If you are thinking about starting a blog anytime soon, whether for business of for fun, Blogger will offer the tools necessary to start a blog. Let’s also remember that anybody can set up a blogging account for free. Susan Gunelius is the author of “Google Blogger for Dummies”. As a writer and professional blogger she delivers the information that we need in order to use the right software for blogging and walks you through the entire process. Her book offers step-by-step instructions to help new bloggers like me. If you are looking to learn more about blogging and need a helpful step-by-step manual, "Google Blogger for Dummies" by Susan Guinelius is the perfect book for you.
Google Blogger for Dummies describes in simple words the differences between a variety of platforms, functions and benefits. It includes comparison of Blogger with other Blogging software. After reviewing the comparisons you can definitely see that some of the free blogging software is very limited unless you are willing to pay a fee for upgrades.
Blogosphere, a term I’ve learned from this book, is the name of the online community of people who are actively blogging. As a member of the blogosphere, we can decide if we just want to read blogs, comment on someone else’s blog or write our own blogs.
Another issue the book emphasizes is to be very careful on what we publish on our blogs. We never know who might be looking at our posts. The book states that “Blogging can be a double-edged sword.”On one hand, it gives you the opportunity to share your opinions with others finding similar interest people to network with. On the other hand, it exposes your personal information and preferences to the world.
Google Blogger for Dummies will show you how to start with Blogger from step one. You’ll create a Google account, although your email address doesn’t have to be a Google Gmail account. Once your blog is created you are an official member of the blogosphere!
The author also advises that after we become an experienced blogger, we should integrate advertising into our blogs. Adding ads to your blog is a fun and great way to make money. Ads are automatically displayed to your visitors each time they access your page. There is a list of blog monetization options, but keep in mind that they are not all equal. It is a good idea to research each one thoroughly before you add them to your site and make a commitment.
Blogging on the Go-Mobile Blogging” is another great tool available with Blogger. Google Blogger for Dummies shows you some techniques to be able to publish blog posts and make comments from your phone anytime from wherever you are.
If you are interested in learning how to “Podcast with Audio or Video”, this book will walk you through each step to make sure that you have the right podcasting tools and learn all the tricks to become a good podcaster. I think this is a great tool once we get more experience with blogging, and I do agree with the author’s opinion that free trial offers are the best way to test it before making a commitment to any type of payment.
Finally, the author recommends that as your blog grows, you should think about letting your blog be hosted by a third party other than Blogger to add more growth. Keeping in mind of course, that an additional expense will be added.
At the end of the book, the author lists the “Ten Common Blogger Problems and Possible Solutions” guide that will help you indentify the most common problems that may arise from time to time. She also lists the “Ten Places to Find Free Blogger Themes and Templates”, very handy if you are looking to change the look of your blog and make it more distinctive without spending money.
Overall, the book is a perfect manual for people like me, who have never started a blog before. It is very thorough and it gives you the step-by-step instructions and tools to become a very productive editor.
