Question: Any pointers for a first time blogger setter upper? from JW
Here was my answer:
Take it one step at a time. You the know the best way to eat an elephant....one bite at a time.
Here's where I would start. Each step below is something you can do independently. But I do recommend going in order.
1. Create the account and select your blog name.
2. Complete your profile. Which includes a short section about you. When you enter interests, this is what you blog will be searchable on. Don't forget to add a photo.
3. Design --> Start designing your blog. Go to the template and select a layout. Usually have you to choose between one column, two columns, and three columns. Personally I like two column. I would go and look at blogs you like to get ideas. Start by adding a just a little content, like adding your name to the header. Add the about me to your page. Preview as you go, so you can see your progress. You can add graphics later.
4. Go shopping for templates --> This is sort of a joke. I don't intend for you to have to by a theme for your site. You can get ideas for free sites with templates from other blog sites. Personally, my favorite is Cutes Blog on the Block. Or Google "Free Blog Templates". Once you have the theme you want, add it to your blog. See my instructions How to Add CTMH Badge to My Blog.pdf. It's the same basic idea. Just save your Gadget as Blog Design or some name so you know this is where you copy and paste the design code.
5. Create your first post. You can add pictures by clicking an icon and uploading them. You get a few option on placement and size. I would stick with medium for pictures.
6. Practice saving draft posts and publishing posts at a later date.
7. Add a Gadget for Followers
8. Add CTMH blog badges
9. If you want you can add something for people to subscribe via email. There is now a "gadget" (blogspot) that you can add for email subscriptions.
TIP 1: I also recommend jotting down ideas for blog entries either in word or in emails that you send to your self. This way you have content you can add later.
Here's where I would start. Each step below is something you can do independently. But I do recommend going in order.
1. Create the account and select your blog name.
2. Complete your profile. Which includes a short section about you. When you enter interests, this is what you blog will be searchable on. Don't forget to add a photo.
3. Design --> Start designing your blog. Go to the template and select a layout. Usually have you to choose between one column, two columns, and three columns. Personally I like two column. I would go and look at blogs you like to get ideas. Start by adding a just a little content, like adding your name to the header. Add the about me to your page. Preview as you go, so you can see your progress. You can add graphics later.
4. Go shopping for templates --> This is sort of a joke. I don't intend for you to have to by a theme for your site. You can get ideas for free sites with templates from other blog sites. Personally, my favorite is Cutes Blog on the Block. Or Google "Free Blog Templates". Once you have the theme you want, add it to your blog. See my instructions How to Add CTMH Badge to My Blog.pdf. It's the same basic idea. Just save your Gadget as Blog Design or some name so you know this is where you copy and paste the design code.
5. Create your first post. You can add pictures by clicking an icon and uploading them. You get a few option on placement and size. I would stick with medium for pictures.
6. Practice saving draft posts and publishing posts at a later date.
7. Add a Gadget for Followers
8. Add CTMH blog badges
9. If you want you can add something for people to subscribe via email. There is now a "gadget" (blogspot) that you can add for email subscriptions.
TIP 1: I also recommend jotting down ideas for blog entries either in word or in emails that you send to your self. This way you have content you can add later.
