Blogging My Way

I had not really thought about blogging until a few of my friends encouraged me to try it. I have always been creative and seem to have a touch no matter what I try my hands at. So it did seem natural to try my hands at it. 

I didn't, at the time, have anyone to coach me or bounce ideas off of. How did I get started? Google!! If I had a question, I just Googled it until I found an answer. I started on Wordpress and was sad to learn the name I wanted was taken. But I continued with another. I was probably with them for about 1-2 years and I found Blogspot. Which I have REALLY enjoyed AND I got Log Home Mom. The switch was easy enough except the time. I do recommend you research which website you want to use before you dig it. It is time consuming to switch everything over. You can Google to see reviews from others on what they like best. I think it is kind of like using IE or Chrome. It comes down to preference.

One of the lessons I learned was about 3 years after I started was “put your name and watermark” you photos. I use PicArt for this. I like it so much I even pay for the Royal package. It is time consuming to say the least but people WILL steal your photos if you don’t. The last thing you want if a picture of your family for advertisement. Or something YOU made used by someone else as their own. I now belong to some networking groups and hear stories of this happening all the time.

To get your own type and to be able to go back and easily spell check, I use Microsoft Word. I don’t insert my pictures on word but I do type out my blog and do the layout/colors/font on it. Then all you have to do is copy and paste.

Have your own business? Put your link on the side bar. I do get business from this. While I do not blog for the money, I know many do. You can absolutely make it an additional income based tool.

Insert a Pin logo on your pictures. All you have to do is google (example) how do I make my photos on blogspot pinable and complete instructions will come up. You put it one time in your template and each time there after it is automatically linked. I generate A LOT of traffic from Pinterest.

You can also do the same with adding a like button to your blog posts, so that your readers can like it from their Facebook without leaving your post.

I always put a break in my type after the first paragraph. That makes scrolling my blog easier for everyone. They just get a snippet of my blog and click for the rest.

Make sure you put the labels in the sidebar of your blog preview. This will allow you to show up in search engines. Example if you are writing about a pie you made, you could put Pie, Best Pie Recipe, Homemade Pie, Kitchen Fun, Desserts, Favorite Dessert, etc! The possibilities are limitless!!

One of the things I like to do it find Blog Hops. This is where you list your blog post on other LARGE bloggers. I always get lots of traffic from this. I have made some great friends too.

Join groups on Facebook and yahoo that fit your theme of your blog. Not only will you get traffic but you will get lots of tips and support.

Be active on Facebook! Facebook and Pinterest are my biggest traffic sources. I did not realize how important that was until I got to talking to other bloggers.

I hope this helps you get started. Feel free to ask any questions, I will always be here to help when I can…

Peace, Love and Enjoy!