I am extremely new to blogging myself(and not yet that good at it!). So far I have received most of my help from google searches. Although I use blogger I am sure Wordpress has plenty of tutorials out there. Ex: search for "how to (anything you want to learn) on Wordpress". Read as much as you can and try to follow the instructions. Like I said I am no expert, but doing this has brought me a long way so far!! Good Luck to you! And please share your blog with us when you get it how you want it <img src="http://www.travel-writers-exchange.com/Forum/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif" title=":)" class="bb_smilies" />

In addition to the "For Dummies" series, you may want to check out Jon Morrow (former blogger for Copyblogger) of Boost Blog Traffic. I've been following Jon's blog for sometime, and it's filled with great information on blogging and how to increase blog traffic. You may be interested in guest blogging as a way to bring visitors to your blog. The more people know your name, the more they'll view your blog as a trusted source. I hope this helps!

Welcome to our Forum <img src="http://www.travel-writers-exchange.com/Forum/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif" title=":-)" class="bb_smilies" />

First, understand that you're not alone - most bloggers feel a bit overwhelmed and unsure when they first start out - and it's good that you're asking questions now, before you get too far down a path that you might wish had led elsewhere......

Here's the important things to consider:

1. There are literally hundreds of thousands of travel blogs out there - they range from very simple "hobby" blogs intended mostly for family and friends to keep up with the person writing the blog, to very professional revenue-producing multi-author online "magazine-style" community blogs.

If your intention is to (at any point) stand out from the crowd and earn a small amount from your site or your writing, then you'd be wise to consider choosing a niche to specialize in. Some bloggers choose to write about where they live as a destination, others choose to specialize in a specific destination (somewhere that they know very, very well) or a specific style/mode of travel (cruising, boomer travel, traveling with kids or pets, etc).

2. The most helpful blogs (and therefore the ones that have a better shot at getting lots of visitors) also offer useful information as well as reviews of where you've been. Always keep in mind why people are looking for travel information on the internet to begin with.....and as interesting as your latest escapades with your cousin Suzy while on your vacation to Daytona may be, that isn't it. Since you're in the travel industry, you would have a better feel for this than most bloggers who aren't - think about the questions you get asked routinely by travelers.

3. Very few bloggers support themselves solely from blogging, which means that most of them also have full-time jobs elsewhere too......the smartest ones know to approach others to help flesh out content and keep it fresh, so think about what other relevant and helpful information your site could provide, and who could best provide that, then ask them to guest post for you. For example, if you write about the world's amusement parks as your niche, but you haven't been to all of them, find people who have been to the ones you haven't......or interview the park managers about what's new and upcoming.......or get some "insider secrets" from the carnies who work the traveling events.....get the idea?

As for learning the basics, one of the best books I've come across is the "For Dummies" series on Blogging (there is also one specific to WordPress, but it's about how to use WP more than actual writing/blogging). Also, there are thousands of video tutorials available on YouTube and often it's easier to watch and learn.....be specific about what you want to know when you search, and then give the YT videos a shot.

And lastly, look for a WordCamp near you - they are held in almost every city around the world and are extremely helpful for beginners, since you'll encounter a lot of very experienced bloggers and WordPress gurus at one.

Good luck!!

I miss writing, and I love to travel, so starting a travel blog seemed like a great idea. I also work in the travel industry, so travel is on my mind constantly. Eventually, I'd love to be able to make even a little bit of money off of my blog, but right now, I'm completely overwhelmed.

I haven't shared my blog with that many people simply because I know there are things that it's missing (SEO) but I simply don't have gobs of time to devote to it, having a full-time job. I'd like to at least have it in solid shape and get it to a point where I'm proud to share it with others, but like I said, feeling overwhelmed.

Any recommendations on where to go for "quick tips" on getting started with blogging? I'm using WordPress, but even their tutorial and help sections are a bit overwhelming. I feel like there's just so much information out there, but I'm not exactly sure where to start!

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Since the dawn of humanity, every conqueror has gone back to tell the stories of his/her new discoveries; after all, what’s the point of discovering something and not have anyone to tell your story to. We’ve always been eager to show others what we’ve discovered, and be admired, rewarded, worshiped, befriended, read, criticized and be told that we were right. Satisfying isn’t it. After all, we discovered it, but it was already there, so it really isn’t ours, it is a world to be shared; what’s ours is the story that we have to tell about our discovery, about our experience, about our opinion.

TRIPOHOLIA is about meeting people and sharing the world through our individual stories based on where you have been, what you have done, where you want to go and what you want to do.

TRIPOHOLIA started from the minds of travelling companions who believe that the world only has boundaries when drawn on a map; that the world has no ownership and it is to be shared. We want to tell you about the good, the bad, the unforgettable, the regrettable, the smells, sounds, the sights and the feelings we’ve experienced along our journeys. For those roads that we are yet to travel, we’d like to read about the story of your journey down that road before living our own.

What best way to plan your trip than to find fellow travellers and learn from their past as well as follow present experiences while sharing your own and maybe even join journeys along the way!!

TRIPOHOLIA aims to consolidate all personal knowledge and experiences that fellow travelers, whom we're fond to call TRIPOHOLICS, are willing to share with the world. Our travel experience is only as good as yours, so we welcome you to join us to come and explore the world with us through the eyes of people like you.

TRIPOHOLIA offers the possibility to write and be read, to record and be watched, to photograph and be admired, to lead and be followed, be the star of your own journey and become a TRIPOHOLIC.

Tripoholia

I really do think that once you find your focus, it will start to really take off for you. When you maintain a clear path, the way forward always seems easier.

Good luck, and do post back from time to time to update us on your progress - I'm really interested!

Frankly it's not clear to me from your blog just whom it is you're writing for, other than yourself.

I think subconciously I only ever did write it for myself as a form of creative expression and as a means to cultivate a literary style; that's why I've not actively sought publicity for it yet. Anyway, I'm off to do some serious editing and revising. Back soon!

[maybe starting a blog is like having a child and watching it grow up, knowing and fearing that you're not in full control of it at all times. All you can do is guide it, knowing there's always the possibility you might make a mess of it...]

I read a little bit of your blog, and you're clearly a talented writer. I like your style and voice.

But I'm left wondering, who exactly is your [intended] audience? Travel industry insiders? Hmmmm.... not enough insider news and gossip. The general traveling public? Nope, too much industry jargon they won't understand. Frankly it's not clear to me from your blog just whom it is you're writing for, other than yourself.

Another question that comes to mind is, what is your goal with the site? I understand that you haven't identified a proper way forward yet, but where do you want to take it? What would YOU like it to become?

There is no right or wrong path, but there are some steps that can make your efforts easier or more difficult, so you'd be wise to learn as much as you can about SEO, brand building, and attracting readers. You've got the writing part down.

In your favor, the aviation industry is a popular topic amongst travelers these days - people are angry about it. There are a number of sites/blogs that offer content about the travel industry, or the idea, philosophy or act of traveling, though few with a satirical, non-conformist bent, so I think there is definitely a place for your style of writing in this particular (narrow) genre.

If you enjoy writing about the airline industry, do so and be a stellar satirist, and don't be afraid to stir up some controversy. If you take this route, don't get off track (e.g your post about the virtual london pub software).

One last suggestion - I find the white text on a dark background difficult to read, and from what I hear, a lot of others do also. Sure it looks cool - but you'll attract more readers if they can actually read your writing. I only advise dark backgrounds for photography sites with very little text.

I'm very interested in where you take this......do stay in touch!

Your blog sounds interesting and could work. Many people like the "idea of travel," but are afraid to travel. They're too hung up on their fears and insecurities. You could be the one to address "why" people talk about travel, but never go anywhere!