Just Step Out!

The words that cause a tremble for young paratroopers the first time they jump from an aircraft. Followed by an encouraging size 11 to their rears!

This is the third in a series of posts on business blogging initiated by the blog post:
‘Don’t make your blog a slog!’

Getting started is all about taking the first step - the hardest step. So how do we get started? Is there any help available? What are those first few steps? For many people the biggest issue is what to blog about.

Start by reading other blogs especially in your industry or area of interest. This will give you ideas for subject material and enable you to follow other blogs and comment on the same. Some bloggers focus solely on responding to other bloggers’ posts.

Think of a name for your blog. Yes you can use your own name if you’re a key person and leader. But for many it is the industry, interest, profession or trade which attract followers. Be inventive and not to serious. It needs to indicate your subject matter yet be interesting. I was quite pleased recently to think of the title ‘Desert Geeks’ for an IT services client in the United Arab Emirates.

Now choose a blogging platform. There are several good ones including these:

• Typepad
• WordPress.org
• Blogger
• WordPress.com

My own preference is for Blogger as I can use my Google login there.

Once you sign up for Blogger, for example, quickly get it configured. Choose a theme and layout. Add your biography and photo which should be your regular social media photo. Add your blog title and define your easy to remember hyperlink. Each blog has its own url link just like a website. There are lots of gadgets available such as social media links, share to Facebook and Twitter etc. So choose some and get some help if necessary. Images and video are powerful too! Now you are ready to write your blog post and get it published.

Ok and ready to go? So what should I blog about I hear you say... Here are a few ideas:

• Write about your passion – it will just flow
• Write something informative – add value to be enjoyed by readers
• Write about your expertise – bear the audience in mind and no jargon
• Write of topics that personalise your business – reveal a few secrets
• Add some humour – write with a smile on your face
• Comment on others’ blogs – start the conversation and generate ideas for blogging
• Tell great stories – we all love great stories!
• Lots of shorter posts is better – keep readers in suspense too
  

If you are getting the same question about your work or interest then write a blog post about it. Then when you asked again simply refer people to the blog post on the subject. It will save you time for sure.

Then paste it in the body of your blog, add a title, save and publish!

Have you done it yet?