Updated 12/28/09

I’ve been getting a lot of emails about advice for book blogs. So, I’ve decided to do some posts about just that.

Please take into consideration that these are only my suggestions. You can agree or disagree with them. I’m not saying you have to follow them, and I’m not saying I’m a blogging expert, but I’ve picked up a few things here and there.

Today’s topic is Getting Started.

You’ve decided that you’d like to try out this whole blog thing. Great! But the most important question once you’ve decided to go through with it is, where? So, where can I blog?

Here are a few sites that you might want to check out. It’s always good to get information about each place, their benefits and disadvantages before you start.

Blogger
Wordpress
MySpace
Livejournal
Typepad

These are just a few service providers. Check out the sites, see which ones you like. My site is hosted by Blogger, so it’s all a matter of preference. Each host had different incentives, I don't think there is one that's perfect, but find one that fits what you are trying to. Most of them have the option to export your posts to one host from another, so you can always change your mind. Once you figure out where, it’s on to step two.

Design!



You want to pick a color scheme that fits your voice! Make sure that your color scheme is easy to read and easy on the eyes. Remember this is the first impression of your blog! Some color don’ts:

• Dark post background with dark font.
• Really bright colors that hurt your eyes. Like a neon green post background with neon pink font! AHH!! And the bad thing is I’ve seen it!
• Busy backgrounds... noone is going to read your reviews if your site makes them queasy.

Don’t make your font too small either. People won’t bother reading your reviews if they can’t see them! I think I’d rather it be too big, than too small. And remember different internet hosts show pages differently. So just because it looks fine when you are looking at it using Internet Explorer, doesn't mean those using Firefox see the same thing. It's always better to ask readers, if you aren't sure.




(click image to enlarge)

Maybe you’d like to do a custom design. Just type blog templates into your google search and I’m sure a dozen host sites will pop up! A really good site I’ve found is called Tips For New Bloggers, they explain pretty much how to do everything, from a three column layout to adding a custom background. It’s a great resource! I use it all the time!

Here are a few places where you can get some template ideas or codes:

Designs by Laina
Pixie of Page Turners Blog

(If you design blog templates, let me know, I'll get you added)

Also you could try to make a header that portrays your site. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Something simple with your blog name! Have fun with it!

Once you’ve gotten the design part figured out, maybe some widgets and elements would be a good idea. I try to stick the bare minimum when it comes to this, personally. I don’t want too many gadgets on the sidebar taking away from what I’ve got going on, on my main blog post.

And remember, a big part of your design is how you are planning on utilizing your blog. If you hope to one day be contacting authors and publishers, remember that and try to make your site look somewhat “professional.”

Most importantly, just have fun with it. You don’t even have to listen to me! These are just suggestions, not rules! Ultimately, do what you like.

I'm hoping to have more posts featuring:

• Visitors
• Content
• Getting Books
• etc..

If there is something you'd like me to feature let me know. Or maybe you like me to elaborate a little bit more on something I've posted this time, feel free to make a suggestion!

What do you think? Is there something you agree with, disagree with? Maybe you have your own tips that would pertain to this post?

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