How to Set-up a Blog
So you’re ready to blog! If you already have a website, it’s super easy to set up a blog. Depending on your website platform, it’s as simple as adding a new page and clicking “blog.” Google your website platform and “create a blog” for details.
No website? I recommend using Squarespace, and here’s why.
Ok, so other than your posts, what should a blog contain?
Sidebar
The sidebar is a section of additional content that appears to the left or right of your blog post. (On mobile, the sidebar is sent to the bottom of the post.)
Here’s what a sidebar typically contains:
• Photo of you with a brief about statement and link to your about page.
• E-newsletter subscribe box.
• Social media links.
• Search bar so readers can search for specific topics.
• A recent blog post list with the linked titles of 3-5 recent blog posts.
• Category and/or tag cloud (see below).
• Links to freebies.
• Navigation links.
• Links to your products/services.
• Contact box.
Categories
Categories allow readers to find additional blog posts that you’ve written in the same category. The category name typically appears underneath the blog title or at the bottom of the blog post. It’s a link that brings the reader to a list of all of the blog posts in that category.
You can also add a category cloud to your sidebar, which contains every category link in one place.
Tags
Tags are more specific than categories. For example, if you’re a photographer, your category could be “wedding” and a few tags could be “elopement,” “untraditional,” “beach,” etc.
Comments Section
This appears at the bottom of your blog post where readers can post questions and remarks. Most blogs allow you to require comment approval, which I recommend. This means you can read through comments and ensure they meet your guidelines before they’re published on your website.
Ready to write your first blog post? Click here to discover the elements every blog post should have.
Intro to Blogging Series
Part 1: Why You Should Consider Blogging
Part 2: How to Set-up a Blog
Part 3: How to Write an Effective Blog Post
Part 4: 5 Ways to Elevate Old Blog Posts
