In this article, I will guide you through on creating a simple blog for yourself. This article is much of a tutorial. I have taken time to write it and making it more detailed with screenshots so as to make it easy to be understood.
Let’s get to the deal.
HOW TO CREATE A SIMPLE BLOG
Creating a simple blog is easy. Depending on what you are looking for, you can create a blog to share your ideas, opinions and valuable contents to your audience or followers.
In this tutorial, I will show you how to create a blog using Blogger.com. Blogger.com is a free blogging platform owned by Google. It allows users to create and share their contents online.
REQUIREMENTS
- Smartphone ?
- Data Connection
- Google Account
CREATING A BLOG
The first step is having a valid Gmail account or Gmail address. Make sure you are using your real first name and last name while creating the Gmail account. You can visit Gmail.com to create a Gmail account. The reason I’m advising you to use your real first name and last name is to be able to verify your adsense identity if you eventually use adsense on your blog. At a stage, you will be required to send in your valid form of identification and the details on the ID card must be the same like in your Google account. Let’s continue.
After getting your Gmail account ready. You need to visit https://www.blogger.com and click on create your blog. Login with your Gmail account.
When you have logged in. You will be asked to provide the title of your new blog. Just type the title of your blog into the space provided. Click next to proceed.
The next step is to type in your blog address. Let it be simple and something you can remember. If the address is already taken, you will be notified. Just edit and put something that is not taken. Don’t worry, you can add a custom domain name later.
The next step is to add your Display Name. This is the name that will be shown to your readers. You can use admin or the name of your blog. Let’s say your blog name is longnose.blogspot.com, you can use longnose as your display name. Click next to proceed and your new blog will be created.
THIS IS HOW YOUR NEW BLOG WILL LOOK LIKE.
To view your newly created blog, click on view blog.
This is how my blog is after clicking on view blog. This is the front end of the blog. This is what your visitors will see. This is dependent on the template that was automatically installed during the creation process of the blog.
DESIGNING YOUR BLOG
The next step is to design your blog using what is called theme/templates. You can get varieties of templates for blogger online. There are both free and premium template. Just search for free Blogger templates and get a template for your blog. You can also buy a premium template if you have the money. The truth is, premium templates are better. Notwithstanding, there are still a couple of good templates out there.
After getting a template/theme file (please note that the format is .xml, if it is in .zip, simply extract the file using winrar/winzip/rar on your pc or mobile. Make sure you extract to a folder where you can easily locate it.
INSTALLING A TEMPLATE /THEME FILE IN BLOGGER
After you have gotten your template file in .xml format, follow the steps below to install it. Go to your Blogger dashboard/Admin panel and click on theme. You will see the current theme you’re using. Proceed to click on the 3 dots near near the my theme.
Select the Restore Option and it will display like in the screenshot below. Click on upload and navigate to to where the theme file is in your computer or mobile device and select it. The installation will start.
You will see something like restoring theme… followed by a restored theme message. Now, You have successfully installed a new theme.
To design your blog in blogger, you will have to visit the layout tab. Here you can change your header images and set up what gadget/pages will appear in your homepage.
For a perfect view of the layout tab and ease of usage, I recommend you use pc to design your blog. It will be difficult using a mobile phone. In mobile device, use the switch to desktop site option on your browser.
Header– This is the topmost section of your blog that carries your blog logo / address. You can change your blog logo by click on the option shown on the screenshot in the next page. Click here to add your custom logo and save.
HOMEPAGE DESIGN
You can design your homepage by editing the main content tab on layout.You can add and remove gadget and design your blog anyhow you want it to be like.
SIDEBAR DESIGN
