Littlemummy.com

Choose a Topic

First you need to decide what you’ll write about. Blogs cover all subjects so whatever your interests you’re sure to find a corner of the blogosphere where you can share your passion.

Whatever you decide to blog about make sure you have plenty to say because there’s nothing worse than starting a blog and finding you can only write half a dozen posts on the subject before exhausting your knowledge or sickening yourself of the topic.

Choose a Name

Choosing a name for your blog is not unlike choosing a name for your child. Choose something that you like, something you think represents you well.

Also make sure that it’s easy for your readers to remember, as a new blogger you need people to remember you if you are to gain a strong readership.

Choose How To Host Your Blog

Keeping it simple, you can either;

* Start a blog on blogger

or

* Buy a domain name and use wordpress

Blogger

Blogger blogs are free but are essentially owned by blogger. They are ideal for beginners with no technical knowledge at all. Blogger has a step by step guide and you will have a blog in under fifteen minutes. Blogger allows *anyone* to start a blog. If you can use a mouse and you can follow instructions you can start a blog on blogger.

The disadvantages are as mentioned that you don’t own your blog and you don’t have as much choice on how your blog looks. It doesn’t often happen but blogger can close your blog down at any time if they take a disliking to your content.

Domain Name

This is more complicated and more costly. Most serious bloggers will have their own domain which involves purchasing a domain name from the likes of 123 reg.

Once you’ve purchased your domain name you’ll need to find a company to host your website, 123 reg can do this too, but I use a company called Laughing Squid.

You then use wordpress as your blogging platform.

Unfortunately that’s where my technical set up knowledge ends. I have a friend who set my blog up, most people either are technical and do it themselves or have a friend that can do it for them. If not then you can pay someone a one off fee to do this for you.

Choose a Look For Your Blog

On blogger the look of your blog, the bit your readers see is called a template. In wordpress it’s called a theme.

In blogger you choose your template from a selection which you are offered during their step by step process.

For wordpress simply search for ‘free wordpress themes’ in google and a selection will come up. Your webmaster will help you choose and customise your theme, if this is part of the price (check first!).

Choosing your look is like choosing an outfit most people combine something they like with something that is functional. You’ll need to consider the following;

Layout

Whatever information you’re providing it will need to be organised on the page for readers to consume. Think about where you’ll put your main content, pictures, links to other blogs etc..

Colour

By all means pick your favourite colours, it is after all your blog, however bear in mind that some combinations are easier to read from than others. For example many people find it uncomfortable to read white text on black background.

Make it Personal

Consider how you’ll make your blog personal to you (or your business). Customising your blog can be exciting and involve adding a customised logo in your header or a picture in the sidebar. Remember there are millions of blogs so try and make yours a little unique and memorable if possible. I have a rotating header on mine that features a few pictures of my daughter and I and things we’ve done.

For more information like this sign up to the Free Mum Blogger E-Course

Or

If you’d prefer the entire course in downloadable format (an eBook) then I’m currently offering 50% off The Complete Mum Blogger eBook when you use the code ‘mumblogger50′.