How to start a blog:10 Things you should know before starting a blog
Before You Start a Blog: 10 Things You Need to Know
Starting your own blog can seem like an overwhelming task, especially if you’ve never done it before or aren’t sure where to start with the process. Here are 10 things you need to know before you get started with your own blog that will make the process much easier and less stressful for you.
Choosing a Domain Name
Your domain name is your identity in cyberspace, so it’s important that you choose something memorable. But make sure it’s available! There are lots of names already taken and many services offer stopping rights for your name so you can secure it before anyone else.
Choosing a Hosting Company
Depending on your needs, there are different hosting companies out there that will offer you varying levels of security, speed and cost. It’s wise to do some research beforehand so you can make an informed decision as you set up your business online. If possible, have one site hosted on a well-known provider like Google or Microsoft and another on a lesser-known host. If something happens on one side, you can use it as leverage to get better service from your host.
WordPress vs. Blogger vs. Tumblr
Unless you’re comfortable coding your own website (and let’s be honest, who is?), WordPress is by far your best option. It provides one-click installation and has hundreds of free themes and plugins that allow you to customize your site exactly how you want it. Some of these options will cost money, but there are plenty of completely free sites available.
What Content Will I Post?
Before you start a business of any kind, whether it’s running an online business or any other type of business, it’s important to know what kind of content your potential customers will be looking for. Content is everything when you’re running an online business. Remember – people only come back to websites that deliver information that is either very useful or entertaining – two things your content has to be if you want people reading it on a regular basis and taking action on your links.
Which Design Should I Use?
Choosing a design for your new website is extremely important—you have only one chance to make an impression. Don’t go for something generic; think about what you want your audience to take away from your site and choose a template that reflects it. If you want them to feel like they’re getting helpful advice from friends, then stay away from anything too flashy and opt for something clean.
Where Can I Find Pictures?
Finding free stock images can be tricky, but with some digging you should be able to find exactly what you need. A Google Image search of your topic might yield some useful results; if not, there are tons of sites online where people post their own photos—from Flickr and Pinterest to Tumblr and Reddit. This is an especially good option for photographers who want specific photos (like shots of their baby or food they’ve cooked) featured on their website.
What About Traffic?
Traffic is essential for any website—if no one ever visits your site, then you can’t expect people to stick around and subscribe. There are plenty of ways to attract visitors, including paying for ads, SEO or email marketing campaigns, but at some point in your blogging career, you will have to rely on organic traffic. It’s essentially free and comes from search engines like Google—or referrals from other sites with similar content.
Do I Need an Editor?
The best way to make sure your content is free of errors and ready for publication is by having an editor look it over. An editor will ensure that your work is clear, concise, and generally grammatically correct. If you don’t have access to an editor or are just starting out, though, take advantage of online programs such as Grammarly that allow you to check your grammar and spelling without actually editing content (and costing you money). The more eyes on your work before publication, the better.
How Much Will This Cost Me?
There are three ways you can make money blogging: display advertising, affiliate marketing and sponsorships. The cost varies from one niche to another. However, blogs dedicated solely to topics like fashion tend to make more money per page than blogs about personal finance. We’ll cover how much you can expect your potential revenue stream in each area below.