Starting Next Week: Blogging 201

The next (free) Blogging U. course focuses on growing your audience and building your site’s brand.

October 15, 2014

Ben Huberman

Blogging 201: Branding and Growth starts Monday, October 20. If you’re a recent alum of Blogging 101 looking to build on the skills you’ve developed so far, or a blogger looking for new ways to grow your site and its audience, this is the course for you.

What will Blogging 201 cover? We’ll introduce tools to increase your traffic within WordPress.com as well as through other platforms, discuss ways to develop a coherent, effective brand for your blog, and show how to use your archives and your site’s stats to build your readership.

During this two-week course we’ll give you a daily task and provide you with all the necessary resources and information to complete it (there will be no new tasks on weekends, to give you time to explore more on your own, or just publish a post or two). You’ll also have access to The Commons, a private, staff-moderated space where you can chat with other participants, ask questions, and give feedback.

Ending right before NaNoWriMo and NaBloPoMo kick off in November, Blogging 201: Branding and Growth will help you get your site ready for a new wave of viewers — as well as to keep them coming after their first visit.

Like all Blogging U. courses, there are no prerequisites for Blogging 201 (if you’d like to follow the courses in sequence, though, that’s fine: Blogging 101: Zero to Hero will be back in November!). Self-hosted blogs and blogs from other platforms are just as welcome to participate.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in trying, sign up for Blogging 201: Branding and Growth using this form:

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89 Comments

Comments are closed.

  1. languageisheartosay Oct 15th at 3:20 pm

    I’d like to know more about joining this course. Thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. HarryWrites Oct 15th at 3:22 pm

    Cannot wait for this one! I hope you all put as much in as you hope to get out!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. johnrsermon Oct 15th at 3:39 pm

    The take the survey link doesn’t work. Is there another way to access it?

    Liked by 1 person

  4. bluecandies Oct 15th at 3:56 pm

    So excited – can’t wait!

    Liked by 3 people

  5. alisonjohnassociates Oct 15th at 3:59 pm

    I need all the help I can get, looking forward to this.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. genlpublicspeaks Oct 15th at 4:01 pm

    I need all the help I can get!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. peelinglayers Oct 15th at 4:09 pm

    Have a question. Is Blogging 201 helpful for someone like me who’s been blogging for a while and have a site http://peelinglayers.wordpress.com ? Would like to do more with the site to grow/widen the readership and add other themes to it? Thanks, Tuula

    Sent from Windows Mail

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 15th at 4:34 pm

      It sounds like it could be right up your alley — why not give it a try? You can always decide to follow only those assignments that are most relevant to you. In the past, this course has welcomed people with a wide range of experience levels and previous knowledge, so you definitely won’t feel out of place.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Madelyn Miller Oct 15th at 4:16 pm

    Cost of class?

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Millie Aveyard Oct 15th at 4:31 pm

    A really good idea, I have joined!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. thefolia Oct 15th at 4:35 pm

    I just clicked on the link and I was advised that it was an untrusted site..sorry wont open as I was recently phished and left with a fired harddrive. This looks interesting however!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 15th at 4:55 pm

      The signup form is generated by Polldaddy, which, like WordPress.com itself, is maintained by Automattic. It is completely safe to use.

      That said, I respect your caution and understand if you choose not to sign up. You’re still welcome to follow along with the assignments, which will be posted daily on The Daily Post (look for the course under the Blogging University tab in the site’s main menu).

      Liked by 1 person

  11. beckersj1212 Oct 15th at 5:23 pm

    I have a website done through WordPress. I would like to begin blogging and am interested in the Blogging 101. How do I sign up? What is the cost? Thanks, Sharon

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 15th at 5:25 pm

      Blogging 101 will begin again next month — watch our for an announcement here and on the Daily Post.

      Like all Blogging U. courses, this course is entirely free.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. jeanmcdaniel Oct 15th at 5:49 pm

    Should I start with blogging 101? Am I going to be sorry I did it in reverse order? Missed last time bound not to miss this time. Thanks

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 15th at 6:06 pm

      The answer really varies by user — if you come with absolutely zero experience using your blog, taking 101 first might be a good idea.

      That said, nothing bad could happen if you start with 201 — if, after a couple of days, you sense that you need a firmer foundation before you can make the most of it, you can wait this one out, take Blogging 101 next month, then 201 the next time it’s offered (which is never more than a few weeks or, at most, a couple of months apart).

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Lisa Oct 15th at 5:52 pm

    Very excited! I think it is great you all are offering these courses. They are such a help to us newbies and really help us get our blogs off to a good start. Thank you so much 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Sharmin Oct 15th at 6:30 pm

    Registered and waiting……:)

    Liked by 1 person

  15. ARealGoodThing Oct 15th at 6:30 pm

    I would like more information please.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. mobilerecruit Oct 15th at 7:48 pm

    This is gonna be a great one.
    Am lucky being part.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Georganne Spruce Oct 15th at 7:49 pm

    What time? Online? What form? it says poll.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. ...the Island Girl! Oct 15th at 9:55 pm

    I know I entered for the last Writing 201 and didn’t do much because the photo shoots and volunteer work really took me away, last summer. Hoping to get in on some info with this latest gig. I will do my best…..

    Liked by 1 person

  19. rollingblogger Oct 15th at 10:16 pm

    Can I join by using my phone? None of the links work and I really want to get into this.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 15th at 10:46 pm

      You can! May I ask which links don’t work? Normally, when viewing the post in our app or in the phone’s web browser, you should be able to see the signup form without any need to click on a link.

      If you’re viewing the post on the Reader, it seems like there might be an issue there — the best idea would be to head to the post itself and fill out the form there.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. The Teresa Kilpatrick Oct 15th at 10:22 pm

    Great. Just what I need right now.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Ruchi Oct 16th at 6:05 am

    Got myself registered! Lets see what this course holds in store for me 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  22. napper0308 Oct 16th at 7:31 am

    I have tried to register, have opened my WordPress page, but the form will not accept my blog address.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. nmartinez1938 Oct 16th at 10:04 am

    I am interested to register.

    There was a View Poll click at the bottom of WP course 201 email. When I clicked it, I got a warning my connection was not private someone may be trying to steal ID and such from my computer. Is that a concern and how do I address it?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 17th at 3:51 am

      The URL this sends you to is perfectly safe — the signup form is generated by Polldaddy, another product by the same people who build WordPress.com.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. yolandarene Oct 16th at 10:52 am

    I Would Like To Join

    Liked by 1 person

  25. tssharp Oct 16th at 11:57 am

    Looking forward to this, I’m always thinking I’m missing something when I’m posting blogs, and I definitely am, looking at my stats!

    Liked by 1 person

  26. cricketmuse Oct 16th at 1:24 pm

    Stating survey link is invalid?

    Liked by 1 person

  27. K. D. Dowdall Oct 16th at 4:52 pm

    Dear Ben:

    I missed Blogging 101, but I see you have it on WordPress Blogging University page, so I can do online learning anytime. It is a wonderful course, I am sure. WordPress thinks of the most wonderful ideas to help all of us be better bloggers and writers.

    Thank you so much,

    Karen

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 16th at 4:55 pm

      Thanks, Karen.

      You’re correct — the course assignments are available online whether you’ve “officially” followed the course or not. If you’d like to take it with a big group of other bloggers, the next Blogging 101 course starts next month — we’ll announce it when signup is open.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. aubreykash Oct 16th at 5:21 pm

    This is a terrific idea! I can’t wait to get started.

    Liked by 1 person

  29. simonelnis Oct 16th at 5:22 pm

    Looking forward to it!

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Saiyara Oct 16th at 5:25 pm

    I am still having the problem with the website, can’t signup 😦

    Liked by 1 person

  31. mrcybang Oct 16th at 10:57 pm

    Just signed up for Blogging 201. This will be my first time as a blogger.
    Q1: Should I just wait for the next Blogging 101 to learn the basics? or should I just take the course that is being offered in a few days?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 17th at 2:22 am

      You can start the upcoming Blogging 201 course and see how you feel about it — if you think you might benefit from a stronger foundation, you always just stop following it and sign up for next month’s edition of Blogging 101. In short: nothing to lose by trying it out, really.

      Liked by 1 person

      • MrCybang Oct 17th at 3:54 am

        Thanks I will try out the blogging 201. Then set up another one for the next one coming up next month. Thanks

        Liked by 1 person

  32. Pete's Words for Today Oct 17th at 12:12 am

    Should I do 101 before 201

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 17th at 3:18 am

      You really don’t have to — there are no “prerequisites.” You can start with 201, and always head to 101 instead if you feel you might benefit from a bit more preparation.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. renauditall Oct 17th at 10:53 am

    I’m in! Where do I sign up??

    Liked by 1 person

  34. Eliz@MirthandMotivation Oct 18th at 4:33 pm

    Hi Ben,
    I signed up for this before and saw the notification in my reader. Do I have to register again or will my original sign up still stand. I’m a bit confused about that. Please advice.
    Thank you!
    Elizabeth

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 21st at 3:18 am

      If you’ve already signed up, no further action is necessary! You will have been added to The Commons by now.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. barrypiatt Oct 18th at 5:59 pm

    Is the basic 101 course still available? I’d like to go through that one first.

    Liked by 1 person

  36. pinkpatx Oct 19th at 5:51 am

    Too bad registration’s already closed! Will await the next event.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 21st at 3:30 am

      I just added you manually to the Blogging 201 Commons — you should receive the invite in your email. Enjoy the course!

      Liked by 1 person

  37. DoomPatrolman Oct 19th at 1:06 pm

    I was able to sign up for the course and am on the 201 commons, but can’t seem to post anything but reply comments. Also when i click on my own name, it shows nothing. How do I remedy this?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 21st at 3:50 am

      I’ve resent you an invite to the Blogging 201 Commons to make sure you have access and are able to participate as everyone else there.

      Liked by 1 person

      • DoomPatrolman Oct 21st at 12:04 pm

        Oh thank you thank you! It was such agony not being able to officially be part of the blog, but yet being able to reply to comments — like a perennial outsider. Much appreciated!

        Liked by 1 person

  38. cjemktd Oct 20th at 12:46 am

    New to blogging looking forward to it

    Liked by 1 person

  39. julynerdmomma Oct 20th at 1:13 am

    I tried to click the link but it won’t let me

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 21st at 3:30 am

      I just added you manually to the Blogging 201 Commons — you should receive the invite in your email. Enjoy the course!

      Liked by 1 person

  40. upasanamehra Oct 20th at 6:15 am

    Registration is closed. Is there a way to still be part of it. Thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 21st at 3:30 am

      I just added you manually to the Blogging 201 Commons — you should receive the invite in your email. Enjoy the course!

      Liked by 1 person

  41. Beautiful Mussy Blog Oct 20th at 9:48 am

    Uuuuhhh! Crying! Missed 101 and have also missed 102! I’m kinda sad right now… How can I catch up?

    Nice job WordPress. I love u!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 21st at 3:29 am

      I just added you manually to the Blogging 201 Commons — you should receive the invite in your email. Enjoy the course!

      Liked by 1 person

  42. jamespeek2 Oct 21st at 5:52 pm

    When is next opportunity?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 21st at 6:05 pm

      Blogging 101 starts again early next month (announcement forthcoming!), and Blogging 201 will be offered again early on in the new year.

      Liked by 1 person

  43. meridethcohrs Oct 21st at 7:00 pm

    Is there anyway to still be a part of this course? I just missed the deadline 😦

    Liked by 1 person

  44. Kay Wilson Oct 21st at 7:11 pm

    I messed up on 101 is there anytime I can restart??

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 21st at 7:17 pm

      Yes — Blogging 101 will be back early in November. We’ll announce it soon here and at The Daily Post, so stay tuned!

      Liked by 1 person

  45. Beyond the picket fence Oct 22nd at 12:05 am

    I missed the start date. Is there any way to join this course? 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ben Huberman Oct 22nd at 12:55 am

      I just sent you an invite to the Commons — it’s only day 2, so catching up should be a breeze. Have fun!

      Liked by 1 person

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