Blogging 101
So, you want to start a Blog? Well, you've come to the right place!
I've had this Lifestyle blog a little over a year now, and recently created a Finance Blog, called, Money Motivation Mindset. Which you can click on the blue highlighted area, if that's something you might find helpful.
During this entire time, I haven't released an article yet on how others can start up their very own blog as well.
And I couldn't think of a better day than to write about it now!
I hope you have paper and pen in hand, and your favorite drink in the other, because I suggest you get comfy and excited on all the steps and tips, you'll learn today to start YOUR Blogging career! That's entirely unique to your passions.
I also have the Write Your Life with Astria Mikaelson Podcast, where you can click here, to listen to such content like this and be notified for when new and exciting things to come!
Alright, let's get to it, shall we? Here are the steps and useful tips I've used in my Blogging journey, and I hope it's helpful to you on yours!
First off
When you go to a blog, what do you notice first? I'll tell you what they all have in common. And that is helpfulness. Every single blog has something that will be helpful to another person.
You will want to be as creative and unique as possible, when sharing your passions with the world!
When you are in the beginning, of the thought process you could say, you will need to pic a niche. Whatever you have the most passion about, go for that!
It could be about beauty, travel, wellness, etc. The possibilities are nearly endless.
Research
The best advice I can give, is simply to do your research!
Really dive into the web and weigh the pros and cons beforehand and see what works best for you.
When it comes to picking a platform for your blog, you know what ya gotta do? Research.
It's a lifesaver, my friend.
And there are quite a few out there. However, if you are just starting out, I would offer up the idea of trying Wix .com to see if it's right for you. It's quick and easy to use.
You can start with the free version, and if you decide blogging is right up your ally, then you can switch to the paid version. (Pro tip: watch out for when they have their 50% off sale! and switch then. Usually, it's once a month I have seen it pop up.)
(And if you want to make money with your blog, you will need to switch to the paid version. Like most blog do, such as with affiliate marketing and running ads.)
Put A Name On It!
When it comes to choosing a name for your blog, have fun with it! and don't rush this part of the process.
(Another pro tip: make something up that is catchy, and somewhere indicates what your niche is.)
Make sure, once again, do your research, and make sure the name you want is not already in use. You don't want a lawsuit on your hands down the road.
I remember back when it came time for me to figure out what I was going to call mine.
It wasn't until through trial and error and a lot of brainstorming, when my mom and I came up with the names.
So, no worries and know you will figure it all out!
One thing I have learned, is that if after a while you still find yourself getting excited about your blog and writing, that's a wonderful indicator that you are on the right path.
The Process
When people ask on how long it usually takes to start up the blog, well it took me a good month to figure out everything I felt I need to know and do, in order to have the blog up and running.
BUT it depends on what you already know, what you have yet to learn and how much you are willing to put into it.
Just like any career, you have to put in the time and love, for it to thrive.
Once you have all of this done, it's time to write your very first blog article!! Congrats!
This is a great time to mark it on your calendar and create a posting schedule.
This will not only help keep you organized, but it will be easier for search engines to find you.
Promoting time.
Finally, the last step. You can now promote your beautiful blog everywhere. And I mean EVERYWHERE.
Don't be shy. Be excited and proud of what you have accomplished and share it with others. Share it with your friends and family.
(Last pro tip: I created an Instagram, Facebook page and Pinterest accounts just for the blog. Pinterest is the BEST app to get a lot of eyes on your work. Post consistently and create fresh content to share. And before you know it, you will start to see visitors from all over the world. As long as you are consistent.
At least that's what happened for me.)
Another thing you should know, is you shouldn't feel bad at all, for showing people.
You should be happy to share your ideas and what you have to offer them.
Who knows, your blog might be exactly what they have been looking for!
Making Money
Blogging can be lucrative, but it takes time. Once all of the following steps are accomplished, now you can look into ways to bring in some money, with affiliate marketing and ads.
When choosing an ad to display on your blog, be choosy and make sure it fits with your Theam.
For ex: If you have a cooking blog, you might want an add that displays kitchen wear. You wouldn't want airline ads popping up. The kitchen wear goes much better with the overall look and since your readers are there for recipes and such, they will probably click on an ad related to your niche and something that isn't.
And that way, when someone click on the link, and buys something, you can earn a commission.
Just make sure you have it written somewhere on your blog that states, that you earn a commission, and you use adds and affiliate marketing. Your discloser policies and such.
Google ad sense, is probably the best one for ads to start out with. One, it's free, and two, you don't need a lot of viewers before starting. (Like other out there require.)
Although, like everything else I have mentioned previously, make sure to do your research. Especially when it comes to money.
And for Affiliate Links, you can check out Impact .com or Partner Stack .com or Amazon associates .com. and/or Click Bank .com
Lastly
If you have heard the old saying, "Blogging is dead." I am here to tell you that this is a lie.
Blogging is very much alive and thriving, might I add.
If you really think that this might be the career path for you, then go for it and don't give up!
"Because learning success beforehand, will help pave the road for future success." -A.
I hope you loves have had a pleasant day and have found this article helpful in some way. And until next time, Xx. -A
Currently: I am writing this very late on Tuesday, hoping to get it out before the clock strikes midnight and it's the next day. But if it happens to go out tomorrow, so be it lol.
Today, my mom and I rewatched Shadow and Bone on Netflix, (One of our absolute favorites!) And had a wonderful day. It was the sort of day that is relaxing, yet productive.
When the morning light wakes me from my slumber, and after a nice cup of coffee, I will put more work into writing A Mystical Romance! That way it's ready to go out this Spring.
But for now, as I sit on my bed, typing away, listening to the crickets chirping their songs that only they know the words and melody's too, I will take calming comfort in what has been done and what awaits me in night and day.
Goodnight, or Goodmorning to you, whichever one is closer to when you get to read this. Xx.
This is great advice for bloggers or anyone thinking about getting into the blogging game but not sure where to start. I hope your having an excellent week.