How should a new blogger start?

The internet has such a wealth of information that sometimes one can get lost in it. If you are new to blogging, you may be intimidated by so many terms like RSS, SEO, Blog Directories, Technorati, PageRank, Adsense, Internet Marketing… the list goes on.

What if you are not a computer expert, do not geek speak and only know how to use Word and Email?

Here are some points of consideration for someone totally new to blogging, before he or she takes the plunge.

1. Which blogging platform to choose?

There are so many blogging platforms available… Wordpress, Blogger, Typepad just to name a few. As a start, ask your friends who are regular bloggers what blogging platform they use, and if they encounter any difficulties with that platform. Some platforms may be free, which is indeed enticing for a new blogger, but you may encounter some limitations later when you want to do more sophisticated things.

2. Have a thought about what are the intentions of your blog.

If you just want to have an online blog for your daily ramblings, then frankly speaking, any platform will do. However, if you are looking to create a blog with a specific subject matter, to be used in future to start an online business, internet marketing etc, then some of the simple questions to ask are:

• Is the software easy to install and implement?
  


• Does the software support trackbacks?


• Can I create categories easily?


• Can I change the templates easily?


• Do I need to know any programming to use the software?


• If I am stuck, am I able to get help?

3. Check out forums which support the software.

It is important that you are able to get help from more experienced users. The blogging community is generally quite helpful and will be able to give general advice if you encounter any issues with the software. However, be aware that some of these forums are managed by people with their own day-jobs, so be realistic and do not expect immediate response to your questions. Check out forums to see the type of questions asked and how they are answered.

4. Content

There is a lot of talk about having good content in your blog to get readers to come back. If you do not know what to blog about, simply do a google search for some of the blogs writing about topics you are interested in. Ask yourself what you like or do not like about those blogs. Ask yourself how was the reader experience like. Can you do something better for your readers? Choose a blog to model after, but of course, write your own content and opinions about that subject matter.

5. Seach Wikipedia.

Wikipedia is a good place to go to check the new terms that you, as a new blogger is exposed to. Sometimes when you search Wikipedia for the meaning of one word, you may get thrown many more terms which you do not understand. Do not panic! Just as you do not need to know everything about a car before you start driving, you do not need to know all the terms used in blogging before you commence. Take it easy and enjoy the blogging ride.

About the author:

Yi Sim is a new blogger who created www.simcooks.com just barely 3 weeks ago.

 Print Article      Add Comment