Blogging For Dummies

The best book on blogging, updated and better than ever!

The blogosphere keeps changing and evolving, and so does this top blogging guide. A terrific book whether you're just starting out or are already blogging regularly, this book provides solid information on blogging basics, the anatomy of a good blog, and the tools you need to get started. You'll learn how to set up an account, find ample coverage of social plug-ins and emerging platforms like Squarespace and Overblog, and discover savvy ways to write your first post. Best of all, the book explores how you can make real money from your passion and become a professional blogger.
* Updates you on the latest blogging software and utilities
* Explains search engine optimization, so new readers will find your blog
* Reviews advertising tools and techniques you can use to attract readers
* Helps you integrate your blog with social media
* Delves into professional blogging and how to make money from your blog

Start blogging like a professional with the new edition of this top guide, Blogging For Dummies, 5th Edition.

Learn to:

• Choose blogging software and set up your blog
• Create good blog content and avoid spam
• Dress up your blog with video and explore vlogging
• Use a blog to build relationships with customers

Want to start blogging? Have a blog that could be better? You've come to the right book!

If you've been thinking about starting a blog, today's the day! This book shows you how to launch a hosted blog in about 10 minutes. And if you've already started blogging but want to improve your technique, keep reading. Learn to target your content, use video and podcasting, market your blog, monetize it, and use it to promote your business.

• Start your adventure get acquainted with the blogosphere, decide on a topic, and learn blogging essentials
• Select software follow step–by–step instructions to set up your blog using Blogger, WordPress, Tumblr, or Squarespace
• Tune it up decide what goes on your blog, get ideas from other bloggers, and learn how to appeal to your audience
• Content is king learn what your audience wants, how long your posts should be, when to post, and the style that works best
• More than words see how to increase readership with photos and podcasts, or experiment with videoblogging
• Promote your blog get going with RSS and Twitter and learn to track your stats
• Blogging for dollars put ads on your blog, form relationships with sponsors, and use affiliate programs to make a buck

Open the book and find:

• The easiest way to get started
• What makes a blog successful
• Why you should include photos
• Pros and cons of allowing comments
• Spam–dodging secrets
• Tips on increasing readership with forums
• Business–boosting reasons to blog
• Ten things every blogger should do

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started with Blogging 5

Chapter 1: Discovering Blog Basics 7

Chapter 2: Entering the Blogosphere 29

Chapter 3: Choosing and Hosting Blog Software 45

Part II: Setting Up Your Blog 73

Chapter 4: Starting a Blogger Blog 75

Chapter 5: Starting a WordPress Blog 99

Chapter 6: Starting a Tumblr Blog 121

Chapter 7: Creating a Squarespace Blog 133

Part III: Fitting In and Feeling Good 143

Chapter 8: Finding Your Niche 145

Chapter 9: Creating Great Content 161

Chapter 10: Building Community with Comments 175

Chapter 11: Blogging Anonymously 197

Part IV: Going Beyond Words 207

Chapter 12: Working with Photos 209

Chapter 13: Starting a Podcast 229

Chapter 14: Diving Into Vlogging 249

Chapter 15: Leveraging Community with Forums 257

Part V: Marketing and Promoting Your Blog 269

Chapter 16: Reaching Out with RSS 271

Chapter 17: Joining the Twitterverse 279

Chapter 18: Diving Into Social Networking 289

Chapter 19: Measuring Blog Presence 301

Part VI: Getting Business–y with It 317

Chapter 20: Making Mad Mad Money 319

Chapter 21: Blogging for Companies 335

Part VII: The Part of Tens 353

Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Grow Community 355

Chapter 23: Ten Things All Bloggers Should Do 363

Index 371

Amy Lupold Bair owns Resourceful Mommy Media LLC and blogs at resourcefulmommy.com. She's the author of Raising Digital Families For Dummies.

Susannah Gardner was among the editors who launched the first Los Angeles Times website and is coauthor of three previous editions of Blogging For Dummies.

Learn to:
- Choose blogging software and set up your blog
- Create good blog content and avoid spam
- Dress up your blog with video and explore vlogging
- Use a blog to build relationships with customers