Now, I want to clarify a few points:

1. If you have a Google e-mail account, use it to sign in on the homepage at the top. Resume the tutorial at Step 2, “Name Your Blog.”

Where To Sign In on Blogger If You Already Have a Google Account.

2. If you do not have a Google account and are prompted to create one, use your preferred primary e-mail address (@Yahoo, @Hotmail, etc.). This will be your Username when you sign in to your blog.

Setting Up Your Blog Best Practices

1. Pick a name that is keyword rich, easy, and short! Do not use:

• More than 3-4 words
• Words that are easily misspelled, misunderstood, or made-up
• Dashes or underscores
• Arbitrary numbers, numbers instead of actual words, or your username

2. Choose a template that is simple and attractive. Dark colors with a light background are easiest to read and less stressful on the eye. Stay away from white letters and a black background.

3. Write a blog “tag line” that explains the purpose of your blog. Keep this to one  sentence. Go to Settings–> Basic–> Description and enter your tag line in the Description box.

4. Turn comment moderation on. This will prevent spammers or ugly comments from posting to your blog without your prior approval or knowledge. Go to Setting–> Comments–> Comment Moderation, choose “Always” and enter an e-mail address where you want comment notifications sent. Also, choose “yes” to Word Verification.

5. Offer an RSS feed. “RSS” stands for “real simple syndication.” Basically it’s a way for your readers to subscribe to your blog and get a notice when you write a new post. It makes it much easier for your blog to generate a reader base and following. You can do this by going to Feedburner.com and following the directions. Enter the feed URL at Settings–> Site Feed–> Post Feed Redirect URL.

Now start blogging!

Not sure where to start? It’s ok. Try this article if you don’t know what to write about.