How would you like to learn how to start a blog?
I shared a similar post months ago,but thought I would re-share this with so many new followers.
Because I am asked this question constantly.
Here are ten steps to starting your own blog.
1). Think of a name for your blog.A name that describes who you are and what your blog will be about.
2). Decide whether you want to be on Blogger or WordPress.If you are looking to make an income from blogging then I would suggest using WordPress and hosting your blog.
Why?
Because WordPress has better SEO(search engine optimization)
3). Once you establish that you indeed want to host on wordpress you have to search for a host.
There will be a monthly fee for hosting your blog.
The cost depends on the host and how much they charge for bandwidth and storage.
4). Make sure you register your domain name.
You want to make sure and do this right away.You can pay a monthly or yearly fee for this through a host such as a small orange or go daddy.And there are others to choose from too.
This will ensure that no one else can use your blog address on the internet.They can use something similar but not the exact address.
5). Start writing and be yourself! Don’t try to copy what someone else is doing.
Share your own passion is whatever that may be.
It could be decorating,or cooking,or sewing,or traveling or whatever you want to share with the world.
6). Practice taking photos.
You don’t need a fancy camera to take great photos.
I have seen people take amazing photos with a phone or point and shoot.
But you must practice,practice,practice.
I feel like I am finally at a place that my photos are looking great!
But it’s because of all of all the practice I have done with my posts.
You can go look back at where I started,my photos were not good!
7). Since we are talking about photos,make sure you edit your photos well.
I was using picmonkey but just upgraded to light room, what a difference!
Editing photos is not hard,but just like with photography it takes lots of practice.
8). Link up and join the party.I am sure you have noticed many blogs have link parties.That is a great way to meet other bloggers and get yourself out there.But please be courteous.They are hosting a party and letting you link up your post.Always make sure to link their blog to yours and always,always thank the hostess.I can’t believe how many times I see someone hosting a party and 300+ join and 35 actually respond to say thank you.Remember they are helping you bring traffic to your blog so please say thank you :-).
9). Once you start posting you are going to want to reach as many people as possible.Make sure to join in on Facebook.Pinterest,Twitter,Instagram and google+,and Hometalk. If you are building your blog the more exposure the better.
10). Attend a blog conference or Blogging get together in your area or better yet organize one yourself!
Why?
Because you will meet amazing bloggers,make new friendships,and you can ask questions build a tribe and learn from each other.
Support is key to building a successful blog.
I have made so many wonderful friends since blogging.
And it’s a sisterhood in the DIY,Home Decorating world of blogging,we all support and help one another.
If you are not comfortable and don’t have a strong background with anything technical don’t worry.There are plenty of people that you can hire to help with that.
Most importantly have fun!
Yes blogging for income is allot of work!
And as much work as it is I really enjoy it and can’t imagine not doing it!
I hope this helped answer any questions you might have about starting a blog.
If you are thinking of starting a blog,my advice is …what are you waiting for?
Joining:
I did not know about light room. I’ll get right on that! One question, though. Is there a list of blog conferences? If not, would you please share info? Many thanks for the tips! Vickie
Good question Simply Red.I am sure there are many blog conferences but these are the two big ones that I know of.
Put the word out and see if you have any local bloggers in your area.And I bet you do! Plan a local event! It’s a great way to meet other bloggers!
Good tips, Anne! And I LOVE your kitchen-gorgeous! 🙂
Susan
Thank you Susan!
You must have been reading my mind Anne. Altho I’m home all the time, no job except for reading blog posts, doing crafts and cleaning house/hanging laundry but I don’t know if I wanted to use time, be committed to writing a blog. I still have to learn how to put the photos on the internet from our digital camera. That would be hardest part til I learn how. Our daughter showed me but she did it so fast I don’t remember any of it. She’s the whiz at that kind of thing along with her two teen age daughters. When I’m learning things on computer I have to write every step down so I know what to do and don’t panic if nobody is around to help me.
I did print out all your tips and will start working on deciding on name, etc. how much time I can devote to a blog.
Do you make any income from your blog? I imagine it’s better to be able to go to Blogging conferences like Haven to keep your blog in peoples minds. How do “brands” find a blogger to try things for them and write about them? No I’m not getting ahead of myself, just curious. Does a blogger have to be very popular to get invited to things like being a BHG style spotter? Does that depend on how many viewings and comments a blogger has? As you can see these questions have been in my mind for while when bloggers have suggested I start a blog of my own.
I don’t rush into things, research them, think about it, learn as much as I can. I’ve been very content “meeting” many wonderful bloggers in last couple years. It has crossed my mind before to start one. I am concerned more about the technical/digital part of it. I’m rather digitally challenged.
Well thanks for the helpful tips and encouragement. I’ll need all the help I can get. Can’t really afford to pay somebody to do things for me tho. That was another reason I hadn’t started one.
Have great week Anne
JaneEllen, I knew absolutely nothing about computers,and I still need help with technical issues.But still I have come along way in two years.Blogging is a learning experience.Just like with taking photos,and editing it’s all taking a little longer.When you are starting out make sure to link up to parties.It’s a great way to meet other bloggers and get traffic to your blog.Yes you can make an income blogging but to do that it is allot of work and does take some time.I would not pressure yourself to worry about making an income when you first start blogging.Just have fun 🙂
Wonderful ideas! Thanx so much! Jo
Your welcome Joanne!
Thanks for the great tips! I recently started up a blog called Frugal Furbishing, and it is about just that: how to make a home with alternativ solutions, using what you have, redecorating and thriftshopping, vintage materiels etc.
Allthough I have had a sewing blog for allmost three years before this one, I feel like I am in to deep.
There are so many incredible amazing bloggers out there, and I am at a loss at what to do to make my reading rates encrease. But I cant give up now! I have found my passion! And all though I have a full time job and two kids, this is something I spend a lot of time on and love:)
How cool Tone that you started another blog sharing decorating ideas! Blogging is really a wonderful creative outlet!
Hi Anne,
I have been on Pinterest for the past 5 years. Knowing nothing about blogging I just started to pin what I loved. About a year ago I decided that if I got to 500 followers I would start blogging.
Well, I’m there now and have started my research on how to get started. But, I have a big question. I live in Chile in South America and have to decide whether to start a blog in Spanish or English, really don’t know how to decide that. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to do it in both languages?
While that gets decided, I’m working on my brand. Searching for the proper name and all that good stuff. I’ve have great technical skills and photography has been my hobby all my life. So those will not be an issue for me.
About a year ago I became an empty nester, with no husband but a very demanding full time job that will last for a couple of years at the most before I retire. I’m in that place in my life where I could do anything I want. Since I love being on my PC thought blogging was a good idea, (I’m also a published author) and dedicate this 2 years to develop my blog.
Anne, I don’t know any bloggers so any guidance/suggestions will be appreciated.
Thank you so much for your time,
Monica