Last year at this time I was having a panic attack as I attempted to figure out how to get started creating a blog site. Here I am 365 days later with 102 blog posts published. I managed to figure it out and throughout the past year there a number of things I have discovered that I thought I would pass on for anyone thinking of creating their own blog type website.
The cost
I read somewhere that the majority of people that sign up for a personal website quit maintaining it within the first year. Cost is a big part of that I imagine.
When I signed up for my blog I used Bluehost as my website host and WordPress (free with Bluehost) as my content management system. Bluehost offers website security and other add-ons to help make your site work better. The first year, there was an “introductory deal” and I paid just under $200 to have my website for the year. My website was renewed for the upcoming year and now it is approximately $325.
Points about posting
Be more specific with content. One recipe or one subject matter.
Create posts well in advance. Getting pictures taken and added takes time.
Reread content and view post before publishing. See if the background you have chosen looks good and make sure spelling and grammar is correct.
Create a posting schedule and follow it. I always post on Wednesday and Saturday.
Add pictures that are not too large. Pixels must be under 2000 or you get an error.
Optimize viewing depending on the type of device you are using. Desktop views best followed by iPad and then phone. 3 lines under “The Craftiest Workshop” brings up the category headings for phone and iPad when held vertically; sidebar information ends up at the bottom of a post.
Add featured images to your individual blog posts. This is essential to getting the picture you want shared with your post to Facebook or Pinterest. The picture is then also added to your home page attached to the individual blog.
Add more category headings to your home page. Allows readers to navigate your site much easier and search for posts by subject matter.
Add social media share buttons and likes to posts. Allows you to quickly share to Facebook or Pinterest and allows your readers to do the same. Instagram is not able to share because it is text with photo.
Create “how to” notes for yourself. When you figure out how to add social media share buttons, featured images to posts, or new category headings write down how you did it. Trust me…you will forget if it is not something you do every day.
Allow Yourself to be creative
In the past year I have tried many different mediums of art and creation. If you see something online or in person that you would like to try to make, do it!! Creating is very relaxing and mentally calming.
In the past year I have explored:
Woodworking, woodburning, yarn crafts, knitting, button crafts, paper crafts, acrylic painting, baking, canning and cooking.
Capture EVERYTHING on camera
This is especially true when making something that involves steps like a woodworking project or something in the kitchen. So many times I have been inspired and realize only halfway through a project that I had forgotten to take any photos. More often now, I consciously think about taking pictures before, during and after.
Take time off
Whether your blog is just written content or like mine where you create things and then blog about them, everyone needs a break. Sometimes I cannot string two words together and the next day my words spew forth like a waterfall. I stare at pieces of wood hoping that they will speak to me and then I see a photograph and know instantly which piece of wood I could use to recreate it. Any type of creation has to happen naturally and can’t be forced.
Step outside your Comfort Zone
Posting things for the world to see is quite a big step. Try new projects and post your successes AND your failures. Touch on subjects that are uncomfortable, emotional and personal. Forget about wondering “what if?” and just DO!!
No matter what your website may be for, there is a certain amount of time needed for updating and maintaining it. For me it has been quite enriching to my every day and I am enjoying the time that I spend on it.