In this first article we will cover the basics. Defining what a blog is, how to set it up, make entries and then show it off!

Blog is the contraction of the term “web log.” Essentially, it is a website. Most often blogs are used as a journal, a place to publicly post opinions or events in the writer’s life. So it can be a diary you use to keep in touch with family, friends, or even fans.  For artists, however, there is more potential in blogging. (Blogging being the practice of writing in a blog - yes, it is both a noun and a verb.) Beyond the diary, a blog can be used to promote your work and offer you an opportunity to market yourself.

For blogging, the first thing you need is a home for your blog. While you could program your own website and set up the space yourself, for most of us it is far easier to use a “hosted blogging platform.” Basically, this is a service that provides you with the tools to set up your blog and the space to store your entries online. Some services offer their members opportunities to interact with each other and build online communities. These social networks have become very popular in recent years, and for good reason. They are an easy way to keep in touch with people you know and build relationships with people who have similar interests.

The set up process for most hosting sites and social networks is usually quite easy. Before you begin, I’d suggest deciding on a user name. This will be the name of your blog, and most importantly, the name that the search engines know. Think of it as a form of branding.

If you haven’t signed up for a membership at emPowerMA.com, you can follow this link now and be ready to blog in the time it takes you to finish reading this article.  After picking your user name and providing your contact information, you simply verify your email address by clicking on the link emPower sends to your email box. It’s that simple.

The next step is writing a bio for your profile. This forum post has instructions on how to do that at emPowerma.com Your bio is how you let your readers know who you are. Some people prefer to give the barest of details, letting their blog posts speak for themselves. This isn’t the best choice if you are looking to promote yourself through your blog.  You don’t need a full biography, but providing too little information won’t give your audience the connection with you that a longer bio will.

Like most social networks, emPower offers you the space to upload an image, also known as an avatar, to represent who you are. You could skip this step, but remember that a visual will provide an additional level in your online relationships.  The avatar can be anything from a personal portrait, to an album cover or image that has some meaning for you.

Once you have your space established, it’s time to fill it. Posts to your blog are displayed in chronological order, newest entries first with a title line linking to the body of your post.  Each entry will have a unique url, online address, so you can share it with people.

To make a post at emPowerMA.com, just click the “create content” tab and chose “blog entry.” The title of your entry should give your readers an idea of what your post is about. The text for your entry is typed into the “body” box and there is a preview button for you to review your writing before it is published. While this isn’t professional writing, you want your words to be the best possible representation of you. It is always good idea to compose your post in a word processing client so you can spellcheck before entering it.  Once you are satisfied, click save and that’s it.

Congratulations, you are now a blogger. In the next article we will cover tips to make your blog shine. Compelling writing doesn’t have to be difficult and invites your fans to participate in your blog. By giving fans a connection to you and your work, you are tapping into one of the most powerful marketing tools at your disposal. And best of all, it is free publicity.