The Beginning of Something New...and some Basic Rules
In a world that's constantly changing or having just a narrower view of life around you, the desire to seek answers remains constant. I, Mr. Blog, would like to throw my hat in the arena in offering my own viewpoint to share some insight in life...however small it may be.
In the interest of full disclaimer and disclosure, I WILL NOT HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS. I will also not commit to any dealings as this is just a simple Q & A. Finally, my answers should not be your ONLY answers. Continue to seek the answers you need; then act/reflect accordingly. Also, I may not be able to answer ALL Request-ions here, but I'll do my best to be diligent in my answering. Some Request-ions will be featured here, on the Test Run, while others may be addressed in the AccessPoint Mark. Finally, again, try to be civil. There's no need to get too brash about questions. SO, feel free to ask Mr. Blog...something. And to start things off...
Our First Request-ion!
This first Request-ion to christen this occasion comes from a small business owner, he asks:
I've never done a blog before. How do you start one? What are the steps?
First, I am humbled that you want to ask me that. Second, the process is actually straight-forward. Here's a general synopsis of what it takes to start a Web Log (aka Blog).
STEP ONE: CREATE/FIND A WEBLOG SITE
Depending on how savvy you are with computers and computer language, this is the first step. There are sites specifically tailored to the creation of blogs (this one, Blogger, in particular). Also, there are websites, such as WordPress, that allow the creation of whole sites based on templates they provide. Finally, there is that of Site Domains (Businesses that actually give you a URL of your own along with the ability to create your own code to customize your site). One such business that comes to mind is Wix. This company allows you to create a website with their provided templates. If that doesn't work, you can also use Squarespace. They are just as accessible as Wix, but they offer a free trial without the need of a credit card. One more, for the confident, is GoDaddy. This is a domain hosting business that allows you to create your own site from scratch, as they will provide you the tools; but be warned, it STARTS cheap, but the more you desire for your site, the higher the cost to maintain it.
STEP TWO: UNDERSTAND YOUR UNIQUE VOICE
This is actually a very CRUCIAL step in creating a blog. The reason why this is Step Two is simply due to the fact that you need to find an avenue FIRST, to broadcast your viewpoint. Along that vein, you must acknowledge that this field is saturated with blogs already existing and accomplished in this industry. As there are a multitude of existing blogs out there, how will you be heard? Consider the following when you are creating your 'identity' with your blog:
- Is it a unique viewpoint of the world?
- Does it offer insight in your specific field/interest?
- Will it be engaging?
- Will it be quick to IDENTIFY?
Keep in mind, while your identity doesn't need to be Earth-shattering or Game changing, IT HAS TO BE YOURS. This is what will engage readership and continue to build a small (or large depending on your ambition) community upon which to further your blog with feedback and insight.
STEP THREE: CONSISTENCY
This step is what can make or break a blogger even more than having an identity. How often will you post? Will it be once a month? Once a WEEK? Once a DAY? That frequency, along with alerting your readership of said frequency, is extremely important. Just like with syndicated television, your readership tunes into your blog at a specific date and time to get the latest topic your blog will provide. Consistency, or rather repetition, will not only deepen your ability to write more effective topics of discussion, it will also build a sense of reliability. What kills bloggers (both upcoming and veteran) is a lack of consistency. Yes, there WILL be life-changing moments that will affect your ability to remain steady in presenting your work, such as:
- Work-related issues
- School
- Marriage
- Giving Birth To/Raising Children
- Financial Hardship
- ETC.
The Wise Blogger anticipates this by formulating a writing schedule to help with consistency, but also informs readership of any hiatus they may have in advance (if possible). Finally, with consistency, comes patience; that your efforts will consistently grow if you remain steadfast and still providing insight. To sum this up, my mother gave me some God-Given Advice on consistency: "Things that last, take time to build."
THERE IS MORE WORK AHEAD
What I have offered is merely the bare-bones of the foundation necessary to get started with creating a blog, but in truth, this process is actually no different at all to starting a small business itself. You first find a place to setup shop with your idea (Create/Join a Site), then you create a business model of advertisement and marketing (Understanding Your Unique Voice), followed by showing up to work every day possible (Consistency). While there is training involved depending on your field, the core aspects remain the same. The only difference is the 'shop' you’re setting up. It's time to open up for your blog business (should you decide that be your focus).
Well, this wraps up the inaugural answer of "Ask Mr. Blog...Something;" I hope you found it informative as I found it fun! As always, don't be afraid to leave a question at this Blog OR at the AccessPoint Mark on Facebook. I'm Looking Forward to your Request-ions!
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