An easy way to share your pregnancy with friends and family is to start a blog. You don’t have to be a professional writer or web design expert. If you can write an email, you can definitely write a blog. Follow these steps to have your blog up and running in no time.
1. Open a free account on a blog hosting site like Blogger or WordPress. Some blog sites offer premium plans, but don’t feel like you have to buy anything. Free plans still allow you to customize the look of your blog and include pictures in your posts. Unless you are planning on going “pro,” you don’t need to self host or purchase additional storage.
2. Choose a name for your blog. You can keep it simple as “The Smith Family.” As long as the name is available, the possibilities are endless.
3. Choose to make it public or private. Most blogging sites will give you the option of making your blog public or private. If your blog is private, you will have to e-mail an invitation to those you want to read your updates. This is ideal if you want to get really personal and include sensitive information such as your location, doctor, unedited ultrasound images, etc.
4. Pick a template. You can either select a free template offered by your blog host (both WordPress and Blogger offer plenty of options) or you can browse one of the many sites that offer free templates and backgrounds. These sites will offer step by step instructions for installation. Choosing a template from your blog host is as simple as a click.
5. Write your first post! Introduce yourself and your growing family. Include your due date, a belly pic, your baby’s first ultrasound, or whatever else you would like to share. Talk about your cravings, your symptoms or your nursery plans. Blogs are a fun way to connect with other expecting moms as well.
6. Have fun! Don’t let the blog become a source of stress. Only update it when you have time or inspiration. There are no rules to follow and there is definitely no pressure to become famous. Think of it as an open family newsletter. It can become whatever you wish, after all, it’s your blog.