Blogging basics

[Former_Member]

Im going to post this thread so we can share some basic blogging tips.

This Etsy seller wraps it up nicely in her blog post! She has some great info on her blog.

http://brittanysbest.com/2014/01/11-blogging-mistakes-that-make-you-look-like-an-amateur/

Feel free to add some tips you've learned along the way.

[Former_Member]

One of my tips: Stop saying I dont have time. You have time to post in the forum and post all over your social media you have time to blog!! :D

Blogging is more beneficial than social media and posting on Etsy forums. Share your blog posts on your social media. Kill two bird with one stone.

Make the time. A great way is to spend a day once a month and draft 5-10 posts. Then all you have to do daily/weekly is make one live. You can manually do this or schedule in through your blog platform. Your blog will post for you. Like I said above share in on your social media. Now you have content to share and 'pin'. Pinning from your blog is great, specially DIY and tutorials, they can easily go viral on Pinterest.

Sharing:

A good way to share on facebook; the post should be something like: A picture from the blog post and say something along the lines of-

You did a post that was a teaser/behind the scenes for a new product on your blog.

"Here is a fun teaser from some new products for my fans. What do you think? Check more out on my blog." insert link

You sell vintage and you blogged a buying trip.

"I went on a great buying trip! So fun, check out this awesome find. You can see more on my blog." insert link

Adding some text content and a picture will gain more traction than just dropping the link in your feed.

[Former_Member]

Another tip: Size your photos for net use before you add them to the blog. When you size them down sharpen them as well. Resizing them small will dull them a bit. It needs a 'net use sharpening'.

With Blogger and the free version of WordPress I think about 600 wide is best fit for the blog. Sizes like 800x600 for portrait(vertical) and 600x400 for landscape.(horizontal)

It will make the photos look better properly sized and save time resizing as you are making a post, just insert the perfect sized images.

Hosted Wordpress varies per theme. Size it to fit your theme best.

[Former_Member]

This blog post is s good read.

http://www.sitepronews.com/2014/02/07/headlines-appeal-google-users/

[Former_Member]

Another good read for those non writers.

http://www.modomediagroup.com/2014/01/web-content-writing-for-non-writers/

[Former_Member]

Ive added some new pins and I add them as they come through me feed. You might find some helpful for you. :)

My pin board: http://www.pinterest.com/stylesstuffny/blogging-seo-website-and-social-media/

[Former_Member]

I think this is a good read. Its talks about photography but much of this can translate into any business.

Talks about some of the "SEO' side as well.

http://digital-photography-school.com/7-simple-ways-a-blog-can-get-you-more-photography-clients/

[Former_Member]

Edit

[Former_Member]

That blog post from Brittany's Best is one of my fave blogging related posts. It's straight forward advice but the blogger actually practices what she preaches in terms of keeping her blog clean and clutter free.

I think my blogging basic tip would be to try to reply to comments as much as you can. It's polite and makes you look professional and on top of things. I'm turned off by bloggers who never respond to insightful comments or comments where someone is asking an interesting question.

[Former_Member]

I like her blog too.

Ive been in the end of no replies back!!

Some of them are posts where they featured my item, they stole my picture from my shop and blogged it.(Im ok they do it) I stop to say thank you for featuring my jars, great finds, yada, yada, and no reply.. lame! lol

Thanks for contributing to the thread! :)

[Former_Member]

Isn't it just so awful! lol. I understand that people have busy lives but a simple "Thanks!" or some kind of acknowledgement would be nice.

[Former_Member]

Specially when its from the person you 'stole' the image from! ha ha

[Former_Member]

Here is a great post about blogging.

http://shopthebbar.com/blog/10-important-things-to-do-for-your-blog-in-2014/

[Former_Member]

I think these are a good read.



www.socialmediaexaminer.com/5-reasons-your-business-should-be-blogg...

www.thesaleslion.com/blogging-save-business-neither-content-marketing/

[Former_Member]

Hi Kelly :)
Just joined the team after having a browse through this discussion ;)
Great tips you have posted here, ive just started a new blog and hopefully this team will help me get carried away eg may still be braking afew of brittanys rules but im happy with my blog... for now :P

Thanks for sharing the information!

[Former_Member]

I hope it helps you! Dont hesitate to ask questions or start a thread.

[Former_Member]

Some more blog goodies!

http://rebekahradice.com/leverage-blogging-build-business-identity-authority-credibility/

[Former_Member]

Here is a freebie photo program where you can make story board collages for your blog and your store. The combine feature is the collage tool. Its a great photo editing program all around.

Photoscape. use the green download button to the left. The CNET secure download button.

http://download.cnet.com/PhotoScape/3000-2192_4-10703122.html

[Former_Member]

Balancing personal and business.

http://snapcreativity.com/balancing-personal-professional-blog/

[Former_Member]

68 Blogging Tips:

http://www.twelveskip.com/guide/blogging/1090/blogging-tips-ultimate-checklist

[Former_Member]

How to stay organized.

http://mommylikewhoa.com/2014/03/how-to-organize-and-plan-a-months-worth-of-blog-posts/

[Former_Member]

Tips on being efficient.

http://theturquoisehome.com/2014/03/how-to-be-an-efficient-blogger/

[Former_Member]

Some good info on this blog.

http://www.amyporterfield.com/

[Former_Member]

How not to let the comparison game steal your blogging joy. Staying focused on your own race:

http://www.acookiebeforedinner.com/2013/11/blogging-like-a-horse-with-blinders-on/

[Former_Member]

Nessa, thanks for posting 'blogging like a horse ...' It's so true. I had too often done just that and was nearly blog-paralyzed. I was forever making changes before I could even get out of the gate. Well, I still do make changes but my changes are focused!