Updated: 19th July 2024
Have you been toying with the idea of starting a blog, but don’t know where to begin?
Are you overwhelmed by all the information available on the web and don’t know how to make sense of it?
Yes I've been in those shoes where I just kept rolling around different articles and could not bring out any thing from it.
Well, you’re in luck! I’ve put together this comprehensive step-by-step guide just for beginners like you!
Notice From SDavidPrince: This Article is from my blogging Guide Handbook and from the Blogging Course I created. You can check them out in my store site.
Mxm |July 2024 Update: Everything about blogging is documented on this site if you can read |Note that Guide is for those who wants to blog to earn fulltime or passive income.
My philosophy about blogging changed and I no longer stand behind the low quality blogs and setups y'all have been publishing.
In Nigeria the meaning of blogging is loosing or has lost it definition .... My thought on it is expressed in newer posts. Just to put it simple,👉🏾 "Blogging is not a get rich quick activity"
TLDR / Summary for Skimmers
I hope you know the meaning of blogging - writing on the web for people or oneself.
To get started know that you can start a blog on a blogging publishing platform like blogger, tumblr, medium and wordpress.com. You can also set it up yourself without the reliance of these platforms called self-hosting. You can also blog on social media.
InfoGraphic Here - more focused on self hosting
Now enjoy the rest of the post
I’ll walk through everything you need to know, from choosing a domain name and hosting service to designing a theme and writing content.
This guide will also give you advice on how to promote your blog and start making money from your hard work. And if you would just be doing it as an hobbyist or for fun ☺️ This post still got you covered.
Just put away all those questions swirling around in your head and get ready for the ultimate beginner’s guide to starting a blog!
Selecting Your Blogging Niche
Choosing your blogging niche is a critical decision when embarking on your blogging journey.
Niche is the Topic or Category of subjects you want to be blogging about.
It can either be the simplest or the most challenging aspect of starting a blog.
Once you've decided to dive into the world of blogging, one of your initial choices is to determine the subject of your blog.
At this stage, the key is to select a niche in which you can establish yourself as an authority or expert.
In the vast blogosphere, a common mistake new bloggers make is launching a blog without offering something unique or distinctive.
If you're blogging purely for fun or as a hobby, having a tightly defined niche might not be as important. That's the case of me 🤧 but still you have to have that identity that would make people keep visiting your blog site.
If your goal is to make money through blogging, you must focus your efforts on a clearly defined audience or topic.
Make sure you are known for what you are blogging about. If readers realize that you are consistent and anytime they want to read on that topic they would have to come to you.
Even this will aid Search Engine like Google, Bing to label your blog for it's topic and this will favor your visibility and growth.
Like now, Anytime someone search something on Google and you blog about that thing, Google will bring your blog site as part of the result for the person.
Remember that professional bloggers aim to build a reputation. You can't build a reputation for everything; you need to specialize in something.
So, before you start your blog, give a careful thought to what you want to write about.
Select a topic that genuinely interests you and aligns with what people are searching for online.
Also note that Passion plays a crucial role in blogging because it takes time and energy to establish your reputation and generate income from your blog. Without passion, it's easy to lose motivation.
To make things easier, begin by concentrating on a single blog niche initially.
In the long run, you can expand to cover other topics. Note that if you have the financial resources to hire quality writers or a team, you can explore multiple niches.
However, if you're a solo blogger, focusing on a single subject is advisable.
You can Start with a smaller focus, test your content, and be open to adjusting based on audience response.
To discover your passion and interests, and help in choosing a niche, you can brainstorm by asking yourself questions like:
1. What topics truly excite and interest me?
2. Who is my ideal audience, and what are their needs?
3. What skills and knowledge do I possess that can contribute to a topic?
4. Am I willing to commit to this niche for the long term?
5. How can I bring a unique perspective to my chosen niche?
6. Is there a balance between demand and competition in the potential niches I'm considering?
7. What trends align with my interests?
8. How flexible is the niche for growth and evolution?
9. Most importantly, does the chosen niche bring me joy and fulfillment?"
10. The tenth question is are you ready to embark on the journey?
When choosing a niche, it's crucial to opt for one with a substantial local or international audience.
Avoid niches that are so unique that you're the only one interested in them. (🥲 You can see this a a bad advice - the Good advice is that anything can work don't give up )
If you can't envision yourself writing about your chosen topic in the long term or if you don't feel particularly passionate about it and can't afford to hire qualified writers, consider selecting a different niche.
🥲 .... Or .... Okay this is out of it but Let me make it known that I'm always open for writing gigs
Lucrative blogging niches examples include:
- Affordable Apartments
- Agriculture
- Banking and Finance
- Beard Oil
- Book Publishing
- Business Startups
- Celebrities' Profiles (Net worth)
- Cheap Flight Tickets
- Cheap Hotels
- Cooking Guides and Tutorials
- Cryptocurrencies
- Education
- Electronics
- Entertainment
- Event Planning
- Fashion Design
- Football News and Score Predictions
- Forex Trading
- Free Browsing Cheats and Tricks
- Healthy Eating
- Job Search
- Kids' Security Tips
- Kitchen Appliances
- Latest Phones
- Lifestyle
- Mini Importation
- Moringa Benefits
- Movie Reviews
- Music Downloads
- Natural and Herbal Remedies
- New Baby Lists
- News and Gossip
- Penis Enlargement
- Prayer Points
- Real Estate
- Relationship and Marriage Advice
- Scar Removal
- Scholarships
- Sexual Health and Fertility
- Skincare
- Sports Betting
- Study Abroad
- Table Manners
- Tech Tutorials and Gadgets
- Travel Abroad
- Weight Loss
To help you find the right topic for your new blog:
☞︎︎︎ Explore other successful blogs to identify gaps in the market.
☞︎︎︎ Utilize Google to discover what people are searching for using suggested searches and auto-complete. More tools that can help on that
☞︎︎︎ Search forums or social media for frequently asked questions to determine what people need advice on. (I love Quora for this)
☞︎︎︎ Consider different types of content, such as tutorials, reviews, interviews, or lists.
☞︎︎︎ Getting more specific is a good approach, like a travel blog focusing on extreme budget travel or an agricultural blog specializing in the palm oil business.
Don't worry if you can't decide on a niche right away. Start by writing about your interests, and as you gain experience, you can fine-tune or change your focus based on what works best for you.
I hope you already did discover your Niche then it's time to get to the real deal.
Choosing the Right Platform: WordPress, Blogger, and More
A blog platform is an online software that facilitates the creation and management of a blog. It empowers users to compose, format, and edit their posts while allowing the incorporation of multimedia elements like photos and videos.
Additionally, a blog platform provides an intuitive interface for customizing the blog's appearance to match the blogger's ( your) preferences. Some may also offer plugins and widgets to enhance the blog's functionality and cater to the readers' needs.
When starting a blog, you want to make sure you choose the right platform for your needs. To ensure that your blog is successful and reaches its full potential, it’s important to pick the most reliable platform.
Selecting the right blog platform from the outset can be a crucial step because switching platforms can involve technical challenges. Therefore, your choice of a blog platform deserves careful consideration.
There are two primary options for setting up a blog:
➪ a blog publishing platform or
➪ self hosting your own website.
Here's an explanation and a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of each:
Hosting on a Blog Publishing Service:
Blog Publishing platforms offer ready-made solutions for users to kickstart their blogs without delving into complex technicalities.
Blog Publishing Platforms renders the solution for users start a blog on their platform.
These platform would be the one to host what ever you publish on their own server as it would go live on the internet.
Examples include WordPress.com, Blogger, Medium, Tumblr, Wix, HashNode and many much more: I happen to have tried them all, More personal review on each of then on this site. ...back to the post;
Advantages:
1. Ideal for those who just want to go direct and get started with blogging.
2. Simple setup process and entirely free to use. You only need to know how to use the platform interface to post your content.
If you can use a normal word processor like. Microsoft word, or your normal phone note taking app then you would be good to go.
The best part of using a blogging publishing service is that you can focus on your content as well as not worry about those backend stuffs that keeps the site to function.
Blog publishing service platforms try to make to very easy for their users to set up things without needing a professional.
Please not that while these blogging platform can charge you additional fees to use some of their premium features and remove some restrictions.
Disadvantages:
No much disadvantages; these are just some measures put in place by these platforms to limit the load on their server, restrict users and also a way for them to make money so they can keep their server alive online.
1. Limited customization options. Yes some of these platforms might require you to pay a fee to freely make customization.
2. Often some platforms display banner advertisements on your blog to keep it running for free. This way, you might never have the need to worry about hosting fees, and they also generate income from the ad to keep your site running.
3. Some platforms won't allow you monetize your site until you purchase a upgraded plan. So you might have Limited ability to generate income from your content.
4. Your blog would have to host on the platform subdomain. What i mean here is that your blog's URL may include the platform domain, like 'www.yourblog.wordpress.com', www.yourblog.tumblr.com, www.yourblog.meduim.com or 'www.yourblog.blogspot.com'. This is depending on your free host platform. All platforms have the option for you to connect your custom domain ( www.yourblog.com) later on (for free or paid ).
5. The platform retains the right to delete your blog. Just make sure you follow their policy.
The two most popular blog platforms are WordPress by automatic inc and Blogger by google llc.
WordPress is a free platform with lots of features and customization options, allowing you to create both a simple and a complex website.
Note this, there is WordPress.com and there is WordPress.org.
WordPress.com is a website that offer the service of hosting websites. On WordPress.com you can create a website for free or with their premium plans which removes any limitation.
On the other hand, Blogger is simpler, more basic and absolutely free. It’s suitable for those who don't need as many features or customization options except you can handle coding in html, css and javascript.
How to start Blogging on a Blog Publishing Service platform
Starting a blog on a blog publishing platform is a straightforward process.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you kickstart your blogging journey, hassle free on a ready-made system:
✓. Decide on which blogging platform you want to use. Full list here
✓. Sign up or create your account on that platform
✓. Give you blog a unique Identity with your domain name. Some blogging platforms like Blogger, WordPress.com, Tumblr, medium, Wix, live journal, gives free sub-domain like "your-blog.platform-name.com". Also you can connect your own domain to have something like "your blog.com". See my list of best domain registrars.
✓. Customize your blog site appearance. Most blogging platforms gives room for this. On platforms like Blogger and WordPress you can install ready made templates and themes of any design.
✓. Start Blogging, get used to the platform, and explore the features of your blogging platform to improve your blog.
✓. Explore Search Engine Optimization, and Monetization if needed.
Read:
How to Start a Blog on Wordpress -Free
How to Start a Free Pro Blog on Blogger
How to Start Blogging on Wix free
How to Set up a Tumblr Account for Blogging
How to Use Live journal for Blogging free
How to Start Blogging free on Medium
How to Start a Free Tech blog on HashNode
🙂 Search for it using the search button on this site, if the links are unavailable or not clickable 🔗
Self Hosting your Blog
What is meant by self-hosting is that you will host your blog yourself, set it up on a host server and connect it the the address that would be your site address.
This would require you to spend some money, but By self hosting your blog, means you won't depend on any platform and you will have full control because you would be the one to create your own platform, design and everything you need on your site.
I highly recommend Self hosting because you will have full management of everything that keeps your site running live on the internet.
Before you set sail into the world of self-hosting, there are some little things you should get yourself familiar with.
Domain Name and Hosting.
Domain Name is the address where your site and all your contents can be visited. Example is Your blog.com. And it is your identity.
Domain Hosting involves the registration, management and running of your domain name.
It is a service that keeps your domain alive. It comprises of everything that runs in background that allow your website address to continue to stay online and also connect to other things and Resources that will appear when your site loads.
You will have to purchase a domain it's usually along with Hosting also.
Web Hosting
Web hosting is the process of storing and making your website accessible to users on the internet.
It involves renting space on a server provided by a hosting company. The hosting provider stores all the necessary files, images, and content, ensuring that when someone types your domain name into their web browser, the server delivers the requested information.
Every content you display on your blog is hosted on the web and this would require you to purchase a hosting plan.
By this you would be basically saving your files on your hosting company sever.
Web hosting companies offer different types of hosting plans.
Shared hosting
Shared hosting is the cheapest hosting where multiple websites share the same server. This means your website file would be stored in the same server with other websites. There is nothing In that actually except that space may be limited. Your hosting company would make this clear.
Dedicated hosting
On a Dedicated hosting plan, you will have an entire server to yourself for increased performance and control.
The choice of web hosting plan depends on factors like website traffic, technical requirements, and your budget.
Content Management System (CMS)
A Content Management System (CMS) is a software application that you will have to install on your blog to manage your contents, uploads, what your site displays and how it appears.
CMS simplifies the process of creating, editing, organizing, and managing digital content on a website.
With a good CMS, even people without extensive technical knowledge, can efficiently control the content displayed on their site.
There are different CMS you can install on your blog. These CMS platforms enable users to add and update text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements seamlessly.
One of the primary advantages of CMS is its ability to separate content from the website's design, allowing for easier updates and consistent styling across the site.
Furthermore, CMS platforms often come with various features and functionalities, including built-in templates, plugins, and extensions, which enhance the overall design and performance of a website.
Popular CMS options include WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
WordPress ( WordPress.org) is open-source and is the most popular and widely used CMS. It is absolutely free to download and install.
Every CMS caters different user needs and technical requirements. CMS empowers individuals and businesses to manage their online content effectively, streamlining the website maintenance process and fostering dynamic and engaging digital experiences for visitors.
One is a blog publishing platform and the other is a CMS.
Note: Blog Publishing platforms makes all your focus on blogging only ( there are some Exceptions based on the platform e.g you can achieve anything on Wix ) but still, Self hosting option gives absolute freedom to create any type of site and adding more functionalities to your blog like E-commerce, Forum, and others.
cPanel
cPanel, short for Control Panel, is a web-based interface that serves as a tool to manage various aspects of your web hosting and website administration.
It is widely used by hosting providers to simplify the management of web servers and allows users to control their hosting environment with ease.
With cPanel, users with limited technical expertise can perform tasks such as maintaining the site, creating and managing email accounts, installing applications, setting up databases, and configuring security settings and other file management.
On Cpanel you will have access tools like File Manager to upload and organize website files, manage domains and subdomains, set up and monitor email accounts through Email Manager, and install popular web applications and CMS using the one-click installer also known as Softaculous.
Softaculous App installer
Softaculous is an auto-installer script library that simplifies the process of installing and managing various web applications on your website.
It is often included as a feature in web hosting control panels, such as cPanel. Softaculous offers a wide range of applications, including various CMS, e-commerce platforms, blogs, forums, and more.
With Softaculous, You can easily install popular applications like WordPress with just a few clicks.
This eliminates the need for manual installation and configuration. It provides a user-friendly interface within the hosting control panel, allowing users to browse and choose from a vast library of applications. Softaculous also takes care of tasks like database creation and configuration during the installation process.
One of the key advantages of Softaculous is its ability to automate the updating and maintenance of installed applications. Users can easily update their applications to the latest versions with a single click, ensuring that their websites are running on secure and up-to-date software.
When you self host you might also need the assistance of a web developer and a web designer. Maintenance would also be part of your routine unlike blogging platforms which does it all while you focus on writing.
Check out my new Community Site which is self-hosted. community.sdavidprince.space .
Here is my setup:
Domain host: Cloudfare (Formerly hosted on Namecheap, Namecheap remains the registrar)
Web Host: Shared Hosting -free ( Infinity Free )
CMS: WordPress
Uses cPanel and cms was installed using Softaculous.
How to Start a Self Hosted Blog
✓. Acquire your domain
✓. Decide on your Host and purchase a hosting plan.
✓. Connect and point your Host to your Domain.
✓. From your Host, Install your CMS. Most hosts allows users to install WordPress. For this you might need a Managed WordPress hosting plan. Any host would give you access to Cpanel or softaculous app installer which you can use to make your managements and installations.
✓. Unleash your creative customization. With a vast library of themes and plugins. Tailor your website to align with your unique vision and brand identity Design your site. Please as a beginner try not to allow your blogging journey get too distracted with those fancy CMS features, and plugins. You cannot use them all.
✓. Understand your costs. Purchasing domain and Hosting plan, Using a premium theme, template and plugins would also cost you some cash. Evaluate the costs and benefits to ensure it aligns with your blogging goals.
✓. You can start Blogging. Have your pages set and categories set as per your niche, then Posts your contents and also know how you would promote your voice to be heard.
You can additionally:
✓. Prioritize Security and Implement robust security measures, including reliable plugins, regular updates, and secure passwords. Take control of your website's security to safeguard against potential threats.
✓. Learn SEO Practices for Visibility
✓. Explore Monetization Opportunities
✓. Commit to your website maintenance or hire a web Developer, designer or an expert like me to manage other things for your blog growth.
Read: How to Start a blog on Wordpress - Free Self Host
Build with AI
With the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Another hassle free option have been created for creating a Blog or any website.
There are there are even new Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms that automate everything and you only have to focus on blogging.
All you have to do is apply your prompt, explain your site, your design or choose your template. The AI would generate it for you.
If you need help setting up your blog on any of these platforms, there are a number of tutorials available online, search on this site too or just hit me up.
For blogging I have tested Superblog Ai in action
Depending on the platform you choose, there might be some cost associated with hosting your blog, but this cost can be easily offset by monetizing through ads or affiliate programs.
Naming Your Blog and Registering the Domain
An important step when starting your blog is picking out a domain name and registering it. Your domain name is what visitors will use to find your site.
To be clear, your domain name is going to be the name of your website and this is what your users (blog readers) will type in their browsers to visit your blog. It's like street address and an apartment online for your blog.
So, it’s important to choose one that reflects the purpose of your blog, as well as something that your readers can easily remember.
When deciding on a name, it should meet the following criteria:
Short and memorable
Relevant to the content you write about
Unique and different from existing websites
Easy to spell and pronounce.
Doesn't infringe upon any trademarks or copyrights.
Once you've settled on a name, you'll be ready to move onto registering your blog's domain.
This is where you'll buy the rights to use that specific URL so no one else can take it away from you.
There are several options available, but it’s best to use a reliable hosting provider like GoDaddy, Porkbun or Namecheap for safe results.
As a beginner, this can be a tough decision to make, but those three I mentioned are the best I recommend
Buy from Namecheap using my link I might receive a tip at no extra cost to you. Namecheap is still offers the best service and domains there are always cheap. Namecheap are always on a promo mode hehehe 🤷🏾♂️
You can register a domain for 5 years. It's like renting an apartment for five years.
For Nigerians, I recommend DomainKing. Why ? The ones mentioned above requires paying the dollars. Holders of verve card can't make such transaction. Fall back to DomainKing, TrueHost or any other reputable registrar in Nigeria.
When selecting a domain registrar, here are important factors to consider for a sensible and user-friendly experience:
1. Ease of Use: Your chosen registrar should offer a user-friendly interface, especially for beginners. It should be easy to navigate, and there should be guides or accessible customer support to assist you.
2. Scalability: Ensure the registrar allows you to upgrade your plan easily. As your blog grows, you may need more resources, so flexibility is crucial.
3. Quality Service: Opt for a registrar known for providing top-notch service in terms of reliability and support.
4. Uptime: Check the registrar's uptime record. Higher uptime ensures that your domain remains accessible to visitors consistently.
5. SSL Certificate: Security is paramount. Look for a registrar that offers an SSL certificate, which enables the "https" secure connection for your website.
6. Sub-Domains: Having the option to create sub-domains (e.g., blog.example.com or video.example.com) can be valuable for organizing different aspects of your blog or projects.
7. Customer Support: Exceptional customer support is essential. Prompt and helpful assistance can save you time and headaches when dealing with technical issues.
8. Web Hosting Solution: If your registrar also provides web hosting services, it can simplify your setup process. Look for packages that include both domain registration and hosting if needed.
Some domain hosting company also offer a one-click WordPress installation host feature called WordPress managed hosting. It can be incredibly convenient if you plan to use WordPress for your blog as a beginner. You would skill those backend process of installing a CMS. This is the best option if you want to use WordPress.org.
9. Money-Back Guarantee: A flexible money-back guarantee is a bonus, giving you peace of mind in case you're dissatisfied with the service for any reason.
Choosing the right domain registrar that aligns with these criteria can contribute to a smoother and more successful blogging experience.
You can make your own research but as for me after considering all these namecheap happens to be the beat option for beginners and even pro alike.
Namecheap has competitive pricing (one of the cheapest out there with Porkbun).
Namecheap also have pro features, web hosting options, and impressive 99 percent uptime, making them a compelling option for domain registration and hosting services.
That’s a lot for beginners who are just starting out.
Note: You can't change a domain name after purchasing it, so make sure it's something you want to use forever. when time comes you want to change, you will have to buy another domain. Buying new domain is entirely a new site address is like renting another apartment. It's possible another person owns and house on that domain (like an apartment).
Hosting Your Blog: What You Need to Know
Choosing the right hosting for your blog is essential because it determines where your website will live on the internet.
Your hosting provider will be responsible for your website performance, security, and reliability.
Blogging platforms like Blogger, WordPress.com has free hosting, Same as Platforms like Medium, Tumblr, Hashnode host for free.
Blogger is totally free and others may have an upgrade option. So this step is not necessary if you decided to host your blog on any of those.
For growth purposes, freedom and flexibility I strongly recommend you host your blog yourself. This is called Self-Hosting. It would require you to choose a provider like Blue host, Dream host, Namecheap hosting, GoDaddy hosting, Whogohost, Hostinger, True host, HostGator and many more.
When picking a hosting provider, you should consider:
The type of hosting - you may want to look at shared, VPS (virtual private server), or dedicated hosting plans.
Cost – cost of the plan and additional features like domain registration, etc.
Your website’s sophistication – the more complex your blog, the more features you may need from a hosting provider
Bandwidth and disk storage limits - you need enough to accommodate all your blog posts, images, etc.
Customer service - you want a reliable provider that can help if there are any issues or problems with your site.
Reputation – look for customer reviews online to see what people have said about different providers.
Security features – make sure they offer SSL certificates and other forms of protection against potential hacks or cyber threats.
Don't forget that some providers also offer additional services such as website building tools or analytics software that can be beneficial for bloggers looking to grow their brand and presence online.
Some hosting company also offer free domain for a limited time and later on would require you to buy the domain
Don't be confused Domain Host is Different from Web host. Let me simplify the difference between a domain host and a web host:
Domain Host:
➪ Think of it as your website's address book.
➪ It's where you register and manage your website's address (e.g., www.yourwebsite.com).
➪ The domain host helps people find your site on the internet.
➪ Popular domain registrars include Namecheap and GoDaddy.
Web Host:
➪ This is like the house where your website lives.
➪ It's where you store your website's files and data.
➪ The web host makes your site accessible to visitors.
➪ Common web hosting providers are Bluehost and HostGator.
In summary, a domain host deals with your website's address, while a web host handles the storage and accessibility of your website's content. Both are essential for a functional website.
Installing Your CMS and Designing Your Blog
Did you choose to self- Host your Blog website?
After purchasing a domain and having a hosting service, the next step would be to install your content management system (CMS) and designing your blog, the process may seem daunting.
But don't worry, that's where the right guide comes in. With this guide, you’ll have the step-by-step instructions to tackle each task, one at a time.
Read this for more on CMS. I have personally used WordPress and Joomla they are good with great for blogging and have an adaptive interface.
As I have been trying to explain, CMS is the skeleton of your blog. It can be thought of as its basic structure and necessary tools. If you can't decide the CMS to choose, Go for WordPress. It is the best for bloggers, the more widely used and has everything a blogger needs in form of plugin.
Checkout: Plugins every Blogger should install
If you are hosting on a Blogging platform everything is already set, you just have the option to connect your domain and make your customizations.
Have your Domain Name
Your domain name will be your link on the internet – it adds credibility and helps your potential readers find you. So make sure it is recognizable, memorable, and reflects the purpose of your blog. You can either buy a new domain or purchase one from another seller—just make sure you go with a reputable website for purchasing domains.
Hehehe I have explained all these earlier but It's good to make refresh in your head.
Look for Themes, Plugins and Widgets
Themes are also called Templates. They provide an assortment of different design elements that you can use to customize how your blog looks and functions.
Most CMS platforms offer a wide selection of exciting themes (like WordPress) that are both esthetically pleasing and easy to use. And if you have technical skill, some CMS platforms also offer developers’ access to HTML/CSS customization capabilities.
To enhance the function of your blog, optimize it, make sure it loads quickly and delivers a great reader experience you will need to install and activate certain plugins.
Although you might need to install more plugins later (depending on your needs).
Some Important Plugins include SEO integration, Backup and Storage of your site, Recent Posts Widget With Thumbnails, Social Share buttons, spam comments protection...
Plugins and widget beautify and perform functions that add to the structure, functionality, and accessibility of your blog.
Now that you have an understanding of what goes into starting a blog, you're ready to get started! Just follow these three steps—choose a platform, pick a domain name, look for themes—and you'll be on way in no time.
Write Necessary Pages
Finding Content Ideas for Your Blog Posts
When you're just getting started with a blog, one of the biggest obstacles is coming up with content ideas to write about. With so many other blogs out there, it's important to make sure your blog stands out from the crowd by offering unique content that adds value for readers. This might be helpful read this.
Brainstorming
Begin by brainstorming some ideas of topics that interest you and that could be relevant to your target audience. Jot down any thoughts or keywords related to those topics and use them to come up with different angles or perspectives on each topic. It’s also helpful to look through your social media feed for inspiration.
Doing Research
After you’ve got a few ideas on paper, spend some time researching those topics and finding additional information from reputable sources. Make sure to cite those sources so readers can fact check if they need to. You should also reach out to industry experts who can provide even more insight and valuable information related to your topic.
Creating Content
Once you've identified a great topic and gathered enough information, start writing! Use the structure of your blog post as an outline for organization as you go - starting with an introduction and main points followed by a conclusion or call-to-action at the end.
Write in short paragraphs, use headings when appropriate, keep sentences concise, and break up long blocks of text with images or videos if possible. After finishing your first draft, proofread it carefully before publishing it on your blog . I shared some tips on this here
Creating a successful blog involves more than just designing a great-looking site; it's about producing high-quality content consistently.
Here's a simplified breakdown of key points to remember when it comes to blog content:
1. Plan Your Content:
☕︎ Don't rush to publish posts without a plan; it won't lead to success.
☕︎ Quality content is essential to attract and retain readers.
2. Characteristics of Great Content:
⌨︎ Great content is both useful and strategically uses keywords.
⌨︎ It answers key questions and provides value.
⌨︎ It's unique, easy to understand, and may include images, videos, infographics, or other media types.
3. Content Variety:
♲︎︎︎ Content isn't just text; it includes videos, infographics, podcasts, and more.
♲︎︎︎ Be versatile in your content creation.
4. Consistency Matters:
꧂ Decide on a posting frequency that suits you (e.g., a few posts per week).
꧂ Regular updates engage readers and boost SEO rankings.
5. User Engagement:
꧂ Active blogs keep readers engaged.
꧂ Posting regularly helps retain your audience.
6. SEO Impact:
𓇽 Google prefers blogs that publish fresh, valuable content.
𓇽 Regular posting can positively affect your SEO ranking.
7. Seek Inspiration:
☮︎ Visit top blogs in your niche for ideas.
☮︎ Don't copy, but gather topics, ideas, and inspiration.
8. Unique Voice:
☁︎ Add your unique style and perspective to borrowed ideas.
9. Overcoming Writer's Block:
♪ Reading more can inspire you.
♪ Plan your content before writing.
♪ Find your unique voice.
♪ Keep writing to improve.
10. Consider Outsourcing:
✍︎ If you're not confident in your writing skills or have the budget, consider outsourcing.
- HIREWRITERS.COM is one option for quality content. 🥴 Or you can just hit me up. I've written with and for Many. I hope you are enjoying this write-up by me 🫡 Read on
Remember, consistent, high-quality content and engagement is the backbone of a successful blog, and it's worth investing time and effort into its creation.
Monetizing Your Blog: Ad Networks and Other Options
Now that your blog is up and running, it's time to think about monetizing it. You have many options to consider; here are a few:
Ad Networks
Ad networks like Google AdSense, Media.net, and Propeller Ads allow you to place ads in your blog posts or sidebar and earn money when people click on them. With most networks, you'll need a certain amount of traffic before you're accepted, so it might not be an option if your blog isn't getting much attention yet.
Affiliate Marketing
As part of affiliate marketing, you can promote products and services associated with your niche and receive a commission for every sale. To get started, search for reputable affiliate programs that match the content of your blog (Amazon Associates is a great place to start!). When joining an affiliate program, make sure to read their requirements as some may ask you to use specific links or products in your posts.
Paid Sponsor Posts & Reviews
If you'd rather work directly with companies or brands, consider pitching them for sponsored posts or reviews where you get paid for talking about their products or services on your site. Keep in mind that sponsored content requires full disclosure; make sure to let your readers know that the post was sponsored if that's the case!
Finally, check out online marketplaces such as Fiverr or Upwork where other companies may be interested in paying for longer term sponsorships or working with you as a freelance writer for their sites.
No matter what option (or combination thereof) you choose to monetize your blog, there is an abundance of ways to bridge the gap between blogging passion and profit!
Bonus: Have a Work-flow, Tool set and Pipeline.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Starting a blog from scratch can seem daunting, especially if you have never done it before. But if you take it one step at a time and follow this guide, you can be up and running in no time. You'll be well on your way to creating an amazing blog that you can be proud of.
With a Blogger blog, you have full control over your blog's design, content, and performance. Plus, Blogger is a free, backed by Google and a vibrant worldwide community. There are plenty of tutorials, help documentation, and even support forums to help you out if you get stuck.
Wordpress.com is a best bet when it comes to blogging with the best past of not having to worry about technicality. But note WordPress free can't be monetized except outside the box - locally. If you like writing and don't care about tweaking things WordPress is good and whenever you want to monetize, you'll subscribe to a plan. It affordable actually.
So, what are you waiting for? Start your blog today and begin sharing your ideas and knowledge with the world!
Check this out to know more about picking the best platform for you
Truth be told there are still a lot of things not covered in this post. I have tried as much as possible, but It just seems impossible to pour it all out in a Single post. You can continue check up on this site for relevant posts
You can also take the next step to Purchase my Blogging Handbook for any level, And my Video Course on Blogging - Visit My Store
