The DIY Files

Our most popular class, Bling Out Your Blog has been revamped with updated material and a new companion workbook. The class is divided into two parts. The first part of the class will teach you the basics of blogging using both BLOGGER and TYPEPAD. We'll walk you through setting up your blog and configuring it to fit your needs. After that, you'll learn how to bling out your blog by adding custom designed headers, banners, fun fonts, widgets and more! The class includes custom designed backgrounds, headers and icons for you to use and we'll also teach you how to design your own! (See below for a full list of class material)

New to the class this year is a 50+ page companion workbook designed to educate you in the business of blogging.

We're going to let KA tell you a little more about it:

Hi everyone! In addition to running Little Light Studio, I also have a day job. I work as a social media consultant, which means that various businesses hire me to come on board and set up their online presence. One of the first things I do is create a customized "blog package" for them in which I create their business blog and then educate them on how to use specific keywords and other search engine optimization techniques in order to expand their brand's visibility and grow their client base.

I've created this workbook to help you do the same thing. In it, you'll read about the different techniques you can use to define your brand, grow your readership, and use social media to your benefit as well as how to monetize your blog. You'll also learn how to best use your blog to promote your business, get press coverage and gain new clients. The workbook is set up as a combination of lessons and assignments and includes 52 writing prompts so that you won't have to worry about writer's block!

The workbook on it's own sells for $15 and the information is expansive, so we're excited to include it for free for students of Bling Out Your Blog 3!

The class will also include customized headers and banners, a quick reference e-booklet containing multiple HTML codes and a bonus blogging calendar!

Class begins on Monday, April 12 and will last 3 weeks. It includes access to a private class forum where you can interact with your classmates and participate in Q/A sessions with the instructors*, a class blogring and private class gallery. The class is designed with flexibility in mind- the classroom is open to you for an entire year so you can complete the lessons at your own pace!

*Instructor Q/A sessions will be closed after May 1, 2010.

Here is a look at the class curriculum!

The Bling:

1. Choosing a blogging platform
2. Configuration
3. Dashboard overview
4. Creating a post
5. Creating a signature
6. Creating/using posting templates
7. Designing/installing backgrounds
8. Designing/installing headers and banners
9. Learning to use HTML
10. Creating sidebar items
11. Using/customizing the navigation bar
12. Designing/installing a favicon
13. Photo album integration
14. Installing widgets
15. Social network integration
16. Creating fancy titles (Blogger)
17. Commenting systems
18. Add ons and plugins to make life easier!
19. Domain mapping
20. Tracking your statistics

The Business (A 50+ page printable workbook):

1. Discovering your identity
2. Branding your blog
3. Gathering inspiration
4. Defining your content
5. User friendly blogging
6. How to gain readers
7. Creating connections
8. Search engine optimization techniques
9. Promoting your blog
10. Getting and using press
11. Understanding and utilizing keywords
12. Understanding and utilizing Google Analytics
13. Monetizing your blog
14. Tips and Tricks
15. Set of 52 blog topic prompts

+ HTML code e-booklet
+ Custom designed Blogger template
+ Two sets of custom designed backgrounds and banners for you to choose from!

And a BONUS blogging calendar template!

This class is intended for BLOGGER and TYPEPAD users.

CLICK HERE TO ENROLL!

RECOMMENDED: It is recommended that you have a photo editing program available to use during this class. We will be utilizing Photoshop and Photoshop Elements to teach you how to design your own blog bling as well as to customize the provided headers and banners. It is also recommended that you have a text editing program, such as notepad.