SQL with Manoj

I started Blogging almost 5 years back (early 2009). That time I didn’t thought to blog publicly, but just created a blog site in Google’s Blogger.com to create and track a library of technical articles that I can access anywhere. Suddenly I started getting hits on my posts and people started asking questions and suggestions. Then I thought to give my blog a professional look and add some quality content.

I was quiet impressed with WordPress.com so moved my blog to this new hosting site and SQLwithManoj.wordpress.com came into life.

Last week I thought to port my blog to a dedicated Domain name, so I upgraded my account in WordPress only rather than going with other domain registering sites. Now the blog’s new address is SQLwithManoj.com, which is maintained by WordPress only.

Lot of people ask me about Blogging, like: how to start blogging, what platform they should use, what content they should put, domain name, space, themes, etc. Here through this blog post I’m trying to answer some of the FAQs.
 

–> Main points to consider:

1. What do I blog:
– Think on a topic or subject you are passionate about, where you have deep/sound knowledge and can write about it very frequently, like Technology (All, or any Particular like SQL, .net, Java, etc.), Photography, Travel, Fashion, Politics, etc.
– Some people also blog to promote their own business/products/companies, etc.
– Make sure the content you put is genuine and will help people in reality.

2. How do I setup my blog:
– You can start with any of the free Blog Hosting sites, like WordPress, Google’s Blogger, Tumblr, etc.
– Or can go with Paid options for these site or other Hosts like GoDaddy, where you will get your own custom URL (Domain name) with more control.

3. How frequent should I blog: Depends upon the Topic, Time and your Passion.
– If it is current affairs and/or trending stuff, then daily, but you should have ample time.
– If automobiles/movies or similar then you should be the first and best (or amongst them) to blog them whenever they are launched.
– If its Technology then it could be daily/weekly/monthly, but at least one/two blog(s) per month to keep your readers connected with you.

4. Some Do’s & Don’ts:
– Do not copy other people’s blog posts.
– You can write about same topics what others have already posted, but make sure to give your post a different title.
– Its Ok to take tips from other Blogs, but the content should be genuinely written by you and should make a difference when compared by others.
– Use Widgets to provide more information and ease of access to your users to navigate on your blog site.
– Use Themes to beautify your blog, and can tweak CSS to give it a different look.
– Don’t forget to put a Disclaimer on the blog so that you do not come under any issues.
– Associate your blog URL or site map with Search Engines, like Bing, Google, etc. for SEO, so that you get max traffic/hits.
– Use inbuilt or third-party Stat counter, Comments, PingBacks, Rating systems/widgets to know the influence & popularity of your blog.
– Popularize your blog with Social media like a Facebook Page, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.
 

Let me know if you have any questions or need clarifications on these points.

Happy Blogging !!!