How to Create Blogger Blogs with Blogger Advanced Course

Editorial Take

Thomas Grant’s 'How to Create Blogger Blogs with Blogger Advanced' is a focused, practical course for users ready to move beyond basic blogging. It targets intermediate learners aiming to enhance functionality, SEO, and professional integration using Google tools. The course delivers clear, actionable steps to transform a simple blog into a more robust web presence.

Standout Strengths

• Template Mastery: The course dedicates over an hour to blank Blogger templates, teaching users how to build custom websites. This deep dive helps learners understand structure and layout customization effectively.
• SEO Integration: The module on adding a blog to Google Webmaster Tools is crucial for visibility. It walks through verification and indexing, essential for any serious blogger aiming to improve search rankings.
• Redirect Implementation: Teaching how to set up simple redirects is a practical skill often overlooked. This section helps users manage URLs and maintain SEO integrity during site changes.
• Google Hangouts Bonus: Though not directly related to Blogger, the 32-minute session on Google Hangouts adds value for bloggers needing to conduct interviews or live sessions, enhancing overall digital communication skills.
• Website Building: The course shows how to use Blogger as a simple website builder. This empowers users to create professional-looking sites without coding, ideal for portfolios or small business pages.
• Structured Learning Path: The syllabus progresses logically from basics to advanced features. Each section builds on the previous, ensuring a coherent learning journey without overwhelming the user.

Honest Limitations

• Limited Coding Depth: While templates are covered, the course avoids deep HTML or CSS editing. Learners seeking full design control may need supplemental resources for advanced customization.
• Brief Tools Section: The 'Tools' module is only 2 minutes long, offering minimal insight. It feels underdeveloped compared to other, more detailed sections in the course.
• No Project Files: The absence of downloadable templates or exercise files limits hands-on practice. Learners must follow along without reference materials, which can hinder retention.
• Outdated Platform Focus: Blogger, while still functional, is less popular than WordPress or modern site builders. The skills, though useful, may have limited long-term applicability in a competitive market.

How to Get the Most Out of It

• Study cadence: Complete one module per day to allow time for implementation. This spaced repetition improves retention and practical application of each feature.
• Parallel project: Build a live blog while taking the course. Applying redirects, templates, and Webmaster integration in real time reinforces learning and builds a portfolio piece.
• Note-taking: Document each step during template installation. Screenshots and written notes help troubleshoot issues and serve as future reference guides.
• Community: Join Blogger forums or Facebook groups to share progress. Feedback from other users enhances understanding and provides troubleshooting support.
• Practice: Rebuild the template multiple times to gain confidence. Repetition ensures mastery of layout structure and iframe integration techniques.
• Consistency: Dedicate 20 minutes daily to course work. Short, focused sessions improve completion rates and skill retention over time.

Supplementary Resources

• Book: 'Pro Blogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to Success' by Darren Rowse offers deeper monetization and growth strategies beyond technical setup.
• Tool: Use GTmetrix to analyze blog speed after template changes. Optimizing performance complements the SEO work taught in the course.
• Follow-up: Take a WordPress course next to broaden CMS skills. Transitioning to more powerful platforms builds on this foundational knowledge.
• Reference: Google’s Search Console Help Center provides updated guidance on Webmaster tools, ensuring long-term SEO accuracy.

Common Pitfalls

• Pitfall: Skipping the Webmaster verification step can hurt SEO. Always complete Google Search Console setup to monitor indexing and performance.
• Pitfall: Over-customizing templates without backups risks breaking the site. Always save a working version before making major changes.
• Pitfall: Ignoring mobile responsiveness during template build leads to poor user experience. Test layouts on multiple devices before publishing.

Time & Money ROI

• Time: At just over two hours, the course is efficient. Most learners can complete it in a weekend, making it ideal for quick upskilling.
• Cost-to-value: As a paid course, it offers solid value for intermediate users. The skills in SEO and template use justify the investment for serious bloggers.
• Certificate: The Certificate of Completion adds credibility to profiles, especially for freelancers showcasing technical blogging skills on platforms like Upwork.
• Alternative: Free YouTube tutorials exist but lack structure. This course’s organized approach saves time and ensures comprehensive coverage of key topics.

Editorial Verdict

This course fills a niche for Blogger users who want to move beyond basic posts and layouts. Thomas Grant delivers clear, concise instruction on advanced features that are often poorly documented elsewhere. The focus on Google Webmaster integration and template customization addresses real pain points for bloggers aiming to improve professionalism and search visibility. While the platform itself may be dated, the core concepts of SEO, redirects, and site structure remain relevant across content management systems.

The bonus Google Hangouts module is a thoughtful addition, expanding the course’s utility beyond blogging into digital communication. However, the lack of downloadable resources and minimal coverage of coding limits its depth for advanced developers. It’s best suited for content creators, small business owners, or educators using Blogger as a lightweight website builder. With a structured path and lifetime access, it offers solid return on time and money for its target audience. Recommended for those seeking practical, no-nonsense Blogger optimization without the complexity of modern web development frameworks.