All Freelance Writing - Forum: Blogging

Jessica Marcarelli on How Many Posts Should You Write Before a Blog Launch?

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:49:52 +0000

I don't know that a particular number is the right or wrong way but I'd start my next blog with some already published and enough to get me through the first month (whatever my weekly posting happens to be). I launched my new website and blog in December and have been snowed in with other projects since. Getting around to writing a post has been low on the priority list, which isn't a good thing. In fact, I think it's hurt me a couple times already. So, for a new blog, I'd definitely start with enough to auto-post if things got crazy.

Samanta on How Many Posts Should You Write Before a Blog Launch?

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:17:53 +0000

I guess that you should have at least several posts done so that you can dedicate more time to your blog promotion. Concerning the number of words, it's a little bit strange for me, as I believe that it's of more importance if your post are interesting for readers or not.

Jennifer Mattern on How Many Posts Should You Write Before a Blog Launch?

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:35:49 +0000

There's a lot involved in a blog launch. But here are some of the basics:

Get a domain name and hosting.
Choose a blog platform (like Wordpress) and install it.
Choose a theme (the design) and install that.
Customize the theme and logo if necessary.
Install any plugins you plan to use (for SEO, spam protection, social media, etc.).
Set up your permalink structure (changing this later could screw up incoming links).
Set up your blog category structure.
Write your site copy (anything static -- about page, contact page, policies, etc.).
Write your initial pre-launch content.
Come up with a content strategy for ongoing posts. You might even opt to write some of this before the launch and schedule them to go live later. This way you'll have more time for early launch marketing.
Come up with a marketing plan for the blog.
Announce the official launch and deal with launch promotion.

moscribes on How Many Posts Should You Write Before a Blog Launch?

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:26:10 +0000

Hello everyone,

This is a great topic. What is actually involved in a blog launch? I'm outlining a couple of different ideas now and I would like to plan and launch a couple of blogs properly.

Thanks,

Jennifer Mattern on How Many Posts Should You Write Before a Blog Launch?

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 22:33:36 +0000

Is there any particular reason you have that word count in mind? I've launched successful blogs with very little content and others with quite a bit. My newest will have 8-10 posts before it's officially launched, although it's already bringing in traffic and income with just the starter content and word getting out thanks to a few colleagues.

And do you mean you would want 10,000 words already published on the launch date, or is that how much content you'd like to have in draft form so you can roll out regular updates easily after the launch?

I'm just curious, as I'm always interested to hear others' strategies and how they've played out in the past.

Jenn

Adam on How Many Posts Should You Write Before a Blog Launch?

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:21:21 +0000

I think it's good to have around 10,000 words if you are trying to launch a new website. That's not easy though!

Jennifer Mattern on How Does Your Blog Fit Into Your Business?

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:02:50 +0000

Sounds like more than baby steps to me!

millercathy on How Does Your Blog Fit Into Your Business?

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:27:41 +0000

Jennifer Mattern said
Oooh. What products do you have in the works?

Jenn

One is the ebook we discussed on creating a communication plan and template forms to go with it. Others (in various stages) include info. on health reform/health care (may be freebies) and an ebook on my 3-Day experience.

Baby steps.

Jennifer Mattern on How Does Your Blog Fit Into Your Business?

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 07:23:03 +0000

Oooh. What products do you have in the works?

Jenn

millercathy on How Does Your Blog Fit Into Your Business?

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:29:56 +0000

Primarily, I use my blog for prospects and hopefully soon for product sales. I also use it for networking. That's my business blog. My health care blog plays a similar role, but the personal one is more for sharing with colleagues and friends and an outlet for me - therapy, I guess.

Jennifer Mattern on How Does Your Blog Fit Into Your Business?

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 07:02:26 +0000

There are a number of reasons freelancers and other business owners run blogs. For example, you might use a blog for:

marketing & PR purposes
sharing company news
networking with colleagues and prospects
to increase search engine rankings for your business website
to turn prospects into regular visitors so you stay fresh in their minds
to earn direct income (such as selling your products or earning ad revenue)

That's not to say every blog you run has to tie into your freelance writing business. (Most of mine don't.) Blogging is a great standalone business model too. But for those that do tie into your business, how are you using those blogs?

For me it's largely about networking, product sales, and getting (and keeping) the attention of prospects -- depending on the blog.

Jenn

Jennifer Mattern on What Blogging Platform do You Use?

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 19:50:31 +0000

Agreed. Anything will take time to learn. At least with Wordpress, the basics are similar to a word processor. You can move more slowly into coding and customizations if you want to. But for those who just want to write and publish, Wordpress makes that possible too.

Jenn

millercathy on What Blogging Platform do You Use?

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 10:13:19 +0000

Ditto. I started my personal blog to dip my toe in on a platform I had my email account through. I started my business blogs with self-hosted Wordpress in 2009 and later moved my personal one there as well.

Hands down (for me), the best. There was a slight learning curve, but nothing too outrageous (IMHO).

Jennifer Mattern on What Blogging Platform do You Use?

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 07:39:27 +0000

Just a quick question today....

What blog platform do you use? Tell us about it and why you love it (or why you don't).

For me, it's self-hosted Wordpress all the way. I've used that, Wordpress.com, Blogger, and Moveable Type in the past. Self-hosted Wordpress wins without question.

Jenn

Jennifer Mattern on How do You Come Up With Domain Name Ideas?

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 07:08:46 +0000

lol I wish I enjoyed it so much.