The Benefits of

Blogging: How to start

or grow your blog

Renée Veldman-Tentori

(with credit to Olga Mecking)

Shell Outpost: 30 Nov

2016

Who are we?• Renée Veldman-Tentori

www.zestee.com• Olga Mecking

www.europeanmama.com

Social media

Social media is changing our world, how we connect and communicate, how we do business and how we live.

Benefits of Blogging...• What can blogging do for you?• Particularly suitable for

travellers and internationals• Who already blogs?

What is Blogging...• One type of social media -

interactive• Short for "Weblog"• Personal or for business• Lots of different types of

platforms

How to blog...• Really easy to get started• Choose a platform • Just get writing! • Write about anything you like

Which platform should I use?

• WordPress.com vs WordPress.org• Blogger• Tumblr• LinkedIn• Lots more….

The European Mama Top 71. Stay in touch with family and

friends

2. Expat life can be isolating

3. Constant Inspiration

4. Knowledge that is worth sharing

5. Opportunities

6. It's fun!

7. Your perspective is unique

http://www.spiceupyourblog.com/2013/06/7-reasons-for-starting-travel-or-expat-blog.html#.WDtDT3eZO7M

1. Family and friends

Source: Flikr commons. Photographer: Paul Stang

2. Isolation

Source: Flikr commons. Photographer: David Smith, Digital Mind Photography

3. Constant inspiration

Source: www.facebook.com/hollandphotography1. Photographer: Rich Theemling

4. Sharing knowledge

Photographer: Renee Veldman-Tentori

5. Opportunities

Photographer: Renee Veldman-Tentori

6. It's fun!

Photographer: Renee Veldman-Tentori

7. Unique perspective

Photographer: Renee Veldman-Tentori

Zestee Top 51. Build a business

2. An online portfolio

3. Create a community

4. Find some structure

5. Creative outlet

1. Build a Business

2. Online portfolio

3. Create a community

4. Find some structure

5. Creative outlet

How personal should I get?

• It’s totally up to you!• Personal posts are usually the most

popular but it really depends on the context

• Identify your goals for blogging and this will help to answer this question

What about images? • Keep in mind: copyright and IP issues• Taking your own photos is a great idea• Join stock photo sites• Use plugins like photodropper• Use services such as Canva.com

Can a blog be a business?• Yes – but it’s hard work• Making the blog itself a business• Online advertising: need significant

traffic• Using a blog to grow your own business

(which is based on other products and services)

What does it cost?• Starting for free• Costs include buying a URL and hosting• Once you self host, you have more

flexibility but take on a lot of other responsibilities such as backups and security.

Should I guest post?• More traffic• Networking ops• Preparation for freelance writing• You may have more knowledge• You can write about different topics

Tips to increase readership• Think about your categories and

keywords • Network with other bloggers - online and

offline• Cross promote across social media

channels• Enter competitions and themed "events"• Work on a captivating layout and images

Share your blog!• Zestee and European Mama Facebook

Pages• Expatica• Online directories• Other suggestions?

Can a blog become a book?Dutched Up!

27 women bloggers in NL

http://dutchedup.wordpress.com

Some blogs to check out...• Your favourite blogs?