How to Start a Blog

A Simple Beginner's Guide To Blogging

So here we are. You are wanting to, or are at least curious about starting a blog of your own? Well, no better place to start then a “How to Start a Blog” post!

Starting a blog can be an exciting way to share your ideas, expertise, and interests with the world! But let's get right to the nitty gritty – Take a gander at the steps below to get your blog up and running:

Know Your Motivation

What is Your Motivation?

Before you dive into the technical aspects of starting a blog, it's essential to understand your motivation behind it. Knowing your “why” will guide your decisions and keep you focused on your goals. Here are some common reasons people start a blog:

1. For Fun

Blogging can be a fun and creative outlet. Whether you enjoy writing, sharing your thoughts, or exploring a hobby, a blog can be a great way to express yourself. It’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded people and share your passions with the world.

2. For Therapy

Writing can be therapeutic. Many people start blogs as a way to cope with life’s challenges, process their thoughts, or document personal growth. It can be a safe space to reflect on your experiences and emotions while potentially helping others going through similar situations.

3. To Share Knowledge

If you have expertise in a particular area, blogging is an excellent way to share your knowledge and help others. Whether it’s cooking, travel, tech, or any other field, your insights can be valuable to readers seeking information and advice.

4. To Build a Community

Blogs can foster a sense of community. By sharing your interests and engaging with readers, you can build a network of people who share your passions. This community can provide support, feedback, and inspiration.

5. To Make Money

Blogging can also be a source of income. Many bloggers monetize their sites through advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling products or services. While making money from a blog takes time and effort, it can be a rewarding way to turn your passion into profit.

6. To Enhance Your Career

A blog can serve as a professional portfolio, showcasing your expertise and skills. It can help you establish authority in your field, attract job offers, or create opportunities for speaking engagements and collaborations.

Really Reflect on Your Why

Take a little time to reflect on WHY you want to start a blog. Write down your reasons and keep them in mind as you develop your blog. Understanding your motivation will help you stay committed and guide your blogging journey, especially when challenges arise. And they will!

Knowing your “why” is the foundation of a successful blog. It will shape your content, strategy, and overall approach, ensuring that your blog remains meaningful and fulfilling.

Decide On A Niche

Deciding on a niche is a crucial step in starting a successful blog. Your niche is the specific topic or theme your blog will focus on, and it helps you attract a dedicated audience interested in that subject. Here’s how to choose the right niche for your blog:

Identify Your Passions and Interests

Start by listing topics you are passionate about or have a strong interest in. Blogging about something you love will keep you motivated and make the writing process enjoyable. Think about hobbies, skills, and experiences that excite you.

Evaluate Your Expertise

Consider your knowledge and expertise in different areas. While passion is important, having some level of expertise or a willingness to learn about your chosen niche will help you create valuable content. Think about your professional background, education, and personal experiences.

Research Your Audience

Identify the audience you want to reach with your blog. Consider their interests, needs, and challenges. Researching your potential audience will help you tailor your content to their preferences and create a loyal readership. You can use tools like Google Trends, social media, and online forums to gauge the popularity of different topics.

Analyze the Competition

Look at other blogs in your potential niches. Analyze their content, audience engagement, and monetization strategies. While a highly competitive niche can be challenging, it also indicates a strong interest in that topic. Find a unique angle or a specific sub-niche that sets your blog apart from the competition.

Assess Market Demand

Ensure there is a demand for the content you plan to create. Use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to see how often people search for topics related to your niche. High search volume indicates a strong interest in that subject.

Consider Monetization Potential

If your goal is to make money from your blog, choose a niche with good monetization potential. Some niches, like personal finance, health, and technology, tend to have more opportunities for affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling products or services.

Test Your Ideas

Before committing to a niche, test your ideas by writing a few blog posts or sharing content on social media. See how your audience responds and if you enjoy creating content in that niche. This can help you refine your focus and ensure you're on the right track.

Examples of Popular Niches

  • Lifestyle: Covers a wide range of topics like fashion, beauty, home decor, and personal development.
  • Travel: Shares travel tips, destination guides, and personal travel experiences.
  • Food: Includes recipes, cooking tips, restaurant reviews, and food photography.
  • Technology: Focuses on tech news, reviews, how-to guides, and software tutorials.
  • Health and Fitness: Offers advice on fitness routines, nutrition, mental health, and wellness.
  • Personal Finance: Provides tips on saving money, investing, budgeting, and financial planning.
  • Parenting: Shares parenting advice, tips for raising children, and family activities.

Finding Your Unique Angle

Once you’ve chosen a niche, find a unique angle or perspective that differentiates your blog from others. This could be your writing style, personal experiences, or a specific sub-topic within your niche. Having a unique angle will help you stand out and attract a dedicated audience.

Choosing the right niche sets the foundation for your blog’s success. It will guide your content creation, help you connect with your audience, and ensure that your blogging journey is both enjoyable and rewarding.

Select A Blogging Platform

So while there are different blogging platforms at you disposal, most “How To Start A Blog” posts will be about WordPress.org (self-hosted). Even this post will be about WordPress.org! But I did want to bring the other platforms to your attention just in case those were something you were interested in.

Already know you're gonna choose WordPress.org? You can completely skip this tab then, and head down to picking a domain name and web host! 🙂

Different Platforms

WordPress.org (Self-Hosted)

Pros:

  • Full Control and Customization: You have complete control over your site and can customize it extensively using themes and plugins.
  • Flexibility: Supports various types of content, from blogs to e-commerce stores, portfolios, and membership sites.
  • SEO-Friendly: Offers advanced SEO capabilities through plugins like Yoast SEO.
  • Large Community: Extensive resources, tutorials, and support from a large community of developers and users.

Cons:

  • Requires Hosting: You need to purchase a domain name and web hosting.
  • Maintenance: You are responsible for updates, backups, and security.

Ideal For: Bloggers who want full control and plan to monetize their blogs extensively.

WordPress.com

Pros:

  • Ease of Use: Simple setup process with no need for separate hosting.
  • Hosting Included: Managed hosting, security, and backups are included.
  • Free Plan Available: A free basic plan with limited features is available.

Cons:

  • Limited Customization: Fewer customization options compared to WordPress.org, especially on free and lower-tier plans.
  • Ads and Branding: Free and lower-tier plans may display ads and WordPress.com branding.
  • Monetization Restrictions: Limited monetization options on free and lower-tier plans.

Ideal For: Beginners who want a simple, managed blogging solution without worrying about technical aspects.

Blogger

Pros:

  • Free and Easy to Use: Simple to set up and use, with free hosting provided by Google.
  • Integration with Google Services: Seamless integration with other Google services like Google Analytics and AdSense.
  • Reliable: Google’s infrastructure ensures reliability and security.

Cons:

  • Limited Customization: Fewer themes and customization options compared to other platforms.
  • Ownership Issues: Google owns your content, and the platform could be discontinued.
  • Less Professional: Lacks advanced features and a professional appearance compared to WordPress.

Ideal For: Casual bloggers or those who want a free, straightforward platform to share their thoughts.

Medium

Pros:

  • Simple and Clean Interface: Focuses on writing and reading experience with a minimalist design.
  • Built-In Audience: Access to Medium’s community and network of readers.
  • No Setup Hassle: No need for hosting, domain, or design work.

Cons:

  • Limited Branding: Minimal options to brand your blog and customize its appearance.
  • Monetization Restrictions: Limited monetization options compared to other platforms.
  • Ownership: Medium controls your content, and you can’t fully monetize it.

Ideal For: Writers focused on content creation and looking to reach a broad audience without technical setup.

Wix

Pros:

  • Drag-and-Drop Builder: User-friendly interface with a drag-and-drop website builder.
  • Customization: Offers a wide range of design templates and customization options.
  • All-in-One Solution: Includes hosting, domain registration, and various apps for added functionality.

Cons:

  • Cost: Advanced features and e-commerce capabilities require higher-tier paid plans.
  • Limited Blogging Features: Primarily a website builder, so blogging features are not as robust as on dedicated platforms like WordPress.

Ideal For: Beginners and small businesses looking for an easy-to-use, all-in-one website solution with blogging capabilities.

Squarespace

Pros:

  • Beautiful Designs: Professionally designed templates that are visually appealing and mobile-responsive.
  • All-in-One Platform: Includes hosting, domain, and design tools.
  • Ease of Use: Intuitive interface with easy setup and management.

Cons:

  • Cost: Higher pricing compared to other platforms, especially for e-commerce and advanced features.
  • Limited Plugins: Fewer third-party plugins and integrations compared to WordPress.

Ideal For: Creatives, small businesses, and professionals looking for a visually stunning website with blogging capabilities.

How to Choose the Right Platform

  1. Consider Your Goals: Determine what you want to achieve with your blog (e.g., hobby, business, professional portfolio) and choose a platform that aligns with those goals.
  2. Evaluate Your Technical Skills: If you prefer a hands-off approach, consider managed platforms like WordPress.com or Medium. If you’re comfortable with technical tasks, WordPress.org offers more control.
  3. Think About Customization Needs: For extensive customization and flexibility, WordPress.org is the best choice. For simplicity and ease of use, platforms like Blogger, Wix, or Squarespace are more suitable.
  4. Budget: Consider the costs involved, including hosting, domain registration, and premium features. Free platforms like Blogger and Medium can be a good start for budget-conscious bloggers.
  5. Monetization Plans: If you plan to monetize your blog, choose a platform that supports various monetization methods like ads, affiliate marketing, and e-commerce.

Selecting the right blogging platform is a crucial step that will impact your blogging experience and success. Take the time to evaluate your needs and preferences to make an informed decision that sets you up for a rewarding blogging journey.

Pick A Domain Name And Web Host

Choosing the right domain name and web hosting provider is a vital step in creating a successful blog! Your domain name is your blog’s address on the internet, and your web host is where your blog’s files are stored.

Tips for Choosing a Domain Name:

  1. Keep it Simple and Memorable: Choose a name that’s easy to spell, pronounce, and remember. Avoid complex words and phrases.
  2. Reflect Your Niche: Your domain name should give visitors an idea of what your blog is about. Try to include relevant keywords if possible.
  3. Avoid Numbers and Hyphens: These can be confusing and hard to remember. Try to stick to only letters for clarity and simplicity.
  4. Choose a .com Extension: While there are many domain extensions available (.net, .org, .blog, etc.), .com is the most popular and easiest to remember.
  5. Check for Availability: Use domain registration sites like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Bluehost to check if your desired name is available.

Registering Your Domain Name:

  • Namecheap: Known for affordable pricing and excellent customer service, Namecheap is a popular choice for domain registration. They also offer free domain privacy protection. (I personally used Namecheap for my domains)
  • GoDaddy: Another popular option, GoDaddy offers a wide range of services including domain registration, hosting, and email.
  • Bluehost: Often recommended for beginners, Bluehost offers a free domain name for the first year when you purchase hosting from them.

Choosing A Web Hosting Provider

What is Web Hosting? Web hosting is a service that stores your blog’s files and makes them accessible on the internet. Your choice of web host affects your blog’s performance, security, and reliability.

Types of Web Hosting:

  1. Shared Hosting: Cost-effective and suitable for beginners. Your blog shares server resources with other websites. Good for low to moderate traffic.
  2. VPS Hosting: Virtual Private Server hosting offers more resources and control than shared hosting. Ideal for growing blogs with higher traffic.
  3. Dedicated Hosting: You get an entire server to yourself. Best for high-traffic blogs needing maximum control and performance.
  4. Managed WordPress Hosting: Optimized for WordPress blogs, offering better performance, security, and support. Good for bloggers who prefer a hands-off approach to technical maintenance.

Some Popular Web Hosting Providers:

  • BigScoots: Known for its excellent performance and customer support, BigScoots offers various hosting plans, including managed WordPress hosting. (This is who I currently use!)
  • Bluehost: A popular choice for beginners due to its affordable pricing and ease of use. Bluehost offers one-click WordPress installation and 24/7 support.
  • SiteGround: Offers excellent performance, security, and customer service. SiteGround is highly recommended for WordPress users.
  • HostGator: Affordable and beginner-friendly, HostGator offers a variety of hosting plans with reliable uptime and support.
  • DreamHost: Known for its commitment to privacy and support, DreamHost offers a range of hosting options with a focus on performance and security.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Host:

  1. Performance and Uptime: Look for hosts with a proven track record of reliable uptime and fast loading speeds.
  2. Customer Support: Choose a host with 24/7 customer support available through multiple channels (live chat, phone, email).
  3. Ease of Use: Ensure the host offers an intuitive control panel and easy setup process, especially if you’re new to blogging.
  4. Scalability: Choose a host that can accommodate your blog’s growth with scalable plans and resources.
  5. Security Features: Look for hosts that offer strong security measures, including SSL certificates, regular backups, and malware protection.

After you've decided on a provider head down to step #1!

Step 1: Choose Your Hosting Plan

Step 1 here we are! So, for this guide I will go off of Bigscoots since that is the web host I am currently with.

This is considered a technical part, but it really is super simple! The first step is choosing and buying a web hosting plan.

So head on over to Bigscoots (or your host of choice) and choose a plan that fits your needs!

For Bigscoots it'll look like the below pictures:

Select your preferred plan and click “Get This” and you'll be transported to the checkout page to process your order.

Here you can register a domain name through them or use a domain name that you've purchased through Namecheap or another registrar.

Step 2: Pick Your Domain Name & Set Up Hosting

How to Register a Domain and Set Up Hosting

  1. Choose and Register Your Domain Name:
    • (OPTIONAL) Most hosting providers also allow you to purchase a domain name through them as well. (Some plans include a free domain name) or you can do the below.
    • Visit a domain registrar like Namecheap, or GoDaddy.
    • Search for your desired domain name and check its availability.
    • Once you find an available name, add it to your cart and proceed with the registration process.
  2. Select a Web Hosting Provider:
    • Visit the hosting provider’s website (e.g., BigScoots, Bluehost).
    • Choose a hosting plan that suits your needs (e.g., shared, VPS, managed WordPress).
    • Sign up for an account and complete the purchase.
  3. Connect Your Domain to Your Host:
    • If you registered your domain and hosting with the same provider, this step is usually automatic.
    • If you used different providers, you’ll need to update your domain’s DNS settings to point to your web host’s servers. Your hosting provider will give you the necessary DNS information.

Additional Notes

When setting everything up for the first time make sure to keep track of ALL the emails your Web Host and Domain Registrar send you! These will contain important information on connecting your nameservers etc. (This is mainly if you purchased a domain name through someone else besides your chosen Web Host).

Set Up Your Blog (Install WordPress)

Create Important Pages

Write Your First Blog Post

Promote Your Blog

Consistently Create Quality Content

Monetize Your Blog (Optional)

1. Choose Your Niche

Decide what your blog will be about. It should be a topic you're passionate about and knowledgeable in. Popular niches include lifestyle, travel, food, tech, and personal development.

2. Select a Blogging Platform

There are many blogging platforms available, but the most popular ones are WordPress.org (self-hosted), WordPress.com, Blogger, and Medium. For full control and customization, WordPress.org is recommended.

3. Pick a Domain Name and Hosting

Your domain name is your blog’s address on the internet (e.g., www.yourblogname.com). Choose something memorable and relevant to your niche. For hosting, consider reliable providers like Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator.

4. Set Up Your Blog

  • Install WordPress: Most hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation.
  • Choose a Theme: Select a theme that suits your style and is mobile-friendly.
  • Install Essential Plugins: Plugins add functionality to your blog. Essential plugins include SEO tools (like Yoast SEO), security plugins (like Wordfence), and performance optimizers (like WP Super Cache).

5. Create Important Pages

  • About Page: Tell readers who you are and what your blog is about.
  • Contact Page: Provide a way for readers to get in touch with you.
  • Privacy Policy: Inform visitors about how you handle their data.

6. Write Your First Blog Post

Start with an introduction post that tells readers what to expect from your blog. Use an engaging title, include relevant images, and make sure your content is easy to read.

7. Promote Your Blog

  • Social Media: Share your posts on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
  • Engage with Readers: Respond to comments and engage with your audience.
  • Network with Other Bloggers: Collaborate and guest post to reach a wider audience.

8. Consistently Create Quality Content

Regularly update your blog with fresh, valuable content. Consistency is key to growing your audience.

9. Monetize Your Blog (Optional)

Once you have a steady stream of traffic, you can monetize your blog through methods like affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling digital products or services.

Potenti tincidunt arcu euismod amet ac curabitur iaculis in ut aliquet facilisis pharetra, pharetra dolor scelerisque. Laoreet ut faucibus ut tortor venenatis, fermentum, morbi a magna auctor nulla semper fames nulla quam sed nibh porta suspendisse pretium lorem ultrices at mi lectus ac vitae eget aliquet egestas sed.

Libero nisl mauris

Tortor at vestibulum ullamcorper quisque duis arcu ac amet, non integer vel in nulla turpis egestas posuere eleifend ut viverra eget vestibulum ac eget dignissim massa commodo, interdum adipiscing vitae tortor, velit. Pellentesque diam sit sed quisque venenatis, pellentesque laoreet tincidunt tincidunt sed sed mi vel purus nulla nunc quis proin est pulvinar risus cum quis adipiscing amet, neque, vulputate posuere sed ipsum ullamcorper.

Porttitor pharetra fringilla diam

Amet, donec ornare risus quis massa proin tempor consectetur amet venenatis, diam sit nunc sit pellentesque ut tristique elit arcu, sapien risus imperdiet odio lobortis nunc eget massa ullamcorper vitae, libero tristique porta cras vulputate cursus lorem ligula cursus tortor.

Ipsum amet, ultrices suscipit eu eget tortor a, tincidunt urna, mattis aliquam duis eget luctus id. Facilisis enim sem donec tortor nunc lorem quam nunc odio mauris facilisis quis mollis semper nullam.

Proin et scelerisque varius gravida feugiat habitant enim fermentum, dictumst odio eleifend aliquam elementum et urna, nibh pellentesque pellentesque semper elementum dictum nunc pellentesque aliquam varius aliquet pulvinar adipiscing sollicitudin egestas varius eu semper blandit sed tincidunt odio at magna phasellus massa ornare sit quam scelerisque at volutpat.

Enim, mauris, pellentesque sit pellentesque interdum pharetra, ultrices vel dolor turpis eu cursus nulla arcu dui, nisl malesuada eget quam adipiscing dui, leo elementum.

Elementum enim

Commodo feugiat a, aliquam libero diam nullam gravida quam neque scelerisque commodo sed egestas enim tempus, senectus proin volutpat dictumst non eget in quis sit tellus vulputate nisi, vel egestas id a nisl, quis eros, in diam a mi varius gravida hac id justo odio netus sagittis aliquet urna, facilisis massa sed proin lacinia arcu est orci, felis tristique nulla pellentesque adipiscing orci amet non nec fusce nullam neque, id venenatis id.

Non faucibus tincidunt commodo est arcu ipsum augue ipsum at vitae, nunc purus erat sem leo fames facilisis scelerisque sagittis, quam vitae. Morbi nisl, tempus lorem faucibus nibh ac vitae quis in lorem odio aliquet eget ornare sit.

In id molestie leo praesent cursus condimentum amet, mus porttitor tellus varius massa eget nec sed lectus aenean volutpat vitae, urna in diam vitae leo enim at dignissim tellus mi ante accumsan. Diam facilisis vel arcu adipiscing a blandit non accumsan, purus arcu, viverra gravida vulputate nec placerat purus eu aliquet pellentesque nulla sed at in malesuada augue mauris accumsan tortor id non amet.

  • Lacus lobortis sapien
  • Et gravida pellentesque
  • Tempus dictum nulla sapien
  • Mattis penatibus non

Molestie amet, mauris adipiscing ultricies tortor, nibh mauris semper augue quisque accumsan, convallis duis commodo scelerisque magna at convallis quis ultricies interdum et eros, ornare mattis ultrices et vel ipsum pretium, vulputate habitant aliquam sem eget enim pellentesque lacus, pharetra sed orci et sed pulvinar eget vitae, integer