I use and recommend Google's Blogger as an easy to use platform that allows even the most techno challenged to begin and grow a successful Blog. The new Beta Version @ http://beta.blogger.com is even easier to use and allows more customization than the older platform.

Here are some basics you need to consider when working on your Blog:

1. Buy a descriptive domain name and have it point at the Blogger URL for your Blog. This let's you market your Blog as a unique entity while reflecting the tone and intent of your blog. Try something catchy and memorable.
2. Make sure you sign up for all the RSS feed hubs that your target market is probably using. You've probably noticed these graphics, called chicklets, on most Blogs for My Yahoo, Google, My MSN, Newsgator, etc.
3. Check out Feedburner.com as a way to setup your RSS chicklets (those little graphical icons for the various services), services and Pings. Pinging is when you post new content, the various services that check for updated Blog content get Pinged automatically when you update. This Ping notifies these services that there is something new on your Blog. Sort of like search engines for Blogs.
4. Offer the ability to subscribe to your Blog and get posts by e-mail. Some folks just won't make it to your Blog to see what's new -- make it easy for them!
5. When typing your posts, make sure to use a catchy title as that is the first thing folks will see when your updates are posted. You want to create a title that will attract their attention while, if possible, integrating keyword phrases about your main focus.
6. It is very important, especially if you are Blogging for business, that you use proper sentence structure, grammar and check for typos. Blogger has a built-in spell check. Use it!
7. Blog as often as possible and do no hesitate to show your personality! Blogs are expected to be more edgy and vi
   Starting A Business
   Starting up your own business can be a daunting task: once you come up with your initial business idea, you need to formulate a business plan - a process that usually involves finding the necessary funding to make your company a reality. However, it's important not to be overwhelmed; after all, small to medium sized businesses make up over ha
   .blogger.com is even easier to use and allows more customization than the older platform.

   Here are some basics you need to consider when working on your Blog:

   1. Buy a descriptive domain name and have it point at the Blogger URL for your Blog. This let's you market your Blog as a unique entity while reflecting the tone and intent of your blog. Try something catchy and memorable.
   2. Make sure you sign up for all the RSS feed hubs that your target market is probably using. You've probably noticed these graphics, called chicklets, on most Blogs for My Yahoo, Google, My MSN, Newsgator, etc.
   3. Check out Feedburner.com as a way to setup your RSS chicklets (those little graphical icons for the various services), services and Pings. Pinging is when you post new content, the various services that check for updated Blog content get Pinged automatically when you update. This Ping notifies these services that there is something new on your Blog. Sort of like search engines for Blogs.
   4. Offer the ability to subscribe to your Blog and get posts by e-mail. Some folks just won't make it to your Blog to see what's new -- make it easy for them!
   5. When typing your posts, make sure to use a catchy title as that is the first thing folks will see when your updates are posted. You want to create a title that will attract their attention while, if possible, integrating keyword phrases about your main focus.
   6. It is very important, especially if you are Blogging for business, that you use proper sentence structure, grammar and check for typos. Blogger has a built-in spell check. Use it!
   7. Blog as often as possible and do no hesitate to show your personality! Blogs are expected to be more edgy and v
      10 Steps in Helping You Start Your Alpaca Ranch
      Interested in starting your own alpaca ranch? You are not alone. The alpaca industry has been thriving since the early 1980’s, so there is no need to reinvent the wheel. One of the best things going for the alpaca industry is the alpaca rancher. I have never met a group so friendly and willing to pass on their knowledge to all the newbies joi
      feed hubs that your target market is probably using. You've probably noticed these graphics, called chicklets, on most Blogs for My Yahoo, Google, My MSN, Newsgator, etc.
   8. Check out Feedburner.com as a way to setup your RSS chicklets (those little graphical icons for the various services), services and Pings. Pinging is when you post new content, the various services that check for updated Blog content get Pinged automatically when you update. This Ping notifies these services that there is something new on your Blog. Sort of like search engines for Blogs.
   9. Offer the ability to subscribe to your Blog and get posts by e-mail. Some folks just won't make it to your Blog to see what's new -- make it easy for them!
   10. When typing your posts, make sure to use a catchy title as that is the first thing folks will see when your updates are posted. You want to create a title that will attract their attention while, if possible, integrating keyword phrases about your main focus.
   11. It is very important, especially if you are Blogging for business, that you use proper sentence structure, grammar and check for typos. Blogger has a built-in spell check. Use it!
   12. Blog as often as possible and do no hesitate to show your personality! Blogs are expected to be more edgy and v
       Getting to Know the Gatekeeper
       The gatekeeper is the best person to get to know, they are the ones that will determine whether you can speak to the appropriate person, and they are also a goldmine of information. If this person does not like you, your messages are not likely to get through to the right person. I currently work with a medium sized company and the CEO has an
       when you update. This Ping notifies these services that there is something new on your Blog. Sort of like search engines for Blogs.
   13. Offer the ability to subscribe to your Blog and get posts by e-mail. Some folks just won't make it to your Blog to see what's new -- make it easy for them!
   14. When typing your posts, make sure to use a catchy title as that is the first thing folks will see when your updates are posted. You want to create a title that will attract their attention while, if possible, integrating keyword phrases about your main focus.
   15. It is very important, especially if you are Blogging for business, that you use proper sentence structure, grammar and check for typos. Blogger has a built-in spell check. Use it!
   16. Blog as often as possible and do no hesitate to show your personality! Blogs are expected to be more edgy and v
       How Do You Define Career Success?
       Why is this question important?One of the most important career and life-planning activities you can engage in is finding your own definitions or models of success. This is vitally important for a number of reasons: If you haven’t done this, how do you know what’s best for you? How can you make career decisions if you aren’t crystal cl
       want to create a title that will attract their attention while, if possible, integrating keyword phrases about your main focus.
   17. It is very important, especially if you are Blogging for business, that you use proper sentence structure, grammar and check for typos. Blogger has a built-in spell check. Use it!
   18. Blog as often as possible and do no hesitate to show your personality! Blogs are expected to be more edgy and visitors actually want to get a an idea of who is behind the type on their screen. The more information, tips and commentary you can add the better. Do your best to post at least 3 times each week to keep your visitors and subscribers interested and coming back for more.

   Those are just the basics to get your Blog up and running so that you can use it to cater to current customers, attract new customers and partners and get additional exposure for your business. And, you can have fun in the process by Blogging about what you know best!