Easy tips for a first time blogger
When I first started blogging, I am so glad I started off well-prepared, even though still a novice. Here are a few tips that I hope will help you to launch your own blog with as little drama and frustration as possible.
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1. Prep time
When I refer to prep time, I’m talking about preparing content and learning basic blogging concepts before launching your blog.
There are a few great reasons why you should have prep time before you launch your blog. Prep time can take as long as you want it to (but beware, that’s no excuse to procrastinate!). I took about two months from when I seriously decided to become a blogger until I actually launched my blog.
So first thing is first, during prep time, you need to create as many good quality blog posts as you can (I recommend roughly 25-50) before you launch your blog. Prep time, for me, meant creating post after post and fine-tuning each post and making it publish-worthy (is that a word?) before I even paid for hosting and chose my blog theme.
Learn as much as you can now…
Another reason is to give yourself a chance to learn as much as you can about blogging and what it takes to develop a successful blog. Gaining as much know-how and keeping a stack of resources that are helpful for my blogging journey was one of the best decisions I made early on because when I got started, I didn’t feel so overwhelmed and things generally took off smoothly.
There’s so much information out there on helpful marketing strategies and ideas, as well as tips on the best ways to set up a blog. And many of them are from fellow bloggers who started off without any clue about the blogging world (like myself). So get researching, use your Pinterest to find great bloggers who inspire you especially ones in your niche, and have fun to learn about this sector of online business.
Don’t procrastinate…
Tip: Prep time is good, but don’t get so carried away researching and reading up on blogging that you procrastinate actually launching your blog and creating quality content. In other words, exercise reasonable caution so as not to get stuck in the spectator zone instead of getting actively involved in your own blogging business.
2. Keep it simple
I have to admit the first time I started out blogging, I found that I had little experience with the technical aspects of website creating and how involved it can be. I wanted to get everything done straight away. I wanted to post heaps of content, choose the best theme, find stock photos, pin all my posts to Pinterest and do all the great things to maximise traffic. I had little patience for all the little setbacks (more accurately, the learning curve) that the blogging world had to offer.
Patience is key
So be patient and keep things simple to start with. Don’t get caught up purchasing too much and stressing about perfecting everything just yet. Instead, keep your focus on creating those quality blog posts and keeping everything functioning in an orderly fashion within your blog. Then focus on connecting to social media such as Pinterest to generate traffic.
RELATED POST: WHAT I LEARNT MY FIRST MONTH BLOGGING
3. Access support
Blogging can be a lonely venture, especially when you experience technical difficulties and you don’t know where to find the answers you’re after. It can be absolutely frustrating. Don’t hesitate to access support.
I found Bluehost to be extremely helpful when I had WordPress technical difficulties and they make themselves available 24/7 via a live chat. You can also follow like-minded bloggers who will be more than happy to help you by subscribing to them and sending them an email. So if you have a question or problem, ask. Don’t struggle on your own.
4. Buy a self-hosted blog
This goes without saying but I’ll make mention of it for fear of anyone thinking that they can create a successful blogging business without a self-hosted blog. A free blog such as one created through blogger.com or wordpress.com is okay to use if you just want to blog for fun or to share your world with family and friends.
But if you’re serious about launching a blog with the intention of making it an income generating side hustle or even full-time business, then you need to buy a self-hosted blog from hosting services such as Bluehost.
A lot of new bloggers use Bluehost or iPage for their cheap price, which is the main reason I chose Bluehost.
I have heard some bloggers having problems with Bluehost, but they’ve been good to me so far, so no complaints here.
I can always change over to the slightly more pricey host Siteground, if I need to. But now is not the time for me.
Buy your own domain
Unless you buy your own domain, then you won’t truly own your blog. Free blogs also look unprofessional with your domain having a Blogger or WordPress domain attached to it such as www.example.blogspot.com as opposed to your self hosted blog which will be something official like www.example.com.
Another reason to buy your own domain is to have access to various capabilities and themes you can customise to your liking which will also affect how professional your website looks as well as how much you can do with it. You also won’t have unlimited advertising privileges with a free blog and in the end, you don’t truly own your blog as Blogger or WordPress can shut it down at anytime.
Once you’re all set up with your blog, it’s then time to start the fun bit like choosing a theme. I use Simply Charming Theme by Restored 316. I find that Restored 316 have a huge range of beautiful, feminine theme options, and offer plenty of tutorials and support if needed.
Which theme is best for your website? Quiz
Are you stuck for some ideas on what to write?
Check out these ideas to get you started:
365 Blog Topic Ideas: For The Lifestyle Blogger Who Has Nothing to Write About
These are only the basics of what will help you when first starting out a blog, but of course, it’s a huge learning curve. It’s important to remember that there’s a lot to learn and it can take time.
I’d love to hear from you. Are you a seasoned or new blogger?
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