Blogging 101 is a 10 part series where I share my tips and tricks for creating and growing a blog from scratch. This is the sixth installment in the series, and you can find more information on the topics of this series here.
Last week I discussed the basic hardware and software elements you would need to start a blog sufficiently. Now, its time for me to dig a little deeper and talk about some items you may want to think about if you plan to be a dedicated blogger! Of course, owning or using any of these items may not make you the worlds best blogger, but to me, these things are extras that can either help you save additional time and energy or help you stand out from other blogs out there in cyber space! Let’s begin!
Hardware
In our last installment, I explained that a blogger needs a decent camera and briefly brought up the subject of a DSLR. Now, while I fully believe that having a decent point and shoot can take your photos pretty far if you’re a student of photography and composition, having a DSLR can make capturing beautiful images even simpler. Personally, I do not yet own a DSLR, mostly because I am stubborn and have been able to get by with some good photography skills and having photoshop around doesn’t hurt, but a DSLR camera would make quite a difference in my photo’s. There is definitely a learning curve to using a DSLR and a great expense, not only for the camera itself, but for the lenses in particular, but it can make a world of difference. I’m not saying that bowing a DSLR and a decent lens kit will turn a newbie photographer into a pro, but the quality that a DSLR can product is noticeably superior to many point and shoot cameras, so if you can afford one or have a particular interest in taking beautiful photos for your blog, I suggest getting one and learning as much as you can about how to use it!
Now, to go along with your DSLR, or really any camera that you are using, I suggest a studio lighting kit. I use this one because its relatively inexpensive and it definitely makes a difference in my photo’s, even on my old point and shoot! If you know anything about photography, you know lighting is extremely important, so unless you live in a glass house with crystal clear lighting, get yourself a kit!
The final little extra that I really enjoy having around is a Wacom Tablet. I whip mine out whenever I have a lot of work to do in Adobe Photoshop because it really helps to have more precise control of the program with the tablet and pen input system. It also takes a little getting use to, but I find that it makes me a little quicker and gives me more flexibility while I am working with my images and designs!
Software
The first additional piece of software that suggest for a more advanced blogger is video editing software. There are lots of different programs out there depending on your operating system, but I think it can make all the difference when it comes to new and original content for your blog. Now, you may be thinking “but I’m not a vlogger and I don’t do video” but thinking that way really limits the possibilities for you to connect with your audience. Every blog could do with a little video content once in a while in strategic places, so having some sort of video editing software is necessary. I use iMovie on my mac because, well, it works really well and it’s simple and easy to use, but there are other programs out there like Final Cut and Adobe Premier Pro that work on a PC as well. You don’t need to have the most expensive program out on the market, but you do need to have something that will help you create and edit polished videos for your site!
Another piece of additional software I would recommend having on your computer is some sort of task management software. Why? Because running a blog is a lot of work and bloggers often have lots of balls in the air with projects, posts, videos and more! I think it’s all fine and well to have an analog project management system where you put pen to paper, but when it comes down to it, you need something on your computer because that is where you are writing posts, uploading pictures and editing your content. Again, there are tons of different types of programs depending on your operating system from basically free to moderately expensive. I use a mac program called iGTD, but there are many programs out there as well as web-based organization applications like Remember the Milk and Wunderlist that you can access from any web connected device.
The final piece of advanced software I recommend for bloggers is Mail Chimp. Mail Chimp is an email marketing service that makes sending well designed emails and newsletters simple! Many bloggers use email lists as a means to promote their blog through newsletters and frequent updates that keep their audience engaged and coming back for more, and Mail Chimp helps to streamline that often hectic process!
So, what did you think of these advanced extras? Do you implement any of these on your site or in your blogging routine? What are some other advanced programs or pieces of hardware you would suggest for bloggers? Let us know in the comments below!