How To Start A Blog

So you want to start a blog. Now what? There are a million different thoughts bouncing around in your head, theme, name, what is this HTML code everyone speaks of…. It is literally mayhem up there! Where does one even start? Don’t you worry your pretty little head. We have got you covered. Take a step back. BREATHE. RELAX. If you are a yoga fanatic do a couple of rounds of Surya Namaskar, grab a pen and let’s get to work!

Photo by StreetScout.me

TOPIC PICKER:

Step number one, time to pick a topic. What excites you and makes you want to wake up every morning screaming WHHOO-HA! Anything? Everything? Narrow down on your true passions to find a niche you love writing about. When considering a topic think about your hobbies, or what really makes you tick. It is important that you love whatever you are writing about to ensure you will always have material.

CLAIM DAT NAME:

Pick the name for your blog and make sure it hasn’t been taken by another like-minded blogger already. CLAIM IT! The moment you have your “aha, that is going to be the name of my blog moment” go directly to Godaddy.com to make sure your beloved domain name is available.

Photo by StreetScout.me

BLOGGER PLATFORM:

Whether it be Blogger or WordPress, the decision as to what blogging platform you should use is totally up to you. Pick your poison.

METRICS:

Sign up for Google Analytics, and Feedburner to track your signups and blog’s overall success.

WIDGETS:

Pick out appropriate widgets to ensure that your blog is running smoothly. Widgets make it easy for readers to interact with your blog. Read more about how to install a widget here.

CONTENT:

Last, but certainly not least GET WRITING. Grab your favorite feather plume, markers, notepad, sketchbook, laptop, iPad, whatever you need, and start getting your thoughts down on paper. Publish and see what type of traffic rolls in. Be prepared to update not only your blog, but also all forms of social media. Trying to get in touch with brands you would be interested in working with? Use The Shelf to expedite the process!

Photo by StreetScout.me

There you have it! And you thought it was going to be hard. Now remember, to keep up with your blogging career. Blogging, itself, is no cake walk so be prepared to take extra time out of your busy schedule to craft up some blog-worthy content.