Some of my most asked questions involve the words ‘How did you’. “How did you make your website?” “How do you start a blog?” How do you edit your pictures?” The list goes on and on. I love receiving these questions because it shows that my work is being noticed and appreciated. So the first ‘tip blog’ in my new marketing series is dedicated to the most asked question on how to start a blog!
There are a million ways to start a blog. The platforms and website options are endless but instead of telling you about all of those options, I will only be sharing what I use. Ready? This is going to be a long one, BUT very informative so bare with me.
How to Start a Blog
For those of us who are impatient here’s an outline of steps or ‘sparks notes’ version.
- Create your Blog/Website Name
- Purchase, Register, and Host your Domain
- Design & Build your Website
- Start Writing and Publishing Content
1. Develop a Creative Name
This is the start of it all. Come up with a creative catchy name for your blog. Remember that it is good practice to use this name not only for your domain but also across all social platforms.
Not sure if your domain is available? Use this widget to check below!
2. Purchase, Register, and Host your Domain
Now that you have your name it’s time to get serious. There are many different companies you can purchase, registers, and host your website’s domain through but I use BlueHost for all of this. I highly recommend them as I have never had any problems, they have 24/7 support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not happy with their services, which I highly doubt you will be because they are amazing. Bluehost offers several plans for your hosting needs and they even have a WordPress package, which is what I use.
Starting a blog isn’t cheap, but keep in mind for cheaper plans on other sites, you get what you paid for. I did LOTS of research before I went with BlueHost and it paid off because not only are they affordable, they offer great customer support, which isn’t a bad thing when you’re starting a blog.
3. Design & Build Your Website
Now, this is where things get fun. My site is a wrodpress.org site (not a wordpress.com site BIG difference) which is a platform where I make all of the edits to my site. My website design/theme is purchased from Etsy. They have a ton of super cute themes to purchase along with easy to use steps to install/build. My favorite Etsy shop for WordPress blog themes is 17th Avenue Designs. The good thing about using wordpress.org is that you can completely customize your site, whereas wordpress.com is a drag and drop build of a site not compatible with purchased Etsy themes, not compatible with the use of plugins, limited branding, and no monetization. See a BIG difference.
Designing websites takes time. I highly suggest mapping out your website on paper before you start. Plan how many pages you want and their categories. Create a layout or site map if you will and what you would like to be placed on your navigation menu, then start designing.
*PRO TIP: When building your site look into a page builder plugin. I use and LOVE WPBakery. This added plugin gives me the option for unique layouts that are easy to use when creating my posts/pages. It is not necessary but it gives your site an ‘advance’ look but it is extremely easy to use. Another builder I have used in the past for another site I managed was Divi. Both are great, I just prefer WP Bakery! MAKE SURE YOUR THEME IS COMPATIBLE WITH YOUR BUILDER BEFORE YOU PURCHASE!!!
4. Start Writing and Publishing
With a blog, content is key!! There are so many things that go into place when creating a successful blog but it all starts with your content. It is best practice to have several blogs ready to go when you publish your site to give first-time viewers more content than your standard “I started a blog” post. Three to Five blog posts is ideal, but I would push yourself here and have ten published blogs ready to go.
When creating content you want to have content that adds value to your website. Like advertising there are three types of ads that add value that NEVER go out of style and the same pertains to content creation.
Types of Content that adds Value
- Content that Educates
- Content that Entertains
- content that Inspires
Include aspects of one or all three with SEO and you have your self a ranking/high performing blog post.
*PRO TIP: Add the YOAST plugin for SEO. It will walk you step by step on how to add SEO to each post. (I will cover more on SEO and other website best practices but this plugin is great for when you’re starting out.)
Now that you have a beginner’s guide to blogging, I send you off into the world to reach your dreams! For more related content, check out my blog! Don’t forget to check out my LiketoKnow.it for daily outfit inspiration.
Love Always,
Alex
FTC Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Reward Style Affiliate, and BlueHost Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Love Always, Alex Blog receives a minuscule commission on all purchases made through links in my posts and website.
