blogs

[alwayslearning1]

I am researching blogs as a tool to draw people to my site.
First of all how would the public find my blog online?
Does it need to be connected to my site and how does that happen?
Can I run an rss feed on it or post other peoples articles

[JohnC]

You get people to come to your blog the same way you would your site, by providing good useful content. Blogs do have some built in marketing avenues that other sites might not. Do some research on Tagging, BlogRolls and Permalinking.

If the blog is on a topic related to your site then you could put it on your site. I personally would not do a blog on one of those blogging services like Blogger, to many things out of your control. However the trade off is those sites have a built in networking.

RSS feeds are pretty much a must on Blogs and running other people’s articles is pretty much the kiss of death. Blogs sprang from a community focused on expression and the free flow of ideas; you won’t build much of a readership just regurgitating other people’s words.

Blogs are wonderful if used for the right reasons. Too many folks are starting blogs just as a new Web 2.O type doorway page. Don’t be one of those people, make sure you have something to offer if you start a blog. It is a very rewarding experience.

[big_suzi]

I have a question too regarding blogs. Are blogs good moneymakers and if so is it possible to make money if you want to sell several products? Or should I just resort to making a site.

[ihelpyou]

Welcome! :hi:

If you want a website on the internet of any kind, don't go into it simply wanting 'money'. Build a website that is "useful" for the group of people who might be interested in your product or service. If you are building a site for any other main reason, you will not succeed. This stuff is hard work. No different than buying a brick and mortor business on the street.

[big_suzi]

Thanks Doug! I'm just a little anxious. I want to make a useful site or blog but I also want to cover my expenses. It's hard to put things into perspective when you don't have a plan. If I want to make a blog, I want it to pay for itself that way I can maintain it. My original thought is to talk about products that I'm interested in. Another question....is it harder to sell software than apparel. I know that it depends on the content that you provide but I don't want to fight a losing battle.

[Connie]

Hi big_suzi and welcome. :hi:

One thing the Internet does not need is another blog built for AdSense.

If you are interested in actually selling products on-line you need a e-commerce site.

I have a blog, no adds and an e-commerce site. I do not link them together because they are not related.

Believe me it is a lot of work and takes time either way.

[ihelpyou]

Your questions are impossible to answer.

We all have our special skills and knowledge. Only you know what that is.

You should know the actual design of whatever site you build has everything to do with it's success.

Also; You are brand new to the net; if you don't read and learn about everything involved, and get some basic knowledge about websites and selling on the internet, you will be lost no matter what you do. Spend lots of time in here reading "all" the threads.

You are trying to ask questions about a site that does not exist yet.

[Connie]

It's hard to put things into perspective when you don't have a plan.
My advise is if you don't have a plan don't do it. I've been down that road.

[big_suzi]

I guess it's back to the drawing board for me. :( Any more advice to get me on the right path. An e-commerce site sounds like a good idea and maybe after I've learned a little more I can do the blog.

[Dave Hawley]

I would go for a forum over a blog.

[Comeran]

Originally posted by Dave Hawley
I would go for a forum over a blog.

I think that a great site needs lots of interaction....

Forums, blogs, rss feeds, news, media announcements and much more.

Before you do ANY of this you need to make sure that your site is doing well with traffic and has the visitors to support it.

Just opening a blog, forum, or RSS feed will NOT fix any of your problems or bring in traffic.

You need a unique website that really brings in people in the field that you are in.

Greatest luck.

Comeran-