It's hard to ignore the popularity of blogs. From elementary school children to octogenarians, thousands of people of all ages, genders and backgrounds are creating blogs and joining the online conversation. If you're interested in jumping on the blogging bandwagon, there are just a few things you need to do to get started.
- Determine why you want to blog. Some bloggers are opinionated, and they're looking for a platform for their views. Some see blogging as a money-making opportunity, combining their posts with affiliate links and contextual advertising. Some companies and individuals use blogs as a public relations tool, drumming up interest in their products or services. And some bloggers simply want a public journal--a place to vent, share the events of their daily lives, and keep in touch with friends and family.
- Choose a blogging service. There are numerous options for hosting your blog. LiveJournal, Xanga, and DiaryLand are sites devoted to online journals; each has its own personality and devotees. Social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook offer space for blogging. One big name in blogging is Blogger. You can use the Blogger blogging utility to create blog posts on your own website, or you can host a blog on the company's Blogspot domain. These services are all free. TypePad is another blogging service designed for professional blogs, and there is a charge to use this technology.
- Post regularly. Many bloggers start with great intentions, but after an initial burst of posting, they start to go longer and longer between posts. Eventually, the blog slowly fades away. Make a commitment to write new blog posts on a regular basis until it becomes a habit.
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Author: Lorie Witkop