Online Technology Training

RSS in Plain English

Confused By All The Different Types Of Blogs?

Are you getting really confused with all the different blogging programs out there? Let me explain how it works. Basically, there are three different types of blogging software.

1. Free Blogs

Free blogs like Blogger, are usually run by large software organizations and as they are free, can appear to be inviting. But, if you're planning on doing business on the internet you'll have to check out their terms and conditions as most won't offer this service for commercial use.

A word of warning... free blogging programs have been known to close accounts with little or no warning. Imagine spending weeks, if not months, building your business blog, adding your valuable content then one day you try to log in... and it's gone. Very frustrating to say the least, it'll take time and a lot of effort to replace all your valuable content. Read the small print.

2. Open Source Blogs

Open Source blog programs have been created by hundreds of people all over the world who work on their development, they are not owned any one company or organization. Wordpress is one example. The free version has the same drawbacks I mentioned in the previous point. However, there is also a version where you can purchase hosting and have more control over your blog. Bear in mind you'll need some HTML programming knowledge to set up the blog and to maintain numerous security issues involved around Open Source software.

3. Privately Hosted Blogs

If you're a small business owner you need to feel secure the terms and conditions of your business blog allows for commercial usage. Trading on the internet means adhering to certain regulations.

Privately hosted blog software companies have created 'user friendly' interface programs specifically for  commercial users. Costs of hosting can work out to be just a few cents a day. This is a great advantage for new businesses owners who often struggle with costs and overheads in the first few critical months of trading.

Using privately hosted blogging software gives you complete control over your blog and more importantly, there is no fear of being closed down or having to take care of the security issues.

COMING VERY SOON!

Look out for Start A Blog Video Tutorial - it's coming VERY soon!

I'll help you get started and have a professional blog up in no time.  You'll look over my shoulder as I guide you through the whole process of setting up YOUR blog - right from scratch... NO ADVANCED COMPUTER SKILLS... You'll be able to update it from anywhere (with an internet connection) at any time... and guess what?

You DON'T even have to pay a webmaster  - because YOU'LL be your own webmaster and have complete control over your blog!

Watch this space for information coming very soon...

5 Was to Effectively Use Your Business Blog

Reciprocity to Build Strong Relationships

Reciprocity is very powerful for anyone starting an online business, do you know what it means? If you do, then you'll understand how the strong rules of influence work.

If you don't, then here's what Dictionary.com says:

Reciprocity

"A reciprocal condition or relationship. A mutual or cooperative interchange of favors or privileges, especially the exchange of rights or privileges of trade between nations."

The line that sticks out for me is 'a mutual or cooperative interchange of favors or privileges'. When you start your online business it's important to fully understand the Rule of Reciprocity, as this will be a key factor in how you connect with your readers, visitors and customers and build relationships.

It's not just a case of offering a 'free report' or 'free ezine' it goes much deeper than that. People need to make a connection with you, they have to feel comfortable using your services and buying your products. The fact you're offering 'something for nothing' is just the start of your relationship -- you'll only build strong connections by providing good quality information on a long term basis.

Once you build up trust and offer your expertise, only then will others trust you enough to reciprocate and start to pay for your services.

Join me on my *FREE* TeleClasses where I share strategies and advice on Using Technology to  Market Your Online Business. Just pop your name and email in the box and I'll send you an invitation to my next teleclass.