Do you want to inspire, help, or create?
Then, it sounds like you should consider blogging.
Clearly, the life of a blogger is one you’d enjoy.
Nothing beats the Adrenalin rush of empowering others.
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Many decisions need to be made and questions answered.
It’s true. By the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll be able to start a blog in 8 easy steps.
Note these comments:
“I have a WordPress account and besides Publishers Clearing House I have no idea what to use the account on or with; oh, I would love some info on this.” (Source: Twitter.com)
Steps for Starting a Blog:
Step 1. Pick a niche
A niche is the content area you will be writing about.
Your niche should be broad enough that you have subtopics you can write articles about.
For example, my umbrella topic is blogging. My subtopics include blogging tips, social media tips, technology for bloggers, productivity for bloggers, and SEO.
Make sure your umbrella topic is one you have extensive knowledge about and interests you.
For example, I feel I’m knowledgeable about blogging even though I’m a history teacher. I attend webinars and read a great deal, so I feel I’m qualified to offer tips to others.
Step 2. Make sure there is a market for your content
In fact, since I’m a Medieval Times history teacher, I was initially interested in connecting events of the Middle Ages to the politics of today. My niche may have been too specific. I could not find an audience. Now I blog about blogging. There are so many blogs, I’ve been able to generate traction.
How can you make sure there is interest in your topic?
Buzzsumo can tell you but it’s a paid tool. Google Trends is a great free resource. Free keyword tools will tell you monthly search volume as well as online competition for readers.
8 Simple Steps to Start a Blog. #Blogging #Blogtips #Bloggers Click To TweetStep 3. Pick a content management system (also called a CMS)
Where will you publish your blog post articles? Many content management systems exist online where you can publish. I recommend WordPress.org. Serious bloggers blog there. I realize you may just be starting your blogging journey, but once you migrate to WordPress.org, there’s baggage that you carry around. In other words, you’re still affected by your time at the old site.
I recall when I moved to WordPress, I lost my Blogger followers. They didn’t migrate with the rest of my site.
You can also read:
- Content Marketing Tools that every Blogger needs
- 14 ways to find best Blog post ideas
- The ultimate Guide to Content SEO
Step 4. If you start at a dot org site, you need to pick a host
Do your research and choose a host that’s right for you. How much memory (bandwidth) will your budget allow? There are blogging bills to consider especially once you move to a dot org site.
Related: Where to start a blog
Step 5. You will need to choose a theme and learn to use it
A theme is like a template. It’s the look of your blog. Have fun browsing through theme galleries as you choose a look that’s right for you.
Step 6. Start writing
It doesn’t have to be perfect to be done.
Step 7. Promote everywhere and see where your content resonates
I interviewed 50 experts and asked which social media app is the best. Their answers indicate which apps are the most helpful for bloggers. Learn from their experience and promote where they promote.
Step 8. Learn SEO
Without search engine optimization, your content will wither on the proverbial shelf. After initial interest, no one will see the writing you worked so hard to craft.
On the other hand, if you optimize for search engines, people could be coming to your site for years and reading your posts.
Wrapping Up
These are my top 8 suggestions for starting a new blog.
Blogging has many advantages, but as you see from my tips, there are many decisions to be made.
Being a blogger is fun, emotionally rewarding, you meet interesting people from all over the world online, and you have a chance to make some money as well.
Now that you’ve read these suggestions for starting a blog, you’re ready.
Use this list as a checklist of steps and take them in order.
Before long, you’ll be welcoming visitors to your blog, responding to comments, and writing your own guest post.
Related: 7 Blogging Tools that every Professional Blogger needs
About the Author:
Janice Wald is a speaker, blogger, blogging coach, author, and freelance writer. Come to her site, MostlyBlogging.com. Where you can sign up to receive more blogging tips, you’ll receive a PDF of 123 blogging tools to save you hours of time.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on them, and proceed to make a purchase, I will earn commission.
I appreciate the great links! Very helpful.
Thanks for reading Kelley!
These are some great tips! Definitely covers all the bases for blog start up. Thanks for sharing.
Welcome!
Step 7 is very very important. I talk, eat, and sleep my blog.Promo 24/7
Thanks for visiting.
I always love reading your blog post because it so helpful!
Appreciated.
WOW! What an incredible post. Your tips are spot on. Wish I would have read this before starting my blog.
–
Gabby
Appreciated.
Very valuable advice about blogging.
I love this post!
Kelle – http://www.itskellesspace.com
Thanks Kelle!
Great post John! Your blog is definitely a go to for any business/website creating advice! I already have a blog but am constantly trying to improve my work and even still, this post really helped me!
Thanks again for sharing!
Ashleigh x
http://www.thestoryofashleighdavis.com
Hi Ashleigh, I appreciate your insightful comments. Welcome.
Welcome.
Great tips on blogging as beginner!
Appreciated.
These are great easy steps to help someone who is thinking of starting a blog. Thank you for sharing
Thanks for dropping by. You are most welcomed.
My sister has been putting off starting her blog since last year. I’ll be sure to send this link to her for motivation! Thanks!
Hi, I appreciate your feedback. How I hope she can be inspired by a post like this, and get started now.
I actually know someone who is in the process of starting a blog now. I will have to forward this article to her. I believe she will find this very helpful!
Hi Albany, Happy New Year, and thanks for the feedback.
All 8 tips are excellent! Great read for new bloggers!
Hi Lacy, your feedback well appreciated.
Hi John,
This looks great! I love this! Thank you for hosting me today! Off to share!
Janice
Hi Janice, my audience always love your posts, they are very informative with great details for bloggers to succeed online. Thanks.
Hey, John. Thanks for another useful post for those interested in getting into blogging. We all start somewhere, and you’re offering good advice to beginners.
Hi Steve, your feedback is well taken in. Thanks for reading.
Great information for newbie and not so newbie
Hi Janice, thanks for dropping by.
Excellent step-by-step guidance to get your blog up and running fast. If you were wondering where to start, this article will definitely help! Thanks, John, this is a very informative article.
Hi Shirley, I appreciate your positive feedback. Happy New Year!
I love this site as a blogger! Some many great articles to learn from. Thanks John keep up the great work!
Hey Keith, thanks for the feedback. Welcome.
Picking a niche you LOVE makes all the difference on earth, John. Keeps you moving forward because you will always be fueled for your journey. Rocking post here. Thank you.
Hi Ryan, Happy New Year, thanks very much for being a loyal reader of Business and Life Tips Blog. Yes, Blogging around a topic you are passionate about is the key to succeeding and having that drive to keep blogging.