This document provides instructions for setting up a WordPress blog. It discusses why blogs are a good option for professionals, noting that search engines value blogs for their unique, fresh, and organized content. WordPress is recommended because it is free, has a large developer community creating plugins and themes, and has easy publishing tools. The document then walks through the steps to set up a WordPress blog using WordPress.com for a free hosted option or WordPress.org which requires installing the software on a hosting provider. Finally, it provides tips for writing blog content, including focusing on first-person experiences, responding to news, creating educational posts, and tracking analytics.

1. How to SET UP A wordpress BLOG Presented By: David Gibbons @DavidGibbons Ajay Mehta @AJAYMEHTA Diane Tuman @DTUMAN Blogging with WordPress

2. Why Blog: Blogs are now the primary website for many local professionals Search Engines (Google etc.) LOVE blogs Unique content Fresh content Organized Content Blogs are easy for consumers to discover and read Standard format, consumers are doing their research online Blogs are easy to publish It’s totally DIY; it’s not about the technology anymore

3. Some alternatives to WordPress

4. Why WordPress? Free (but backed by a solid, commercial company; Automattic) Huge developer community building plugins and themes so your blog can grow with you Easy & robust publisher tools

5. WordPress in Real Estate?

6. WordPress in Real Estate?

7. WordPress in Real Estate?

8. WordPress in Real Estate?

9. WordPress in Real Estate?

10. Okay, now how do I do it myself?

11. WordPress.com WordPress.org Free Software and Free Hosting Limited add-ons (plug-ins and themes) Very reliable service + backups Free Software only, must add hosting services Unlimited add-ons; online libraries + custom You/host are responsible for maintenance Active bloggers will probably end up here

12. Follow-along How to set up a free blog on wordpress.com Walkthrough

14. Popular: Mediatemple, GoDaddy /whatever your developer supports.

15. Added services

16. Email

17. Domain registration

18. One-click software install (Wordpress ++) – check for the latest Wordprss versionSetting up a Hosted WP BlogStep 1 – Domain + Hosting

20. Domain registration

23. Host Points Domain registration to web server

24. WP software files installed on web server + WP database installed

25. WP blog ready for Admin

27. Domain registration

28. One-click software install (Wordpress ++) – check for the latest Wordprss versionSetting up a Hosted WP.org BlogStep 3 – Install Wordpress

29. THEME PLUGINS WIDGETS Custom Development … and then start to blog Setting up a Hosted WP.org BlogStep 4 – Customize

30. Now that you Have your blog What do you write abouT? Guest Speaker: Diane Tuman

37. Daily Numbers& Seasonal Trends Blogging By The Numbers

39. “Click Here” = Lost opportunityBlogging By The Numbers (Con’t)

41. Condos, historic homes, high-end

42. By Brand

43. Be unique (Mojito 101)

44. Be eye-catching How to Stand Out

46. Provocative Content

47. Lots of content

48. Multi-Media

49. Photos

50. Videos

51. Podcasts (not)How to Stand Out (Con’t)

52. Use your blog wisely Good Luck!