I am a Member > Beyond My Plan

Blogs

What They Are

A Blog (short for “Web log”) is a web-based journal. Blogs are generally more informal than most web content and are frequently written from the perspective of a single person.

Blogs differ from regular Web sites in that they are updated frequently (weekly, daily, or even hourly) and are very often op-ed pieces rather than strictly informational or product-centric. There are no rules around blogs; you can write about whatever you want in whatever style suits you.

Why Use Them

Blogging is the modern-day equivalent to a pen pal, except once you've written your letter, you don't have to find an envelope, lick a seal, or pay for a stamp. All you have to do is press "publish" and your note is sent – to not just one, but all of your friends – instantly. Blogs allow people to comment, too, so your friends can respond to your post as quickly as they can read it.

You might use a blog to:

• Keep a Travel Log – perhaps you're traveling to Africa for the first time. While you're there, you can keep friends and family updated on your trip, from writing about the line at the airport to posting pictures from your African safari.
• Write a Journal – you don't need to fly across the Atlantic for something to blog about. Write about every day things like renovations you're doing on your house or your grandchild taking her first steps. Include pictures to add extra interest.
• Express Your Opinions – maybe Ebert and Roeper gave it two thumbs up, but you thought the movie was dull and unimaginative. Use your blog to let people know what you thought and why.
• Establish Yourself as an Expert – are you an economist, a mechanic, a marketing guru? Share your knowledge and experience with others in your field by weighing in on industry trends or providing helpful tips!
• Market Your Product – use blogs to communicate with current or potential customers about products your company offers or about your vision for the future. Share stories from real customers who have found new or innovative ways to use your product, or let your customers know when you're having a sale.

Back to Top

How They Work

• Find a Blogging site – the easiest way to create a blog is by using a ready-made blog tool. There are free blog tools (blogger.com, blogsome.com, wordpress.org, tumblr.com, posterous.com) that can help you create and manage your blog.
• You don't have to know how to design or build a Web site to start a blog, but you should do a little shopping around to find a blogging tool that provides what you need.
• Consider how much help you'll need to set up, how much the tool/site does to promote bloggers, if there's a cost associated, and whether or not it requires downloading software to your computer.
• Sign Up – Once you've chosen your hosting site, you'll need to register. Some of the blogging tools/sites will require you to install an application on your computer, or agree to their terms and conditions. You'll also have to pick a URL or blog ID that will help personalize your blog.
• When choosing your name, keep in mind who you'll be writing for and how much anonymity you want.
• For instance, if you're blogging to promote your business, you'll want to keep your blog name professional and closely linked to your company.
• However, if you're blogging about movies or books, you might want to keep your critiques and your personal life separate by creating an alternate identity.
• Decide who your readers are - Most blog hosting sites allow bloggers to specify whether they prefer public or private blogs.
• Public means that anyone can find and read your blog. Most sites offer publicity options as part of a "public" blog. You can have your blog listed in a community directory on the blog host's Web site, or submit your blog to various search engines.
• Private blogs require an invitation, password, or both. If you're keeping a personal journal or posting pictures of your friends and family members, you should consider a private blog.
• Start Blogging – you can blog about whatever, whenever, to whomever. You can vent to the world, write a political commentary, share your favorite recipes – there are no limits. Write, read, explore, and enjoy.

Back to Top