I am not diverging from Robert Brewer’s April Platform Challenge Day 5 where he suggests that you start a blog. If the rule was once “writers write”, then just as much of a truism for our time is “writers blog”. I know there is a certain hesitance with some writers and it isn’t just a generational thing about the importance of blogging. I would argue that your blog might be the keystone of your platform. Social media is a beginning but a blog allows you to expand so much on 140 characters and really present yourself to a whole digital world of potential readers. Remember Everybody Blogs. It is no longer optional in presenting your personal brand as an author.
Create a Blog: There are a lot of services that will host and help you build your blog from WordPress, Blogger, Tumblr or even LiveJournal. Pick the one that you find easiest to use. I currently prefer WordPress because of its ease of use and ability to upgrade and monetize at a later date. I am currently planning and saving towards doing just that. Blogger is also easy to monetize. Don’t get bogged down in comparing services. I have used all four services at different times and will say that all of them are more than suitable and there are even other services out there.
WordPress Logo 中文: WordPress Logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Write a Post: I prepared a week worth of content before getting started by doing some brainstorming. It doesn’t need to be nearly that complicated. Remember the Day 1 Challenge? That could very easily be the basis of a first post. Tell us who you are and why you are starting a blog. Here is my first post for this blog to get you started. That first challenge will also set you up to write your “About” page too. This is good enough for the first day.
Work out a day each week to sit down and update (or a couple of days). This will get you started. Once you are established then you will want to post on a regular schedule. For me that means daily but even once a week is good as long as you are consistent and readers know when to expect to see your work. Just like with Facebook and Twitter, it won’t really work unless you work it. Be consistent. Be yourself.
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Share the URL: Share the URL here as soon as you are ready and I will be sure to compile these for a “Blogs to Follow” post later on in the month.
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Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy! That’s Day 5. See simple.
Established bloggers should use the resources linked to from Robert Brewer’s Day 5 for more advice on how to make the most of your blog. I will be looking more into these posts myself. This writer with a “day job” has been short on time for my freelance writing and behind posting schedule for today. No excuses. I’ll keep as close to schedule as life allows.
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Following closely, wanting to learn. This newbie is hanging on your every word. Been writing for years, but the platform building is still new. Great post as usual.
I’m a newbie too, and don’t even understand half the terms you use… but am reading with great interest in the hope that I shall gather some crumbs from under your table! Really intriguing posts for a technological incompetent thank you
I am here to help. Ask me any questions that you like. What terms confuse you? If they confuse you then chances are that someone else needs them defined as well. I am always here for questions.