I recently had lunch with a friend who wanted to start blogging professionally. I gave her some of what I consider “blogging for beginners” advice, then thought, why not share those tips here on my blog to help others?!
Blogging for Beginners
So many people blog for different reasons – as part of their current job, to make money, and as a hobby are the three most common answers, I assume. Regardless of your why, these steps will help you get started and maintain your blog over time.
Where will your blog be?
Before you begin blogging, you need to know where you’re going to blog. My friend is planning on blogging professionally on a company’s website, but many people want their own space. In that case, you have a few options.
I use WordPress. When it comes to the online world, WordPress is the most recognized and arguably the best platform to be on. The only problem? You’ll most likely need a website developer to help you get it up and running.
If you want to try to take a stab at creating your site yourself, there are plenty of sites to choose from – Squarespace, Wix, Weebly, and the list goes on. I created this entire site on Weebly in two hours. The drag and drop format is idiot proof. (If I can do it, anyone can.)
If you don’t want to commit to a website, check out a place like Medium or the post section on your LinkedIn page.
What’s your blog called?
When you decide where you want your blog to live, you may get a deal on a domain. If not, it’s no big deal. They are usually just $12 a year and you can buy them in a variety of places like GoDaddy, Bluehost, and Google.
When it comes to choosing your domain, Brandon Gaille from the Blog Millionaire is an expert, but here are some quick tips:
- Apply SEO keyword research
- Try to go after a .com ending
- Avoid using – (dashes)
- Make sure it fits your niche
- Buy your name as a domain and redirect it (Have you tried ChristinaNicholson.com? Hi again.)
What’s your blog’s niche?
Since it’s #4 above, it makes sense to make this the next step. When I started Mascara Maven, I had no idea what I wanted to blog about it. Everything I posted was so random. (It can still appear that way.) Here on Media Maven®, it’s all media focused.
Don’t do what I do on my lifestyle blog. Do what I do here – be niched.
I’ve heard the saying, “the riches are in the niches” and it’s very true. Again, whether or not this applies to you goes back to your why.
If you are just blogging as a hobby, then you can post whatever your heart desires whenever you want to. If you are trying to make money or build clientele, I suggest focusing on what you’re good at, what you’re passionate about, and what your expertise is. That makes a perfect niche!
[Tweet theme=”tweet-box-shadow”]Focus on what you’re good at, passionate about, and your expertise. That makes a perfect #blog #niche![/Tweet]
Get started!
Now, you have your website created. You have your domain. You have your niche. The only thing left to do is to get started. Write something and post it!
Believe it or not, this is where the real work starts.
When I got started, I learned a lot from other bloggers. Some were eager to help someone like me asking for beginner blogger tips. I also taught myself some technical stuff, social media strategies, SEO techniques, graphic design, etc. It all comes with time as you grow as a blogger.
You can find tons of advice online about how to monetize your blog, how to grow your following online, how to grow your email list, how to design the perfect about me page, and the list goes on. There is so much! If I only offered you one piece of advice, it’d be this – be consistent.
[Tweet theme=”tweet-box-shadow”]If I only offered you one piece of advice, it’d be this – be consistent. #blogging[/Tweet]
Be consistent.
Ask yourself this question, “How often can I research, write, and promote a blog post?” If the answer is three times a week, then you need to do this three times a week, every week. If the answer is once a month, then you need to do this once a month, every month.
In the process of blogging, you will build an audience and that audience will expect to see you online, with certain content, at certain times.
Here, it’s always Monday. On Mascara Maven, it’s always Friday.
So, now that you know what you need to do to get started blogging, what are you waiting for?
