Leatherworking Blog

[TomBanwell]

I've just started a blog to talk about my leather projects. I think it will work for me to talk about my ideas and projects as I go along. Currently I'm working on a steampunk gasmask.

http://tombanwell.blogspot.com/

[Tina]

I think your work is fantastic Tom,

I for one is going to read your blog often:-)

[Go2Tex]

Veeery interesting.... So, let me ask you a question. What is the difference between a website and a blogspot? What are the advantages, disadvantages, etc. How are they different as far as cost, setup, etc. Do they get some kind of extra exposure or what?

[gtwister09]

Here's a quick and dirty comparison of the two. Hope it helps

Web Sites

• Includes Company information with tabs such as products, About Us, Contact Us, and an overview of all facets of the business
  
• Has links to other pages
  
• Describes your business which is written in more formal language
  
• Describes your products & services. It changes when your products or services change.
  
• Designed to build credibility and impress clients
  

If Sales Related

• Can be one long sales page website. It will focus on getting an immediate direct response
  
• Includes testimonials scattered throughout the page
  
• Can buy directly from link on the page
  
• Is designed to sell one product or service only. It is focused on a single outcome
  

Blogs

• Blogs are dynamic - blogs are usually updated regularly.
  
• Blogs can be interactive - people can leave their comments and participate with your blog.
  
• Blogs rank very highly with search engines. Google loves blogs because it can easily scan your blog due to clean code.
  

Regards,

Ben

[TomBanwell]

I think your work is fantastic Tom

Thank you, Tina!

Regarding websites and blogs, you usually have to pay someone to host your website, but you maintain control over it and can move it wherever you want. Blogs are generally free, and you don't need to know any code to set one up and enter information. But you don't own it, so it could go away. Just like with Etsy. If you displease them they will shut down your shop. If you want to set up a blog go to www.blogger.com. It only takes a few minutes to do and be online.

[leatheroo]

hey tom, i shall be keeping an eye on your blog...i often check etsy to see what you are up to!!! great steampunk work

[Go2Tex]

OK Tom, you were right. It was easy! Here ya go:

http://brents-saddles.blogspot.com/

Let me know what you think so far.........

[gtwister09]

Brent,

Good start....even though your work is hampered by Uncle Samboski.

Here's a couple of others. One is Steve's and the other is Jeremiah's. They haven't been keeping them updated. That is probably the biggest complaint that I have heard from bloggers is a lack of updates. However you still have to get work done.

Steve Mason's Blog

Another Blog Saddle - Engraving - Trips

Regards,

Ben

[TomBanwell]

Hey Brent, that looks great. It's amazing how professional looking you can be even when computer ignorant (not you personally, just in general).

[Go2Tex]

Hey Brent, that looks great. It's amazing how professional looking you can be even when computer ignorant (not you personally, just in general).

Oh obsolutely! It was amazing how easy it was to do. I followed the link you provided and after reading the info about it, just created the blog from the template. I know a little code, so that helped, but I really didn't need it.

Thanks for the help and the push. Just think, when I woke up this morning I didn't even know what a blog was and now I R one! Would you like for me to add your link on it?