One of the best ways to learn about web design fast and have fun is to blog.
So far I have only used Google’s Blogger. I am happy with that software, which makes it easy for me to publish content, add photos, and embed videos. I have taught a number of people to blog to build up their businesses.
http://www.blogger.com/home
You need a gmail account, so start with that. Sign in to Blogger.
The name of the blog does not have to match the URL. It often does, to make it easier for people to remember. I normally make it match, so I can remember.
Pick a template and start posting. Add extra features later.
I had to add 101 to the URL because someone had the basic name:
http://educationprofessionals101.blogspot.com/
Note that I am posting this on the blog today, too. I will search my animal photo files for something to make it more interesting.
Strangely enough, in Phoenix, regular blogging was enough to bring in one new client a week for a chiropractor and another one of the associates in the business. Each had a blog. The chiropractor was running around town, trying to network for more business, and blogging made people walk in the door.
Another benefit of blogging is building up a professional portfolio to show people.
Blogger allows you to write in code or in WYSIWYG – pronounced wizziwig. What you see is what you get. Blogger (like Dreamweaver and other editors) will create the code for the look you want. Various editor buttons are on a menu, to select larger fonts, color, links, photos, and so forth. To place a video on the blog, get the embed code (not the link) and paste it onto the page in HTML edit mode.
The advantage is posting material immediately and correctly quickly.
The disadvantage is this – the more software does for the user, the more freedom is taken away.
I enjoy using blogger. I continue to be astonished at the reach of blogs. They are read all over the world.
The more someone blogs, the more likely Google will direct people to that blog. The search engine picks up labels and links from other blogs.
This is an important feature for professional work – getting people to one’s blog or website, instead of billions of others.
I will get into social networking soon, which is closely connected to blogs and websites.
