The basics on starting your own blog
If you spend any time on the Internet, you are probably familiar with the world of blogging. Thousands and thousands of blogs online cover just about any topic under the sun and many of those blogs are written by moms and dads! Whether it be sharing the latest cute stories about their kids or a full-fledged small business, parents are online everywhere. You may be thinking of starting your own blog, and, as a blogger myself, I would definitely say, “Go for it!” But before you get started, here are a few things to think about and some tips on how to get your first blog up and running.
First, consider your subject matter. You may be starting a blog just to share photos and stories about your kids with friends and family, or you may have a passion such as photography or baking that you want to share with the world. Perhaps you have an area of expertise that you can write about and eventually turn your blog into a money-making website. Whatever your topic, make it something you are passionate about and something that you can make original.
Next consider your audience. Will you be writing this blog just for people you know, or will you be seeking out a larger readership? If you are looking to build a long list of readers for your blog, be prepared to market it by participating on other popular blogs (leaving comments, linking to your blog or offering to guest post), using social marketing and possibly doing giveaways. Amy, who blogs at www.CuttingCouponsInKC.Blogspot.com , says that finding readers has been the hardest part of blogging, but she has steadily gained new followers partly by telling everyone she knows about her blog…even people in the grocery aisle!
Next, decide where you would like to “host” your blog (meaning: how you will get your blog online). There are a variety of free blog hosting sites including Blogger, Google and TypePad. Blogger-similar sites will allow you to create and publish your blog for free. They are all relatively easy to use for setup, simple design and posting. If you are more technically savvy or anticipate a large audience, you may want to do some research into hosting your own blog and using blogging software such as Wordpress.
When designing your blog, your level of technological skill will be your guide. Blogger.com offers a variety of pre-set templates that are great when you are just getting started. If you want to kick your blog’s design up a notch, start with free sites such as www.TheCutestBlogOnTheBlock.com or look into professional blog designers if you would like a custom design (for a fee).
Once you are set up, start writing! To keep your readers interested (even if it is just your friends and family), make sure to post regularly and let your personality shine through. Communicate with your readers by reading their comments and replying to each one. Gaining followers may come slowly or it may happen overnight. Kelly Snyder, author of Kansas City Mamas (www.KansasCityMamas.com) suggests, “Be yourself, be consistent and be original. Followers will come.”
Is it okay for kids to blog?
With some supervision, absolutely! Blogging is a great way for kids to develop writing skills, gain computer knowledge, and express their interests. Typically children between 8-12 are old enough to start a blog, but as with so many things, it depends on the child. If your child is interested in starting a blog, help her get started on one of the free blogging sites or pick a kid friendly site like www.KidZui.com or www.kidblog.org. Make sure that you monitor your child’s blog regularly (including reader comments) and consider restricting readers to just friends and family. Also remind your child to never include his full name or personal information on his blog or any website.
Brookside mom Sara Keenan started her blog, www.SaraTheSavvyShopper.com just last year and has learned a lot about the blogosphere since then!