eMoneyIndeed Make Money Online
Blogging for Dummies: Must-Do Things to Get Started
So, you want to be a blogger, huh?
If done right, blogging can be a great way to share your expertise, opinions, and advice. You can also find ways to monetize your blog and turn it into some serious cash.
But, how will you do it? We created a blogging for dummies guide to help you get started.
Read on for 6 things you must do first.
#1. Build a Website
First things first, build your blog! One of the first decisions you’ll have to make is where you want to host your blog website. The most popular content management system (CMS) that bloggers use is WordPress. In fact, 43.2 percent of all websites used WordPress in 2022.
The next decision you’ll have to make is a domain. A domain is a URL that you want readers to type to get to your blog. Most web hosting service providers will allow you to purchase a domain for an annual fee & this also applies to companies that offer cheap WordPress services which you might think makes buying a domain not part of what they offer.
Your domain should be memorable, short and easy to spell. Choosing the right domain may be the hardest part of this Blogging for Dummies guide. Choose wisely!
#2. Create Content Strategy
Once your site is created, it’s time to create some content!
What do you want to write about? If you’re unsure, you may need to find your niche. Your niche should be something that you enjoy talking and writing about.
Don’t choose your niche based on what you think will make you famous or wealthy. If you choose a niche that you aren’t knowledgeable or passionate about, it will be harder to keep your blog afloat.
Aside from your niche, part of your strategy is to think about your audience. Who are you trying to reach?
If your answer is everyone, think again. If you target everyone, you will reach no one. Try to think of a certain type of person that you believe would find the most value in your content.
When you figure out your audience, you’ll be able to create content that truly speaks to them.
The final part of your strategy is to determine your plan for content creation. How often will you publish on your blog? Create a plan to publish content at a cadence that is feasible for you.
#3. Create Content
Now, let’s start blogging. Once you have a site and a strategy, it’s time to start writing.
When writing blogs, you need to focus on two main things:
- Title: The title of your blog post is the first thing your readers will see. Make sure your title reels the reader in from the start. However, don’t make a promise that you can’t deliver in the blog.
- Content: Your content is what is going to help you acquire loyal readers. The content you create should always be helpful to the reader.
If you get stuck on what to write, ask your readers! Check the comments section of your blogs to see what questions they are asking.
You can also check social media hashtags to see what is trending in your niche. Create content around those hot topics.
A grammar checker tool can check your content for grammar mistakes and can suggest you style to write better. Just type or paste text and click on each highlighted word for better alternatives.
After you write your first blog, hit publish to release it to the world!
#4. Promote Content
It would be a mistake not to include promotion in a Blogging for Dummies guide. No blog can be successful without marketing.
Since there is a large number of blogs online, you have to make sure yours gets noticed. You don’t have to be the savviest marketer to get the word out about your blog.
You can create new social media networks for your blog but take advantage of your own network, too. Ask your connections to share your content to expand the reach of your blog.
The most popular social media sites are Facebook and Twitter. But, other social media networks might be better suited for your content.
Aside from social media, you can use email marketing to promote your blog. You will have to get email subscribers first, which could take time.
Your blog isn’t going to sell itself. You have to be your biggest cheerleader in the beginning.
- Role of Social Media in Promotion of Your Blog
- Hashtag : How to Use # for Social Media Marketing Campaign
#5. Analyze Results
After a few months, you’ll have invested a lot of time and sometimes money to get your blog off the ground. Maximize your investment by looking at the data to measure success.
Most content management systems have built-in analytics dashboards to make this easier. But you can also use tools like Google Analytics.
There are a few numbers you specifically want to pay attention to:
- Site visits: How many people are looking at your blog? Which blog posts are most popular?
- Bounce rate: Are people staying on your website to view multiple blogs? Are they viewing one blog and then leaving?
- Blog traffic: Where are your visitors coming from? Are they coming from social media?
Digging up performance stats may be intimidating at first. But remember that you have to start somewhere.
Understanding the numbers will help you make decisions on how to improve your blog in the future.
- What is Bounce Rate and How to Drastically Reduce it?
- SEO for Bloggers: Guidelines for Measuring SEO Success
#6. Stick with it!
The final tip in the Blogging for Dummies guide is simple–don’t quit! Starting a blog takes real work. But once you’re writing about something you’re passionate about, it’ll be worth it.
It’s important to stay consistent with your blogging strategy.
Aside from publishing often, you should interact with your audience. Respond to comments on your blog in a timely fashion and engage with your readers on social media.
Blogging for Dummies: The Wrap-Up
No matter how much work you put into your blog, don’t forget to have fun doing it! A blog isn’t always an overnight success. Most times it takes a little work to reach your blogger dreams.
Like many ventures, the key to blogging is to simply get started! Starting a blog may be overwhelming at first there are plenty of resources available to help you.
If you still need advice on how to start a successful blog, take a look at these tips.
Related Articles
Featured Post
