This document provides guidance on starting a blog as a way to test different types of websites. It recommends choosing a topic you are passionate about and creating a blog on a free platform like Blogger or WordPress. The document stresses dedicating regular time to maintaining the blog and promoting it to gather feedback on what works best. Testing different content and designs through blogging is positioned as a low-cost way to explore website options before fully committing to building a site.

1. workshop
Welcome to the 21st century!
Where traditional means of communication
is taking on a new digital form.
The firm handshake has been replaced as a
first impression by website or social media
profile.
We live in exciting times where innovation
has opened up new possibilities in sending
and receiving information.
Are you ready to test the
waters?
1. Types of Websites
2. Test the waters. If you don’t have a
plan, start with what you love.
3. Dive in! Let’s Blog!
4. Swim and see what works

2. 1.
look before you leap!
Types of websites
Brochure/general information: This type of site offers information, a means of
contact and location. Usually 10 to 20 pages. It is very low maintenance.
Sample: www.redgumstudios.com
E-commerce: Sell, process payment and delivery via the website. It is a team effort
from product photography to making sure the site is programmed properly and is
secure as well as making sure the orders are fulfilled.
Sample: www.defyboardshop.com
News, Info and Entertainment: Are updated and visited on a daily basis. They
archive hundreds or thousands of pages, photos and video.
Sample: www.complex.com
Blogs: Short for weblog. Originally intended as an online diary, the blog has proven
useful to many in the business and entertainment world to keep track and commu-
nicate about the latest. We will explore creating a blog since is it a cost effective
way to figure out what works and what doesn’t for your website.
Directory sites: Search for information. If you love to categorize and organize infor-
mation a directory would be a true pleasure to build. Directory sites offer links to
other sites by means of a search box.
Sample: www.craigslist.org
Social, Forum and Gaming Websites: These sites usually involve large groups of
people who share ideas, comments and play with one another on various topics.
www.facebook.com
Education: Online courses where students can interact, watch video, submit home-
work from any location.
Sample: www.intercoast.edu/online-programs

3. 2.
Dip your toe and
test the waters
START A BLOG
The major investment in starting a blog is time. There are many websites where
one can start and maintain a blog at no charge. Blog websites will usually track
your visitors and other sites that link back to your articles and posts. It is a great
way to figure out what works and what doesn’t. Blogs are not limited to just writing.
Photos, video and audio can also make a blog interesting and worth visiting.
Before you begin:
If you don’t have a plan, start with what you love. Think about
some ideas or activities that you have been doing on a daily basis. It could be tak-
ing photos of your dog or souping up your ride. Whatever hobby you may have, it is
worth blogging about. List some items below that you do on the daily:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
! Make sure you created an e-mail address for your blog. If you don’t have one, simply
go to www.mail.google.com and create a free account.

4. 3.
Dive in!
The water is fine!
Create an account with any one of the larger blog sites below. They offer
customized blog layouts and bigger exposure to loyal readers.
www.blogger.com
Owned by Google. I am assuming your site will be found faster.
How to start video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA4s3wN_vK8
www.wordpress.com
www.tumblr.com
www.posterous.com
see:
http://blog-services-review.toptenreviews.com/

5. 3.
now swim
Dedicate at least 30 minutes
a day to your blog.
A successful blog requires care an attention.
Promote your site!
Tell your friends, make stickers and flyers or write your web address on the bathroom walls
Track your results.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. This is your time to develop a solid idea.
Fine tune
Get feedback. Do more of what works.
! Also remember that you can’t use copyrighted material. If you want to
use any previously published graphics, text, or design elements, secure
the rights from whoever created it. When in doubt, ask.
Thank you for reading!
© 2012, InterCoast College
Please contact cristina.mcginn@intercoast.edu
For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and
other important information, visit www.intercoast.edu.