What, why, and how to do a blog? Sit back, grab your keyboard, and let's do some learning!*
Have you every wanted to say something to a bunch of anonymous people? Or maybe just to practice your writing skills? Or heck, maybe just to have a world-wide accessible diary to record your thoughts? This is what a blog is and what it’s for – you’ve been looking for a blog. Try it – you’ll like it.
I started my blog a little over a year ago and have been loving it ever since. Sure, there are days when I really don’t feel like messing with it, but you know what… I LOVE the interaction and being able to share what I come across.
There are so many people out there looking for so much information and they really do need some guidance and insight. I want to be one of those people that helps. I have a feeling you do, too.
How to Setup a Blog – It’s Easier than You Think
Really, and truly – the setup part of the blog is about as easy as it gets. Sure, there is a bit of a learning curve to it – nothing you can’t handle. (You can get past the hard part if you just keep trying – read my ebook on Exposing the Learning Curve for a clue or two).
Let’s go through the basic steps of setting up a free blog with Wordpress.com:
- Go to http://wordpress.com/ in your browser
- Sign up at the Wordpress.com website (the link should be in the left-top area)
- Follow the Wordpress.com instructions
- You now have a blog!
Note: You could also do the same with Blogger, Blog.com, Tumblr, and heck – Twitter for REALLY short posts. I will recommend Wordpress to those who want a bit more control – it’s what I use and it seems to work nicely!
See! Wasn’t that easy? You are one step closer to being able to spread your ideas around. I, for one, will gladly welcome a new and aspiring blogger to the bloggosphere. Welcome aboard, pardner!
Here’s the Hard Part in Blogging
Picking what you want to talk about is the really hard part. Seriously. I tried the “just type whatever randomly comes across my mind and share it with the world” approach and well… it was still fun – but I really wanted to start interacting with people – and I was getting next to nothing in views / comments!
So you know what I did? Just what all of the other sites say to do – pick a niche (or a few closely related ones) and go with it! I ran through a couple of tests and self-assessments in order to pin-point some of my greater interests, but I’ve finally arrived at a finer focus on what I love to discuss.
And you know what happened? The traffic and comments have increased over 800% in the last couple of months. Talk about awesome! I caution against letting the numbers get to you, but they sure do help in knowing what kind of reach your work has. It does serve as a bit of “motivation confirmation” and I think that’s just fine. I’m driven deep inside with the desire to help people – the numbers just help keep score I guess. :)
But, How to Find a Passion for a Blog, Sir – How To?!?!
Want a big jump in where you should focus your efforts? How about taking the free Strengths Finder Test and picking a common theme amongst your top 5 strengths? Use those developed aspects of yourself to get you going at warp-speed in the subject that you choose.
For instance, if your top 5 Strengths are ” ideation, woo, positivity, harmony, and belief“, it would seem pretty clear that you should be working on topics focused on spiritual motivation, innovation, and interaction! Encouraging people to take a greater part in the deeper meanings of life. Or maybe working on your local church’s website or blog? Or how about setting up a community faith-talk session online! The possibilities are endless!
Again, I welcome you to the fold of folks that want to change the world one post at a time. Start typing, share your stories, and plan to change the world anew every day you’re given another chance to wake up. We need you. Come on out, post a blog already, and play with us! Share your blog ideas (and links!) below.
————————- *Keyboard photo by laffy4k.