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Blogging 101: How to Start a Blog

Posted 8 months ago by April S

If the thought of delving into the world of blogging makes you nervous don’t fret you’ve come to the right place. Starting a blog can seem intimidating at first, but once you get started blogging it can be quite fun.

To get started, you’ll need to consider whether you’ll be blogging for fun or for profit. After that, it’s simply a matter of taking things one-step at a time.

Free versus self-hosted blogging platforms

Is free ever really 100% free? To maintain a blog there may be fees involved to host your blog content, purchase a domain and other miscellaneous fees depending on your long-term goals and needs.

Blogging for Fun

Free or bare bones options may be a good option. However, you’ll need to consider your long-term blog plans. Will you need to upgrade down the line? Or do you hope to convert your blog into a money making endeavor in the future? If so, this will require additional work and expense.

Blogging for Profit

Bloggers who want to make money should use the appropriate options from the beginning. Consider how much content you’ll need to store, selecting a custom domain name, custom email, analytic tools, advertising, affiliate marketing, costs to maintain and dedicated time it will take for the long-term success of your blog.

To get started blogging, you’ll need to:

  • Choose a blog topic
  • Select a web hosting service
  • Decide on a platform
  • Setup and launch your blog

Before committing to any of the above, it’s important to consider the long-term plans for your blog or website as this will help inform those decisions.

Ponder these questions before you start a blog:

  • Do you want your blog to make money?
  • Is blogging more of a hobby for you?
  • Do you want to have control over who can advertise on your blog?
  • Would you like a custom blog address?
  • Ultimately, what do you hope to accomplish with your blog?

Learn more about starting a blog

Cover of Blogging for Dummies

Blogging for Dummiesin Catalog

Dummy books include a wealth of information for beginners and people who simply want to expand their knowledge on a topic.

In this book you’ll learn how to:

  • Get started blogging
  • Set up your blog
  • Market and promote your blog
  • Select a blog topic
  • Choose a domain name and host
  • Write blog posts or content that draws readers in
  • Plan an editorial calendar
  • Select the right blogging platform for your needs
  • Use SEO to drive traffic to your blog
  • Monetize your blog
Blogging for Beginners by Michael Nelson and David Ezeanaka

A handy guide designed to teach beginners how to create a blog in order to create passive income.

In this book you’ll learn how to: gain more visitors, craft the perfect post, monetize your blog, adopt a successful marketing plan and maintain your blog.

Online Resources