{Blogging 101} Rookie mistakes to avoid

 WiFi at Moulin de la Galette, after Ramón Casas i Carbó. Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com

If your blog is for business, here are some guidelines to help put your brand in the best light. (These apply to personal blogs also). I picked these tips up at blogging conferences and via online research.

Never plagiarize. That goes for both text and photos. If you didn’t write it, or photograph it, then you need permission to use it. That also goes for taking words/photos from hardcopy magazines. Giving credit may not be enough. Check with the owner of the original work case by case.

Don’t use words like “click here”. Instead use key word phrases for links. This lets people know where the link will go. EG. An interesting article is the Handmade Originality in the online world.

For a more professional touch, own your domain name. It cost approximately $10 per year and is an easy process. As your business grows, you’ll be glad that you did this early on.

The blog header should not be huge. Ideally it won’t take up more than 1/4 or 1/3 of your screen.

What ever you want people to do, that goes at the top. (Visit your store, sign up for your newsletter, you decide). It's referred to as 'above the fold'. It's what people see first.

Include an About me page. Don’t rely on a spiel in the sidebar. An interest About Me page goes into a little more detail. Even if your not sure what to include yet, set it up.

Include a photo of you. People need someone to relate to. Have one in your side bar, and another (different) photo on your About Me page. This makes you more likeable. People want to see the human person behind the blog. Use easy to read fonts for the body of text. The headers is the place to go nuts with groovy fonts.

People like white space. A dark background design with light text has been known to give people headaches. Your blog might look sexy as hell, but it’s readability will be low.

Add a favicon. A favicon will add to your blog’s branding, include one.
"A favicon  /ˈfævɪkɒn/ (short for Favorite icon), also known as a shortcut icon, Web site icon, URL icon, or bookmark icon, is a file containing one or more^[1] small icons, most commonly 16×16 pixels, associated with a particular Web site or Web page" source: Wikipedia

Don't overcrowd your side bar. If it’s a mess, clean it up. You don’t need every widget known to man kind. Decide if it really adds to your brand, or is a distraction. With the clutter gone, your blog is easier to navigate. The reader’s attention will also be drawn to what is most important.

Remove Blog Rolls and friends logos, and place in a Page of their own. They're still highlighted, but not crowding the side bar. You can sort by category (ie Craft, Fashion, Food etc) if you have many blogs that you follow.

No more than 3 colours is recommended. Keep your personality in the look, but be mindful not to scare people away also. Never include music that automatically plays. Never never never.

Make it easy to find your contact info. Include a way to reach you. This can be included in the About me page, a separate page would be better.

Include a search this blog option. Include a Blog Archive section. Some first time visitors like to see 'Most Popular' posts.

You can create a 'landing page' which you use instead of your main blog address. This way people land on a page that welcomes them, tells them about the blog & you, and points out popular posts, your store, etc. These are highly recommended (I'm yet to do one, but it's on my to do list).

CHA Blogging 101 Series: 

Week 1: Why do I need a Blog?
Week 2: How to start
Week 3: Rookie mistakes to avoid
Week 4: Content & Topics
Week 5: Photos can grow your audience
Week 6: Where do I find readers?
Week 7: If you build it, they will come
Week 8: Technical Stuff



Jeanie is a curvy, accessory loving, blogger. Exploring colour and style to suit a plus size. Jeanie encourages you to be you. Jeanie is for positive body confidence, and wishes all women would feel beautifully confident. Jeanie also gets her geek on with blogging, photography, & photoshop.

Visit Jeanie at inspiredwish.com or follow her on Facebook.

What Blogging Looks Like :: Bree Di Mattina

Blogger Bree Di Mattina from me and my 2 guy

"Blogging for me looks like whenever and wherever I can.  Some times on my mobile if it's just a few words and one or two pictures.  On my laptop or tablet either on the lounge or at the kitchen table if it requires a bit more depth.  Currently I'm blogging whilst watching the kiddies watch some tv before bed.  Sitting in my favourite arm chair.  I love blogging.  Regardless of what you blog about or like to read about it, it can turn an otherwise lonely day into an adventure!"

PayPal Here

It appears that PayPal has come up with a market saviour and its called PayPal Here.  According to the PayPal Here website, this cool device has a number of great features, such as being able to access your funds instantly and market leading security.  Personally I think this little device will make selling at markets a lot easier and cheaper.

But before you sign up you might like to find out first hand if this product is for you.  Kasia from ink.paper.cloth recently used her PayPal Here device at South Australia's Lollipops Market and has kindly shared her experience with the CHA.

1. Why did you decide to sign up for PayPay Here?
Over the past few months I have held a stall at a few local markets and after testing the market scene, I love it and am planning on continuing attending markets until the day I can own my own bricks and mortar store. Needless to say, it was time to look into offering my customers more payment options and PayPal invited me to register for the first rollout of PayPal Here. I jumped at the chance and after looking into the costs involved in getting an eftpos machine, I am glad that I did.

2. What do you need to do to get your own PayPal Here device?
When PayPal was ready to roll out the new feature, I was informed that it was now available and to register and download the iPhone App so that I can receive my swiper attachment. I did straight away and then received another email saying that I need to get my PayPal account verified.

The process took approximately 2 weeks, during which my account was limited to only receiving payments. Paperwork such as Drivers Licence, Passport and Business Name Registration needed to be submitted which was no biggie, but as PayPal account name varied slightly from my official Business Name Registration it took a little longer. As frustrating as it was at the time, it really is reassuring that PayPal does its job well at confirming everything which in the end makes it a safer online payment method.

3. Do you need to purchase any special equipment?
The PayPal Here device / attachment is free and seeing I already had an iPhone, I didn't have to pay for anything.

4. Was it easy to use?
Hmmm… well, my first pointer is that you make sure you push the device in properly if you have a cover on your phone. Despite the fact that I didn't initially and had to scan the cards manually it was very straight forward. Once it was plugged in, it really is super fast and just awesome.

Watch the demo on the PayPal Here website, it really is that simple.

ink.paper.cloth at Lollipop Markets - August 12, 2012

5. Would you recommend it to other handmade businesses. 
Absolutely! Its not a feature you have to use and if you have an eftpos machine you can still use it at markets and so on, it just gives you another option as a backup. It costs nothing if its not used and if you do, the costs are minimal. For me the choice was simple, either paying $40/month for an eftpos machine my customers may or may not use at the monthly market I do or have PayPal Here as an option if someone is stuck for cash and only pay for the transactions that are made.

I was concerned about the response I would get when people saw that it worked with an iPhone, but everyone that did at my last market didn't hesitate.  They were simply blown away by the technology.

Thank you Kasia for giving us this insight.  I think I might just pop over to the website and sign up!

Kasia Leach launched ink.paper. cloth. on 6th of July 2012 with the aim to inspire others to create and embrace the handmade life rather than shop for already finished products that have been mass produced.

The ink. paper. cloth. online store is filled with supplies for creating, giving and celebrating such as paper bags, blank kraft tags, muslin bags, hemp cord, twine, natural ribbons, paper seals and a carefully selected range of kraft based papers.

Kasia sells many of the supplies she uses in her own art, enabling her customers to purchase a handmade product or be inspired to create their own version by purchasing the raw materials.

Web: http://www.inkpapercloth.com
Blog: http://inkpaperclothlife.blogspot.com.au
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/inkpapercloth

{Blogging 101} How to start

Source: happythings.tumblr.com via Esther on Pinterest

The best blogging advice I received in the beginning was: Just start!

It’s was true. I started. Later tweaked, amended, changed direction, regrouped. ‘Just start’ was good advice. It didn’t have to be perfect. By not starting, I was missing out on capture readers, potential customers. Missing out on fine tuning my blog writing.

To start you’ll need:

A blog name – make it something easy to find. Make it relevant to your brand name. Make it searchable. It doesn’t have to be exactly the same as your store/brand name. Complimentary is okay. As an example a person who sews might have a blog called, Bobbins and beyond.

I stuffed up on this one. The name 'Inspired Wish' does not tell you what my blog is about. It’s too vague. It’s wishy washy at best. I started out as a handmade jewellery maker. I don’t create jewellery to sell anymore. At least my blog name still suits my current focus. However, if someone searches for 'curvy fashion' they won't find me.

Take the time to ponder and consider your blog name.

A blogging platform – pick one that appeals to you.

Blogger is my personal favourite because it’s easy to use. I tested out wordpress and blogger and blogger just felt easier for me to use.

Others are Typepad, Tumblr, Weebly. Note there are two types of wordpress. There is Wordpress.com which is free. WordPress.org requires some technical know how and a hosting fee. Google blogging platform to find your preferred one.

Make sure the platform you choose can do all the things you want it to. If you want to add a shopping cart to your blog, do your research to work out which allow for that.

Existing Content – this goes beyond adding an ‘About Me’ page. I’ve seen many struggle with this concept. Please believe me this IS important. Once your blog is set up, the first post written, you’re excited. You’re busting to share it with people. Please, for the love of kittens, resist that urge. Hear me out.

Chances are people will visit. They’ll say nice things about your blog. However, most won’t hang around. IE won’t sign up to follow your blog. Why? Because there wasn’t enough to tell them what to expect if they did.

Solution; write 5 to 10 blog posts BEFORE sharing your blog. This way people know what they’re signing on for.

There you have it. Just start.

Start with:
1) A blog name
2) A place to blog
3) Write a few blog posts



CHA Blogging 101 Series: 

Week 1: Why do I need a Blog?
Week 2: How to start
Week 3: Rookie mistakes to avoid
Week 4: Content & Topics
Week 5: Photos can grow your audience
Week 6: Where do I find readers?
Week 7: If you build it, they will come
Week 8: Technical Stuff




Jeanie is a curvy, accessory loving, blogger. Exploring colour and style to suit a plus size. Jeanie encourages you to be you. Jeanie is for positive body confidence, and wishes all women would feel beautifully confident. Jeanie also gets her geek on with blogging, photography, & photoshop.

Visit Jeanie at inspiredwish.com or follow her on Facebook.

Winner :: Your Favourite Blog

The winner of our 'Your Favourite Blog giveaway' is Rebecca at Mellebug.

"I love Danamadeit, great tutorials and know hows."

Rebecca your free copy of the latest issue of *bespoke* will be sent to you early next week (when I get your address).

Click here to purchase your own copy of this great magazine

Thank you everyone who took part in this giveaway, its been fantastic finding out about all these great blogs.

Christine

My Favourite Blog:: yes, dear

I love Yes Dear...I was first drawn to the blog by a friends personal recommendation of this lovely lady she knew who liked to blog and the amusement of seeing my fathers favourite phrase to use to my mother ;) as a blog title! 

But then Ang's raw, open, witty, eloquent way of writing what so many of us mothers, women and parents, working or stay at home feel on a daily basis through her own eyes and experiences...she makes me cry,sigh,smile, snort and laugh so hard I have to cross my legs! 

Whilst reading her posts I get angry, bereft, emotional, feel empowered and joyous through reading her daily posts but more often then not I say to myself thank GOD its not just me or us ;) ...and whats the cherry on the cake for me os she is the most amazing supporter of handmade here in Australasia :) she manages to engage both up and comingn ad established handmade designers local to her in Tasmania but also across the continent in her giveaways and she has has engaged so many of us folk with her daily chats :) 

www.isaidyesdear.blogspot.com.au 

Georgie from Monkeys Over the Moon

We received this comment at the base of our Your Favourite Blog post. It was so wonderful that we had to share it.

{Blogging 101} Why do I need a Blog?

You’ve heard that blogging is good for business. That voice inside your head begs to differ.

Do these sound familiar?

1)  It’s extra time away from creating.
2)  My life is already busy enough.
3)  Every man and his dog has a blog.
4)  I'm not that sure I have that much to say.

We're here to explain in simple terms why having a blog is important?

You need a blog for the BENEFITS:

HUMANIZE your brand. People love storytelling and being able to relate to others.

People prefer to buy from those they know and TRUST. If people already know your face, then simply keep the relationship alive.

VISIBILITY. A blog is a place for people to connect with your voice & images.

Powerful tool for real time DISCUSSION with your community.

BE FOUND. Appear in search engine ranking.

A blog is a LOW COST marketing device.

SIMPLICITY. Setting up a blog is much easier than setting up a web page.

Gain EXPERT STATUS. Chances are you know your stuff. Sharing some know-how or tips, people will realise what a gem you are.

PROFESSIONALISM. Handing out business cards and saying “I don’t have a web site yet” sounds lame. I've heard this too many times. Today there is no excuse not to have an online presence. It is social proof that you ‘get’ social media.

BOOST TRAFFIC. Fresh content may inspire people to visit your store.

Blogs are great example of CONTENT MANAGEMENT Systems.  You'll have the ability to appeal to all readers preferences; text, video, audio, pdf, etc.

RESEARCH. Blogging allows you to work out what is popular with your readers. You can conduct polls to get to know your audience and their preferences. Test ideas with your community.

You can respond to negative press and MANAGE your reputatoin. I’m reminded of, 'be so awesome that people will never believe a bad word about you’. If there is a crisis to manage, you can put the fires out on your blog.

POINT OF DIFFERENCE. Chance to show what makes you so special and different.

You can blog about common customer questions with a Q & A section or various blog posts.

Be a NETWORKER. Opportunity to bond with other bloggers, attend blogging conferences. Blog connections can lead to suppliers or partnerships.

SELF EXPRESSION and fulfilment. Blogging is a fun way to explore what you do, and why you do it.  

MEDIA / PR attention. A tweet or facebook status probably won’t attract the attention of reporters. A tweet with a great blog post attached has a better chance.


How do the benefits stack up? 

If all of a sudden you find yourself curious about blogging, stay tuned for our Blogging 101 series. We'll answer some of the common blogging questions, and help you avoid rookie mistakes.


CHA Blogging 101 Series: 
Week 1: Why do I need a Blog?
Week 2: How to start
Week 3: Rookie mistakes to avoid
Week 4: Content & Topics
Week 5: Photos can grow your audience
Week 6: Where do I find readers?
Week 7: If you build it, they will come
Week 8: Technical Stuff




Jeanie is a curvy, accessory loving, blogger. Exploring colour and style to suit a plus size. Jeanie encourages you to be you. Jeanie is for positive body confidence, and wishes all women would feel beautifully confident. Jeanie also gets her geek on with blogging, photography, & photoshop.

Visit Jeanie at inspiredwish.com or follow her on Facebook.

What does blogging look like?

This is what blogging looks like at my place.

Our cat Liam, a very affectionate Red Burmese, thinks he's a parrot at times and the rest of the time he just wants to sit on my hands, the keyboard or on my lap.  As a full time Mum and a part-time blogger/small business owner I usually blog around family activities, this is Miss H who decided she was bored with her fairies and she wanted her photo taken too!

Christine

Your favourite blog!

We would really like to know which blog you would call your all time favourite and why.

Seriously, we would really like to know and to entice you to tell us we will be giving away a copy of the latest issue of *bespoke* (Issue #7)!

*bespoke* Issue 7 is packed with inspiration for the crafty and creative.  This issue is great for CHA readers as it is devoted to creatives who want to make some money from selling their craft.

So tell us what is your favourite blog is and why by leaving a comment below.  The winner will be randomly select from the comments below.  

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Details:
1. Giveaway ends 9th August 2012.
2. The winner will be randomly select from the comments below.
3. Winner will be announced on Friday 10th August at 6pm.
4. Multiple entries can be made if you can't decide on just one.
5. Pay it forward, let the world know which blog is your fav through your social media networks.  Remember to link it back to the CHA so I can see who agrees with you. (#ContempHandmade)