What is a blogging?

What is a blogging? Or a blog and are they really serving a purpose. We look at writing for fun, for business and for money the easy way.

To blog or not?

noun

  1. A regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.

Wikipedia describes blogging in longhand however my short version is it is a story following a theme.

I write on small business marketing ideas. Each one is a new subject and a personal reflection on my ideas and beliefs.
Another might compose about the migration of bees or the best woodman axe.

For your business, you will write about products, problems and fixes.
Remember searchers are looking for answers, how, why and when situations.

Why write a Blog?

Nothing to write about, a bloggers dilemma

There are many reasons to blog and a billion odd blogs out in the market so why would anyone read what you have to say.

I blog because I enjoy writing, my past experience gives me something to say and share with others and I make money. Does that sound like a good idea?

Furthermore, I have a business to promote and blogging brings me new customers. It is a necessary part of my marketing.

It also keeps me in contact with people with similar ideas and backgrounds providing social interaction.

Finally, I learn from researching subjects that I want to blog about. None of us knows it all.

Could you write a blog?

The interesting part of this is that writing has simple rules. Rules you can learn and follow within a short time.
All blogs are on the internet and the internet is run by Google, therefore, Google makes the rules.

Quality content is great to have. You have spell checkers and grammar police to help you with this.
You will be told to write in short sentences and short paragraphs and be natural in what you say.
Next is writing procedures. I use a program that checks my writing for set out and to ensure I comply with the rules of SEO.
You can even get a score rating out of 100 for your effort.

What comes first with blogging?

marketing-and-business-online

If you ask a hundred people you will get 100 answers and nearly everything will be wrong.

Your first objective is a keyword that suits your writing.

When people search the web they type in a search term (keyword) that will take them to an answer they want. That search term must be one that will deliver readers to you.
You can have the best blog on the Net, everything is in place but if no one reads it you have wasted your time.

You find a great keyword by using a tool. A product that will look at volume and competition and tell you how to get found.

When people search the web they rarely go past page one, in fact, the first three lines on page one. Not fair but true so you must be there.

What will you write about?

This is not rocket science, something that you are interested in or fascinated with.

If you are a model train enthusiast you will write about that. If you have a clothing shop about clothes, It might be food, health, nutrition or trekking. Old cars, new cars, boats or boots.

Each subject has a myriad of topics to keep your fingers going for years ahead.
Boats can be old or new. Big, small, fast, slow, pretty, ugly, river, ocean, paddle or power.
Fast boats may be racing or rescue, long-distance, sprint or pleasure. On the river, the ocean, in dams. With people or without. The list is endless.

You will get hung up on this in the beginning so we recommend compiling a list of keywords to start. One hundred or a thousand but enough to allow freedom of thought to take over from procrastination and doubt.

What to write a blog about?

The dreaded writers' block.

This will be partially solved when you have your list of Keywords and know what the subject is. Problem one solved.

Blogging is storytelling. A start, problem, agitation and a solution. The basis of all media.
When you begin the blog, write down a series of subheadings. This will take you on a journey and provide a path to the finish.

It is easier to write 300 words under a heading than to start with a long road ahead to meander down.

What is the structure in a post?

What is a site search engine

This is important because keeping readers entertained is your job.

Every subheading should answer a question and that answer will be in the first sentence under the heading.

Many will say that each subhead is a story of its own. It will fit anywhere in the article and relate to the subject independently.

Specific rules for writing

Nothing is exact. we are writers and want literary freedom, however some useful guidelines to help.

HeadingAs much as needed
ParagraphsUnder about 25 words
WordsNot technical
Blog length+/- 1500 words
Pictures:Should be included

Fifteen hundred words are the target for your blog and follow with short sentences and paragraphs plus a few pictures thrown in.
Take a natural style of writing that adopts how you would chat with a friend. Don't try and get too smart or use obscure words for effect.

Tools for bloggers

We talked about keywords tools and I provided a link above.
For spelling, I use Grammarly.com a highly rated spell checker that follows you along and highlights words that are potentially wrong.

Yoast SEO. is my recommendation for SEO. This is a WordPress plugin that rates your SEO compliance and writing skills. It can be annoying until you follow the rules and make all the green lights go your way. For any new blogger, this is really necessary.

Is writing the career for you?

Yes, it is. We all have a story to tell and with a few ideas on which you can expand anyone can be a success.

However, one story does not complete the deal. To be recognised and appreciated you need to be consistent in your writing and a regular contribution to your subject.
Writing will become more natural as you go and will take its own form as an extension of yourself.

How do you set up your webpage?

This is done with a name (your domain) a hosting service and a page builder.

I recently wrote on this with starting a blog in WordPress and a couple of other ideas as well that will cover the foundation you need.

At Wealthy Affiliate, there is a whole bundle of training for my chosen WordPress host. Your access is free and you can even get a website thrown in without cracking the credit card. I have been a member for several years and give it a five-star rating and a must-do for anyone entering the game.

Find a host for your writing.

This is done with a blog name (your domain) a hosting service and a page builder.

I recently wrote on this with starting a blog in WordPress and a couple of other ideas as well that will cover the foundation you need.

There is a whole bundle of training at Wealthy Affiliate, my chosen WordPress host. Your access is free and you can even get a website thrown in without cracking the credit card. I have been a member for several years and give it a five-star rating and a must-do for anyone entering the game.

Track your progress

It is not good blogging and wondering if you have any readers. Yes, you can include some links but we all employ a free product called Google Analytics.

This is an important part of web building and provides a bundle of information on which to grow.
Not just the number of clicks but where from, device, sex of the reader, age even the time of the day.
Most devices that are available build from this product so install it when you start and follow regularly, acting on the results.

Conclusion

You have received a brief overview of a very long subject. However, I have included some vital information that will hopefully set you on a winning path.
Your keyword planning, SEO structure and writing format will all support success.
Use the tools and follow the structure that will make your life easy and your words jump off the page
Your journey will have highs and lows, successes and minor failures, it is all part of the process.
The good bits are to be enjoyed and never fret about the others, everything can be changed or ignored.

what is a blogging
Peter Hanley
About

You must check out the training at Wealthy Affiliate and read the forum comments from people just like you.
You will never be alone in this, remember you are writing for people that want you to entertain them.
One day you will be able to say “I am a blogger”


Peter Hanley

I have been in business for many years and the internet to find ways to grow your business faster

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