What’s a blog? The term blog is a shortened form of web log. A blog is simply a web page that usually features content updated frequently and presented in reverse chronological order (the newest entries are shown first). Blogging systems feature easy-to-use interfaces that let those without web programming skills make updates to the blog website. In addition to being able to update web pages easily, blog systems feature feeds (RSS or Atom) that allow readers to use a feed reader to automatically receive updates.
How Do I Get Started?
There are a couple options for getting started with a blog. Assuming you already have a website for your photography, the most seamless way to integrate a blog is to chat with your web designer about building a blog into your website. Any web developer who is in business today should be able to integrate a blog with your website easily. Another option for getting started is to use a standalone blog site that you can link from your main website. The advantage to a standalone site is that you can get started easily (and for free) without having to pay your web guy until you figure out the blogging thing. Let’s look at signing up for a free blog service to get started.
Getting Started with WordPress.com
My blog platform of choice is WordPress – it’s a very popular blogging system (it’s what powers Social Photo Talk). They offer a version that can be installed and customized on your own server, but they also offer a free version that allows anyone to easily publish a blog. Head over to WordPress.com to get started.
My intention was that I’d write a great introduction to using WordPress.com, but they’ve already done an excellent job. Just check out Getting Started with WordPress and you’ll have a blog up, running, and customized with your personal touch in less than an hour.
I’ve Setup a Blog… Now What?
Once your blog is setup, you’ll want to read What Should a Photographer Blog About?
Photo by Annie Mole, used under Creative Commons licensing
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