My Favorite Blogging Tools
I promised to write about some of the blogging tools I use and like best, and I know you've all been waiting with bated breath ; ) So here's my list:
- Movable Type -- My first blogs were created by using Blogger.com's easy and convenient online publishing system. But there came a time when I wanted a bit more control over my blogs, so I looked into a few publishing platforms. I went with Movable Type because I read lots of great things about it on the Web. Although previously you had to purchase the software and load it onto the server where your blog would be hosted, by the time I started using it, things were much easier. I got a hosting account with Living Dot, and all I had to do was select the Movable Type option when I signed up for the account and it was loaded onto my account automatically. There was a bit of a learning curve when it came to Movable Type, but it was definitely worth the time and effort.
- Site Meter -- I like to keep track of my visitors, just like everyone else. But I like Sitemeter so much because it offers stuff like referral pages, length of visit, location, entry page, exit page, and traffic predictions.
- Blog Explosion -- When I first set up my blogs, I had few visitors and I felt kind of lonely. I wanted to get the word out about my sites, but I also wanted to read other blogs and find people who might have common interests. I joined a few communities but I like Blog Explosion best. You just sign up, earn points by surfing other members' sites, and use the points to earn to put your own blog in the rotation of sites others will see when they surf. I use it less now than I did in my early blogging days, since I have traffic coming from other areas now. But it was a great place to start and boost my traffic.
- Text Ad Links -- I tried a few ad services with very little luck. But ever since I started using Text Ad Links, I've had a steady stream of quality advertisers on both of my blogs. The best part is that the ads are small and unobtrusive, and I have control over which ads are shown on my site. Okay, the best part is actually making enough money each month to cover all my hosting expenses plus a little more. And the staff is really helpful and responsive.
- Technorati -- Technorati is "a real-time search engine that keeps track of what is going on in the blogosphere." Sign up for an account, claim your blogs, and you'll see who's linking to your site at any time. You can also add tags to your posts to make them more Technorati-friendly. It's also the first place I go when I'm looking for blogs on any particular subject. The site tracks more than 46 millions blogs, so if you can't find it here, it might just not exist.
That's it folks. If you have a favorite blogging resource or tool you'd like to share, leave me a note in comments. Have a great week!
Comments
Thanks for the great tips. I am considering starting a niche blog in the fall and really appreciate information like this.
Posted by: Pieces | July 14, 2006 06:28 PM
THanks so much for the tips. I am only a few months old to blogging and always looking to new things to do.
Posted by: Kim | August 4, 2006 02:16 PM