When I first started building oldsite, questions came rolling in as to how exactly it was done. Not being a typical format made it stand out a bit (just a little) amongst other travel sites. Oldsite was a bear, but also my baby, as I spent hours in front of the computer trying to fix all the fun issues Microsoft left behind. Now the era is over, and newsite has prevailed, bringing much joy and simplicity into my website building life. I have seen the light and would now like to pass a little gift onto others in similar need of a website with travel in mind: a guide to making your own travel website.
Being on the go, you want a website that is easy to access and update from random places across the globe. Your best bet for ease of use is a blog format since you can update the site from any Internet cafe, meaning you don’t need to be tied to a computer. There are plenty of resources for free blog websites from blogger to travel specific bootsnall and world nomads. However, maybe you don’t want a standard cookie-cutter blog. How would you go about making a great travel blog?
- First, you need to purchase a domain name – something catchy and definitive of your trip plan or purpose. You can get domain names for fairly cheap through GoDaddy.
- Next, you need to purchase a hosting plan (yes, it is starting to sound expensive, but if you take a look at GoDaddy, you’ll see they have different plans and prices to suit your needs. The hosting can also be used as a way to back up pictures, software, and other documents along the way.) I know I keep saying GoDaddy, but I have been using them for some time now. I enjoy their ease of use and features for a cut under the rest. GoDaddy.com Hosting Plans
- Now that you have your site name and hosting account, it is time to install the blogging software. I use and recommend wordpress – they are free with great support. You could also go with something like these guys. If you are a little afraid of the wordpress software/installation, let me know. I just may be able to help you out, especially if you have already done the first 2 steps above.
- The fourth step is to find a wordpress template (if you decided on wordpress – otherwise that specific software’s template). This will be the look and design of your new travel site. If you are having trouble finding a wordpress template you fully enjoy, let me know. Again, I would be happy to help you modify a template for your site.
- That’s it! You are all set up. Now just add a couple of plugins and become a diligent blogger, and you’ll have yourself a great travel website, too.
Tips for Great Travel Blogging:
- Use photos as often as possible. A post without a photo is like a huge open field with nothing that draws the eye!
- Post often. Going too long between posts will let readers give up on you, to say the least.
- Focus on quality, rather than quantity. Your post may be long, but it might not really say much. Make it worth the reader’s time!
- Gain readership. Add in calls to subscribe along with RSS icons so users will have constant contact without having to always check the site.
Hi, Brooke. You read our minds! We wanted to make a website like yours for our upcoming RTW, but didn’t want to spend a ton of time. We also know nothing about webdesign. So, I noticed your ‘newsite’ looks a lot like your ‘oldsite’, complete with forum. Do you still use something of the shell of your oldsite, and the blog is just in the middle? Also, my wife already has a basic wordpress blog ( slieziert.wordpress.com/about/ ), but how do we get that over to our own domain name once we get one? I run Mac (and XP on dual boot), so how do I know if I need a Windows or a Linux plan? Would you mind if we called you on skype sometime to ask some more detailed questions (I just added you as a skype contact)?
Thanks
Adam
Ah, yes, check your email!
This is great Brooke! I will be on your for help i’m sure!!!
This is great Brooke! I will be on your for help i’m sure!!!
Beth, I will def. help you out when I get back from Spain