How To Start A Blog
Only a few short years ago blogging was seen as a hobby. Flash forward to now and it’s big business. From Zoella to our own Pippa ‘O Connor and Retro Flame there’s a lot of ladies running their own business that all started as a hobby out with a simple blog. So why not get in on it yourself? No matter what anyone says there is room for everyone. Wondering where to begin, then step this way.
Just Start
Starting is always the hardest part, so don’t let fear stop you. Decide what you want to blog about. What are you passionate about? What are you interested in? What can you talk about hours on end? It doesn’t have to be something popular like food or fashion. Or if you want to blog about that, great, go for it. Just remember you shouldn’t copy a successful blogger you admire. You should blog about a topic that means something to you, no matter how different your idea may be. Just be you.
Build A Brand
Once you’ve got all the planning down, it’s time for the fun part and deciding the look of your brand. Choose a name that best describes your blog. It could be straight to the point or you can even use your own name. Then check to see if the domain name is available. You can host for free with Blogger or WordPress, but if you want to be serious about it you should invest in .com or .ie domain.
Do research. Have a look and see what are other bloggers doing. Look at photo styles and take note of their site layout. Then decide what colours, styles, themes and the overall feeling of your blog. You have to be consistent with this so that your blog will look professional. Once you pick a logo, stick to it. Etsy is great for getting custom blog logos designed for very little. You can also purchase Theme Packages (like this one) that will set out everything you need to make your blog look professional.
Pictures really matter when it comes to blogs and websites so only use the best quality photos. You don’t have to invest in a fancy camera. Your phone and editing tools such as VSCO for filters is all you need when starting off. You’ve probably heard about FaceTune if you want to make yourself look like a cat face Kardashian, but it is has other features on it that make it a super affordable and an easy to use alternative to Photoshop for improving images.
The Blogger Course
If you’re really serious about turning a blog into a business then The Blogger Course by Monica from The Travel Hack is an amazing way to learn all the insider tips and tricks to not only build a successful blog, but also how to earn money from blogging. With modules on social media, working with brands, creating content, affiliate marketing, how to gain readers, photography tips and how to make money from blogging it’s perfect for anyone starting out in the blogging world and for those looking to up their game.
Lastly, set up social media accounts so you can share your blog around. Try get the same handles across all platforms for continuity and so people can find you. Facebook can be a great way to promote your blog so invite everyone and their mother to ‘like’ your page. Also try Twitter, it might be a bit more quite in terms of people you actually know, but it’s a great place to engage with fellow bloggers, brands and readers. Also try posting regularly to Instagram.
Remember blogging is work and if you’re doing it just for free things its not going to work out. There are so many blogs out there and there’s nothing to say that you cant build it up to be the next So Sue Me or Pippa, but don’t expect to be getting the same press send outs as them right off the bat.
That’s all there is to it. Now you just need to get posting. Try keep to a schedule whether it be daily, weekly or monthly that way people will know when to check back for your latest update.
Do you have a blog? Leave us some links below!