Tiffany B. Brown

a mish-mosh of stuff

How to create your own web log/’blog/blog

Edited to fix some formatting issues

A few of my less-Internet-savvy friends and acquaintances have asked me this question. The first time I heard it, my response was a snarky “Um … Blogger?”

The second time I was asked, I thought, “Wow. People really must not know this stuff.”

After the third time, I was inspired to write this how-to for the un-initiated.

What is a blog?

A blog (short for web log) is a journal. Usually posts are listed in reverse-chronological order. A blog may or may not have commenting or discussion features. It may or may not generate an XML syndication file. It may or may not support pings and TrackBacks.

Since a ‘blog is a journal, all you really need is some web savvy. You could create HTML pages using a word processing program, then upload them to a server, create an index page with links and call it a blog.

But since you’re reading this, I’ll assume that when you say “I want a blog,” you really mean “I want some software or a service to streamline the blogging process.”

Why have a web log?

Good question, although I suppose if you’re reading this, you’ve already asked yourself that and answered it. Most people and businesses have blogs for one (or more) of three reasons.

  1. Personal outlet for writing about your life and ideas
  2. Communication with family, friends, clients and customers
  3. Professional self-promotion or marketing

And I’m sure most of us also have a narcissistic, “pay-attention-to-me” gene (or maybe it’s just me).

Okay, so how do I get one? Part I: The easy way

The easy way is to sign up for a free or paid blog-hosting service. Some options are:

Free:

Paid:

I only have experience using Blogger (the old version), so I can’t fairly recommend one over another. Your best bet is to sign up for a trial.

This above list is also *not* a comprehensive one. A web search would turn up dozens more such services.

If, however, you want a little more flexibility, and/or you have some technical know-how, you may opt for the hard way.

Okay, so how do I get one? Part II: The hard way

The hard way isn’t particularly hard if you have ever set up a web site (or have no fear of doing so). You need to:

  1. Register a domain name
  2. Choose a web log package
  3. Pick a host

You could conceivably choose a web host before choosing blogging software. But it’s much easier to pick the software first, then find a host that can support it.

Something to mention: you don’t have to choose a host that “specializes” in blog hosting. Many hosts use that as a marketing hook.

Choosing software: Some starting points

There are plenty of blogging software packages available. Each has is advantages and disadvantages. I’ve outlined just three below, all of which I have used in some capacity.

  • MovableType: Easy to configure templates. Widely used and supported. Large user community. Supports multiple blogs per installation. You may have to pay. Plus MovableType is prone to comment spam (though there are some decent plug-ins available, and version 3.0 provides some added protection). It’s also a proprietary product.
  • WordPress: Super easy to install, but not as easy as MovableType (though still fairly easy) when it comes to configuring templates. WordPress also only supports one blog per installation. But it’s FREE, open source, well documented and supported, and has several moderation features that make it less of a comment spam target. This is my pick.
  • Drupal: This is really a content management system with a blog option. Can require users to register before posting comments. Also has moderation features. Extremely feature rich
    and easy to install. But configure a template? That will drive you batty. My personal pet peeve is that the default templates use tables for layout. The upshot: it’s also FREE and open source. If you want to have blogs as a part of a larger magazine-y style site, this is for you.

How to choose a blogging package? Ask around. Contact some bloggers. Try out demos if you can. There are many more available than just the three I’ve listed here. Plus if you’ve got the time and skills (or gumption to learn), you can always build your own.

Designing your blog

Most popular blog packages and services include one or more decent-looking default templates. Many also have volunteer developers who create free templates to share.

If you’re so inclined, you can also design your own blog template. Or hold a contest and ask friends or readers to design one for you.

Getting noticed

There are several ways to get noticed. Your first step should be to submit your site to search engines, blog indexes and guides.

Secondly, you want to take part in conversations around the web, especially in conversations that relate to the topic of your ‘blog (if you have one central topic).

Posting your name, e-mail address and/or web site with every comment you make will help you build credibility, relationships and recognition. And by all means, be respectful of the blog’s owner and readers. Treat it as you would a friend’s home.

A third way to get noticed? Cultivate off-line relationships. Meet for coffee with a blogger in your neighborhood. Attend conferences and conventions. Tell people you work with about your blog. These physical links can produce virtual links, and boost your profile.

Ultimately, however, your blog traffic will depend on your blog’s content. Produce quality and people will return.


Plus Elise Bauer writes "An Overview of the Weblog Tools Market."

And … Transformers (requires the Flash 7 player and a fast Internet connection).

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