We've all heard of blogging by now, and it's no secret that it's a way of generating a source of income for a lucky few. However, that shouldn't be your main and only reason to try it!
If you have been debating whether or not blogging might be for you, there's only one way to find out!
1. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY
Take some time out to think about what it is exactly you want your blog to be about.
What is it that you want to say? A message perhaps or information to a bigger audience?
What is it that you want to say? A message perhaps or information to a bigger audience?
The blogosphere is a big wide world and a brilliant platform for people to discuss the things they're most passionate about. Put some music on and let your mind wander, jot down anything that inspires you and note how you might be able to discuss these topics on your blog.
2. RESEARCH YOUR INTERESTS
Once you have a list of ideas you might want to blog about - do some research!
Write down ideas for blog posts about each idea/subject and decide which ones give you the most subject matter. Remember, you can write about ANYTHING!
Go for a walk or discuss with a friend some of your ideas to clear your mind and get some feedback. They might offer some valid reasons or insight that you'll want to cover in your blog!
Write down ideas for blog posts about each idea/subject and decide which ones give you the most subject matter. Remember, you can write about ANYTHING!
Go for a walk or discuss with a friend some of your ideas to clear your mind and get some feedback. They might offer some valid reasons or insight that you'll want to cover in your blog!
3. WHY YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO BLOG
Whatever you're most interested in or passionate about - THAT makes YOU the right person to be blogging about it.
You don't need to have qualifications, or a job title to be able to have an opinion!
Don't let anybody make you feel insecure about your blogging interests and platform. Stay inspired and creative and be confident! Blogging is a public platform so at some point, your friends/family/strangers will have something to say - good and bad- about it. As long as you're happy with what you're talking about - that's ALL that matters.
Don't let anybody make you feel insecure about your blogging interests and platform. Stay inspired and creative and be confident! Blogging is a public platform so at some point, your friends/family/strangers will have something to say - good and bad- about it. As long as you're happy with what you're talking about - that's ALL that matters.
4. INVEST IN YOUR BLOG
By all means, I'm not suggesting you spend a ridiculous amount of money on this - what I am saying, is your blog is a first impression and you'll want to make it a good one!
There are tons of free blog templates to get started with, but that won't look very professional in the long run. Look around for some reasonably priced template downloads - they're easy to use and customise, and are very professional looking.
5. TAKE TIME TO CHOOSE A NAME
Your blog name should be something that reflects your voice and what your blog stands for/is all about/ represents.
Take your time - it might not be as easy as you think to find the perfect name.
If you're really stuck you could always try a name generator, but finding a name you've decided on yourself will probably inspire you more!
If you're really stuck you could always try a name generator, but finding a name you've decided on yourself will probably inspire you more!
6. FINDING YOUR NICHE & PERSONAL BRAND
What is it that will define your voice and connect with the reader? Why should they listen to you?
Because YOU know the topic/niche of your blog better than anyone, your passion makes your opinion a VALID one.
How can you present yourself to the public in a professional manner through your blog?
Research exactly what it is you want to achieve through your blogging, not just personally but the bigger picture. Do you want to use your platform to give a voice for others, to promote healthy living or give a spotlight on a charity close to your heart?
Think about all of the things that make your blog unique and WHY the world needs to listen to you.
Research exactly what it is you want to achieve through your blogging, not just personally but the bigger picture. Do you want to use your platform to give a voice for others, to promote healthy living or give a spotlight on a charity close to your heart?
Think about all of the things that make your blog unique and WHY the world needs to listen to you.
MY BLOGGING ESSENTIALS:
- DO YOUR HOMEWORK - Read up on blogging, what it takes & WHY you should/want to be doing this! My FAVOURITE book on blogging which literally covers EVERYTHING, is the amazing The Million Dollar Blog by Natasha Courtenay-Smith - which you can buy on Amazon HERE.
- BE PREPARED TO SPEND A LITTLE MONEY - I'm talking about spending enough to buy a decent blog template if you can't afford a website designer. Remember, you get one chance at a first impression and if you intend on taking your blog seriously then it's going to have to look professional. My go-to when looking at templates is pipdig - an awesome site which you can browse and download easily to use with either Blogger or Wordpress AND they offer free helpful resources!
- TAKE TIME TO THINK ABOUT YOUR BLOG NAME & BRAND - Don't rush the process of picking your blog name & deciding on what your blog will be about. You don't want to have spent money on a custom template design and domain name, all for your inspiration to run dry and decide your chosen blog topic isn't the right fit. Put on some music and jot down a selection of ideas for names and topics & then have some fun choosing the right name!
ALSO - CHECKOUT THIS HANDY INFOGRAPHIC ALL ABOUT HOW TO MAKE A START AS A GUEST BLOGGER!
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