getcreativeordie

That is the question...


If you frequent the internet like I do, you're sure to stumble upon a blog or two. Making bread, opinions on politics, fashion, tutorials, and tattoos are just a few topics you'll find in the blogosphere. There are even blogs about poo. (I'm sure)

So you say you want to start a blog? Everyone's got one, so where will yours fit in? Here are a few tips to get started blogging.

CONTENT.
Without content, you have... nothing. What are you planning to blog about? First narrow your subject down to a single subject. If your blog ideas don't fit into that subject, change it. There's no single list of blog subjects to choose from. It's all up to you. For example, if you choose Fashion as a subject, that covers all kinds of more specific subjects, such as retro fashion, home fashion, makeup, photography, etc.
So choose your content based on something you know, you like, or at least want to learn more about.

Another thing about content to consider is images vs. text. If you're into writing, your blog will likely be text heavy. If you're at a loss for words, but communicate better with images, your blog will likely be full of imagery. I would suggest a good balance of both.

Liane at betterbloggingforbloggers.com writes: "Content creation is just such a slippery, tricky slope that everyone inevitably ends up sliding on it. I write for a living and I still struggle to come up with great content ideas that are fresh and unique. After some time, tiredness sets in and there's nothing you can do about it. Running an active blog can make it a must to constantly come up with angles and posts that pique your readers interest."

DESIGN.
It's gotten so easy now to create a blog, some people have 3 or 4 of them. But to simple use the pre-built templates won't get your blog noticed, and quite possibly, not taken seriously.

- Take the time to create a graphic banner that suits the feel and the content of the blog.
- Use some basic HTML skills to enhance the layout of your blog, but not overwhelm the viewer.
- If you're crunched for time, you can temporarily use a pre-made template, but be advised: they don't all work the way they're supposed to, so be careful and have a backup plan when trying on a new template.
- Choose fonts and font colors that are easy to read against the background color (contrast) but try to stay away from black background with white text... It does a number on your eyes, and people won't stay long on your site if their eyes hurt.
- Don't just sprinkle in graphics for the sake of graphics. Use imagery that complements your site, content, and the overall look and feel of the blog.

WEB FUNCTIONALITY.
How are you going to get read if you can't get found? Submit your blog address to search engines like Google, Yahoo, and spread the word (but don't be a spammer) in your social networking. The more places or sites that will add a link to your site from theirs will boost your page ranking. Another way to help your ranking the most is TAG or LABEL each post with as many descriptions as are RELEVANT.

There's lots of great tips out there in the blogging world, and you can find your own, but here are a few I like.

http://indiebizchicks.com/wp/first-impressions-count/

http://www.betterbloggingforbloggers.com/

http://techie-buzz.com/blogging-tips/blogging-tips-for-new-bloggers.html

http://www.allinternetmarketing.net/how-to-start-blogging-tips-for-new-bloggers/5020

Any tips you have? Leave in the comments!