Blogging is still such a big buzz word it has even become a part of pop culture. If you still don’t have your own Blog, why not start one up? Blogging can be very exciting and in some cases lucrative once you grasp the basics. According to Technorati, blog-tracking site, 175,000 new blogs go live per day worldwide (There's a blog born every half second).
No technical skills or any formal education are required to become a blogger. Blogs use a CMS or Content Management System that enables the bloggers too easily update their Blogs. Blogging platforms take all the hassles out of running your own website by providing the software, hardware (hosting), backups, archives, visitor tracking and step-by-step guides.
What is a Blog?
The term Blog has been derived from Web Log = Blog. It can be a personal diary, a collaborative space, soap-box of issues, the latest news and or a collection of links. Simply it’s a mini website bloggers can update to discuss varies issues or topics with videos, links, images, audio and comments.
You can blog about anything including: political issues, current affairs, favourite movies or actors or even your cat or dog. Some blogs simply provide links to interesting sites. Blogging can also be lucrative business by adding advertisements or Google AdSense.
There are countless numbers of free Blogging sites which can help bloggers get started quickly and easily. All you need is time and a topic you’re passionate about. Blogging is not only for individuals, but also open to businesses. Blogs can help create a community of fellow bloggers with the same passion and interest.
Free Blog Sites
Blogger.com is one of the oldest Blogging sites on the web. Started in 1999 and now owned by Google it is one of the most easy to use sites
Pros
- Very easy to use Interface
- Auto save function
- Available in 41 languages
- Able to use Google AdSense and Amazon Associate programs to make extra income
- Can post via Mobile with the Posting on the go feature
- Custom URL allows bloggers to change the address of their blog easily
- Using the power of Google
Cons
- Limited customisation templates
- No built in tracking options (have to use 3rd party applications)
WordPress.com and WordPress.org remains two of the most popular blogging platforms today. The difference between the two is that .com offers free hosting .org requires a paid host.
Pros
- Countless plug-ins
- Free Hosting (WordPress.com)
- Thousands of themes or templates
- Spam protection tools to manage and eliminate comment spam on blog
- Large community of users
- Popular sites
- Automatically adds bloggers tags to global tag system, so bloggers with similar interests can find blogs fast (WordPress.com)
- Great Integrated stats system (WordPress.com)
- Easily import blogs from Blogger, LiveJournal, Movable Type, TypePad into WordPress.com
Cons
- Takes some familiarising before posting
- Customising not easy
- Requires paid hosting (WordPress.org)
- Some technical knowledge needed (WordPress.org)
- WordPress.org requires software to be downloaded and installed on local machine.
- Adds can be removed by paying a fee (WordPress.com)
Tumblr.com is the new kid on the block with modern fresh look. Voted 2009’s Best Young Entrepreneurs by BusinessWeek. Tumblr is microblogging with little more supporting photos, video support, and feeds.
Pros
- Hundreds of themes to choose from
- Update blogs via iPhones and Blackberrys
- Allows high res photos
- Tracking with Google Analytics.
- Call in your updates (1-866-584-6757)
- Google optimised
- Publish to Facebook
Cons
- No way to send public or private messages to other users.
- No email address book import of contacts
Tips for a Successful Free Blog
Research
- Get to know the blogging site
- Read other blogs
- Ask questions from other bloggers
- Read articles online or forums
Interaction
- Always respond to questions promptly
- Follow up on any queries
- Prompt the reader to provide feedback
This helps your readers feel part of a community and encourages them to keep coming back to your blog.
Using the right Keywords
- Research keywords; try the Google Adwords Keywords research tool
- Use appropriate keywords for each for your posts
- Try to use the keywords in blog and posts titles
Keep it fresh and Interesting
- Update your blog on a regular basis
- Keep your posts to a maximum of 600 words
- Don’t be afraid to write from the heart and provoke the reader
- Write catchy headlines
Market your blog
- Submit the blog to search engines and directories
- Add the link to your blog in email signatures’, in forums and other blogs
- Create blog scroll (List of hyperlinks recommending other bloggers or blogs)
- Offer something for free competitions or as a download. The word FREE will always grab the attention of your readers
- Invite other blogger to add post on your blog
Maintain blog
- Check that links are working
- Make sure images load
- Moderate the comments (automated feature provided by blogging site)
Blogger.com would be a good place to start for a beginner or WordPress.com and/or Tumblr would suit an adventurous blogger. Blogging is made to be fun, be creative. Happy blogging.
Ewan Arnolda - My name is Ewan Arnolda from Melbourne, Australia. I am Sri Lankan born and along with my parents, brother and sister we moved to ...
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