In my last post, Six Benefits of Blogging, I outlined why you need to start a blog. Whether you’re a small mom-and-pop store, freelancer, or individual wanting to change the world, you need to have an online presence. And the easiest way to do so is by having a blog. Below are the eight simple steps you need to take to start your own blog.
Starting your own blog can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. In this post, we’ll define the actions you need to take to get started:
Choose your blogging platform:
There are several blogging platforms to choose from, such as WordPress, Blogger, and Wix. Each platform has its own set of features, so it’s important to do some research to find the one that suits your needs.
- For a full review of WordPress, check out our WordPress Overview.
Select a domain name:
Your domain name is the address that people will use to find your blog. Choose a name that’s easy to remember and reflects the theme of your blog. We all know that coming up with a name can be difficult, which is why we’ve created a post that helps you choose a domain name.
Choose a web hosting service:
A web hosting service will store your blog’s files and make them accessible on the internet. There are many hosting providers to choose from, such as Bluehost and SiteGround.
Install your blogging platform: Once you’ve selected your platform and hosting service, you’ll need to install your blogging platform. This can usually be done with just a few clicks.
Choose a theme:
A theme will determine the overall look and feel of your blog. Many blogging platforms offer a range of free and paid themes to choose from. From my personal experience, buying a theme is the preferred method for styling your website. Many free themes are difficult to manage, often require some form of customization, and take more time to setup than the paid version.
Customize your blog:
Customize your blog by adding widgets, plugins, and other features that will enhance the user experience. Depending on the type of blog you have, whether it’s an informational blog, e-commerce store or community page, you will want to utilize the free and paid plugins that exist.
Create your first post:
Once your blog is set up, it’s time to start creating content. Write your first post and publish it to your blog.
Promote your blog:
Share your blog on social media, join blogging communities, and guest post on other blogs to get the word out about your blog.
Starting a blog may seem like a lot of work, but it’s a fun and rewarding way to share your thoughts and ideas with the world. By following these simple steps, you can start your own blog and begin creating content that will engage and inspire your readers.
That’s it! Follow these seven steps and you’re off to the races.