This document provides tips and guidance for starting and maintaining a successful blog. It defines what a blog is, discusses whether blogging is right for the reader, and lists reasons for why someone may want to start a blog, such as to build web traffic, connect with customers, or provide information about a company. The document recommends blogging platforms like WordPress, Tumblr, and Blogger and provides tips on what content to include, how often to post, using images and catchy titles, and other best practices. Local blog examples are also provided.

1. BLOGGING 101
Tips for Blogging

2. WHAT IS A BLOG - J
blog [blawg, blog] noun, verb, blogged,blog·ging.
"A blog is a web page made up of usually short,
frequently updated posts that are arranged
chronologically-like a 'what's new' page or a
journal." - Pyra Labs
A Web site containing the writer's or group of
writers' own experiences, observations, opinions,
etc., and often having images and links to other
Web sites (hyperlinks).
Ohme Garden Blog
Snow Creek Yoga Blog

3. SHOULD YOU BLOG - A
Can you spell
Do you have the time to be
consistent
Do you have something relevant to
say
Do you have the desire to speak to
people
Icicle Creek Center for the Arts Blog
Twisted Tonight Blog

4. WHY TO BLOG - J
a corporate tool for communicating with customers (or employees) to share
knowledge and expertise.
build additional webs traffic
connect with potential customers
For small business owners without the time to learn html or the money to
hire a designer/developer, blogging offers an inexpensive method to get
your company's name out on the internet
offers a more approachable, informal information-providing approach in
which customers find enjoyment, get to know your company, and learn
about your products, achievements, and innovations
provides a "voice" for your company that educates and informs your
websites visitors

5. BUSINESS BLOGS - J
BUSINESS BLOGS: Content that answers the distinct needs of buyers
throughout the decision-making process.
Examples of blog platforms (use attached screen shots) -
Wordpress (believed to be the most "fully-featured")
Tumblr (great for on-the-go people; video, pics, short quotes/posts,
audio files, links, etc)
Blogger/Blogspot: (reviewed as an "easy" start for beginner bloggers.
click-and-drag rearranging format style)

6. HOW TO START BLOG - J
Watch testimonials (Wordpress is great for this, or Youtube!)
Make it simple; clean, well laid-out. Simple works. Think IKEA... not everyone
likes their furniture, but most (if not all) people love the simple, attractive layout.
Think about how you’re guiding them to where you want to be and how you can
help them return.

7. WHAT TO BLOG - A
Journal Style Blogs
Up-coming events
Past Events
Personal vs Topical
Ask a Question
Image Focused Blogs

8. SHOULD YOU BLOG - J
Anyone can blog? But.....
Do you have the time?
The passion?
The patience?

9. LOCAL BLOGS
Icicle Creek Center for the Arts: http://iciclecreek.wordpress.com/2012/07/10/theyre-
here/
Snowcreek Yoga: http://www.snowcreekhealth.com/reflections
Ohme Gardens: http://ohmegardensblog.wordpress.com
Icicle TV: http://icicle.tv/Blog/Latest.html
Icicle Creek Real Estate: http://iciclecreekrealestate.com/leavenworth-real-estate-
blog/
Osprey Rafting - Hit of the day http://www.ospreyrafting.com/blog
Accidental Bavarian http://www.accidentalbavarian.com/wordpress/
Anymore? Please email them to events@leavenworth.org

10. GOOD BLOGS
ICICLE CREEK & 8 MILE (ANDREA)
Patagonia - TheCleanestLine.com
Community Blog from multiple writers
Dirt Bag Diaries - DirtBagDiaries.com
Great audio blog for the non-writers
Gary V Wine Blog - tv.winelibrary.com
Great Video Blog
Boston Big Picture - Boston.com/BigPicture
Great Picture Blog

11. INDUSTRY BLOGS - C
Hotel
Brewery
Food/Restaurant
white water rafting / recreation
Entertainment
Arts
Google IT!

12. WHAT NOT TO DO - A
Do not add too much information
most people won’t read if too lengthy-break it up
If you have a lot of information split it up ie
lots of paragraphs
chamber music blog - WAY TOO LONG
Create separate entries for multiple information

13. RAPID TIPS FOR POWER
BLOGGING TIPS - A
1. Post Often
2. Use Catchy blog post titles
3. ask open-ended questions
4. comment on other blogs often
5. make your RSS feed obvious
6. provide an RSS-to-email option
7. Use images in your posts
8. Use header tags to separate sections in your blog posts
9. structure your blog posts for easy scanning
10.avoid myspace blog designs
11. if possible, use a custom wordpress theme
12.when writing your About page, pay attention to

14. CONTINUED.....
14. learn to spell
15.don’t be a “me too” blogger
16.learn to think of your blog as a business
17. what you write
18.link to other, related blogs
19.remember, blogging is a social business (talk to
20.other people)
21.put relevant key words into your blogs title
22.use a photo gallery
23.make sharing easy
24.share and share alike
25.aim to be helpful
26.read other blogs often
27.train your readers to do what you want

15. CONTINUED...
29.when starting a blog, decide on its mission
30.don’t overload your blog with JavaScript widgets
31.use analytics
32.be yourself
33.don’t write like you’re writing for Britannica
34.link your social profiles on your blog
35.go where your readers are
36.{spend} equal time reading and writing

16. THE END
Questions?

17. WORDPRESS
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18. TUMBLR
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19. BLOGGER
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