BLOGSTORYexpressing yourself with a blog

 WORKSHOP February 2016

Florence Vitel

Website or Blog ?Blog vs. WebsiteBlogging : Why ? What ? Who ? Where ?Creating my blog : How to get started ?It's a 'Meccano style' thingFeeding the monster : Content and ScheduleBehind the scenes ; Data, SEO, Followers and TrollsTips, Tools and ResourcesLast Word

EXPRESSING YOURSELF WITH A BLOG

BLOGSTORY, February 2016­ F.VITEL

Website or Blog ?

Both are platforms to :- showcase your service or products- share your expertise or causes you care for- give tips or info, join/reach a community- talk a bout a hobby or interestBoth can be used as hub to :- dispatch the info on Social Media- create opportunities- engage with a community- reach a larger audience

BLOGSTORY, February 2016 ­ F.VITEL

Hello world !I have somethingto say about...

As I always say, a website is like having an engaging shop window, whereasa blog is like having the same shop window, and welcoming guests for a chat.

Blog vs. Website

BLOGSTORY, February 2016 ­ F.VITEL

Content

Blogger

AudienceComments

Shares, Likes

Platform

Feedback

WebsiteInformation & product description

 "Contact us' dialogue box

Clients

Blogging : Why ? What ? Who ? Where ?

Before you start blogging, it's essential to :- understand WHY you want a blog - know WHAT to share- define HOW to share the content- choose on WHICH platform to do it This is the compass which helps :- evaluating the accuracy of your posts- establishing short & long-term goals- developing your cyber identity- defining the frequency of your posts

BLOGSTORY, February 2016 ­ F.VITEL

Creating my blog : How to get started ?

To get ready, do your homework ; - research competition - analyse blogs you like & learn from them- evaluate your needs (features, storage, etc) - develop your own voice - define your monthly budget - find an available blog name & a host- select the design & the fonctionalities- install the blog - launch the blog (private or open).

BLOGSTORY, February 2016 ­ F.VITEL

It's a 'Meccano style' thing

So many platforms, not all created equal ;- start packages differ - basics range from survival to quite elaborate - carefully compare basic start packages- upgrades always possible (with fee) - change of themes made easy- additional storage available (with fee)- premium plugins (with fee)- money can buy ALL fancy features

BLOGSTORY, February 2016 ­ F.VITEL

Feeding the monster : Content and Schedule

Regularity :- key factor to success- increases visibility- expands the audienceContent :- meaningful, interesting, useful- entertaining, "eye-candy"Strategy ;- plan carefully content and time - use scheduling apps

BLOGSTORY, February 2016 ­ F.VITEL

Behind the scenes : Data, SEO, Followers and Trolls

The Blogosphere, a world in itself :- learn the lingo and the trade- know the codes and rules- know what Search Engine Optimization is- analyse feedback and flow of visitors- use the stat feature, then adjust- friends & followers will praise you- trolls & haters will piss you off - be prepared, develop a thicker skin, keepcalm & carry on

BLOGSTORY, February 2016 ­ F.VITEL

Tips, Tools and Resources

Lots of free tools are available :- subscribe to other bloggers' newsletter - engage with fellow bloggers - join online communities in your field- subscribe to free design apps - subscribe to news feeds- fuel your creativity by doing other things- get inspired by big names in the blogo- attend blog webinars- learn from your peers

BLOGSTORY, February 2016 ­ F.VITEL

Tips, Tools, Resources

Create beautiful content /visuals/Pix banks : PicMonkey, Pixlr, Palettab, Visage,Phonto, Afterlight, A beautiful mess, Snapseed, Acorn, Instasize,https://thehungryjpeg.com/, www.fotolia.com, www.freedigitalphotos.netBuy a domain name : Godaddy, Netissime, OVH or 1and1Popular platforms : blogger, canalblog, wordpress, blogspot, tumblrUseful apps or softs, logo creator, pix enhancers ; Squarespace, Folarr, Photorr, http://hipsterlogogenerator.com/ (also tips on plugins)How-to, patterns and monetization : https://creativemarket.com, :http://www.bloggertipstricks.com/monetize-blog.htmlhttp://michaelhyatt.com/ez-wordpress-setup.htmlInstall this plugin to banish trolls : IP Ban de Sandor Kovacs.Understanding SEO ; https://moz.com/beginners-guide-to-seo, http://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2015/04/30/seo-basicsLink shorteners : https://bitly.com/, http://ow.ly/url/shorten-url

BLOGSTORY, February 2016 ­ F.VITEL

Last word

Blog design :Setting up your blog to suit your needs perfectly can take several hours.Graphics modification requires knowledge of css and html. If you want tocustomize your blog, you need a professional webdesigner’s help. Blog content :Digging the accurate, interesting, sometimes mind blowing content requirestime as well as inspiration. Joining groups, forums or communities can sparktrigger or spark ideas for posts. A popular thing is to write a series of posts,exploring various aspects of a same theme.Social Media visibility :Linking your blog to Social Media is a logical step to increase your visibility andreach a wider audience. In order to do so it is essential to understand the Whysand Hows of cyberpresence. A SocMed consultant. can help with the strategy.

BLOGSTORY, February 2016 ­ F.VITEL

Florence Vitel (social media facilitator)

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6W O R K S H O P

B L O G S T O R Y

BLOGSTORYexpressing yourself with a blog

Florence Vitel - Social Media Facilitator