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How to become a MAD Blogger
Perhaps you've only just discovered the wonderful world of MAD blogs and would like in on a piece of the
action? Well, why not start your own blog?
Here is The MADs' super-easy 10 step guide to becoming a MAD blogger
- First off, you'll need to choose yourself a blogging platform, that is, the web service you will use to 'host' your blog. There's no need to pay through the nose to get started as most of the popular blogging platforms are free. Blogger and WordPress.com are popular choices, as well as Posterous, Typepad and Tumblr so have a look at a couple and see which one appeals.
- Your next big decision will be to choose your blog name. You're going to want something that reflects who you are and what your blog is about so it's worth giving this one some thought. Short, memorable and relevant titles are a good way to go, but don't be afraid to be a bit imaginative or witty as these are the titles that tend to stand out. Have a look at some of the blogs in the Tots 100 Index for inspiration to get you started (and inwardly seethe a little as you have lots of 'I wish I'd thought of that one!' moments!)
- Next up you need to choose a blog template (or design) for your brand new blog. Blogger offers a really easily customisable platform, and WordPress too has a plethora of free designs and widgets to spice up your blog. Try to choose a template that is easy to read and not too fussy. Oh, and prepare to spend hours 'tweaking' because you just won't be able to help yourself.
- Now for the juicy bit: it's time to write and publish your first post! Anything goes really - it's your little corner of the Internet so use it as you will.
- Hmm. You have an eager new blog just itching for some visitors. But no-one seems to be coming! It's time to get out into the big wide world of the blogosphere and start commenting, commenting, and commenting some more. One of the best ways to gain a larger readership on your blog is to read and comment on others' blogs. Bloggers thrive on comments, it's what makes blogging fun (and addictive!). Commenting on a blog you've enjoyed encourages the owner of that blog to return the favour and read yours.
- Join British Mummy Bloggers. With almost 1,000 members this is THE place to connect with other parent bloggers in the UK. You even get a cool, shiny badge to put on your blog! Which has to be a good thing in our book.
- All the cool bloggers use Twitter don't cha know. So why not sign up for an account and start tweeting! Twitter is excellent for networking with other bloggers (as well as rather fun in itself). Tweeting? a link to your latest post can attract a much wider audience, especially if your post is re-tweeted by another user. Twitter is a great way of making friends in the community and generates an exciting buzz around blogs and posts that have struck a chord that day.
- When writing your posts it's a good idea to link out to other blogs, perhaps mentioning a post or a blog you liked and linking to it. When another blog links to you it helps drive new visitors to your blog and increases your Google ranking making it more likely people will find your blog using search terms. If you link out to another blog they will often return the favour - a bit of quid pro quo never goes amiss in the blogosphere!
- Have you found your feet yet? Well, then it's carnival time! Carnivals are another way of exposing yourself to a larger audience. British Mummy Bloggers runs a bi-monthly Best of the British Mummy Bloggers Carnival. All you have to do is send a link to one of your recent posts to the carnival host for inclusion. When the carnival goes live make sure you take the opportunity to read and comment as well as taking advantage of all the lovely extra traffic and new readers.
- Last and by no means least - enjoy yourself! Blogging can be time consuming but amazingly cathartic and is a great opportunity to get on your soap box. Above all it should be good fun, and if it isn't then you're probably need to have re-think and try a new approach.
So, that's our 10 step guide to becoming a MAD blogger. Now what are you waiting for? Get out there and conquer the blogosphere! |
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