Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011

Hi all,

Just wondering if you could recommend a course or book that taught you basic/intermediate blogging skills?

I have a diploma in Marketing and previous marketing experience, just need to update it with modern technologies.

Thanks,

#2 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011

Myrthe, I don't personally know of any blogging courses - although I'm sure they're out there...

There is a whole section here on VAF devoted to blogging and that might be a good place to start gathering info and ideas.

If you're looking to learn how to use a blogging platform, the best place to start (in my opinion) would be the WordPress.com site. You can get a free blog there and start understanding how to create a blog post, how their software works, etc. There is also WordPress.orghttp://www.wordpress.org where you can download their blogging platform for inclusion on your own website (as opposed to the free one which is hosted at *their* website).

If you want to start a little closer to home you can also start a free blog here at VAF, it's connected to your profile here and can be found by clicking the 'BLOGS' link in the main menu. Then on the next page, clicking the 'Your Blog' link in the menu on the left.

If you're looking to learn how to create content or just to better understand how a blog can benefit your small business and your clients' businesses, the VAF section linked above is a good place to start.

I would also recommend spending time visiting other VAs blogs and reading their posts to get a good understanding of how they approach blogging.

I hope this helps! In the meantime, maybe someone who has taken a blogging course will chime in with more info

#3 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011

While I'm sure there might be a blogging course out there, there is so much free information that speaks to blogging that I don't think you need a course specfically. I offer a free eCourse offering tips on what to do with your blog which you can get on my site and will have a report available speaking directly towards blog traffic, but some folks I'd suggest you check out online would be Denise Wakeman (of BlogSquad Fame), Darren Rowse of Problogger (has a great book specific to blogging and great for intro) and you can check out his program at Sitepoint that is geared towards those who are new to blogging.

Hope this information is helpful.

#4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011

Wow! Thank you so much ladies. That will keep me busy for the next few weeks.

Thank you!

#5 (**permalink**) 03-04-2011

I've always loved writing but to be honest hadn't done much at all since leaving school (20 years ago..!)

I started a personal blog and wrote about anything and everything - I found it really helped to get me back into writing and helped my find my "voice"

#6 (**permalink**) 03-05-2011

Hello, Myrthe. I agree with the advice on getting acquainted with WordPress. I actually am still in your same situation -- I recently began my blogging adventure. As a matter of fact, my very first blog topic was based on being a non-blogger.

WordPress is very easy to get started with. I suggest you set aside an evening to go through it. Once you post and publish your blog, let your family and friends know about it so that they can refer others to it.

There are so many fantastic experts on this subject, of which I am not one of them. I just wanted to comment because I know how you feel and what it is like to be in the blog blur. Just keep in mind that you will learn it and you will have a blast with it.

Good luck in the blogging world and the way I see it, enjoy the blogging. I think it's an opportunity to really show who you are without needing to be stuffy and all-too-proper. As Bridie so nicely put it, let your blog be YOUR VOICE

.

Happy blogging!

#7 (**permalink**) 03-06-2011

You can set up a free blog at www.blogger.com to get you started

#8 (**permalink**) 03-06-2011

Hi Myrthe,

Have a look at the blog archive on www.candocanbe.com. Karen Skidmore has some great advice in general about social media, blogging etc. I really enjoy reading her blogs and have got quite a lot of good advice from the archived articles on her site.

Sue

#9 (**permalink**) 03-07-2011

I've really struggled with getting a blog started, why, who, what, when etc. Thanks for sharing. This is good information.

#10 (**permalink**) 06-02-2011

Thanks ladies for the great resources, I have been blogging for about a month but would love to strengthen my blog posts and hopefully create more traffic.