Blogging 101 Handout

I finally got my handout from my Blogging 101 class turned into a PDF. Feel free to download it here:

DOWNLOAD HANDOUT

The document walks you through starting a blog using Blogger and goes over the different control areas of the blog, how to write a post, add pictures, etc. Since I did the class Blogger has added some other features that are not included on the handout. Maybe one these days I can go back in and edit it. If you have any suggestions of things to add, please leave a comment.

Thanks!

Editing A Header (without having to buy some big editing program)

When it comes to creating your own cute blog there are so many websites out there that offer an endless supply of backgrounds for you to choose from. But now that you've got the cute background, what about a header? Suddenly a plain block of text that says your blog's name does not seem adequate, but at the same time you don't want to have to go and buy some photo editing program like Photoshop- so what do you do? Well enter a site I just found called Fotoflexer which is an online photo editing site. There is a really great video tutorial about customizing a header that can be found here at Shabby Blogs. Definitely go and check it out.

Free Blog Template

There are several tutorials online that can walk you through how to create your own custom blog background- the one I recommend is found here at the Cutest Blog on the Block. 
To help you out with your blog creation I  have made some blog templates that you can download here for free.

The download includes a simple template for a background, header (like the one on this blog), and side bar tab. They are all .psd files. Want to learn how to use Photoshop to create your blog? You'll want to check out this tutorial by Kevin and Amanda where she walks you through specifically how to create your blog background in Photoshop. You can download a free 30 day trial of Photoshop Elements HERE or you can use the FREE program GIMP which can be downloaded HERE.
Good luck creating your custom Blog Backgrounds and be sure to post a link here when you get it all done so we can see what you've done! :)

Widgets and Fun Stuff

There are so many fun "widgets" that you can put on your blog- I'm going to post a few that I know of, but if you know of more leave me a comment and I will add it to the list.
Playlist.com- This is a site where you can create a music playlist to post on your blog, so people that visit your blog can have some of your favorite tunes to listen to. 
Feedjit- This is a tracker for your site that lets you see where the people who visit your blog are from, how long they're on your blog, and more.
Statcounter- This is another site tracker that you can put on your blog to keep track of all your visitors.
Google Analytics- Another powerful site tracking tool that probably gives you more information than you ever thought you needed!

What other stuff have you found?

What to Write About

Sick of writing the same thing day after day? Don't even know where to start?
Blog About This:
Memory Monday - write about a memory
Menu Plan Monday – post what you’re having for dinner that week and the recipe to share with others and to save for yourself.
Tuesday Tell All – let it all out!
Top 10 Tuesday – list your Top 10 favorites that week
Wordless Wednesday – post a picture only
Just For Fun Friday – be creative
Five on Friday – another way to list things
Sunday Thoughts
52 Blessings Project
Journal Ideas - 258 of them!

Taken from: Gardenview Cottage