Here you’ll find answers to all your burning questions about Growing Your Blog, my 4-week e-class for folks who already have a blog and want to launch it to the next level by building traffic, creating a community, speeding up page load times, integrating the best plugins and tools, making pings and trackbacks work for you, using social media and SEO, monetizing, syndicating and more. And if you don’t see your questions/answers here, please email me at janeboursaw@gmail.com.
What is the e-course schedule?
WEEK ONE: Drawing Traffic and Creating Community. We’ll talk about ways to launch your blog to the next level by drawing more readers and creating a fun community for them through polls, guest posts, comments, power links, and more.
WEEK TWO: Social Media. Confused about all the social media sites out there? You’re probably already using sites like Twitter, Facebook, Digg, and StumbleUpon, but we’ll talk about how to add oomph to these sites, make pings and trackbacks work for you, integrate various tools and plugins to automate the process, and more.
WEEK THREE: Contests, Plugins, Widgets and More. People love free stuff, and contests and giveaways are a great way to drive traffic to your site. Learn how and where to find free giveaway items, write great contest posts, and promote your contests at various sites. We’ll also delve into some of the best plugins and widgets to keep readers engaged on your site, speed up your page load times, make the blogging process easier, and more.
WEEK FOUR: Monetizing & Syndicating Your Blog. Learn about advertising opportunities such as Amazon Associates, Google AdSense, and other affiliate programs. I’ll also dip into syndicating your blog, where to find great blogging jobs, and how they can help grow your own blog.
How much does the e-course cost?
$250. This buys you four weeks of unlimited email support, feedback, and critiques on your homework and blog. I’m also happy to walk you through things over the phone. The class site is located at WriteBlogLearn, a Moodle-based program with forums and other fun ways to interact with each other and me. And if you want to try things out and play around, you’re welcome to play in Jane’s Blog Sandbox.
How do I sign up?
SIGN UP using the PayPal link on the right-hand sidebar of this site. You may also pay with a money order or check drawn on a U.S. bank. Send to: Jane Boursaw, 12875 Bluff Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686
How do I access the lessons? Do I need special software?
The lessons are located at WriteBlogLearn, a moodle-based program with forums and other cool ways to interact with each other.
Do I have to be in a certain place at a certain time?
No. I send a note out every Monday morning, letting you know the week’s lesson has been posted. You can read the lessons and do the assignments at your convenience.
Where do I send my questions or assignments?
Post them on the class forums or email me, janeboursaw@gmail.com.
How much time should I set aside for class work?
A good goal to shoot for is 6 to 8 hours a week, though the more time you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it. I really want students to pepper me with questions, because everyone should end the class with a good understanding of how best to grow your blog.
What’s your teaching style?
I love helping people be successful, and I try to go above and beyond to make that happen. I’m chatty and down to earth. I try to explain things in clear ways, without a lot of jargon. And I always try to have as much fun as possible.
What kinds of questions can I ask?
Anything related to blogging and the course material.
Do you cover technical questions related to WordPress.org?
Yes, I’ll answer basic questions related to WordPress.org, such as setup, themes, design, plugins, widgets, etc. If you’re looking for someone to do more complicated design work, I’ll refer you to web designer extraordinaire, Ron Doyle.
What if I need to take time off during the course?
No problem. If you need to take some time off due to a crisis or (better yet!) vacation, I’m happy to extend the e-mail support for however long you were off so that you get the full four weeks of support. Just clear it with me first, to make sure I’m available.
I’ll be away when the course starts and would like to start a few days late. Is that okay?
Again, no problem. If you want to sign up after the course session has started, I’ll get you set up on WriteBlogLearn at your convenience, and as soon as I receive your payment, you’ll have access to the rest of the lessons on schedule. And I always leave the class open for an extra week or two for any additional questions or feedback.
Will there be any interaction with the other students in the course?
Yes! I encourage lots of interaction on the class forums.
When will you answer my questions/critique my assignments?
I’ve set aside Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday for class email, but I’ll try to get back to you in between those times, as well. You can post questions on the class forums and send assignments to me any time you like.
Do I have to turn in my assignments for critiquing?
No. You can do the assignments on your own if you wish.
At the end of the e-course, what will I have?
A great blog and a good understanding of how to be a successful blogger. I also give everyone a PDF file of all the lessons and info covered in the class.
Do you make a living blogging?
Much of my work is blogging, although I still do some straight freelance writing assignments for print and online publications. It’s good to diversify, so that you’re not counting on one or two gigs to pay the bills.
What are your credentials for teaching this course?
I’ve been a freelance writer and editor for 30 years and a blogger for 8 years with such sites as Variety, Moviefone, PopEater, and People.com. I also write about movies and TV at my own blog. My feature articles have appeared in Family Circle, Woman’s Day, Ladies’ Home Journal, Fitness, USA Weekend, Christian Science Monitor, AARP, iVillage.com, and many other print and online publications. My celebrity profiles have appeared in American Eagle Latitudes, Emmy magazine, Valley Life magazine and others. I also write syndicated family movie and TV columns based at Reel Life With Jane.
Do you offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes. You have two weeks from the start date of the course to drop out and get a full refund. After two weeks, refunds are on a case-by-case basis.
I have a question that’s not answered here. What should I do?
Email me at janeboursaw@gmail.com.
And please tell your friends about my online classes. Feel free to guide them to this site or email me.
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