Blogging is considered one of the most popular ways of disseminating information. Not only is it a method of income generation, it is also a unique way of self-expression. If you have never had a personal blog, it is common to feel confused or overwhelmed with options. This is the best place to start – clueless and confounded with options. Over time, you will be able to master the process but now let’s see how you can start a blog.
Thankfully, when starting a blog, you do not need to be tech-savvy, know how to code or design. In fact, you do not need to spend a lot of time or money in the process. Follow this comprehensive guide on How to start a blog and you will be sharing your thoughts with the world in no time.
Starting a Blog in Five Steps:
1: Decide on what to blog about
2: Pick a blog name and register a new domain name
3: Find a host
4: Choose a theme
5: Get started with WordPress
Step #1: Decide on what to blog about
A personal blog offers more flexibility in regards to topics. However, professional WordPress blogging is more related to the promotion of products and services. Even so, it is important to ask yourself what you’re passionate about, to find a niche to talk about, to blog about a topic you enjoy and one that leaves plenty of room for discussion. Otherwise, creating content for your audience will be a daunting task.
Even if the topic has been covered on other blogs, coming up with a unique angle will always set you apart.
Step #2: Pick a blog name and register a new domain name
When starting a blog, the name you choose is highly important. It is the first point of contact that your target audience will have to your blog. Therefore, it should be memorable, easy to spell and indicative of what the content is about. Often times, readers make snap judgments based on the blog name, therefore, it is important to get it right the first time. Up to 75% of all websites are “.com” domains and it is still the preferred extension and the easiest to remember. Also, ensure that your blog name is related to your niche but still identifies your blog uniquely. It should be short, catchy and easy to share.
After choosing the blog name you should see if your desired domain is available. The most important thing about a domain name registration is that it gives you personality and recognized identity. I recommend you to go with WPlook to register a new domain as it has different options of domains like .com, .net, .biz, .info, etc. and competitive prices. To get started, check to see if the domain name you want is available. If available, register the domain name for a period of time you specify during the checkout process.
Step #3: Find a host
For your blog to exist online and be accessible to anyone, you require a server space. This space is acquired from a hosting company. When you find a company that will host your blog, it will put it on the internet where everyone can see it. Think of hosting as a computer hard-drive, where everything, including your blog, will be saved. WPlook is one of the most dependable hosting firms that will give you the speed, reliability, and security for your website needs. We pride ourself on easy installation, expert support and an abundance of the best hosting features. With WPlook, you can be certain that your blog is in the safest hands. All you have to do is to choose the hosting plan that best fits your budget and business needs… and don’t forget that the hosting is one of the key components of every successful website.
Step #4: Choose a theme
A good theme will give you the look and feel that is most deserving of your blog. When it comes to WordPress blogging, the visual appearance that you desire is controlled by themes. With a good theme, the aesthetics and presentation of your blog will be handled. There is nothing more exciting than customizing the look and feel of your blog. After selecting a theme, you can add multiple pages to your content. I recommend you to choose one of the themes built by WPlook: My Journey – is a stylish and beautiful WordPress theme made specifically for Personal, Fashion, Lifestyle Bloggers, as well as it may be used for any other subject matter; Family Blog – is a great Premium WordPress theme perfect for two parents or an entire family; Morning Time – is ideal for a Personal Blog, Family Blog, Journalists and anyone who loves to share their daily thoughts in a unique manner; Magazine – is a flexible and modern WordPress theme that will perfectly suit Magazine, Lifestyle, Travel, and Photograph Bloggers. My favorite theme is My Journey as it is perfect if you want to build a colorful and eye-catching online project, to share your passion, and to write interesting stories. So, all you have to do is pick your favorite theme and then the blogging platform.
Step #5: Get started with WordPress
When you want to create a blog, choosing a blogging platform is one of the most important decisions that you can make. While there exist an array of platforms such as Tumblr and Blogger, WordPress offers an unmatched level of freedom or customization. In addition to this, it is a free and secure platform. Therefore, you will not have to worry about your blog getting hacked. WordPress also offers an abundance of free themes and plugins that will add a high level of functionality to your blog.
There you go! 5 important steps on how to start a blog that will enable you to have a blog up and running. However, your job does not end here! Once read how to start a blog, you set up your blog, keep familiarizing with the basics and find ways to make it successful. While it is normal to struggle at the beginning, there are some overall keys to blogging success.
It is essential to provide compelling and valuable content. You should also keep abreast of new SEO trends and techniques. Remember to interact with your audience and constantly educate yourself on blogging.
Do not be afraid to fail. Keep experimenting and eventually, you will find out what your readers like!