How To Build A Blog (Central Hub / Nerve Center) – Positioning Your Business For Success

Let’s learn how to build a blog shall we?

Over 2 Billion people are currently using the internet to find answers and or solutions to their problems. These range anywhere from health issues to business solutions. This is why having your own website or blog will be a key asset to your business as it will allow easier access to your information.

Here are a few benefits to building a blog.

First, it allows you to be perceived as having a higher quality appearance than someone who doesn’t.
Second, it allows search engines, prospects, and customers to locate you easier (SEO).
Lastly, it’s simple and easy to set up and build upon.

When providing information on your blog that actually deliver value to others, always provide a way for them to share the information. When doing so, this will allow others to spread your message further than you could individually. Plus as an added bonus, it will increase your social equity as a source of credible currency to increase your marketing results.

BUILDING A BLOG

There are many different ways to build a blog today. While websites such as blogger.com and wordpress.com are free sites, they are not recommended because of the limitations that those sites have on content, design and so on. Plus, you wouldn’t want your sites being taken down because you made a careless slip somewhere.

I almost always suggest people when learning how to build a blog and even build one, to start by having it hosted. My first recommendation in locating a host is the company called Bluehost.com. One of the main benefits to hosting with them, is the ability to have your first domain (YourName.com) given to you for free. This could save you anywhere from $10 – $12 (depending on where you go). Not to mention the high touch and excellent customer service.

SELECTING A DOMAIN NAME

This is a key point in your business. Most of the time I suggest you go with your name if you are looking to build credibility within your selected niche. But in the case of being a credible authoritative resource, consider a niche related domain (MymlmSecrets.com, LoseFatNow.com). But in most cases, building a personal website is the best way to go and it allows you to learn the process by building a reputable brand and source of credibility.

Should you want to purchase additional domain names, I always use MyQuickDomains.com. They’re inexpensive and best bang for your buck.

SETUP FOR YOUR BLOG ON BLUEHOST

If you haven’t already found hosting company for your blog, consider using Bluehost.com. I do personally and find them to have some of the best customer service, easy layout and reliability.

With just a few clicks you can easily start your own blog.

Step 1: Log into your business

Step 2: Scroll down and click on wordpress found in the Software / Services section.

Step 3: Select your domain name and get started.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR BLOG

There’s a major benefit to looking and feeling different than everyone else. But most importantly, the credibility of being unique (which you are already) is a major boost in your a business building ability.

This is why (when using wordpress) I suggest you consider a few different sources to find the perfect theme for your blog. Here are my top 2 choices for blog theme customization.

WooThemes
Pagelines

If you want to customize your blog, but you don’t have the time or the ability to create your own look or feel, consider these few options to better leverage your time.

99designs – Here you can have your custom logo or entire site created by way of private auction where hundreds of designers can compete for your business. Check it out!

Celebrity Design Solutions – Here you can not only customize your blog layout, but also consider customizing your social media pages as well.

OTHER BLOG CUSTOMIZATIONS

When setting up your blog, there are a few other things you may want to consider in the creating and format process. But keep in mind the K.I.S.S. (Keep It Super Simple) formula. The last thing you want to do is confuse or divert your viewer from the message you are looking to convey.

On my site, you will see a custom “optin” form on the right hand side.

Your number one focus for having this offer is to entice your readers to subscribe to your information. Here it is suggested that you use a clear picture or video of your offer (like a mini capture page).

If you want to create a simple and easy ecover for your book, check out EcoverCreator3D to save you time and possibly even frustration.

Also, give people a chance to connect with you on other social sites such as twitter, youtube and facebook with the use of icons.

PLUGINS

There are many different plugins you can use to better theme and customize your blog for maximum efficiency. Here is a list of my top 5 plugins needed to help you on your way.

Akismet – This allows you to sort out spamish comments on your blog (A MUST HAVE)
W3 Total Cache – Allows for faster performance for viewers on your blog
All In One SEO Pack – Allows you to help search engines to find you when used properly
Digg Digg – Allows you to have floating buttons on the side of your blog for easier sharing and syndication
PopUpDomination – This allows you to have a professional pop up optin form for new and revisiting viewers

If you want an entire layout of other plugins I prefer to use, please read Best WordPress Plugins for 2011.

Other blog resources found on this website:

As you can see that when learning how to build a blog, there are a great deal of things to consider. No doubt, there could be some times when you hit a road block or two, but fear not… you are in the right place at the right time! A time when personal branding and representation ment more to your business than the products you promote.

All in all, building a blog is real much like a traditional store front for your business. It’s why we (in the home business niche) call it a central hub or nerve center. This is why you need to treat your blog as a major resource for your business.

There’s really a great deal of things to learn and do additionally with your blog, but for now… it’s best to just gets started.

Take a look at the PDF below and download / print it up. Share it with your friends, downline or otherwise to help others out who also might be thinking about starting a blog.