Introduction to Blogging - A Training Session for University Staff
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David Allen Digital Marketing Manager INTRODUCTION TO BLOGGING
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Transcript of Introduction to Blogging - A Training Session for University Staff
David AllenDigital Marketing Manager
INTRODUCTION TO BLOGGING
You’ll be introduced to blogging, its benefits, and useful hints and tips on how to make the most out of your own blog posts.
TODAY’S SESSION
SO, WHAT IS A BLOG?
- A website with regular(ish) updates, usually displayed in a long feed of ‘blog posts.’
- Content is written from a personal perspective or in the style of commentary.
- Often informative, entertaining or softly educational- Conversational tone.- Often topical or responsive to news – like a newspaper
columnist.- Can be thoughtful or explore ideas- Blog posts don’t necessarily have to resolve neatly,
and can be open ended.
WHAT IS A BLOG?
WHY BLOG?
- Establishes you as an authority or recognised ‘expert’ on a topic or area
- Allows you to subtly promote something- Directly helps people find you, your project or course
on Google through its eff ect on ‘search engine optimisation’
- Allows you to communicate your own ideas directly, freely and widely
- Reach new people, extend your network- Collaboratively develop ideas as part of the wider
academic community- It’s free and requires no real technical knowledge!
REASONS FOR BLOGGING PROFESSIONALLY
DIFFERENT TYPES OF BLOGGING
WHO’S AN ‘EXPERT’ IN WHAT?
Summarise what each blogger appeared to have knowledge or expertise in, what niche are they interested in, and what the purpose of the post was.
WHAT WORKED WELL, WHAT DIDN’T
What worked well, what didn’t work well in each bloggers’ blog post and website.
WHO IS THEIR AUDIENCE?
Then, choose one of the blog posts; and create a fictional ‘audience member’ for who might be interested in reading about or sharing that post.
- For example; ‘Phil, a 52 year old Maths professor, interested in economics, higher education and golf.’
- Summarise what each blogger appeared to have knowledge or expertise in, what niche are they interested in, and what the purpose of the post was.
- What worked well, what didn’t work well in each blog post.
- Then, choose one of the blog posts; and create a fictional ‘audience member’ for who might be interested in reading about or sharing that post.- For example, ‘Phil, 52 year old Maths professor, interested in economics, higher education and golf.’
ANALYSING BLOG POSTS
Now, briefly summarise:Your own professional ‘niche’ or area(s) of interest2-3 target audience ‘personas’ for your own future blogging5 descriptive, shareable blog post headlines
DEFINING YOURSELF AS A BLOGGER
To post to ‘Views @ BCU’ (or external blogs) with a profile pic:Write in Word and email to the BCU press office: [email protected]
Alternatives:Upload to your own blog:
Go to WordPress.com and click ‘Get Started’Contact section editors at newspaper blogs (e.g.
Huffi ngton Post, Guardian Higher Ed Network, etc.) and submit content to them directly.
HOW TO PUBLISH A BLOG POST
On a post-it note, write down 5 key points you need to remember about blogging.
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
Blog posts can be conversational, educational, entertaining and/or informative
Great blog posts are those that people want to share on social media
Read, link to and engage with other blogsTake time to define your own area of
expertise and anything topical that might touch on it.
Plan ideas for blog posts for when there’s nothing in the news.
5 KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
