Blogging for absolute beginners

Actions Panel

Blogging for absolute beginners

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

November 29, 2014 · 10am - November 30, 2014 · 4pm GMT

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

Think you might want to start a blog, but baffled by the jargon and stuck on where to start? This masterclass is for you

Blogging is an exciting way to share your passions, but fear of the technical side prevents many beginners from getting involved. This introduction to blogging mechanics, led by tutor Kelsey Padjen, is designed to show digital novices how easy blogging can be. Over a weekend, you will learn how to build your blog with WordPress and define its look and feel. The course also includes a guest session by Patrick Dalton, founder of the highly successful blog Shit London, who will show you how to use social media such as Twitter and Facebook to spread your words with online communities.

By the end of the course you'll have set up a fully working blog, which you can continue to edit from any computer or smartphone. It's a fantastic way to master the basics, with plenty of opportunities to share ideas with other beginners in a vibrant, sociable environment. Perfect if you have something to say but don't know your RSS from your Ecto.

This course is for you if…

  • You are completely new to blogging and have never created or edited a blog or website
  • You have an interest in blogging and basic internet skills, but want a step-by-step guide to setting up a starter WordPress blog
  • You have previously tried to set up a blog but not been happy with the results

Course description

During this weekend course, you'll build a new blog from scratch, learning how to change the design and styling, upload your content and maintain the site yourself with the free-to-use WordPress.com blogging platform. Topics covered will include:

  • Jargon and terminology
  • Twitter, Facebook and social media basics
  • Creating a new website with a custom domain name
  • Publishing text, images and multimedia
  • Changing the style and design of your site

PLEASE NOTE: While topics such as how to write good content for blogs, using social media to promote your blog, and options for taking your blog further will be covered, these are not the main focus of the course. If you are looking for more advanced courses on web design or social media, please browse our other digital courses.

Tutor profiles

Kelsey Padjen is a blogger and events manager at the Guardian. She runs two personal blogs, and has worked as a blogging and events management tutor. Kelsey has experience working for the Globe and Mail newspaper on book and product launches, and is currently the operations manager of Guardian Masterclasses.

Patrick Dalton is a London-based photographer and author, and founder of the Shit London blog. Since launching in 2010, the blog has generated three spin off books about London and two international editions covering New York and Australia. In 2013 the British Library archived the blog as part of the 100 websites: Capturing the digital universe project, which lists sites deemed essential reading for future generations.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

Sales Ended