The blogging bestseller, now fully updated to reflect the latest tools and techniques
Blogging is forever evolving, and remains essential for anyone who wants a distinctive Web presence. There are many options that surround blogging-on everything from blogging software to hosting services-and this fun and friendly guide gets you started so can begin logging in hours of blogging!
Building on the success of the two previous bestselling editions, this latest revision includes essential blogging basics, the elements required of a good blog, and the tools you'll need to get started. You'll discover how to determine the right blogging software for you, whether you should run your own blog or use a full-service hosting site, and how to set up an account and write your first post.
- Builds on the two previous bestselling editions and covers the latest advertising tools to attract an audience, methods for making money with your blog, and ways to measure your blog's success
- Includes updates to the major blogging software utilities including Google's Blogger, TypePad, and WordPress
- Walks you through the latest search engine optimization techniques for increasing your blog's visibility
- Reviews the newest plug-ins and gadgets that will allow you to extend your blog
If you're in a fog about how to blog, then this easy-to-understand guide is the right book for you.
Introduction.
Part I: Getting Started with Blogs.
Chapter 1: Discovering Blog Basics.
Chapter 2: Entering the Blogosphere.
Chapter 3: Choosing and Hosting Blog Software.
Part II: Setting Up Your Blog.
Chapter 4: Starting a Blogger Blog.
Chapter 5: Starting a WordPress Blog.
Chapter 6: Starting a Micro Blog.
Part III: Fitting In and Feeling Good.
Chapter 7: Finding Your Niche.
Chapter 8: Creating Great Content.
Chapter 9: Building Community with Comments.
Part IV: Going Beyond Words.
Chapter 10: Working with Photos.
Chapter 11: Starting a Podcast.
Chapter 12: Working with Videos.
Part V: Marketing and Promoting Your Blog.
Chapter 13: Reaching Out with RSS.
Chapter 14: Joining the Twitterverse.
Chapter 15: Diving in to Social Networking.
Chapter 16: Measuring Blog Presence.
Part VI: Getting Business-y with It.
Chapter 17: Making Mad Mad Money.
Chapter 18: Blogging for Companies.
Part VII: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 19: Ten Ways of Growing Community.
Chapter 20: Ten Cool Tricks for Making Your Blog Shine.
Chapter 21: Ten Blogs You Should Know.
Appendix A: Glossary.
Appendix B: Basic HTML Code.
Index.
Susannah Gardner is creative director of Hop Studios (www.hopstudios.com), a Web design company specializing in blogs and community content Web sites. Shane Birley is cofounder of Left Right Minds (www.leftrightminds.com) and blogs at ShanesWorld.ca.
In a fog about blogs? Read this book and it all becomes clear!
Millions of people posted a blog entry this morning. They're promoting products, espousing causes, discussing their lives, and sharing tips on everything from getting the laundry clean to getting their candidate elected. Join the fun! Here's how to choose and use blogging software, pick a topic, add photos, attract readers, and keep your blog interesting.
Blog basics — find out what defines a blog and what type of blog best suits your purpose
What you say — learn how to create appealing content and what you don't want to put in your blog
Compare tools — understand the pros and cons of hosted services and see what Blogger, WordPress, and other tools offer
When smaller is better — explore microblogging, including Twitter® and Tumblr
Speak up — try your hand at podcasting or video blogging
Socialize your blog — boost readership with a presence on social networking sites
Blogging for dollars — see how to put ads on your blog or in your RSS feed, seek sponsorships, and maintain a business blog
Know your visitors — learn to collect and analyze statistics on who's visiting your site, when, and for how long
Open the book and find:
Tips for choosing a topic
How to connect with your readers through comments
Advice on blogging ethics
A comparison of leading blogging software
Help managing routine blog tasks
Hints for conquering writer's block
Ways to boost readership
Why RSS feeds are a great idea
Cool widgets, gadgets, and themes to customize your blog
Learn to:
Use the latest versions of Blogger and WordPress®
Recognize what goes into an effective blog
Find your niche in the blogosphere
Build an audience and make money from your blog
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Distributor: John Wiley & Sons
Publication Date: 02-02-2010
Pages: 408
Measurements: 233.6mm X 187.89mm X 20.299mm X 20.8oz
