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.