I've got my eye on you..

Ever wonder who's reading your posts? You may have noticed that at the bottom of each district blog there is an icon called "Sitemeter". Sitemeter records the location of your readers around the globe so you can see what audience you're reaching. Click on the Sitementer icon to generate information about your latest blog readers.

Posting a wide variety of Rotary topics (noun words) and posting words in the labels section of your post, will help to attract new readers. The broader your message the more likely you'll generate readers from afar.

Beauty is only skin deep...

Getting tired of how your blog looks? Maybe you need to change templates? Making template changes is a snap! At the top of your blog, click on customize and then click the layout tab. On the layout page you have an option to change templates. Don't worry about formatting, Google handles it for you. You'll have to experiment a little since some template work and feel better than others. Nothing will be lost in this process and if you want to return to the original template you only need to click on that option. Have fun!

Missing Link..

Your club blog is highly flexible and can support all kinds of links from various websites. Adding links gives your reader the opportunity to read more about a topic and the good news is... you have very little to type. All you need to do is highlight some text in your article (see "blog" above) and then click on the hyperlink button next to the text color button above. A window will pop up where you insert the link address. Done.. now try it out on this post.

Up to speed

Having a user group like this, is the best way to get yourself up to speed with how blogs work and how your club gets the most out of your new blog. This blog is your opportunity to tell other district bloggers what you've found, what you've experienced or even how to get help developing your club blog.

Make a post here today. Tell us what you think, share a find or ask for help. This is the best place to learn.

What's in a number?

Creating numbers of posts on your blog is a certain way to make sure your blog is getting the readership it derserves. The quickest way to lose a reader is by not keeping them informed. This is why when we presented to your club, we requested a minimum one post per week - A minor task.

Additionally, having numbers of members that post to your club blog will spread the work load, create alternate views and a variety of styles for your readers. The more the merrier in the world of blogs and it keeps things fresh.

Having a numbers of topics on your club blog will also assure that readers will return. Did someone have a birthday? Travel on a project or vacation? Did you have a guest speaker at your last meeting? Do you have club pictures to share? These are all excellent topics for your blog. Tell the world - invite them to read about your club!

I'm not a follower - I'm a leader?

Ok, not to insult anyone, you're all leaders in my book! In Googles eyes, the more followers on our blog, the more readers you generate. If you notice on the sidebar, theres's a spot where you can tell the world that you're following a blog. Generally speaking, most people want what others have. In my opinion, if there are many followers on a blog, you attract many readers since visitors will wonder what they're missing. Human curiousity rules.

So what does it mean to say your a follower on a blog. Probably nothing actually, but it will entice others to sign up and read your posts. To date I haven't recieved anything in the way of spam or emails so it's a painless activity that can yield big results. Be a follower today!

If a picture's worth a thousand words....

What's a video worth?? Well, it's simple to find out. You can take a video from your camera or phone (preferably with audio), then link it to your blog post from your computer. This will allow your readers to connect to your story in a whole new way.

Videos about club events such as new member inductions, fundraisers, guest speakers all help to add another dimension to your club or project. It also makes it easier to convey your message while creating a far reaching audience.

A picture is worth a thousand words...

We've all heard it and if you surf the net you've experienced it. Pictures help to hold a readers attention and will probably increase the likelihood of a return visit to a site. People are visual creatures so give them what they want.

Does your club have guest speakers or hold fundraisers? Do you have club events for fellowship? These are all great photo opportunities and will peak member curiousity about your blog. It's as simple as clicking on the picture icon in the post block and then telling your computer where to find the image. The rest is automatic!

Lesson 1

Want to really get things rocking with your club blog?? Get your members to sign up for the email service called Feedburner. It's installed on all the blogs I've created for the district so far and it's the easiest way to reach your members and create an archive.

Members only need to enter their email address in the block, afterwhich a few security measures are conducted by the site and presto, you're subscribed to the blog. The nice thing about this feature is that it by passes firewalls and reaches the subscriber because it's a request, not a blind email. Pretty neeto stuff..

The best place to start is at the beginning...

With all the clubs jumping in on the blog network and posting to their own blogs, it's necessary to have a central user forum to expand everyones knowledge of blogs. Have you seen something on another blog that looks really cool?? We can help you put it on your club blog if you want. It might also be something that interests other clubs so.... we share!

This blog is not public and will remain that way. It's only purpose is to expand the usability of your blog and share ideas. Feel free to share your thoughts here.