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blogging tips

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Dear WordCount: How should I handle guest post offers?

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 24, 2012 | Leave a response

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This installment of the weekly freelance advice column discusses how to respond to unsolicited offers to write guest posts for your blog.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged 2012 WordCount Blogathon, blogging tips, Dear WordCount, guest posts, handling guest post requests | Leave a response

Photo courtesy nickspicture

5 newbie mistakes I’d avoid if I started blogging today

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 23, 2012 | 12 Responses

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It’s another Blogathon theme day, when everyone writing on the same thing. Our topic: If I started a blog today, what would I do differently? Here’s my answer.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged 2012 WordCount Blogathon, blogging tips, how to start a blog, tech tools for writers | 12 Responses

Take these 4 simple steps to optimize your blog for mobile browsing

Take these 4 simple steps to optimize your blog for mobile browsing

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 14, 2012 | 3 Responses

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In this guest post, writer and web design instructor Sarah Moon shares simple and not so simple tips for making content stand out on mobile devices.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged blog design, blogging tips, responsive blog themes and templates, tech tools for writers | 3 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

The 2012 Blogathon blog roll – the who’s who of this year’s blogging challenge

The 2012 Blogathon blog roll – the who’s who of this year’s blogging challenge

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 2, 2012 | 23 Responses

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A list of the 250 bloggers in the 2012 WordCount Blogathon, including the name, URL and description of each. Participants can re-post this to their own sites.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged blogging challenges, blogging tips, blogroll, how to blog every day, WordCount blogathon | 23 Responses

2012 Blogathon prizes: Win a Kindle Fire, blog review, more

By Michelle V. Rafter on April 30, 2012 | Leave a response

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Randomly selected bloggers who complete the May 2012 #blog2012 blog challenge will win blog reviews, writing coaching, books and other prizes.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged 2012 WordCount Blogathon, blogathon sponsors, blogging contests, blogging tips, how to blog every day | Leave a response

Best of WordCount: Go from beginner to blogging superstar

Best of WordCount: Go from beginner to blogging superstar

By Michelle V. Rafter on April 29, 2012 | 2 Responses

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Congratulations, you’ve started a blog. Here’s how to make sure it’s a winner. If you’re doing the 2012 WordCount Blogathon read this before May 1.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged #blog2012, 2012 WordCount Blogathon, blogathon, blogging challenges, blogging tips, how to blog every day, how to start a blog | 2 Responses

Poll: What would make 2012 Blogathon even more fantastic?

Poll: What would make 2012 Blogathon even more fantastic?

By Michelle V. Rafter on April 4, 2012 | 1 Response

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Take this poll to help me decide what new features to add to my annual 31-day blogging challenge, which starts on May 1.

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Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged #blog2012, 2012 Blogathon, blogging challenges, blogging tips, how to be a better blogger, WordCount blogathon | 1 Response

Sorry everybody: WordCount’s November mini-blogathon is a no go

By Michelle V. Rafter on October 31, 2011 | 1 Response

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At the end of May, when enthusiasm for the WordCount Blogathon was running high, I was persuaded by bloggers who’d loved the experience to consider holding another event. I agreed, and announced plans for a mini-blogathon to take place in November. Time passed. And while I’m no less enthusiastic about blogging, this blog and the [...]

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged blogathon, blogging tips, how to blog every day, NaBloPoMo, WordCount blogathon | 1 Response

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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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