the pursuit of techyness » branding http://techyness.com A blog on Life, Love & The Pursuit of Techyness Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:46:54 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Starting a Blog? Tips from the Techyness. http://techyness.com/2010/02/03/starting-a-blog-tips-from-the-techyness/ http://techyness.com/2010/02/03/starting-a-blog-tips-from-the-techyness/#comments Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:00:09 +0000 ame http://techyness.com/?p=1078

If you’re interested in how to start a blog, it comes down to a few key factors.
1) Pick a Topic & Niche
There are lots of technology blogs. fashion blogs. photography blogs, social media blogs. How is your blog different than the rest? Why should people read it?

2) BRAND BRAND BRAND

Create your own header image, logo, and byline. Choose a photo of yourself If you’re not good with Photoshop (or you don’t have a copy) try Picnik (free web-based tool), GIMP (open source photo editing platform). For additional information and tips on personal branding, check out Dan Schwabel’s blog.

 

3) Buy a Domain & Hosting

Do your research ahead of time. Check out what’s available easily at GoDaddy or any major domain registrar. It’s also a good idea to visit UsernameCheck.com to see  anyone has registered your full name/username across social media platforms and sites.

 

4) Install WordPress
WordPress (what I use for the techyness) is awesome, open-source and free. If you have your own domain and want extra control over your theme and settings, you’ll have to buy hosting and install the wordpress software using this easy install guide. Some hosting services will install it for you, too.
5) Determine a Content Strategy
Since you’ve already decided on a topic and niche, content strategy is next. What are you going to post? What’s in scope and out of scope? Your blog should have an identity.

 

6) Formulate a Posting Calendar
Set up a timeline – how often will you post?
WordPress and most blogging software allows you to schedule posts ahead of time- so take advantage of this functionality to ensure the information on your blog is current.
]]> http://techyness.com/2010/02/03/starting-a-blog-tips-from-the-techyness/feed/ 0 The Techyness Posing with Haibao, World Expo 2010 Mascot http://techyness.com/2009/08/30/the-techyness-posing-with-haibao-world-expo-2010-mascot/ http://techyness.com/2009/08/30/the-techyness-posing-with-haibao-world-expo-2010-mascot/#comments Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:26:27 +0000 ame http://techyness.com/?p=813

Posing with the Mascot for the 2010 Expo in Shanghai
Posing with the Mascot for the 2010 Expo in Shanghai

Everyone (I’m being serious) loves Haibao, the mascot of the 2010 World Expo ( 2010上海世界博览会).

Sure, you may think he looks very much like a character made out of toothpaste (the hair flip, mainly) but he’s everywhere in Shanghai.
Today’s “Expo” is the modern version of the World’s Fair held every two years - is the name given to various large public exhibitions held since the mid-19th century. They are the third largest event in the world in terms of economic and cultural impact after the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics.
The last Expo held in the United States was in 1984 in New Orleans – check out the Wikipedia entry for the full list.
Now that you’re up-to-date on a little bit of international culture, let’s talk techy.
Not only is HaiBao everywhere, but so is information on the Expo. The branding of this event (complete with everyone’s favorite blue mascot) is clearly working, because I basically had to fight my way through people to take a photo with this blue man. nice work, Shanghai.
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