5 Essential Pieces to the Blog Puzzle
18 Aug2009
A blog is undoubtedly the type of project that requires lots o’ love and dedication; it’s not something one naturally knows how to maneuver either. Since I began blogging, I have come across tons of useful information and resources to help my blog grow and prosper. Below are five goodies to consider using on your blogging journey.
1. A Gravatar
A gravatar is the tiny picture image (usually located next yo your name) that you see in the comment sections of blogs or other online communities. These gravatars also known as “globally recognized avatars”. If you don’t have one of these, a default image will usually appear next to your name when interacting in most online communities.
More Gravatar Information:
Get your gravatar now | Gravatar.com
Using gravatars | WordPress.com
How to Add Gravatars to a WordPress Theme | Quick Online Tips
2. A Retweet Button
This is a button that encourages readers to retweet the content they are viewing via Twitter. The button also shows how many times the post or article has been retweeted.
More Retweet Button Information:
Wordpress Tweetmeme Plugin
3. A Social Bookmarking & Sharing Service button
Specifically, this is a button (similar to the one mentioned above) that allows readers to share your content quickly and easily with others. AddThis is a service that is customizable to WordPress, Blogger, Myspace or your very own website. Users can choose how their button will look and have the option of obtaining analytic information as well.
Other Social Bookmarking & Sharing Service Options:
AddToAny Button
4. A Twitter Widget
A Twitter widget is a must for a few reasons. First, it let’s readers know you are on Twitter, giving them the opportunity to view the types of tweets you share. Most importantly, it will allow them to follow you right from your blog page or web site.
More Twitter Widget Information:
10 Best Twitter Tools, Plugins, Widgets for Wordpress Blogs | QuickOnlineTips.com
Twitter Widget | Via Widgetbox
How to Install Twitter Widget in Blogger | BlogSpotTutorial.com
Bring Twitter to Your Blog | WordPress.com
5. A Facebook Widget (a.k.a. Fan Box or Badge)
Facebook has created their very own widget for users to use on their web sites and blogs. To obtain your own, complete the steps below:
1. Sign into your Facebook account.
2. Navigate to your page.
3. Directly under your default photo, click on “Add Fan Box to Your Site”.
4. You will then be directed to the “Add a Connect Widget” page. Here, you can customize your badge to your liking.
5. Lastly, add the code to your web site or blog.
If you are having difficulty installing the badge on Facebook, try these instructions:
How to Install a Facebook Blog Widget or Badge | DavidDalka.com
More Information About Facebook Widgets:
Facebook Releases New “Fan Box” Widget to Turn Website Visitors into Facebook Fans | InsideFacebook.com
Facebook Dashboard Widget | Wordpress.com
What is an essential resource to your blog? Please share your suggestions.
4 Responses to 5 Essential Pieces to the Blog Puzzle
Tyler Hayes
September 17th, 2009 at 3:42 am
Check, check, check, check, and check
Though I think Twitter widgets can sometimes be better applied via a “Find me here!” section (or whatever you want to call it) with icons to your profile on different major social media sites, e.g. StumbleUpon, Delicious, Digg, Twitter, etc.
The Facebook widget is key, yet not many people do it. Gotta develop that following already!
Erika Martinez
September 17th, 2009 at 4:05 am
Very true. It took me a few weeks to get all of these together when I started blogging. The things that now seem so obvious were totally unknown. I’m sure you know, it’s an on-going work in progress.
I totally agree about the FB widget. Make it as easy as possible for people to find or contact you online is my thinking… Thanks for sharing.
Dwyndal
October 14th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
I am not a blogger by trade or uhm even by hobby. I will eventually get my feet wet in the blogosphere but what i quest for is knowledge and tips like this is perfect into setting up the right molded blog.
It entices more thoughts which opens more doors into how things when comfortable help inspire or welcome insight. I tend to feel welcomed when i know things familiar so these area all pluses in my mind.
Saying that, it’s hard to take my full thoughts on widgets with much salt but i’ll say after my past adventures around blogs and comment pages. These widgets are very helpful,
I for one love gravatar, i was skeptical at first but like how it keeps my image unified, speaking of which i should update my pic
Retweet button of a Share This for FB are key if you are looking to grow to a wider audience and in today’s age as easy as that is now, let’s do it. Share the wealth in any way possible!
The bookmark has become a bigger tool for me, of late as i’m finding a enormous sum of information that i can’t seem to soak all in at once. I just started using Del.ico.us but will try ADD This and see if it’s simpler, i’d rather learn a recommended system than one that’s out because it was out earlier.
Great write up, Erika!
Erika Martinez
October 15th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Glad you found it useful, Dwyndal. And thanks for the compliment.