Ready to jump on the blogging band wagon but not sure where to start? Read these tips and get going! Many are giving up their static websites and starting a blog. A mere paragraph with a link is fresh content. How easy is that?

=> Blogger.com and Typepad.com offer free blogs and are cost effective for beginners. You'll be able to practice without expense. In addition, blogger offers a toolbar that makes it easy to post right from a webpage while surfing!

=> Give thought to subject matter before you start. Your subject will be the first part of your blog address. An organized blog will keep the interest alive.

=> Keep your personal and business life in separate blogs. Nothing is quite as frustrating as searching for a business related blog and finding unrelated personal posts and vice versa.

=> Write so surfers can scan your copy. Paragraphs separated with subject headlines versus essay style. Paragraphs of three to four sentences are easy to scan.

=> Your keyword is simply your subject. Attempt to use it as the first word in your headline and again in the first sentence in your first paragraph.

=>Try to link within the paragraph to related products or content. An anecdote or quote is a nice finishing touch.

=> Use a font big enough to read. Think of it this way - the boomers are in a position to spend. One day you might want to sell on your blog - what if they can't read it?

=> Blog rolls are a series of links to other interesting blogs. Content would be easier to find if separated by subject matter.

=> As you read other blogs, take note of their style, content and organization. Emulate those you like. What works and what doesn't?

=> Take advantage of technology in your new blog. Practice posting photos, using other methods to post and setting up your sidebars during the first few months.

Copyright 2006 - Cathy Gariety - USA

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