The most used words to describe a blog are ‘weblog‘ and ‘online journal‘. Blogs can seem a little intimidating to those new to the internet but they are no more than interactive websites. The term ‘online journal‘ is a little outdated since there are many more uses for blogs now. Blogs are no longer reserved for those that want an online diary or journal, if it ever was. Today blogs are limited only by our imaginations. We have personal blogs, business blogs, photo blogs, video blogs, niche blogs, how-to blogs and the list grows on and on. Some blogs exist to compliment or support a main site such as the one used for YourAdTracker.com. Some blogs are there to share news and commentary about a specific topic (niche blogs) and others are there to generate income often called ‘AdSence blogs‘ and ‘niche blogs‘.
What sets blogs apart from traditional websites?
Blogs combine the traditional website with the popular style and functionality of forums usually setup in reverse-chronological order (newest posts first). Generally a blog will have one or more admins (administrators) who administer the blog and publish the blog’s posts (articles). Site visitors can add their own comments to those posts provided the comments feature is not turned off (disabled). Some blogs are similar to membership sites by requiring commenters to register in order to participate, not recommended for beginning blogs.
Why a blog over a regular website?
There are many reasons to consider a blog over a regular website:
- Several popular formats/platforms to choose from
- Hundreds of themes available, many of which are free
- More helpful plugins than you could ever use
- Search engines seem to prefer blog content
- The RSS feeds are similar to a built-in list building feature
- Interaction with site visitors via comments help the site grow strong and fast
- Blogs are very simple to create and maintain without a huge learning curve
- Themes can be easily changed and can instantly make a site look very professional
Blog Etiquette
Blogging etiquette seems like common sense but only if you have the right idea or frame of mind when it comes to blogging. Blogging is much more than an interactive website, it’s social networking at it’s best. Blogging is by far the fastest way to find new online friends that share the same interests. Blogging is a very rewarding and enjoyable activity but only when following some simple and practical rules or, Blog Etiquette if you will. Like making friends on the playground, blogging etiquette must be learned and put into practice. Here are some links from a few of my blogging friends to help you get started:
- Commenting Etiquette Is Important
- The Unwritten Rules of Commenting
- Commenting 101 Important Rules For 2009
- Blog Comment Tip: Respond to Comments or Risk Losing Subscribers
- A Point About Commenting On Blogs
- How To Handle Negative Comments On Your Blog
- The Blogging Process
More Required Reading For Bloggers:
- A – Z Blogging Guide for Beginners
- 7 Deadly Sins of Highly Ineffective New Bloggers
- 10 Blogging Mistakes to Avoid
- Top 7 Mistakes Newbie Bloggers Make
- 12 Tips To Become A Dot Com Mogul In The Blogosphere
- 7 Common Mistakes When Beginning Blogging
- 5 Things To Consider When Publishing Your Blog Newsletter
- Blogging Tips for Beginners
Dennis Edell (14)
Suzanne Vara (14)
Andrew (6)
Chris Roane - Mon... (6)
Brian D. Hawkins (5)
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: mitch_m
May 30, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Very nicely written, and a great way to introduce new bloggers into the process. I’m proud to be a part of the training; thanks, and great success to you.
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No problem Mitch, just sharing great content
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Twitter: AussieSire
May 30, 2009 at 6:35 pm
I am honored to be included in this list of well written posts that will help all new comers to blogging. Thanks so much for the link luv Brian.
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Hi Sire, My pleasure. Good stuff must be shared.
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Thanks for including me in the goodies buddy!
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Brian Hawkins Reply:
June 7th, 2009 at 9:22 am
No problem Dennis, thanks for stopping by. I love seeing that cool avatar on my blogs
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Yes, blogs are great for the reasons you have outline. I have several websites and blogs running, and I’ve found the blogs easiest to get traffic to by far.
I think one of the main reasons for this is not just that search engines love new, updated content; they also love lots of content. Quite simply, the more keywords you’ve got out there in cyberspace, the more chance that Google will sweep your blog up in a search. Websites tend to have much less content, and so don’t have this advantage.
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Brian Hawkins Reply:
June 7th, 2009 at 8:38 am
Hi Matt, I’ve often noticed that blogs grow faster and bigger but I can’t remember anyone, up to now, point that out. I’m sure that has a lot to do with the ease of writing posts and the pressure of new content expected on a regular basis. Thanks and welcome to our site.
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These are fantastic blogging tips, and even if you already have a website, it is so important to add a blog to your site. Anyone can write a blog, I just think that a lot of people get nervous because they worry about what to say, when really it is conversational.
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Brian Hawkins Reply:
July 20th, 2009 at 6:49 am
It’s true Chuggin, it’s just conversation. Even when the admin takes almost a month to reply. Sorry, I missed your comment somehow.
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In addition to blogging, new comers should nowdays also focus on social media interaction through sites like digg & propeller. These sites will further enhance the exposure of newcomer’s blogs!
Thanks
Matt@The Size Trainer´s last blog ..Excercises to increase penis length
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Brian Hawkins Reply:
July 20th, 2009 at 6:50 am
I agree Matt as long as they focus within their niche.
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Hey Brian, thanks for this post and its accompanying links. Although I’ve been blogging for about 4 months already, my day job keeps me from focusing on my blog and has thus kept me at the newbie level even now. Thus any tips such as the ones you are providing are a welcome resource to me. Again, thanks.
Noel Moralde´s last blog ..Update to Keyword-In-Domain-Name Experiment
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Brian Hawkins Reply:
August 23rd, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Don’t feel bad Noel, you’re not alone. It took me three days just to reply to this comment and I have no excuse other than I’m easily distracted
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I want to start a blog for my preschooler just to post photos and create a story of his coming into this world as a preemie all the way to now as a 5 year old…and I want to show photos with discriptions but I’m new to this and all I have are photos uploaded at photobucket. My speakers don’t work on my computer because I don’t have a sound card and I don’t have videotape-just photos. So I want to find a site to create a story of his life with a montage of pictures…Can you recommend a site that might work well for beginners?
Debate Supplies´s last blog ..‘Need and Importance of Diabetes Supplies’
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Brian Hawkins Reply:
August 23rd, 2009 at 10:23 pm
I would buy a decent domain, get some cheap hosting, install WordPress and get a nice theme that has a photo blog and start blogging.
How’s that for self promotion?
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Twitter: AussieSire
August 23, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Now, THAT is what I call great self promotion
Sire´s last blog ..Cash Burners And Their Electronic Super Cigarette
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Brian Hawkins Reply:
September 27th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Thanks Sire, I try
Brian Hawkins´s last blog ..Brian D. Hawkins – A Name You Can Trust
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Nice Post. Good for beginners
Gary Make Money Online´s last blog ..Teen Blogger Girl Earns $900 Every Month
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Brian Hawkins Reply:
September 27th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Thanks Gary. this comment almost didn’t get through but you have a cool blog and it passed my simple blog comment spam test. It was border line though, I’m sure you agree
Just trying to be helpful.
Brian Hawkins´s last blog ..Brian D. Hawkins – A Name You Can Trust
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