Blogging workshop U3A

BLOGGING FOR BEGINNERS

Blogging for beginners @ U3AC

Web logs aka blogs“Web logs or blogs as they are commonly known, are personal online diaries” [...]

“Nardi et al. (2004), as cited by Jansen et al. (2009), found five reasons why people choose to blog:• documenting their lives• providing commentary and opinions• expressing deeply held emotions• articulating ideas through writing• forming and maintaining communities.” [...]Other reasons: psychological issues (such as self-esteem), getting feedback, DIY publishing platform, business (marketing ).Source: Chris Fill, Marketing Communications

BLOGGING FOR FUN

Think about what you want to blog about: pets, a hobby, personal views, an online diary, etc. If you have too many ideas or interests for one blog, consider starting two (or more!) or finding a linking theme.

www.prettyandfun.com/

www.themodestman.com/

A fun blog can be a great learning tool to build confidence with digital platforms and might provide you with a writing portfolio or a product testing platform. If you use Blogger, you can monetise a fun blog but income is usually low. A recommended blogging platform for a more ‘professional’ blog is Wordpress.

BLOGGING FOR FUN

ww12.mamabblog.com/

No. 1 in Top 50 Product Blogs in Cision. UK influential parent blogging collectives: Britmums, Mumsnet, Gransnet. Sites started by women for women and now open to dads and grandads too.

BLOGGING FOR FUN

www.saga.co.uk/magazine/technology/internet/communications/over-50s-bloggers

Charities & non-profits A LinkedIn group from the Institute of Fundraising is a free discussion forum for all charities (big and smalls) and community groups, including those with little or no experience. The aim is to establish and share best practice in community fundraising and provide networking opportunities. 

BLOGGING FOR FUNDS

BLOGGING FOR FUNDS

www.vuelio.com/uk/social-media-index/charity-blogs-uk-top-10/

You can still use a free blogging platform, but having your own hosting space is best, especially if you want to carry third parties’ advertising. You have more control on your content as free providers can shut down your blog at any time. Wordpress is recommended.

Must read: www.theguardian.com/money/series/how-to-build-a-profitable-blog

BLOGGING FOR FEES