Tired of the same old blogging drudgery? Ready to don something light and new? Want to increase the traffic on your site? Here are a few different outfits for you to try on your blog.
VLOGGING
Everyone’s got a blog, but how do you get yours to stand out? Try vlogging. A vlog is simply a video log. Instead of writing the same old, same old blog entry, you simply speak it into a camera.
Before you freak out, read my lips: this doesn’t have to be fancy. In fact, I wouldn’t know how to edit if you paid me. I use Photo Booth and do a vlog entry all in one shot. If you want to get fancier, though, you can use things like Microsoft Movie Maker or Apple iMovie to add all kinds of fun effects to your video.
Why should you vlog?
It’s a great way to spice up your usual blog posts. It adds variety. Personally, I choose to post humorous vlogs, but you could make them “how to’s” or even use them for interviews.
Vlogging is a great way to show your readers the human side of you. Your facial expressions, your inflections and intonations, are seen instead of imagined.
The other benefit I’ve noticed is that vlogging bumps up hits. If you’re looking for a way to increase traffic, give this technique a whirl.
It’s not as scary as it seems.
I’m not going to lie. The first time your knees will probably knock a fair amount, but after that, no more noodle legs. If it creeps you out to see your mug up on the screen, then here’s a little tip…just post it. Don’t watch it.
Even if you decide not to continue with vlogging on a regular basis, it’s a great way to perk up your blog once and awhile.
TUMBLR
No, that’s not a typo. Tumblr is a trendy way of shortening the words tumble and log. What gets tumbled? Thoughts, mostly. Think of it as a stream of consciousness, where nothing is lengthy, and randomness rules the day. On Tumblr, you’ll see posts that are as simple as a link, a photo, a quote, sometimes even just a phrase.
Why use Tumblr?
This site facilitates quick and easy posting of single items. If the thought of writing blog entry after blog entry is overwhelming, this might be just the site for you. It’s not a replacement for Blogger or WordPress, but an alternative for less in-depth, editorial pieces.
Plus, it’s super easy to use. Setting up your own page takes about 2 minutes. Literally. Plus you can post from a computer, a smart phone, or yes…drum roll please…even from a text.
How to use Tumblr.
1. Sign up. Go directly to Tumblr.com and follow the directions.
2. Learn the dashboard. Your account will have a private dashboard that only you will see. This is also where you’ll find the different kinds of posts that are available for you to utilize.
3. Customize your page. Make it your own. You can upload background images or use some of the free templates.
4. Start posting. The best way to figure out Tumblr is simply by putting your hands on the steering wheel and hitting the gas pedal. It’s a creative place, so go ahead and run free. Try out new things you’ve maybe never done before, like a vlog, or post a stanza of poetry, or maybe a photo you shot recently.
5. Follow other users, kind of like Twitter. It will get your name out there in Tumblville, and eventually you’ll be pulling in followers of your own.
Even if you’re not quite ready to take the Tumblr plunge by setting up your own page, go ahead and check it out. It’s a fun place to hang around.
Vlogging and Tumblr are just a few ways to zest up your blog. Share the love…what’s one way you’ve discovered to update your spring blogging wardrobe?
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Michelle, I’m a lifelong learner, so I loved your post since I didn’t know about vlogging or tumblr. Maybe I should take a clue and try it out. Can you vlog with your web cam on the computer?
Yes, Barbara, you SHOULD try it out. You might discover vlogging’s not for you or that you can’t wait to do it again. Either way, you’ll never know unless you try, right?
You can use your web cam on the computer. In fact, that’s what I use most often. Other options are digital cameras or iPhones.
I post my once-a-week vlogs at my blog, but I also keep them all in one place on Tumblr: http://michellegriep.tumblr.com/
What a cool idea! I am definitely going to give this a whirl. Maybe even a Tumblr. Thanks for sharing, Michelle. And since you did bring it up, do you have any novel ideas (pun not intended!) where I should start with my clothing wardrobe this spring? Talk about drudgery….
Yay Jan! Go for it! Then send me your link and I’ll visit your Tumblr and your vlog.
And funny you should ask, yes I do have a novel idea about your wardrobe…weed it out and make some money by donating it to Goodwill. I had no idea the value of donated clothes that I could take off my taxes. Here’s a link: http://www.goodwill.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Donation_Valuation_Guide.pdf