How to Set Up Your Own Travel Blog
by John Hawks

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Unlike traditional Web sites, you don’t have to worry about formatting your comments as Internet pages or taking other time-consuming steps to keep your blog site updated. In fact, most blogging software programs allow you to type what you want to say, word for word, and click a few buttons to see those words pop up live on your site.

Why should you consider setting up your own travel blog?

First, blogs are much easier to set up and maintain than your home-based agency’s full-blown Web site. If you can type one short note (say, 50 to 100 words) a day to your clients about a new supplier, or today’s cruise specials, or the fun you had on your most recent trip, then you’ll easily keep your blog fresh for your readers.

Second, blogs can generate more credibility and higher search results than your standard Web site. Since most blogs are built primarily around text, major search engines could rank your blog site more highly than your agency’s primary Web site because more keywords may pop up in the text-heavy blog than in your general site. Also, you may find that you can forge closer bonds with your customers and prospects because you’re sharing more information on a regular basis and you’re keeping the lines of communication open more frequently than with weekly or monthly email newsletters.

Travel blog expert Scott Ahlsmith – the chairman of the Travel Institute and president of Magellan Technologies –

How can you get started?

Pick a blog company or software program. Popular choices include Blogger.com, eBlogger.com, and GoDaddy.com that will provide templates, updating software, and even user-friendly “how to” manuals for anywhere from no charge at all to $5-$20 a month.

Decide which name and Web address to use for your blog. Consider using your own chosen domain name – e.g., “janesmithtravel.com” – so that you’re building your home-based business brand every time you post to your blog. (Many blogging services will offer you a lower cost if you choose their domain name – e.g., “janesmithtravel@blogger.com” – but, in this case, you’re really building Blogger’s brand name, not your own.)

Get in the habit of posting short messages at least several times a week. Keep it short and sweet – no more than two or three paragraphs.

Need help with getting your blog started? Scott Ahlsmith (pictured) will host a special OSSN Webinar on travel blogs on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 3 p.m. Eastern! He’ll walk you through the basic steps of establishing your own travel blog. And, he’ll demonstrate a new service offered by Magellan that can set up your blog for you and provide you with content to post there, so that you don’t have to worry about starting your blog completely on your own!

(Photo credit: Magellan Technologies)