How do I start blogging?

(FSB Online) -- Dear FSB: I run a newly established home-based travel agency. What is the best way for a small business owner to get started blogging?

- Judy Blount, referring travel agent, Escapes N Travel, Lanett, Ala.

Dear Judy: There are a number of good blog software applications that are popular with small businesses. Two that I like are TypePad (typepad.com) and eblogger (eblogger.com). You can get information from their websites about how your blog would look if you used their software. It may be worthwhile to sign up for a short trial so you can see which one you like best.

I founded a strategic marketing communciations firm. One of the services we provide is helping our clients improve their web presence and traffic. To keep visitors coming to your blog, you will need to feed it frequently. It is important to think about what you will publish there before you launch it, so you can prepare some materials ahead of time and keep the site fresh. You also need to budget time for this. If it isn't interesting and current, no one will show up to read it.