Follow our 7-step guide designed for the modern blogging scene of 2023, and soon you'll be blogging like a pro! 💻💰
Updated: October 31, 2023
Hey there, future blogger!
Ready to dive into the blogging world and make some money? Awesome! Let’s make sure you’re on the right track.
Starting a blog isn’t as complicated as it might seem, especially with this 7-step guide I’ve prepared for you. But hey, let me share something:
A lot of advice floating around about how to start a blog. Kinda outdated. You see, following advice from someone who started their blogging journey a decade ago is like asking directions from someone who’s still flipping through paper maps.
Times have changed, right?
Let’s ensure you’re equipped for the blogging scene of 2023. So, without further ado, here’s a fresh and updated 7-step guide to learn how to start a blog:
Setting up your blog – Yup, the foundation.
Picking your blog’s niche – What are you passionate about?
Installing WordPress – Trust me, it’s the go-to platform.
Choosing your blog’s theme – Let’s get it looking sharp!
Getting some handy WordPress plugins – To boost functionality.
Crafting amazing content – This is where your voice shines.
Promoting your blog – Let the world know you’ve arrived.
Excited? I bet! Let’s get you blogging like a pro.
How to Start a Blog: The Key Steps
Let’s walk through the key steps together:
1. Setting Up Your Blog
Based on my 8+ years of blogging, Hostinger offers a perfect blend of affordability and quality. They provide:
Reliable plans with great performance.
Free SSL certificates.
Round-the-clock customer support.
A personal email account.
A Quick Guide to Getting Hosting from Hostinger:
First off, click here to head over to hostinger.com. Using this link bags you a sweet discount. Just hit that ‘Claim Deal Now’ button.
Now, pick your hosting plan. If you ask me, the Premium plan is pretty neat for getting started.
Decide how long you want to commit. Whether it’s 1, 12, 24, or 48 months, the longer you go, the less you pay monthly. And hey, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, zero risks! 😉
Next up, get logged in. You can use your existing account, set up a new one, or even just use your Facebook or Google account.
Ready to checkout? Select your payment method, fill in the details, and boom, hit that submit button.
Once you’ve got your plan, sign in to hPanel. There, you can breeze through the onboarding questions or skip them. Just make sure to pick “blog” when they ask.
Oh, and a quick side note on choosing a domain name for your blog:
Remember, it’s like naming your baby!
Keep it memorable and easy on the fingers.
Avoid the brain-teasing spellings. Simple is golden!
Numbers and hyphens? It’s a no from me – they just confuse folks.
Planning to explore other niches later? Keep your name broad.
2. Picking Your Blog’s Niche
We both know that every blog needs its own little corner or niche. Imagine having your unique spot in the massive landscape of the internet. It could be about anything – marketing, the magic of cooking, the intense world of Crossfit, or even as unique as vegan dogsitting (yes, it’s a thing) or underwater parkour. The possibilities are wild!
But the real challenge? Picking the right niche.
Here’s what most pro-bloggers will tell you this golden advice: “Start with something you love” Why? Because when you’re excited about a topic, you’ll find it easier to stick to a routine and keep going even when things get tough.
However, while passion is important, it’s equally essential to pick a niche where your passion meets your skills and experience.
Remember, you’re not just a blogger; you’re a brand. You’re not just sharing information; you’re sharing a part of yourself.
So, how about a quick brainstorm? Consider:
What knowledge do you want to share?
What’s that thing you’re so good at, and everyone asks for your advice on?
Do you have an edge in a particular industry?
Is there a gap in the market you can fill?
Let me introduce you to a cool concept called “The Authority Flywheel”. Think of it as your guiding star in the blogging world:
The Authority Flywheel
You – Start with yourself. Your life and experiences? That’s your unique niche.
Your expertise – Think about what you’re genuinely good at. Not just what you want to be good at, but where you’ve shown real results. This is where you can start making money, even as a new blogger.
Understanding the Market – Take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Just because you love a niche doesn’t mean it’s profitable. So, question yourself: How can you make money from it?
Leverage – This is about playing to your strengths. Do you have special connections? Maybe a unique skill set that most don’t? How can you use your unique position to get ahead?
I truly believe that The Authority Flywheel can guide you to choose a niche that not only resonates with you but also has potential.
Once you center your blog business plan around these key questions, you’ll find yourself more motivated and on track.
Trust me on this!
3. Start a Blog By Installing WordPress
So, with Hostinger, installing WordPress is honestly as easy as 1, 2, 3! Give me just a few minutes, and you’ll have your very own blog.
Let me walk you through it:
1. First things first, head over to Hostinger’s dashboard. See that “Auto-Installer” option on the left? Click on that.
2. Now, search for the “WordPress Select” button. Found it? Great! Go ahead and give it a click.
3. Next up, we’ve got some details to fill in:
URL: This is your blog’s address or domain.
Language: Which language do you want to set for WordPress? Go for it!
Administrator Username: This will be your special name to log into your WordPress space.
Administrator Password: Your secret key! Remember, always keep it safe.
Administrator Email: Pop in a working email here. It’s important because you’ll get notifications and in case you ever forget your password.
Website Title: What’s your blog called?
Website Tagline: In a few words, what’s your blog about? This helps visitors get a feel of your space.
4. All done? Click that “Install” button.
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What do you think?
4. Choosing Your WordPress Blog’s Theme
Think of a WordPress theme as the outfit for your blog. It’s made up of templates, files, and stylesheets that give your blog its unique look.
If you’ve just started, your blog probably looks like this right now:
It’s rocking the default WordPress theme, with a handy menu on the left to tweak its looks.
So, when it comes to dressing up your blog, you’ve got two paths:
Go for a free theme. It’s like your basic tee and jeans – does the job but doesn’t always stand out.
Opt for a paid theme. This is like a tailored suit – looks sharp and comes with some nifty features.
My top picks? Kadence or WP Astra. Trust me, they’re a blogger’s dream!
Wondering how to give your blog this makeover? Here’s a quick step-by-step:
First, sign into your WordPress account at yourdomainname.com/wp-admin.
Once inside, you’ll see your dashboard. Go to “Appearance” on the sidebar.
Click “Themes” under “Appearance”.
To explore, Click the “Add New” button. There’s a treasure trove of free themes to skim through.
Always, always preview a few before you settle. It’s like trying on clothes, you want the best fit!
Want to use a theme from another site, like ThemeIsle? No problem! Head to “Appearance” > “Themes” > “Add New” upload the zip file, and click Install.
And… voila! Your blog’s got a brand-new look.
Thinking of launching your blog with this guide by your side? Kickstart it for just $2.99/month and grab a whopping 75% discount on your hosting:
5. Install Some Handy WordPress Plugins.
One of the cool things about WordPress is the ability to add plugins. Think of plugins like your favorite toppings on a pizza – they just make everything better!
With so many plugins out there, picking the right ones, especially for SEO and speed, is crucial.
So, let me share a list of four absolute game-changers for your blog:
1. Elementor Pro.
Ever seen those eye-catching home pages or about pages and wondered, “How did they do that?” Well, for me, the answer is Elementor Pro.
They’ve got a Free version, which is pretty cool. But if you’re looking to really jazz things up, the Pro version is where it’s at with its stunning templates.
2. ShortPixel Image Optimizer.
Imagine a world where all your images and screenshots load super-fast because their file sizes are smaller right?
That’s what ShortPixel does! I’ve played around with a bunch of image tools, and trust me, ShortPixel comes out on top.
3. WP Rocket.
Want to give your website that lightning speed? Enter WP Rocket. It does a bunch of techy stuff – like simplifying your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, reducing database excess, and syncing with your CDN.
I did try other tools like Autoptimize, but let’s just say, they didn’t quite hit the mark for me. WP Rocket? Totally worth the $49 per year!
4. Yoast SEO.
SEO sounds complicated, right? But with Yoast SEO, it’s a whole lot easier. I use it to keep tabs on my sitemap, robots.txt, and even the little details like page titles and meta descriptions.
Also, if you’re ever looking for an alternative, RankMath is another great choice.
6. Crafting Amazing Content For Your Blog.
You’ve done it – you’ve set up a blog! 🎉That’s a big step, and now comes the fun part – crafting your very first blog post. Exciting, right?
Here’s a little secret I want to share:
Remember the days when blogs were like personal diaries? Well, not anymore. Nowadays, if you want to get noticed, you’ve got to play nice with Google. This means focusing on on-page SEO.
So, when you’re writing that debut blog post (and everyone after), always have this in mind: Focus on a key keyword. Where should you place it:
In the URL.
In the title.
Right at the start, in the first or second paragraph.
Inside your headings.
Sprinkled throughout the post.
For a quick visual, consider this example where the keyword pops up in the title, URL, and opening paragraph.
Once you’ve got your top 5-10 keywords in mind, get that creative juice flowing and start writing.
And hey, don’t just stick to words. Mix in some audio, video, photos, and infographics – they really liven things up and keep your audience engaged.
A Pro Tip?
Always ensure your content aligns with what people are actually searching for on Google and inspires them to engage with your blog.
To keep track of how you’re doing, consider using keyword rank-tracking software. It’s like a progress report for your SEO efforts.
Understanding Your Reader’s Search Intent
Imagine you’re writing about “How to Get Rid of Pimples” If you look this up, you’ll notice top-ranking posts have words like “Fast”, “Overnight”, and “Home Remedies”. That’s a sign! It means people want to zap those zits quickly and naturally.
So, don’t go around crafting an encyclopedia on pimples. Keep it short and give them what they want: fast solutions.
In the SEO world of the past, many would start their posts with something like “What Are Pimples?” – but let’s skip the lecture and get straight to the point.
The Secret Sauce?
Pay attention to the extra words in the top-ranking titles and decode the user’s true intention.
And, while you don’t need to be Shakespeare, understanding the basics of writing helps.
Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and eye-catching images to avoid that dreaded “text wall”.
For those looking for a helping hand in grammar, I’ve got a nifty guide on the best grammar checkers. Spoiler: I’m team Grammarly!
Extra Tips to Improve Your Writing.
Value is key: Always think about what you’re offering your readers. Does your post enlighten them, entertain them, or make them think? Remember, even seemingly “boring” topics can be spun into captivating stories if you tap into the art of storytelling.
Dress it up: Presentation matters! Pair your words with high-quality visuals. Think of your blog like a stylish outfit – both words and images need to complement each other.
Break it down: Chunky paragraphs? Nah. Let’s keep things digestible. Use those H2s, H3s, bullet points, and images to give your content some breathing room. Aim for 3-4 sentences per paragraph, max.
Let’s chat: Your first blog posts? Make them feel like you’re having a coffee chat with your readers. It’s all about building that connection.
Easy on the eyes: Fonts and white spaces are your friends. They make your content visually appealing and relaxing to read.
Bullet points: Yes, please! They’re great for readers who skim. You know, a quick summary without missing the juicy bits.
Double-Check: A little proofreading goes a long way.
Highlight the Important Stuff: Use bold text to make some points jump out.
Remember, your blog is a living, breathing entity. Not everything has to be perfect from the get-go. Launch it, embrace it, and you can always refine it later.
And hey, if you haven’t jumped into the blogging world yet, now’s your chance. Here’s a sweet deal to get you started:
At just $2.99/month (that’s 75% off!).
Building Your Blog’s Foundation: Home and About Pages
Before diving deep into the world of blogging, let’s set up a solid foundation. Think of these pages as your blog’s “handshake”. They’re the first thing people see and feel when they meet your blog.
I like to call them “Your Core Four” pages. But today, let’s chat about the most crucial two:
1. The Home Page
We all know what a home page is, right? It’s like the front door to your online home. But here’s the thing: it’s not a storage room.
Don’t cram everything in. Instead, imagine someone’s first time at your place – you’d want them to get a quick sense of who you are and feel welcomed.
If they’re confused or don’t see what they’re looking for, they might just turn around and leave.
Working on WordPress? You’ve got tools like Elementor – a fantastic WYSIWYG page builder that lets you easily create your page with drag-and-drop. Pretty neat!
What makes a home page inviting?
A striking hero image or slider, paired with a catchy headline and subheadline.
A section that gives a sneak peek into what your blog offers.
A primary call-to-action button – maybe leading to an epic post or an email sign-up.
Links to your star content, helping readers explore with ease.
2. The About Page
Now, this is where things get personal. Your About Page is your chance to share a bit of your story. It’s not a resume, it’s more like a coffee chat.
Here’s what you might want to chat about:
A brief intro (Hey, I’m [Name]!).
Your journey to starting this blog.
Any experience or background you’ve got that might resonate with them.
The challenges you’ve faced that they might relate to.
A win or success story (Everyone loves those, right?).
And, don’t forget that call to action.
When I wrote my About page, I thought of it as telling my story. I titled it: “My Story From a Small Village to The Online World”. Remember, it’s not about listing accolades; it’s about connection.
Starting a blog? You know what’s super important? Getting that blog post template just right!
Think about it. Your blog is essentially a collection of posts. So, before you hit that publish button, you’ve got to ensure your template is on point.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet for you:
Readable Text: Ensure your font is large enough and always go with classic black text on a white background. Trust me on this one – it’s a golden rule. 😉
Width Matters: Keep your text width under 850px. Anything more, and you’re asking your readers to play ping-pong with their eyes from left to right. Not cool.
Spacing is Key: Notice how this post doesn’t feel cramped. That’s because I don’t go beyond three lines before hitting the next paragraph.
And here’s a little bonus tip: While starting out, sneak a peek at some blogs you admire. Don’t copy them – but learn from what they’re doing right.
This isn’t just about blog post design, it’s true for every aspect of blogging.
4. Your Blog Archive
So, every blog has a page that’s like “sajidhadi.com/blog” Yours should too!
A heads-up: Some bloggers love fancy page structures. But if you’re just starting? Stick to the classic /blog page that showcases your posts in chronological order.
Here’s a little nugget of wisdom: Keep it clean and don’t show more than ten posts on one page. And remember that golden tip? Peek at successful sites in your niche. Learn, but don’t copy.
5. The All-Important Contact Page
Want people to reach out? Make sure they can! A simple contact form does the trick.
And when someone drops you a message, let them know it worked. A little note like:
“Hey there! Thanks for reaching out. We’ll get back to you ASAP!”
… makes a world of difference.
Planning Future Content
So, one question I hear a lot is, “How do I decide what to write about next on my blog?” Well, your answer lies in the magic of keyword metrics.
Look into things like keyword search volume, difficulty scores, and how well you think you can rank for a keyword.
Here’s a little pro tip for you: Inside of a simple spreadsheet. List down potential topics and jot down:
The keyword you’re targeting.
The catchy title you’re thinking of.
Monthly search volume.
The word count.
How urgent or important it is to write.
Diving Deep into Your Content
Analyze Your Content
You absolutely must know how your content is doing, right? That’s where analytics tools step in.
Most of you probably have Google Analytics set up. Pop open that dashboard! It gives you all these cool insights like who’s visiting, how long they’re sticking around, the pages they’re loving, and so much more.
It’s super fun to see how your posts are doing over time and if you’re getting more visitors now than before.
Also, have you heard of Ahrefs? If you’re keen on SEO, this tool is a gem. It tells you where you stand in search rankings, who’s giving your blog backlinks, and all those nitty-gritty details.
If you’re feeling that itch to get started, I’ve got a sweet deal for you: Start your blog with Hostinger at just $2.99/month.
7. Promoting your blog
The one key to promoting your blog is getting links from other sites. Imagine each link as a vote of confidence from the online world. The more votes you get, the more search engines like Google will notice and highlight your blog.
How can you get these links? Let’s dive in:
Guest Blogging
Ever thought about writing a post for another blog? This is what we call “Guest Blogging”. Not only does it give your blog more exposure, but you also make friends with other bloggers. And yes, it gets you those precious links back to your blog.
But here’s the catch: Don’t just write to get links. Offer something valuable. Like in any relationship, it’s all about giving and taking.
Link Building
Guest blogging is awesome, but there are other ways to gather links too. Dream scenario? People love your content so much they link to it without you asking.
But how do you make that happen?
Be Link-Worthy: Start by creating top-notch content that others naturally want to link to. Add eye-catching visuals, infographics, or maybe even videos. Make your blog the talk of the town!
Broken link building: There are tools like Ahrefs that’ll show you blogs with links that don’t work anymore. Drop them a message, give them a heads-up, and suggest your blog as a replacement.
Link reclamation: This is when you find places where your blog is mentioned but not linked. Just a quick email to say thanks and ask for a link can do wonders.
Link partnerships: Make friends with other bloggers. Share each other’s links. It’s a win-win!
Competitor research: Peek at who’s linking to blogs similar to yours. They might be interested in your content too!
Search Engines & Your Blog
Imagine having the coolest blog, but no one’s around to read it. Kinda sad, right? So, how do we get folks to notice and visit? Through search engines, of course!
Most people discover new blogs when they search on Google or Bing. If your blog doesn’t show up or is buried deep in search results, people just won’t know you’re there!
Now, writing awesome content is a big win. But it’s equally important to make sure folks can actually find that content when they search.
So, what’s the trick? It’s pretty simple:
Help Google understand what each page of your blog is all about. For instance, instead of vaguely saying, “This post talks about X,” use words that someone might type into Google when looking for that topic.
It’s just like giving your blog the best chance to be in the spotlight when someone’s searching for info you’ve covered. Cool, right?
SEO Title Tags
Ever notice those clickable headlines when you search for something on Google?
Those are called SEO title tags! They’re super important because they help people decide if they want to click on your article or not.
It’s cool, your title tag can be just like your article’s title or a bit different. But, make sure it’s relevant to what people might be searching for.
Oh, and a heads up, try to keep it under 160 characters because Google might cut it off.
And yeah, always sprinkle in those main keywords you’re aiming for.
Meta Description
Now, just below that title tag in the search results? That little sneak peek of what your post is about?
That’s the meta description. It’s another on-page SEO buddy you should know. The fun part? You get to decide what it says.
Use it wisely to give readers a taste of what they’ll get from your article.
Sitemap
Hey there! Ever wondered how search engines like Google find your blog pages? It’s through something called a sitemap. This is like giving them a map to your site.
It’s a good idea to submit your sitemap to Google so when you add new stuff, they know right away.
Think of it like organizing a book – you want clear chapters and sections, right? Same with your blog – have clear categories and subcategories. It helps search engines, and it helps your readers!
Widgets
Now, let’s talk widgets. For a better blog, you sometimes want to show extra info in little boxes called widgets.
This can be things like the latest articles, info about the writer, or even related posts. It helps search engines point the right people to your blog.
And guess what? Widgets aren’t just fancy add-ons. They can also make your blog do more cool stuff!
On-Page SEO
Alright, SEO time! If you want your blog posts to shine in search results, you gotta set them upright.
Make sure the main topic or keyword you’re writing about appears in the web address, the main title, a subheading, and sprinkles throughout your content.
And hey, there are tools like Jasper and SurferSEO that can help you make your posts SEO-friendly.
Mistakes That Can Kill Your Blog Growth
If you’ve been blogging for a while and aren’t seeing the results you hoped for, it might be due to some mistakes you’re making.
But don’t worry, it doesn’t have to stay that way.
One big mistake many bloggers make is putting too much focus on the wrong things. They spend a lot of time researching topics, writing posts, and creating images, which are important, but these alone won’t make your blog grow.
What really makes your blog grow is getting your content in front of the right audience – that’s the output that matters.
So, alongside creating content, you should also pay attention to strategies that help more people discover your blog, like building links and using social media.
Link Building
Link building plays a crucial role in blog growth. It helps boost your blog’s credibility with search engines and makes it more visible in search results.
I know, it might feel a bit awkward or uncomfortable at times, but if you’re serious about growing your blog, you must embrace link-building.
It’s an essential part of the journey.
Creating a Content Strategy
If you run a content-focused business, like a blog or something similar, having a structured content strategy is essential for success.
A content strategy ensures that you consistently publish articles in a well-organized manner. This means your readers will always find fresh and interesting content, whether you post weekly or monthly.
Not only will this keep your audience engaged, but it will also encourage them to return for more.
Patience Is Key
When you’re just starting a new blog or website, it’s natural to want instant results. However, the reality is a bit different.
It takes time for blogs and websites to gain visibility in search engines and attract organic traffic. So, be patient and don’t expect overnight success.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Trust the process and stay committed to your goals, and eventually, you’ll see the results you’re looking for.
Setting Unrealistic Money Goals
One common mistake new bloggers make is expecting to make money right from the start. But in reality, it takes time and effort to earn money through blogging.
Most bloggers don’t start making money until they have a substantial amount of traffic, often around 100,000 visitors per month or more, depending on their niche.
If you’re not seeing immediate monetization, don’t get discouraged. Keep working on producing high-quality content consistently, and your hard work will eventually pay off.
Starting a Blog Using AI
There are lots of AI tools out there that can make blogging easier and help you come up with fresh content.
Let’s take a look at a couple of the top AI tools you can use:
ChatGPT
ChatGPT, made by OpenAI, is a handy tool for creating content using natural language processing. It can write blog posts faster and more naturally when you give it prompts.
While it may not always be super unique, you can use it to do keyword research and find ideas for your blog.
Jasper AI
Jasper AI is like a helpful AI writing assistant. It can assist you in crafting blog posts, emails, and other types of content.
This tool can also help you brainstorm ideas and offer suggestions to make your content even better. It’s a time-saver when you’re working on content ideas or editing your existing work.
With plenty of templates and creative ideas at your disposal, using Jasper makes it easy to produce high-quality content for your blog.
Surfer SEO
Surfer SEO helps you create content that answers your readers’ questions by analyzing a main keyword and related terms.
It also tells you which types of content perform best in search results and how often certain keywords are used. You can track your content’s performance and get tips for improvement.
DALL-E
DALL-E is an AI tool that generates relevant images for your blog posts. It makes your content more visually appealing and keeps readers engaged.
Grammarly
Grammarly is an AI writing assistant. It helps you fix spelling and grammar mistakes in your content, ensuring it’s error-free and engaging, which is perfect for bloggers.
How to Start a Blog: FAQs
1. What is a Blog?
A blog is like a regularly updated website where someone or a group of people share their thoughts in a friendly, informal way.
You can find blogs about pretty much anything you’re interested in. For those who write blogs, it’s a great way to grow their readership, meet new people, and even make money online.
2. Why Start a Blog?
There are lots of good reasons to start a blog.
One of the top ones is that you can influence and inspire people online. If you’re knowledgeable about something and can write well, you can genuinely help others. Plus, if you monetize your blog right, you can earn some extra income.
Blogging is also a great way to:
Improve yourself personally
Get better at writing
Make new friends and connect with people in your field
Share your expertise with others
Potentially earn a good amount of money
3. How Much Does It Cost to Start a Blog?
When you’re thinking about starting a blog, you’ll need to decide whether to go with a free platform or invest in a paid one. Each option has its pros and cons.
If you’re new to blogging and just want to give it a try without spending any money upfront, platforms like WordPress.com and Blogger offer free services. However, keep in mind that free tools often come with limitations. You won’t have access to fancy website designs, and there may be restrictions on running advertisements.
On the other hand, if you’re experienced in blogging or feel confident about it, you can consider paid platforms.
Website builders like Squarespace and Wix offer paid plans that let you customize your blog without any restrictions. These platforms also provide features to boost your blog’s visibility on search engines, such as Google, and offer advanced features like online stores, easy-to-use editors, and more.
Here’s a breakdown of the essential expenses:
Domain Name: Expect to pay around $10 per year for a new domain name.
Hosting: Shared hosting typically costs between $3 to $10 per month. There are more advanced options like VPS hosting or dedicated hosting if you need them.
Optional expenses might include a premium WordPress theme (costing between $30 to $60), marketing tools, extra SEO plugins, or other add-ons you might need.
Let’s sum it up:
If you view blogging as a hobby, it can be entirely free.
If you’re not too serious and can do with basic features, it may cost you about $50 to $60 per year.
However, if you’re planning to dive into blogging full-time and want to invest in additional features to grow your blog, be prepared to spend over $400 per year.
This way, it’s easier to understand the costs associated with starting a blog, whether you’re just testing the waters or going all-in on your blogging journey.
4. How Can I Attract Readers to My Blog?
To bring more readers to your blog, you need to offer something valuable to them.
Here are some steps to help you achieve that:
Master SEO: This is crucial for visibility.
Create Attention-Grabbing Headlines: Your headline is the first thing people see. Make it attractive by listing the benefits. A good formula is: Odd number + best + main keyword + year.
Consistent Blog Posting: Regular posts show you’re serious.
Use Call-to-Action Buttons: Encourage reader interaction.
Reward Your Current Readers: Offer them discounts or exclusive insights.
Share on Social Media: Promote your posts.
By following these steps, you can gain initial traction for your blog.
Know Your Market and Audience: Understand what your readers want.
Learn Digital Marketing: Master SEO, keyword research, and more.
Promote Yourself: Don’t be shy about sharing your work.
Provide Value: Your content should be valuable to your audience.
Consistency is Key: Stick to a posting schedule.
Engage with Subscribers: Address their needs and concerns.
6. Do Bloggers Make Money?
Yes, bloggers can earn a good income, but it varies. They make money from:
Advertisements
Affiliate Marketing
Online Courses
Sponsored Posts
Product Sales
Consulting
However, if your blog doesn’t offer much value, earning money can be challenging.
7. How Do Bloggers Make Money?
Bloggers earn money through various methods, such as ads, affiliate commissions, selling courses or products, and more. One common way to measure earnings in affiliate marketing is called “EPC,” which stands for “earnings per click.”
Another metric is “CPM,” which stands for “cost per 1000 impressions.” You receive a fixed payment for every 1,000 impressions on an ad.
In addition to these methods, you can also sell products related to your blog’s topic. For instance, if you write a travel blog, you could sell brochures about great travel destinations. Or, if you have a food blog, you might offer e-recipes of your best dishes for sale.
You can also attract a segment of your audience by offering something valuable and asking for paid subscriptions, which could start as low as $5 per month per person. If you can provide value to a large audience, this can lead to a decent income.
8. Can You Start a Blog for Free?
Starting a blog doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, you can begin with minimal investment or sometimes even for free.
If you’re new to blogging, you’ll need to decide whether to self-host your blog or use a fully hosted platform. Fully hosted platforms usually require a small monthly fee, but going with a free platform is an option too. Most beginners prefer free, self-hosted platforms like WordPress.com and Blogger.
Here’s a list of some of the best blogging platforms, both paid and unpaid. If you’re serious about blogging, I recommend considering a paid option.
When you use a free platform, keep in mind that you’ll have to follow the platform’s rules, and it may be harder to make money. With paid hosting, you have more control and the potential for higher earnings
9. Do I Need to Be a Great Writer to Start a Blog?
Nope, being a fantastic writer isn’t a must for starting a blog.
Successful bloggers often say that it’s more about your passion for the topic and understanding your audience. While having a captivating writing style and telling compelling stories can be handy, they aren’t required from the get-go.
There are plenty of tools available to help you get better at writing over time. With practice, patience, dedication, and a willingness to learn, anyone can become a good writer.
So, don’t let the fear of not being a wordsmith stop you from diving into blogging.
10. Do I Have to Reveal My Identity as an Online Blogger?
Nope, you don’t have to spill the beans about your identity when you start a blog.
You can keep things anonymous if that’s your preference. However, it’s worth noting that having a unique online persona can make people take you more seriously and trust your content. But hey, if you’d rather stay incognito, that’s perfectly okay.
As long as your content is interesting, informative, and engaging, your readers can enjoy your blog without needing to know who you are.
Summary
So, you want to start a blog? It’s actually not as tough as it might seem.
The challenging parts usually involve things like figuring out what to write, getting other websites to link to yours, and making money from your blog. But don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you.
Your success in blogging boils down to two main things: how quickly you can publish content and build links. This is what gets you on the first page of Google and helps you earn through affiliate marketing.
Here’s a quick recap of the seven steps:
Choose a niche.
Pick a name for your blog and get web hosting.
Install WordPress (a blogging platform).
Choose a theme for your blog.
Add useful plugins to WordPress.
Create awesome content.
Promote your blog.
But let’s be clear, making your first blog successful takes some serious effort.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of blogging, check out my other guides on:
How to Make Money with Your Blog
Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Blogging
Now, it’s your turn. Why not take the plunge and start your blog today?
Begin your blogging journey with Hostinger and enjoy a 75% discount on your hosting plan, just $2.99 per month.
I’m a tech entrepreneur, digital content creator, and YouTuber with 9 years of experience in website development.
I’ve tested lots of tools, software, services, and products to make my work easier. Now, I want to share my knowledge with others.
I aim to help beginners create their own online businesses, websites, blogs, & online stores using the right products, tools, and services, all without any coding skills.
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