How to Use Google Docs for Blog Posting

Posting blog entries can be a tedious and difficult task. Trying to place graphics and photos in the right positions, can cause many hours of heartache. Although there are numerous paid blogging tools that will allow you to have a more user friendly experience when it comes to blog posts, there are also several of free programs. Almost everyone in the world is familiar with Google and all of its different tools and with a few simple tips, you can use use Google Docs for blog posting.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet
• Google account
• Blog account

Instructions

1. Sign up for a free Google account by visiting the Google homepage. Once you have registered and signed up for an account, you will have access to multiple applications. Some of them will allow you to check email, create word processing documents, web clipping, and various functions.

2. Log into your newly created Google account. Click the “my account” link on the web page to access the resources of Google. You'll be immediately presented with your personal information and a list of Google products. Look for the “docs” link and click it to get started.

3. Create a brand new document by clicking the “new” link. A drop down menu of several options will appear such as document, spreadsheet, presentation, and folder. Choose the “document” option and start typing your information into the empty space. You can easily include a few tables and photos to make your blog posting a bit more interesting. Just click the “insert” link and it will prompt you to choose the items to insert.

4. Click the “save” button to add this newly created document to your Google Docs account. Choose a name for it and then you'll be finished with the hard part. Within a few short seconds, the document will be completely saved and ready for the next step.

5. Select the “share” button and there will be several options available in the drop down menu. Click the “publish as web page” link and you'll be directed to the next page. On this page, you 'll be able to either publish the document with its own unique URL on Google.com or choose the “post to blog” option. Users that do not currently have a blog can easily create one in this same area via Blogger.

6. Set up your blog by clicking the “set your blog site settings”. This will have to be completed before you post documents to your existing blog. A pop-up window will appear for you to enter your username, password, and a few other details. Once you have finished this, click the “ok” button to close the window.

7. Post your newly created document to your blog by selecting the “post to blog” button. Press the “ok” button when the window appears and your document will be published to your existing blog. Visit the blog to admire your new post and make any necessary changes. If for some reason you need to republish the post or delete it, then you can also do this via the same Google Docs page you used for publishing.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use Google Docs for convenient blogging while you are away from your personal computer.

• Don't pay for blogging tools until you've tried some of the latest free ones first.

Resources

• Google