Nine years ago on September 30th, 2010,
“Travel & Things” was born.
Originally, I started it as extra platform for my newspaper/magazine articles.
This was the very first posting:
No pictures…only words.
I have been asked many times how to write a Blog posting…
Here are my suggestions for running a successful travel Blog.
The steps might vary depending on the type and content of the Blog YOU want to create
Step 1:
Have an archive of really good photographs.
Second rate/blurred/out of focus will NOT bring traffic your way.
Be ruthless…I was recently told…
“Always shoot sharp”…
If you are using images from other sources,
remember to credit the photographer.
Step 2:
Edit your pictures so that they tell the story you want to convey.
I storyboard my photo shoots in order to know that I have enough images to tell the story
Step 3:
I try to theme my postings…
I am currently working on my “birds-in-flight”skills
Thank goodness for digital…
Keep one, throw away 100’s!
Remember to protect your intellectual property.
You can do this in the following manner…
You can do this in the following manner…
a] Watermark your images
b] If you find them used without permission, be ruthless
c] Don’t get sucked into the “We like your images but we have no budget”.
d] No budget = no images
e] If you do find them used illegally (usually on Facebook) ask for them to be removed.
f] If the offender does not, posting comments on their page should do the trick.
g] The better your images, the more they are likely to be “borrowed”
h] If all the above fails, send an invoice!
If you intend to use people in images, get them to sign
a release form giving you permission.
Verbal agreements are not worth the paper they are written on.
Step 4:
I like to add humour to my postings.
For me this is VERY important.
Since this image was taken, the orange goldfish has gone to the Great Bowl in the Sky.
And the cat did NOT have anything to do with it.
Step 5:
A blank page, either on a PC or on a piece of paper,
is still a blank page.
Think how you want to fill it.
My current postings all have between 10 & 20 images
as well as supporting copy
as well as supporting copy
Step 6:
Your Blogger dashboard should look like this.
Postings and drafts
Step 8:
I also run a “rant-Blog”that is separate from my Travel Blog.
Called “Comment by David Batzofin it can be found via this link:
Called “Comment by David Batzofin it can be found via this link:
This is an outlet for me without offending my Travel readers.
It also keeps my Travel & Things Blog focused on travel.
I do not want to confuse my readers with rants about
non travel related topics
I do not want to confuse my readers with rants about
non travel related topics
Step 9:
I use social media to spread the word about new postings.
My Facebook account is linked to Twitter as well.
And now of course, there is Instagram.
And now of course, there is Instagram.
Step 10:
Having inspiration close at hand helps.
The picture is of my Dad who died in October, 2004
The model is there for my stress relief.
My advice to potential Bloggers…
“Post regularly and update daily”.
On-line readers want instant gratification…
your job as a Blogger is to deliver that.
Step 11:
If the Blog does not work out…
ALWAYS have a day job to fall back on!
Step 12:
What better way to be acknowledged.
My travel Blog has been consistently at Number 2.
I am proud to say the Travel & Things is usually
beaten into second place by a travel company or magazine.
Those entities have departments and writers to draw on,
while I have to do all my own work.
Not that I am complaining…
And of course, sponsors are important.
A big thank you to each of these brands
for coming on board.
This has been my constant travel companion
for the past several years.
It might look worn,
but that represents the kilometers/miles
we have shared together.
From Kilimanjaro to the beaches of India.
To coach trips across Europe and Vietnam
and to a variety of game lodges and road trip destinations
in South and Southern Africa.
BEST SUITCASE EVER!
Check out their Facebook page:
This torch has been turning heads!
The Olight SRS2UT Intimidator.
Marketed locally by:
https://torchsa.com/
My camera brand of choice for more than 4 decades!
When it is time to print out my special images,
this is the company that I rely on to do that.
Bush gear to make me blend in…
in comfort and style.
https://www.ruggedwear.co.za
I have worn the orange Veldskoen in the jungles of India
and on the beaches of Croatia.
Not to mention, many game reserves in Africa.
They are probably the most comfortable pair of shoes
that I have ever owned.
Now to try out the rest of the colours in the range.
When I get home. I rely on this ISP
to provide me with high speed fibre connectivity
to enable me to get my postings published in record time.
www.cisp.co.za
This Powerbank is my constant companion
while I am travelling.
It can do up to 4 full re-charges of my phone before
needing to be charged.
Supplied by…
When offered an option…
ALWAYS be Batman.
My constant travelling companion.
To find out more about the collectible Funko range of figurines,
visit:
I could not do without this awesome laptop bag from Solo.
Padded for protection and with enough pockets to keep
almost everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink in,
this is definitely an stylish addition to any business presentation.
Be it in the boardroom or the bush.
This bag can also be worn as a backpack.
There are straps in a hidden compartment that can be deployed
when you need both hands for other purposes.
To find out more about the stylish Solo range,
visit:
This locally made product was indispensable when using a long lens.
The ball and socket might look simple…and it is,
which is why it should be in the gear bag of every serious photographer.
This locally made, deceptively simple device is ideal
for tracking birds in flight or animals in motion.
The base can be used on a beanbag or a tripod,
with the ball being fitted to the camera.
The simplicity of the device allows to to move from supported
to hand held in a fluid motion.
There is also a version that can be used on a car window.
To see more about the product,
visit their Facebook page:
Or order directly from:
All images are the copyright property of
and may not be used without permission
Follow me on Twitter: @davidbatzofin
Instagram: davidbatzofin
Visit my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/david.batzofin
Travel & Things Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/travelandthings
