The Benefits of Blogging:

How to start or grow your

blogRenée Veldman-Tentori

& Olga Mecking

Who are we?Renée Veldman-Tentori www.zestee.com

Olga Mecking www.europeanmama.com

Social media for Expats

Social media is changing our world, how we connect and communicate,

how we do business and how we live.

Benefits of Blogging...• What can blogging do for you?• Particularly suitable for expats and

internationals• Who already blogs?

What is Blogging...One type of social media - interactiveShort for "Weblog"Personal or for businessLots of different types of platforms

How to blog...Really easy to get startedChoose a platform Just get writing! Write about anything you like

Which platform should I use?WordPress.com vs WordPress.orgBloggerTumblrLinkedInLots more….

The European Mama Top 71. Stay in touch with family and friends2. Expat life can be isolating3. Constant Inspiration4. Knowledge that is worth sharing5. Opportunities6. It's fun!7. Your perspective is unique

1. Family and friends

Source: Flikr commons. Photographer: Paul Stang

2. Isolation

Source: Flikr commons. Photographer: David Smith, Digital Mind Photography

3. Constant inspiration

Source: www.facebook.com/hollandphotography1. Photographer: Rich Theemling

4. Sharing knowledge

Photographer: Renee Veldman-Tentori

5. Opportunities

Photographer: Renee Veldman-Tentori

6. It's fun!

Photographer: Renee Veldman-Tentori

7. Unique perspective

Photographer: Renee Veldman-Tentori

Zestee Top 51. Build a business2. An online portfolio3. Create a community4. Find some structure5. Creative outlet

1. Build a Business

2. Online portfolio

3. Create a community

4. Find some structure

5. Creative outlet

How personal should I get?It’s totally up to you!Personal posts are usually the most popular but it really depends on the contextIdentify your goals for blogging and this will help to answer this question

What about images? Keep in mind: copyright and IP issuesTaking your own photos is a great ideaJoin stock photo sitesUse plugins like photodropperUse services such as Canva.com

Can a blog be a business?Yes – but it’s hard workMaking the blog itself a businessOnline advertising: need significant trafficUsing a blog to grow your own business (which is based on other products and services)

What does it cost?Starting for freeCosts include buying a URL and hostingOnce you self host, you have more flexibility but take on a lot of other responsibilities such as backups and security.

Should I guest post?More trafficNetworking opsPreparation for freelance writingYou may have more knowledgeYou can write about different topics

Tips to increase readership

Think about your categories and keywords Network with other bloggers - online and offlineCross promote across social media channelsEnter competitions and themed "events"Work on a captivating layout and images

Share your blog! Zestee and European Mama Facebook PagesExpaticaOnline directoriesOther suggestions?

Can a blog become a book?Dutched Up! 27 women bloggers in NLhttp://dutchedup.wordpress.com

Some blogs to check out...

Authors of Dutched Up!Bloggers in the room?Your favourite blogs?

Special Offer2014 version of the Zestee Social Media School for free via www.zestee.com (was 150 euros)Valid until 15 October 2015Dutched Up! Book: limited copies available today