Blogging Basics Connect & Engage with your Customers –

MPL’s Tech Connect!!

What is a Blog?!?

A Blog is:

noun \ˈblog, ˈbläg\Definition of BLOG: a website that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer; also : the contents of such a site

Info/Photo BlogPersonal BlogBusiness Blog

Basic parts of a blog post

Before You Begin…

Some Things to Think About •Purpose of your blog

• Why are you writing?

• Who is your audience?

•Show your personality.

•A blog can establish you or your company as an ‘expert’.

Setting Up Your Blog

Hosted vs. Free

-A hosted blog is simply a blog on your website

•MPL

-A free blog is hosted by the free site.

•Blogger•Wordpress•Typepad

RSS – Really Simple Syndication

Blog Content

General Blog Writing Tips

•Catchy Title to draw in a reader

•Put your main point at the top

•Use clear, concise language

•Keep it Short

•SEO

•Call to Action

•Comments

Formatting Your Blog Posts

Formatting•“Chunks of Content”•Paragraph Titles•Bullet Points

Adding Images

•A picture is worth a thousand words….•“Creative Commons” is your friend…

How Do You Start? …or, How Do You Keep Writing?

Content Calendars / Posting Schedules

How Do You Start?

…or, How Do You Keep Writing?

•Categories/Types of Posts• Idea Lists within

•Series of Posts

•Add to your calendar

•Contests

•Read OTHER blogs

Blog Promotion

Your blog is “out there”….

Now what do you do?

Make it easy to subscribe•Feedburner

Add your URL to EVERYTHING!

List your blog on promotional sites

Comment on other Blogs

Extra Credit: Link your blog to your Facebook Business Page

Mancos Public Library’s Tech Connect Series

“Helping Small Businesses & Non-Profits Connect with their Customers”

Blogging BasicsVictoria Petersen

MPL Technology Manager

Next Month: Buzztown is Back!!