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blogging basics

Dear WordCount: How do I set up an RSS feed for my blog?

Dear WordCount: How do I set up an RSS feed for my blog?

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 17, 2012 | Leave a response

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This installment of the weekly advice column tackles two basics beginning bloggers need to know : RSS feeds and labeling posts using categories and tags.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged 2012 WordCount Blogathon, blogging basics, Dear WordCount, RSS feed for my blog, tech tools for writers | Leave a response

2012 Blogathon week 2 recap: Freelancers blog to hone skills

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 12, 2012 | 14 Responses

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Here are some of the professional writers who have blogs and are taking part in the 2012 WordCount Blogathon. Not on the list? Add yourself in a comment.

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Posted in Blogs, Freelancing | Tagged 2012 WordCount Blogathon, blogging basics, Freelance Success, why freelancers need a blog | 14 Responses

Dear WordCount: how do I run guest posts on my blog?

Dear WordCount: how do I run guest posts on my blog?

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 10, 2012 | 3 Responses

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Today’s advice column answers questions about guest posts, self-hosted WordPress blogs and finding images for posts (without running into copyright trouble).

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged blogging basics, blogging tips, Dear WordCount, guest posts, how to get guest posts, self-hosted WordPress blog, where to find images for blog posts, WordCount blogathon | 3 Responses

Dear WordCount: Now that I joined the Blogathon, how do I…….?

Dear WordCount: Now that I joined the Blogathon, how do I…….?

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 3, 2012 | 1 Response

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During May, this periodic advice column will answer questions about blogging and social media basics posed by people participating in the WordCount Blogathon.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged advice for starting a blog, blogging basics, blogging tips, Dear WordCount, WordCount blogathon | 1 Response

Start your engines for 2012 Blogathon – with 31 post ideas for 31 days

Start your engines for 2012 Blogathon – with 31 post ideas for 31 days

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 1, 2012 | 13 Responses

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Today kicks off the 5th annual WordCount Blogathon, a blogging challenge to post every day in May. To help, here are 31 ideas for blog posts.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged blog post topics, blogging basics, blogging challenges, WordCount blogathon | 13 Responses

Yes, there will be a 2012 WordCount Blogathon

By Michelle V. Rafter on January 11, 2012 | 7 Responses

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The annual month-long community blogging challenge returns in May. Not sure what it entails? Get all the details here. Registration opens in March.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged blogathon, blogging basics, blogging challenges, how to blog, WordCount blogathon | 7 Responses

6 reasons your blog is begging for a ‘Greatest Hits’ page

By Michelle V. Rafter on June 13, 2011 | 8 Responses

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Running a list of your best-ever posts is great for driving traffic or introducing yourself to new readers. Read on for more reasons and how to create your own.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged Best of WordCount, best posts on writing and blogging, blogging basics, blogging tips, how to be a better blogger, putting a "best of" page on your blog, writing tips | 8 Responses

Dear WordCount: How long should a blog post be?

By Michelle V. Rafter on June 9, 2011 | 9 Responses

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The proper length for a post depends on what you’re writing about and what you have to say. It also helps to maintain a mix of long and short.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged best length for a blog post, blog post basics, blogging basics, Dear WordCount, how long should a blog post be, word count for a blog post | 9 Responses

The bad, good and very, very good of the 2011 blogathon

The bad, good and very, very good of the 2011 blogathon

By Michelle V. Rafter on June 2, 2011 | 8 Responses

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What can you get from blogging 31 days straight? Bloggers in the May 2011 blogathon shared lessons learned in a June 1 #blog2011 chat. Here are the highlights.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged #blog2011, 2011 WordCount Blogathon, blogging basics, blogging challenge, how to start a blog, Michelle Rafter blog, WordCount blog | 8 Responses

Poll: How can we build a better blogathon?

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 30, 2011 | 11 Responses

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Take this poll to make suggestions for making the next WordCount Blogathon month-long blogging challenge even better.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged #blog2011, 2011 WordCount Blogathon, blogging basics, blogging for writers, blogging tips, how to blog every day | 11 Responses

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Welcome to WordCount, a blog about the freelance writing business. You'll see fresh material throughout the week on writing basics, blogging, tech tools for writers and more. A good place to start is my Greatest Hits page, with links to 101 of my best posts. Don't miss the Friday reading list for writers, a week's worth of writing inspiration. Tune into my #wclw Twitter chat for writers on the last Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. Pacific time. I also host the WordCount Blogathon, a blogging challenge to post every day in May. Use this form to register for this year's event. Subscribe to WordCount on your blog reader or get it delivered via email. Send email to wordcountfreelance@gmail.com.

Michelle V. Rafter

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