to do business, and there are blogs designed just for fun and relaxation. Either way, your blog has to be about something. Until you decide this issue, you'll spend a lot of time writing to yourself. Building readership is done by focusing on a particular niche topic or interest. which can be nothing more than a conversation spot for friends and family, Generally though, it will take something more specific to attract the rest of the world.

Once they find you, you have to offer them something to get them to stay longer than a few seconds, and to come back. Assuming a business focus, have you taken the time to learn about and research the competition? Visit lots of blogs and websites to learn about your chosen niche, and decide if there's room for you. Don't try to break into a niche where there's a bazillion sites, because chances are you will fail. Like, there's no need for a zillion blogs about sports, but maybe there's just a few of them about polo.

Keep in mind, people link to and recommend blogs they value or trust. Does your blog offer solutions or information regarding the niche you selected? Picking something you are interested in, something that motivates you, can provide a leg up on the competition. But this isn't necessary to make money on the Internet. There are a lot of other things that are necessary, but passion about your topic isn't one of them.

How Do I Make My Blog Stand Out?

Assuming you picked a niche, found a place to host your blog and have a platform in place, now what?
Well, you might want to think about how you will present your content. One thing to remember, a post is not an essay! People tend to have short attention spans, and long dissertations are almost never read to completion. Keep your posts relatively short, interesting, punchy, humorous, factual and/or poignant and they'll come back for more.

Another major piece of advice: make your fonts common and well used (Ariel and Times New Roman are two examples). Second, make the size at least 12 point, and sub headings 14 or 16 point Bold. Remember, you want to entice visitors to read your stuff. Forcing them to squint is a sure way to chase them away immediately. Bigger is always better. Just don't go crazy.

The title could be the most important part of any blog. This is because that's how the reader will find your content through a search engine. And, if you rank high by the grace of Google, people will visit your website. Finding you is the make or break point and determines whether you get read or passed over. You want your title to be interesting, even funny, but don't go overboard into bad taste. If in doubt, ask a friend, or someone experienced in Internet marketing you trust and respect, for an opinion. If you don't know where to look, try the Warrior forum (Google it).