In my weekly interviews with authors, editors and publishers the talk always comes around to the importance of promoting yourself by blogging. So I thought I would add a "Best Of" post to highlight some of the best posts on the web about blogging by specific topics. Hope it will encourage you to start a blog if you haven't already done so and give you some encouragement if you are already blogging.
Choosing a Blog Platform
Where are you going to post your blog? That is the first question you should consider. The two most well known are WordPress and Blogger. Also many chat room forums include the option of putting up a blog on their site. I have a blog on BookBlogs as well as this one. When you start the process of choosing a blog platform you need to consider what your plans are for your blog. These are some opening questions to consider first:
Will blogging be long term process or just a passing hobby?
What will be the main purpose of your blog?
Will blogging be used for a professional basis to promote yourself or your business?
Will you include advertising on your blog to make additional income?
Click here for more tips on deciding on a blog platform
Finding a Niche For Your Blog
Now it's time to decide on a theme for your blog. Don't think of it as one of those hated writing chores like in the movie, "Christmas Story." You get to choose the topic and what you want to write about. If you want a following of readers, your theme needs to be a popular topic that will draw in a large amount of people.
Many bloggers write about their favorite subjects as it is something that will personally hold their own interest in writing and will excite them to continue writing. To start, get a sheet of paper and write down a list of your hobbies, special interests and your expert training or skills. Do you travel, love music or read lots of books? That could also be the start of a blog.
Having a hard time coming up with a list? Click here for more ideas.
How To Keep Motivated
Blogging can be great fun as you share a favorite topic or hobby to encourage others about the subject. But how do you keep going and finding new info? First off, remember to be yourself. Unless you are an expert, you don't always have to write like one on your subject. It's more important to show your passion for the topic. Read other blogs and see what interests you and draw from that. Just remember you can't do a cut and paste from that blog or website without their express permission. Just like in school that's called plagiarism.
Don't think you can come up with continuous ideas? Here's a link to to see 10 Ways Blogging Can Improve Your Life, just click here.
Congratulations, I've just awarded you with the Stylish Blog Award. Details are on my blog http://www.allynstotz.blogspot.
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