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Blogging FAQs

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I get a lot of emails from readers about blogging. A lot. So much, that I’m afraid I can’t answer them all directly. So I’ve made this FAQ list that will hopefully help you out.

Q: What blogging platform do you use?
A: I use Wordpress.org for my blogs, and they’re hosted on Blue Host. I recommend them both.

Q: What does it mean to subscribe?
A: I wrote a 101 Basic Guide to Subscriptions. Hopefully that will clear up any confusion.

Q: How do you manage your subscriptions?
A: They’re managed via Feedburner, which I feel is the best way to keep track of your subscription options. You can set up options on both RSS feed and email. And it’s free.

Q: Did you design your blogs by yourself?
A: I use DIY Themes’ Thesis, designed by the genius Chris Pearson. I then customized the theme with edited CSS, HTML, and some graphic design.

Q: What software do you use to design?
A: Mostly Photoshop. This is because I also use it for my graphic design business - here’s a write-up about a few free web-based Photoshop alternatives.

Q: What computer do you use?
A: I use a MacBook. I adore it.

Q: Where can I go to get Wordpress help?
A: The first place I’d go is the Wordpress forums, as you can usually find the answer to your question. I’ll warn you though - some people on there can be… mean. So don’t take any ad hominem personally.

Q: How do you have the time to write with all you do?
A: It’s not ideal, but I write here and there in snippets of time. I’m an early bird, so I usually wake up before everyone else and get some good writing time then. I’m also a quick reader and writer, so that helps. But overall, I’ve got writing scheduled in to my weekly routine, and my husband graciously provides time when I can write while he watches the kids. This is because Simple Mom is starting to generate a little money, so we look at it like a (very) part-time job.

Q: How do I make money on my blog?
A: I guarantee you I’m not the expert in this department! Instead, I recommend learning more at ProBlogger, with a distant second and third being Dosh Dosh and Blogging Experiment.

Q: Can you give me specific advice about my blog?
A: Unfortunately, right now, I just don’t have the time. Maybe at one point I can set up some sort of consulting gig on an hourly basis for basic blogging, but it’s not possible at the moment.

Q: Can you design a blog header/blog button/ad/logo for me?
A: Possibly. Start a conversation with me at my Etsy shop, telling me what you want. I’ll quote you a price from there, if I’ve got time at the moment.

Q: How do I make the front page of Google?

A: You got me. Seriously, though, it’s a little something called Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and it’s a complicated blend of art and science. To learn more about it, I’d start at SEOmoz.

Q: I don’t know a thing about blogging, but I want to start. And then I want to be the Blogging Goddess of Greatness, I want to win awards and accolades, and I want to be a millionaire from home so I can be with my kids. Where can I learn more?
A: Well, right now I’m writing a weekly column about blogging over at Blissfully Domestic, so you could start there. But for your basic, 101-type info, I’d start with these places:

Q: You didn’t answer my question. Can you answer my question?
A: I can’t promise anything, but I can try. If you don’t see your question here, go ahead and contact me, and I’ll see what I can do. It may take awhile, just giving you advance warning.

I hope this helps!