There are no blogger courses in college – not in my area. And even if there were, it would only be a one-sized fits all type of course that would produce a slew of unoriginal bloggers.
When I was teaching, differentiating education was always an issue. Each student had different needs, some knew more about a given subject, some knew less. Everybody needed a personalized plan, but I was only one person. That meant that the best thing I could do for them, was help them identify their own educational needs and then teach them how to use the tools to gather the information they need.
Blogging is no different. If I tried to write a post that addresses all of your needs, it would be long and extensive and for a handful of people it would be useful, and for the rest, it would be totally boring. That’s because most people aren’t interested in learning anything until they actually need it.
When I first started blogging, I needed a very basic “where to begin” type of post, then I needed to figure out how to use social networking sites. My blogging educational needs evolved and morphed of course, as I’ve developed more skills, but the need to continually learn new things will never be satiated.
I’ve come to learn that you can not make the mistake of believing that you already know everything there is to know about blogging or any other topic for that matter. I’m humble enough to admit that even the most basic ebook may still teach me something new that I’ve been overlooking.
I’m definitely not an expert of any sort, I know a lot, but I don’t know it all. The wonderful news, is that none of us have to be. I want to be an innovator, but innovation is not always tangible. In response to The 1 thing you must internalize to succeed as a blogger, David, one of our commentators pointed out “that someone has to inventors of keywords”. I agree.
In order to become one of those inventors, what we as bloggers must do, is continue our blogging education. I mean seriously, create some time in your schedule that will allow you some time to learn something new about blogging. I know everyone is busy, but we should be able to find at least two hours out of the week to devote to learning new skills.
What should you focus on during this educational time?
Identify your current problems – what gaps do you have? Do you need to learn how to use plug-ins to help you blog more efficiently?
Your blogging education should be based on your present needs. For example, I’m in the process of learning about creating a better newsletter for this site, I also have needs for learning about plug-ins that can help me automatically or more efficiently integrate links from related content into my blog posts where they would be more relevant (as opposed to at the end of the post). There are other needs, of course. But the key is to not overwhelm yourself with things, but instead to take the time to focus on those issues that are most pressing.
Here’s a few helpful resources that I’ve come to rely on:
- Blogging help: 31 Days to a better blog
- Writing help: CopyBlogger; Menwithpens
- CSS Tutorials: 2CreateaWebsite
- Social Media Tips: Social Media Examiner; Social Blogging Tracker
- Design Tutorials: Echo Enduring Blog
So how are you doing with your blogging continuing education? Do you already have an organized plan? Do you need guidance or resources? Do you have tips to share? Please share your ideas in the comments section.
About Kiesha Easley
currently i am concentrating on seo and trying to get few quality backlinks daily.
pradeep parashar recently posted..DON 2 vs BODYGUARD:first day collection
DEfinately reading blogs that relate to my niche and participating actively in the community.
.-= Spyros´s last blog ..Are You a Non Native English Speaker ? Here Are 6 Tips to Write Better Blog Posts =-.
I have decided to get an editorial schedule. I may not post as often as you do, Kiesha but I will post at least once a week and do a guest post once a week as well.
I admire your work ethic, Kiesha
.-= James Tayo´s last blog ..How to stop your creativity from crippling your business =-.
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Hi James,
Thanks for your compliments – I find an editorial schedule really helps me – especially when it comes to writer’s block. If I already know what topic I’m dealing with, half of the work is done and all I need to do is focus on one point surrounding that topic. It definitely keeps me on track.
I actually read about SEO and blogging quite often even if my blog is not about that. Mainly because you have to learn that aspect in order for people to know whatever it is you are blogging about. You don’t need to be an expert. Sometimes all you need is a little knowledge and common sense.
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Hi Michelle you’re right, you don’t need to be an expert to share new knowledge you’ve gained with others.
31 ways to a better blog is really awesome.i have already.I’ll check other links you have submitted with your post.Kiesha,thanks for sharing.
.-= Lakhyajyoti´s last blog ..5 Things To Avoid When Blogging =-.
Hi Kiesha –
I have a ton left to do on my design. But I have been putting that off for a few weeks now (and the blog has only been around for just over a month) as I am trying to build up content, learn about social media, and learn about seo.
Also, incase it helps anyone, when I was learning css, I used w3schools.com as a resource constantly. It is really good.
One caveat – be careful if you are doing any advanced css (more than changing colors) because the rendering engines in the different browers are not quite the same. The result is that css does not always cause the same look in all browsers. Make sure to test your changes in each environment. :)
Have a great day!
.-= mark´s last blog ..A Mission To Do As Little As Possible =-.
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Thanks for sharing this CSS resource with us, Mark!
I always plans to write everyday. But sometimes I don’t know why; i inclined to adjust my site design. But i know, at first i have to concentrate my mind to creating content. Later, i will have enough time to set a design.
How can i write my blogs continuously without being bored?
.-= Shamim´s last blog ..How To Search AnyThing By Google [Part 2] =-.
I can only recommend 31 Days to a better blog and the ProBlogger book. Btw they just released a new one.
You are totally right we have to keep learning but the issue with bloggin is there is too much information around. No wonder that tons of newbies get a total information overflow.
A lot of the information is not verified so new people have it even harder (especially seo related stuff).
I for my part only read the authority blogs and buy a book once in a while when it was recommended by an authority blog
.-= Alexander Rus´s last blog ..Braun Oral-B Sonic Complete DLX – Testbericht =-.
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Hi Alexander,
Yes, the Problogger book it what helped me get my start. Without that book, I don’t know where I’d be today.
Thanks for stopping by!
You make such an excellent point. I heard a professor say once (who always prepared a fresh syllabus instead of recycling the old one) that he’d rather give his students a drink from a flowing stream than a stagnant pool. When we stop learning, we stop leading.
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Hi Brandon,
You’re right if any of us plan on being leaders of the industry, we’re going to have to open our minds to continuous learning opportunities.
Thanks for stopping by! :)
anyone who wants to make any impact in any field of endeavor must continue learning.Blogging is no different.
i do still read a lot of blogs,ebooks and other resources about blogging and my other interests .
but i do love the idea of identifying specific problems or things to learn and dealing with them directly…
.-= mk akan´s last blog ..My First 50 Blog Posts: Lessons, Mistakes and Achievements =-.
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Hi Mk!
Yes, it’s a constantly evolving thing. We must keep identifying areas for growth.
Blogging is an ongoing learning relearning activety..lol What works today doesn’t work in a month.
Between that and the new tips and techniques that pop up daily, in blogging, SEO, marketing, content writing etc..
Once you stop learning, your blog will be less and less relevant.
.-= John Paul Aguiar´s last blog ..There Is A New Blogging Star Born Everyday, Are You Next? =-.
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Hi John,
You are so right about what works today might not work tomorrow – in other words, never get comfortable! :)
Hey Kiesha,
Thanks for sharing some of your resources with us. Even the popular bloggers today have continual education. It’s dangerous if you stop learning. That is why everyday it’s good to develop a habit to read something that pertains to blogging. Once again thanks!
Chat with you later…
Josh
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Hi Josh,
Yes, we’ve got to keep it learning and growing, otherwise we run the risk of becoming outdated and irrelevant. :)
I was practically knocked over by how much there is to learn about blogging, but I love the process. I budget for paid programs and memberships and supplement this information with topic-specific books and tutorials. Right now social media is on my radar as the next “gotta learn it!” subject.
.-= Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..How to Handle a Dream Snatcher =-.
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Hi Jean,
Yes, it can be overwhelming. That’s why I suggest taking it piece by piece based on your need at the time.
So how are you doing with your blogging continuing education?
- I usually read/write on 3 forums and, of course, I RSS’d We Blog Better to be aware of the last tricks :P
.-= David´s last blog ..Economy Lesson: The Assault on Saving, by Henry Hazlitt =-.
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Hi David!
Sounds like you’ve got a great plan. I’m honored to be a part of it. Have a awesome day!