Table of Contents
Foreword 6
Introduction 8
Chapter 01 Introduction to Blogging 11
Blog Basics
Why Blog?
Joel Henriques, Made by Joel
Types of Blogs
Anatomy of a Blog
Lauren Willhite, Color Collective
Chapter 02 Finding Your Voice and Niche 27
Your Blog's Personality and Niche
Your Blog's Aesthetic
Jay B Sauceda, Public School
Naming Your Blog
Joelle Hoverson, The Purl Bee
Being Authentic
Blog Writing and Voice
Naomi Davis, Rockstar Diaries
Unique Content
Chapter 3 Powering Your Blog 47
Choosing a Platform
Domain Names
Designing Your Blog
Jamie Beck, From Me to You
Writing a Compelling Bio
What to Post
Adding Images to Your Post
Come on, Get Snappy
Amy Cao, Amy Blogs Chow
Frequency of Posts
Planning Ahead and Blogging from Afar
Establishing a Creative Workspace
Chapter 4 Blogging Community Etiquette 73
Be Active Online
Contact Your Fellow Bloggers
Contribute to Other Blogs
Geninne D. Zlatkis, Geninne's Art Blog
Initiate a Local Blogger Meet-Up
Prepare Your Cocktail Party Spiel
The Social Network
Cecilia Liu, kate spade new york
Conferences
Gabrielle Blair, Altitude Design Summit
Accepting Submissions
Giving Credit
Wendy Withers, Girl Crush
Commenting 101
Chapter 5 Making Your Blog a Business 103
Business Essentials
Protecting Your Work
Caitlin McGauley, Caitlin McGauley
Financing Your Blog Business
Record Keeping and Taxes
Emily Henderson, Emily Henderson
Creating a Business Plan
Chapter 6 Monetizing Your Blog 119
Measuring Traffic and Understanding Analytics
The ABCs of SEO
Emily Schuman, Cupcakes and Cashmere
Getting Sponsors
Types of Banner Ads
What to Charge
April Winchell, Regretsy
Your Media Kit
Joining a Blog Ad Network
Julieta Alvarado, Glam Media
How to Place an Ad on Your Blog
Renewals
The Sponsored Life
Affiliate Programs
Full Disclosure
Chapter 7 The Next Stage of Blogging Growth 153
Updating Your Blog's Design
Going Full-Time
Blogger's Block
Expanding beyond Being a Solo Author
Emily Newman, Once Wed
Dealing with Copycats
Finding a Blog/Life Balance
Using Your Blogging Skills for Others
Getting Published
Grace Bonney, Design*Sponge
Selling Products
Your Blog's Future
Resources 180
Index 182
Acknowledgments 184