How to Start a Blog?
Before you start a blog, think what is your goal or your purpose first. Is it just purely for fun, for showcasing your arts or your portfolio, collection of poems or lyrics, or whatever the reason is and earning through blog is not the main reason then you can start a blog in any different free blogging platforms like blogger.com and wordpress.com. Adding blog to any of these platform is easy; just explore and you`ll eventually learn.
However, if you want to get a passive income out from your blog then better invest time and money as you start. Here’s a concise step on how to start a blog.
- Think of a niche. It should be something that you are interested so that you will not ran out of ideas on what to post. Having a specific topic in your blog will let your follower know what they expect from your blog. You can also have a personal or general blog which you can add posts anything under the sun. But some advertisers prefer blog with a specific niche.
- Think of a title for your blog. It should be catchy and easy to remember; it should tell exactly what you will be blogging on that blog.
- Buy a domain name. Usually advertisers prefer blogs with their own domain name. You can choose .com, .net, .info to name a few. Dot com (.com) is the most popular but is the most expensive.I suggest that your title should also be in your domain name so that it will be easily remember. For example, if your title is “Blogger Goddess” then your domain should be bloggergoddess.com (in case you want the .com) and as possible make it short.
- Invest for a self-hosted blog. It’s like buying a web server space from a web hosting provider. There are individuals who offer web hosting services in a very reasonable price. But always choose reliable and affordable web hosting provider.
- Once your blog is up then you are ready to make your first post. Update it regularly, connect with other bloggers, and use networking sites to advertise your blog. Because earning through blog requires a good statistics. Meaning if your site has good traffic or you’ve got plenty of unique visitors then advertiser will choose your blog to promote their product or ask you to link their site.
Hope this will help you as you start your journey in the blogosphere.
March 2nd, 2012 at 11:09 am
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March 2nd, 2012 at 1:56 pm
Those are some great tips. I use blogspot it is free and I mostly post product reviews and other posts like free samples etc. I have not tried to earn money from it maybe I should.
Easy2Save recently posted..Join Style Society Today
March 2nd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
Great beginner tips, Yannie.
Angie Nelson recently posted..Virtual Assistant Needed Leads: March 2
March 2nd, 2012 at 10:41 pm
Thanks for some good starter tips!
Deedra recently posted..Crocheted Adventure Time Fiona Hat
March 3rd, 2012 at 2:42 am
Great tips! My niche has changed over the years since I first set up my blog, but the original idea is there, I’ve just now expanded on it!
Katie recently posted..Idol – Top 13 Boys and Top 12 Girls
March 3rd, 2012 at 2:49 am
Starting a blog is a lot of work, but it can be a lot of fun, too. It’s nice to have a pulpit to get all those random thoughts (around a theme, of course) out of your head.
Erin O’Riordan recently posted..WIP Wednesday, plus some very cool Kindle Fire covers
March 3rd, 2012 at 4:25 am
Great tips, do you have a favorite web host that you recommend people should use when getting started with their self hosted blog? Also, do you think a person should, along with registration of the dot.com URL also get the dot.net and dot.org as is sometimes recommended by the domain registrar?
Starlene recently posted..7 Reasons I Wish I’d Been Willing to Change
March 3rd, 2012 at 5:10 am
What great tips i could have done with them when I started out. I did get help but then got left to cope. I know Ive made mistakes and Im still learning everyday.
March 3rd, 2012 at 8:44 am
Me as well. I should have invested for domains and web hosting when I started.
March 3rd, 2012 at 8:54 am
I suggest you go for big companies like Hostgator for your web hosting. But if you want really cheap there are individuals who do web hosting services like http://www.moms-hosting.com and http://www.888host.net/. My blogs are hosted by those two web hosting service. So far I have no problem with their services.
For your second question,there’s no need to buy other domain. Dot.com itself is enough.
March 3rd, 2012 at 8:56 am
I agree with you erin. When I started it’s just for the school requirement, no pressure. but when i started to monetize my blog I have to double my effort
March 3rd, 2012 at 8:56 am
It’s really hard to stick on a niche.
March 3rd, 2012 at 8:58 am
There are legitimate sites that offers you to do paid post. I have a list of this site at http://www.lifeascending.info/online-earning-programs/
March 3rd, 2012 at 9:37 pm
Great info for a new blogger!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Comparison: The Thief of Joy
March 4th, 2012 at 3:40 am
Since I am just starting up, I don’t really have anything to add. Thanks for your tips tho.
March 4th, 2012 at 6:59 am
Yannie,
as Katie said, you can expand on a niche — find different angles and branch out.
For example, my two main subjects are writing and Greece. Look what one can come up with:
Greek myths and folk tales, Greek writers, language and writing, contemporary global or personal issues as seen through a Greek perspective, comparisons between foreign- and Greek-speaking writers — and I’m thinking about adding Greek music to the mix.
This is not self-promotional
I just wanted to show that there are more possibilities than you may think of at the beginning.
Eleni Poulakou recently posted..Parthenon wasn’t built in a day
March 4th, 2012 at 7:33 am
Great started and reminder points.
life just saying recently posted..Devastating Tornadoes in Indiana and Kentucky
March 4th, 2012 at 8:37 am
I am so glad I switched to a self-hosted blog. I am much more visable to search engines now, and I love the options I have with self-hosted wordpress!
Anjanette recently posted..Faith Like A Child
March 4th, 2012 at 9:33 am
I agree it takes a lot of time and work to get a good amount of traffic to your blog.
Katie recently posted..March Money Saving *Challenge*
March 4th, 2012 at 10:34 am
I have been blogging just over a year and I use blogger but I do know I now need to buy the domain and that blogger stops me from getting some of the things I would like to get so now I am getting a new blog and working on a Niche so I can buy the domain name as the one I have does not fit in with what I would like to portray.
Glenda Cates recently posted..Walk & Work With Style Udated
March 4th, 2012 at 2:47 pm
This is my first week of blogging. I think I’ve followed most of your tips. I’m really looking forward to the weeks/months ahdead…
Lou Lou recently posted..The Crown of Fun
March 4th, 2012 at 9:12 pm
great article – let it also be noted that the reason one should INVEST in a SELF-hosted blog as opposed to a wordpress.com or something similar – WordPress.com has all your content, you can’t run ads on a wordpress.com page, they could go down at any time….
andrea recently posted..$2.00 REACH Toothbrush Coupon
March 5th, 2012 at 12:38 am
I think passion is often overlooked. I have a friend who wants to blog but cannot make it work because she says that she cannot figure out what people want to read. That is not the goal. To start a blog, you have to just want to write about your passion. Readers will follow.
Tabitha (a.k.a. Penny) recently posted..Weekend Potluck: March 2nd ~ March 4th
March 5th, 2012 at 2:21 am
I agree that a niche can be helpful- -but my advice would be not to get too stuck on that niche. Unless it is a topic that is constantly evolving and changing you could easily run out of ideas to write about. I think sometimes shaking it up a bit can be beneficial too!
Kerry recently posted..Stay tuned
March 5th, 2012 at 2:34 am
Those are some great tips! I think the most important one is to have a self hosted blog. I pay about $6 a month for mine. Well worth the investment in my opinion.
March 5th, 2012 at 3:03 am
Great post. This should help many people looking to start a blog of their own.
Kecia recently posted..Upcoming Baby Birthday Giveaway Event
March 5th, 2012 at 3:18 am
I find that it is hard to reach the advertisers I want. I have been researching and working on it and this blogelina event is sure helping me pick up on a few tips as well!
March 5th, 2012 at 3:19 am
great tips. especially about getting your own URL!!
March 5th, 2012 at 3:22 am
Good list for the beginner. It would be nice to follow this post with the next steps once you have started your blog. Good luck to you.
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted..The Half Way Mom
March 5th, 2012 at 5:52 am
All good tips for the beginner blogger. I transfered over to WP. It’s a lot of work but a lot of fun. Great post!
cooking lady recently posted..Healthy Eating At Home
March 5th, 2012 at 6:19 am
Great ideas I have followed all of these suggestions and so far so good.
Shelly recently posted..Meals for the Week of 3/4
March 5th, 2012 at 7:35 am
I’ve been working these same steps and finally launched my blog
themommyjob.com
Mary @ The Mommy Job recently posted..5 Ways to Overcome Mundane Mommy Moments
March 5th, 2012 at 8:11 am
Great tips! I think I’ve done all of them in starting my blog. Now I’m just trying to work on getting my ads to work!
Erin @ My Mommy World recently posted..95% off at CVS!!
March 5th, 2012 at 8:40 am
Good tips. Some bloggers have started with one topic and expanded to several others. One very well known and successful blogger is The Pioneer Woman. She started out with a blog just for her family and friends and became wildly successful. Now she has the personal section, photography, recipes, homeschooling and probably more by now.
I hear she is making close to a million a year in blogging. Pretty cool what can be done with a blog.
Mrs. Accountability recently posted..10 Things We Hate Spending Our Hard Earned Money On
March 5th, 2012 at 9:20 am
Some great tips there for people who are just starting out! Thanks for sharing!
Jill recently posted..A Round Tuit 91 – and another fabulous GIVEAWAY!
March 5th, 2012 at 9:25 am
I just started blogging, so these tips are very helpful, thanks!
March 5th, 2012 at 9:41 am
Very helpful post. I use wordpress for publishing and Host Gator as my host. I really enjoy blogging and building a community but had no idea the amount of time that is involved when I first started. Since then I have managed to find a nice balance that works for me.
Britni @ Our Eventual Homestead recently posted..Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day – A Video!
March 5th, 2012 at 9:52 am
Good thoughts. I wish I had known to go with self hosted from the beginning! Oh well, better late than never.
Printable Decor
Saved By Love Creations
Johnnie recently posted..Chocolate Peanut Butter Nests
March 5th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
I defiently agree with purchasing a domain name. Websites with the .blogspot address just seem… Weak? I’m not sure what the word I’m looking for is, but having your own domain is definetly beneficial.
Jeanette recently posted..My Horoscope just made me chuckle
March 5th, 2012 at 10:38 pm
I have just started my blog. I think you mentioned most of what I did
Krystle recently posted..Fertility Signs: You Want Me to Stick My Finger Where?
March 6th, 2012 at 1:42 am
Like others here, I’m very happy that I switched to a self-hosted WordPress blog. There is so much more freedom in terms of designing the website and using various plugins to enhance the site.
-Viva recently posted Homemade Pizza Dough
March 6th, 2012 at 7:45 am
Thanks for the tips.
March 6th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
Great ideas for those just starting out. Very helpful.
Dianna @ practicing frugal recently posted..The Basics of Coupons: Ideas for Getting More Coupons
March 6th, 2012 at 1:44 pm
Excellent tips, thanks!
March 7th, 2012 at 3:04 am
A great bunch of tips for the beginning blogger! Thanks so much for sharing!
suzy
Suzy recently posted..Come see where I am today!
March 7th, 2012 at 5:05 am
It always looks so easy when you read this list – until you begin and realize how much work is involved in each step!!!
March 7th, 2012 at 9:47 am
Great starting tips. Thanks for sharing your expertise. Have a great day.
March 7th, 2012 at 10:11 am
Great tips! I definitely agree with #3 and #4 if you really want to own your content!
March 7th, 2012 at 11:13 am
Great post. Another key thing is to stick with it and be consistent over a long period of time. This will build value for people and develop followers.
Carrie recently posted..Can you handle it?
March 7th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Finding a niche is often the hardest part! Ultimately, there is a sense of community within each niche that makes it worthwhile.
March 7th, 2012 at 3:36 pm
I started my blog for a few reasons, one of which was to learn something new this year. And boy oh boy has that been the case. I really should have done more research into what it took, but decided to just jump in and learn.
I think you gave some great tips. Thanks for sharing with those who may be looking to start a blog.
See You In the Garden recently posted..Weekly Goals – March 4, 2012
March 8th, 2012 at 1:09 am
I think I’m getting pretty close to purchasing my own domain and switching to self-hosting. Thanks for the reminders!
Krissy @ B.Inspired Mama recently posted..Shamrock Name Fishing Game
March 8th, 2012 at 1:12 am
Great advice for blogging newbies! Have a terrific day!
Making Our Life Matter recently posted..Blast From The Past~Weekend Adventure
March 8th, 2012 at 1:23 am
Bluehost.com has been fantastic. Having hosted my site through them for the past year, I have only had one known down time for 5 minutes. Very solid company with which I recommend.
Tracy @ usingtimewisely.com recently posted..Party Ideas: St. Patrick’s Day 2012
March 8th, 2012 at 2:06 am
If you want to make money from a blog, you definitely have to invest the time. I find that you don’t have to invest a whole lot of money though. Some yes, but not a lot. For me blogging is really just more for fun, and making a little extra money is a nice perk.
Adelina Priddis recently posted..Continuing Education and changing the world
March 8th, 2012 at 2:34 am
I’m enjoying your blogging comments. I love to read others opinions! I have come from Blogelinas 100 comment hop, and now continue to hop!! Now that we met come follow me…… on my….. GFC….Oh! My Heartsie
@Oh! My Heartsie
Karren
Karren recently posted..Happy Hump Day Weekly Link Up #9
March 8th, 2012 at 2:57 am
These are actually really good tips. When I started my blog, it was just for my own whatever. It’s more of a personal blog and has changed some. But I have been toying with the idea of a blog that is more streamlined….I am thinking of the niche I want to have. Thanks so much!!
Jamie recently posted..March Goals
March 8th, 2012 at 3:21 am
Great tips! I just started and had no idea what I was doing – I wasn’t trying to make money, though, just doing it for fun. And it’s been great fun for two years already!
Judith recently posted..Book Review: Blameless by Gail Carriger
March 8th, 2012 at 3:35 am
Great list, I’d like to add patience to the list! A blog takes TIME!
Carolynn @mylittlebitoflife.com recently posted..Split Negative
March 8th, 2012 at 8:41 am
Great beginner tips – thank you
Layne Lanpher recently posted..What Are You Reading Wednesdays (on time this time!)
March 8th, 2012 at 9:26 am
These are great start-up tips – thanks for sharing!
Dawn Storey recently posted..Featured on BlogHer – Part 2?!
March 8th, 2012 at 9:51 am
Thanks for the great tips. Wish I had that when I started. I’m still new so hopefully I’ll see sequels to this posting from you!
Kathy (Kangaroo Mama) recently posted..Happy Belated 16 Month Birthday Baby Roo!
March 8th, 2012 at 10:48 am
I wish I had known to buy my own domain when I started. Thanks for sharing this post!
Blessings
LaVonne recently posted..St. Patrick’s Day For Kids
March 8th, 2012 at 11:41 pm
Great article! I agree to connect with other bloggers, you can get some awesome leads that way, not to mention some great new friends!
Stacie recently posted..John Carter
March 9th, 2012 at 12:47 am
Great tips! These would have been helpful when I first started blogging.
Tiffany recently posted..Healthy Pantry Must-Haves
March 9th, 2012 at 2:52 am
great post for new bloggers! I remember just starting out and not knowing where to turn.
clarissa recently posted..Learn How to Monetize Your Blog – FREE Year of Hosting for Signing Up!
March 9th, 2012 at 3:45 am
Personally, I think people should start off with a free site first, just to make sure they like blogging and are willing to put the time into it. You don’t want to waste the money on a domain and hosting only to find out in a month or so that you really don’t make the time to work on the blog.
Jessica, The Debt Princess recently posted..Women’s Money Week: My Story about Saving Money
March 9th, 2012 at 10:04 am
This is how Busy Mom on the Go got started!! All great points for new bloggers to consider!
March 10th, 2012 at 10:55 am
nice tips for newbies:)
jenivieve recently posted..Restaurant Woes: Does Your Little One Let You Eat?
March 10th, 2012 at 8:46 pm
Great advice for those just starting out. I think figuring out your niche or theme is one of the most important things you need to do first. This will guide all your content.
March 10th, 2012 at 11:31 pm
What a great intro to blogging. I like how you stated that if you would like to earn income then do it this way. Because there is a slight difference if your goal is to not earn any income.
~Allie
Allie | Ramblings of a WAHM recently posted..Blogging Success: Failure Is Success
March 11th, 2012 at 5:24 am
Great tips! i’d also add that they need to decide on how frequently they want to blog, daily, weekly, etc. Set goals for what you want your blog to do and work toward it.
I also recommend joining blogging communities to gain support and friendships. These come in handy when you need support or help with ideas or how to do something on a blog, you can ask your friends in your communities.
March 12th, 2012 at 9:50 am
Great beginner tips!
April H recently posted..The Best Meals Happen at Home – $25 Publix Giftcard Giveaway
March 12th, 2012 at 10:07 am
great advice! thanks and i will take be sure to do some of these things. especially monetizing