2016 Benefits of Blogging for Shell Outpost
- 2. Who are we? • Renée Veldman-Tentori www.zestee.com • Olga Mecking www.europeanmama.com
- 3. Social media Social media is changing our world, how we connect and communicate, how we do business and how we live.
- 4. Benefits of Blogging... • What can blogging do for you? • Particularly suitable for travellers and internationals • Who already blogs?
- 5. What is Blogging... • One type of social media - interactive • Short for "Weblog" • Personal or for business • Lots of different types of platforms
- 6. How to blog... • Really easy to get started • Choose a platform • Just get writing! • Write about anything you like
- 7. Which platform should I use? • WordPress.com vs WordPress.org • Blogger • Tumblr • LinkedIn • Lots more….
- 8. The European Mama Top 7 1. Stay in touch with family and friends 2. Expat life can be isolating 3. Constant Inspiration 4. Knowledge that is worth sharing 5. Opportunities 6. It's fun! 7. Your perspective is unique http://www.spiceupyourblog.c om/2013/06/7-reasons-for- starting-travel-or-expat- blog.html#.WDtDT3eZO7M
- 9. 1. Family and friends Source: Flikr commons. Photographer: Paul Stang
- 10. 2. Isolation Source: Flikr commons. Photographer: David Smith, Digital Mind
- 11. 3. Constant inspiration Source: www.facebook.com/hollandphotography1. Photographer: Rich Theemling
- 12. 4. Sharing knowledge Photographer: Renee Veldman-Tentori
- 13. 5. Opportunities Photographer: Renee Veldman-Tentori
- 14. 6. It's fun! Photographer: Renee Veldman-Tentori
- 15. 7. Unique perspective Photographer: Renee Veldman-Tentori
- 16. Zestee Top 5 1. Build a business 2. An online portfolio 3. Create a community 4. Find some structure 5. Creative outlet
- 17. 1. Build a Business
- 19. 3. Create a community
- 20. 4. Find some structure
- 22. How personal should I get? • It’s totally up to you! • Personal posts are usually the most popular but it really depends on the context • Identify your goals for blogging and this will help to answer this question
- 23. What about images? • Keep in mind: copyright and IP issues • Taking your own photos is a great idea • Join stock photo sites • Use plugins like photodropper • Use services such as Canva.com
- 24. Can a blog be a business? • Yes – but it’s hard work • Making the blog itself a business • Online advertising: need significant traffic • Using a blog to grow your own business (which is based on other products and services)
- 25. What does it cost? • Starting for free • Costs include buying a URL and hosting • Once you self host, you have more flexibility but take on a lot of other responsibilities such as backups and security.
- 26. Should I guest post? • More traffic • Networking ops • Preparation for freelance writing • You may have more knowledge • You can write about different topics
- 27. Tips to increase readership • Think about your categories and keywords • Network with other bloggers - online and offline • Cross promote across social media channels • Enter competitions and themed "events" • Work on a captivating layout and images
- 28. Share your blog! • Zestee and European Mama Facebook Pages • Expatica • Online directories • Other suggestions?
- 29. Can a blog become a book? Dutched Up! 27 women bloggers in NL http://dutchedup.wordpre ss.com
- 30. Some blogs to check out... • Your favourite blogs?