How to Start a Blog

Many times a day the question comes across my desk, how does one start a blog like That Traveling Chick? A loaded question, that can have many answers but here I compiled the best how to start a blog guideline anyone can follow.

Many want to start a blog but have no idea how or where to start or what it can do for them. I started a blog to express myself and it turned into a career for the last 10+ years.

Start a Blog

Disclosure – This post How to Start a Blog contains affiliate links that when clicked generate a small commission for me at no additional cost to you.

What is a Blogger

I know there are many ways to describe what a blogger is and the description depends on who you ask. Some might say it’s a person who spends all day online writing reviews for companies. Or it’s a person who works for companies helping to promote their business or products. Many just don’t have a clue.

A blogger is many things. My take – A blogger is someone who is passionate about writing and putting their thoughts out there on social media platforms of all kinds. I don’t consider it blogging anymore and more so call it social media networking. But, many still call it blogging.

Can Anyone be a Blogger?

The simple answer is YES! The long answer is, if you are passionate about anything you can turn that passion into an online business. Just do some research on any social platform and you will see thousands and thousands doing just that, social media networking, and being paid for it.

To be a blogger you need to know the basics, take some quality online courses and learn from those who are doing it and have had some success.

I have been blogging for 10+ years, and while I may not be a top dog, I do know a thing or two so thought I would share my basics with you and let you take it from there.

First Step – How to Start a Blog

First, you will need to figure out what you want to blog about. Are you a niche blogger or do you want to cover many topics. Write down your ideas and start coming up with a name for your blog business. Head on over to GoDaddy and see if you can snag the name of your dreams.

 

Second Step

You have a domain you will need hosting and you can get low cost hosting with BlueHost. You can get hosting thru GoDaddy as well but Bluehost is my suggestion of the two.

I know you have probably seen there are free ways to blog, but unless you are doing it for fun, you never want to choose a free option. If you are running a business and want to earn an income, you need to use paid hosting.

Sites like Blogger or Blogspot are not for professional bloggers wanting to be taken serious. Hosting is a cheap investment to make into your blogging business.

 

 

Third Step

Picking what you will want your blog about is very important, but so is finding a theme and design that helps you attract readers. Studiopress offers many great low cost templates to choose from that are made for easy customizing.

 

 

Fourth Step

Once you have your domain name and your hosting in place you can begin setting up your new blog. I highly suggest you take some quality online ecourses in order to get on the right track right out the gate. This is something I never had access to 10+ years ago when I started, and how I wish I had.

There are literally hundreds of online training posts you will find if you search. But, I don’t want to see you spend all your time searching for the best ones, as I will share my favorites right here for you.

My recommended E Courses –

HerPaperRoute – My top recommended site for everything you need to learn about blogging.

Start a Money Making Blog – Free 5 Day Course

Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing – Highly recommend once your blog is set up.

Making Sense of Sponsored Posts –  Highly recommend once your blog is set up.

Blogging Blast Off  – A 30-day step-by-step plan for building the blog of your dreams.

Travel Blogging Fast Track – Everything You Need To Know About Travel Blogging.

These are the top ones I recommend to get started with.

 

Creating Content for your Blog

Many who start a blog do so because they are filled with the desire to write and have something to share with the world. But, many also start blogging because they want to just grow a business and earn money.

No matter why you start, blogging is a great way to either have an online journal, or a business. But, if it’s a business you want there might come a time you need help with content. Hiring a virtual assistant for content writing is a great idea.

Content creators are all over Facebook in many VA groups, but there are also many great places to buy content online. For food type content you can check out Kitchen Bloggers. There are also many great PLR sites like Piggy Makes Bank.

Buying content is a great way to keep content on your site. Just remember, PLR is meant to be edited to match your writing style or blog, while unique content written by a VA for your site can usually be places as is.

 

Additional Info on How to Start a Blog

When blogging you need to have great images to use to entice people to read your story. I use Canva.com or PicMonkey.com for all making of custom graphics used for all my posts and social media.

I also like to use Fiverr for things like help with graphics or setting up Facebook ads. Etsy also offers some great options for finding artists to make logos or layouts for your blog. Website tools like forms are a huge needed item to like Ninja Forms.

 

 

Many bloggers use tools also to help with speed and keeping the site running smooth, like WP Rocket. This is a favorite by me and my web host.

Once your blog is all set up and you start adding content you will want to track where you traffic comes from. I love MonsterInsights for just that. Low cost per year and very easy to use and track everything.

Final Thoughts on How to Start A Blog

Just because you build a blog and incorporate all the tools mentioned above, it doesn’t mean you will be making $50K a year or $50K a month or even $5 a day in the beginning. Being a blogger takes time, commitment and dedication. It’s not your normal 9-5 job.

I have spent hours and hours on my butt, at my desk, writing and writing and writing. Why? Because I like being my own boss. At any time I can get up off my butt, fix my own lunch, take my dogs for a walk, do my dishes or laundry, or take a nap if I want.

Working for myself as a blogger has opened many doors. It can for you too, just have to dig in and let your “want” take you places. Never compare yourself to others as every single blogger has their own way and their own successes.

Enjoy this journey and let your goals become your accomplishments! Please do reach out if you have questions or need help. I am an open book!