How to Create Your Own Blog

Recently, one of our readers asked for additional information on how to create a blog. In response to his request, this blog entry will explain the steps for constructing your very own blog.

Creating Your Blog
The first step to becoming a blogger is to find the right tools for your project. Blogging requires ongoing involvement. Therefore, you want the entire process to be as quick and simple as possible. Blog publishing applications, like WordPress® and Blogger™, can facilitate your blogging efforts. These applications provide WYSIWYG editors, which enable users to edit/format their posts with or without the use of HTML codes. Many applications also allow users to:

• Preview their posts prior to publishing them.
• Add descriptive tags.
• Categorize their entries.
• Upload photos and videos with ease.
• Customize their blogs by adding themes, gadgets, polls and more.

Although basic blogs are usually free to create, users must pay for the optional feature they add.

Those who currently own a Web site should check with their Web hosting provider prior to selecting a publishing application. Some Web site hosting packages now include complimentary blog hosting services. If these services come with exceptional tools, as well as free customer support, then the choice is simple.

Once you’ve chosen a blogging application, select a blog title that will appropriately represent the focus of your blog and use that title in the blog URL. After selecting your title, pick the design theme for your blog. You can choose from pre-designed templates or create your own, using HTML.

Additional Tips on Blogging
It is also a good idea to put together a tentative posting schedule (e.g., how often you wish to post per week) prior to publishing your first post. No one expects you to post as frequently as a professional blogger, so set a realistic goal. Determine the number of posts you are capable of handling in the span of a week without drastically interrupting your everyday routine, and make this number your minimum number of posts per week. To make things easier, you can create a list of potential topics for your blog and add to this list from time to time. That way, when it’s time to write a new post, you can simply choose from your list of topics.

In addition, always incorporate strong keywords into your blog posts and tags. Strong keywords are words or phrases that are frequently searched and highly relevant to your blog topic. Using them will help your posts reach their intended audience. Because you will use the same terms fairly often, it is wise to put together an index of good keywords.

For additional tips on blogging, go to: http://www.mysolutionspot.com/improving-your-web-site/how-to-use-blogging-to-compliment-your-web-site-5-ideas-for-generating-traffic-to-your-web-site-1183/1249/#1249

Get Involved with Social Media in 2009

One resolution all business owners should make for 2009 is “Get involved with social media.” No matter your industry and no matter your business’s size, involvement in social media gives your business the potential to find a new level of success. I recently came across a helpful blog post over at Mashable.com that lists some of the best social media articles from 2008. “HOW TO 2008: How To Do Almost Anything With Social Media” is a great resource for social-media newbies and veterans alike. With links to articles that span a comprehensive list of topics, this blog post can help those who are just getting started in social media, as well as those who are already involved yet want to expand their social media presence. As we bid farewell to 2008 and welcome 2009, resolve to make social media part of your business plan in 2009.

Give Your Business the Gift of Social Media

Christmas is just a few short days away; have you decided what to give your business yet? If not, here’s an idea: Give your small business the gift of social media. Utilizing social media is predicted to be one of the biggest business trends of 2009, and for many reasons. Todd Malicoat, the brains behind the blog StuntDubl.com, explains why now is the time to get yourself acquainted with the different aspects of social media in his recent blog post, “9 Reasons You Need Social Media Marketing in 2009.” Todd provides great insight into the world of social media, including why it’s important to get involved with social media sooner than later.

Once you’ve learned a little more about how social media works and why you need it, start getting involved! Social networks, like LinkedIn®, Facebook®, and MySolutionSpot^TM are great places to start. Give your business the gift that gives back by introducing it to the world of social media.

How to Create a Decent Blog

Blogging can be a fun activity, as well as a cost-effective way to promote your business or hobby. If you are interested in starting a blog, take the time to plan your strategy and brainstorm post ideas. These steps will help you get the most out of your blog.

How to Use the Internet to Benefit Your Business

Network Solutions® has teamed up with ooVoo®, a popular online video chat and conference network, to present:

Solutions Stars Video Conference
October 29, 2008
1 p.m., EST to approximately 3:30 p.m., EST

This video conference will educate small business owners on how to effectively use the Internet to improve their business performance and boost their business’s overall visibility. The conference will include the following topics:

• Building Web Presence
• The Social Opportunity
• Start with Listening
• Strategy Drives Outreach
• You Need Social Networks
• To Blog or Not to Blog
• Visibility Through Search
• Rising Above the Noise
• Time Demands

Participants can choose to watch the entire conference or view only the videos that interest them.

For additional information about this free event, please go to: http://www.solutionsstarsvideo.com/