Blogging Basics
What this class will cover:
What is a blog?
Types of Blogs
Developing Your Blog
Blog Anatomy
How to Create a Blog Post
What is a blog?
A blog is a mashup of two words: web and log. It’s a “chronological series of website updates,
written and organized like a traditional diary. It can be a photo gallery, a diary, a news source, or a
corporate marketing tool.” (Blogging for Dummies) It’s an online space where people share their
thoughts, insights, and experiences. People that blog are called bloggers.
Types of blogs
Personal Blog: Gives readers a look into your life. Content might include video, photos, text, and
anything that tells your story.
Examples:
Ma.tt (creator of WordPress): http://ma.tt/
From High in the Sky: http://bit.ly/1PkdcLs
Business Blog: This type of blog tells the story of the business. It opens up a conversation with your
customers, colleagues, and the world. Content might include industry trends, community, charity, or
volunteer work, current news, etc.
Examples:
Disney Parks Blog: http://bit.ly/1hHpmiK
A Taste of General Mills: http://bit.ly/1hHpYF6
Podcast Blog: A variant on blogging using audio instead of text. This blog can also be used to collect
“show notes.” Show notes are a collection of the details of each podcast.
Examples:
Paperclipping Roundtable: http://bit.ly/1LQ97HY
Sound Opinions: http://bit.ly/1loBeIa
Video Blog: Shortened to vlog. A variant on blogging using video instead of text.
Examples:
Steve Garfield: http://bit.ly/1OxPCdW
The Vlog Brothers (John & Hank Green): http://bit.ly/1MsD3KS
Portfolio Blog: Similar to a personal blog, but this type of blog focuses on showcasing your work.
Examples:
Harry Kenney-Herbert Photography: http://bit.ly/1PyuWSu
Developing your blog Why blog? (Identify your blog goals)
To share my experiences and expertise
To speak up about an issue I care about
To become more involved with my hobbies and passions
To be part of a community
To advance my career or start a career in writing
To keep my family and friends updated about my life
Who’s Your Audience?
Define Your Topic
What is your blog about?
Brainstorm potential posts
Name Your Blog
Create a name based on your blog goals and your audience.
Blog Anatomy
Blog Header
Blog Post
Reader subscription options
Blog archive by date
Blog archive by tag
Blog post info
To get the new post page and start a new post, click on New Post.
Add post title here
Text for the blog post goes here.
To publish a blog post, click Publish.
Blogging Basics Resources
Blog Services
Blogger (owned by Google): www.blogspot.com (free)
Wordpress: www.wordpress.com (free and paid)
Typepad: www.typepad.com (paid)
LiveJournal: www.livejournal.com (free and paid)
Blog.com: www.blog.com (free and paid)
Tumblr: www.tumblr.com (micro-blogging, mostly photo based) (free)
Squarespace: www.squarespace.com (paid)
Vlog Services
YouTube: www.youtube.com (free)
Vimeo: www.vimeo.com (free and paid)
Helpful Sites
Blogs in Plain English: http://bit.ly/1L7NINh
Blog Basics from GCF Learn Free: http://bit.ly/1L2ipVm
25 Basic Styles of Blogging: http://bit.ly/1KkOuZf
How to Rock Blogging: The Beginner’s Guide: http://bit.ly/1IlKY0x
5 Essential WordPress Tips for Beginners: http://on.mash.to/1jOow5w
How to Come Up with a Blog Name: http://bit.ly/1Xb8XmJ
Books
Blog Design for Dummies by Melissa Culbertson [Call # 006.752 CULBERTSON]
http://bit.ly/1G0W6zi
Blogging for Dummies by Amy Lupold Bair and Susannah Gardner [Call # 006.752 BAIR]
http://bit.ly/1R7b7zH
Create Your Own Blog by Tris Hussey [Call # 006.7 HUS]
http://bit.ly/1GeVIb4
Teach Yourself Visually Complete WordPress by Janet Majure [Call # 006.78 MAJURE]
http://bit.ly/1LK8A0p
Visual Quickstart Guide: WordPress by Jessica Neuman Beck [Call # 006.752 BECK]
http://bit.ly/1Pb6OWx