Most of you know that I have been working full-time from our home as a blogger. What started out as a hobby became my bread and butter. From working in a bank to writing about the things I am passionate about, there’s really not much to think about. So if you’ve stumbled across this post because you’re wondering if blogging is for you, or because you’re interested in giving it a try … then let me take this opportunity to break down the basics.
Blogging is fun but requires a lot of hard work and dedication especially if you want to make a living from it. You can’t just write and expect it to grow on its own. There’s more to it. Personally, I created my blog out of my passion to tell a story. It took a lot of time to research, study, as well as trial and error to figure out what works. I realized that it can be a great source of income if taken seriously. If you are still here reading, and haven’t loose interest then let’s get you started!
Why do you want to create a blog?
The first thing you should do is assess yourself and ask why do you want to create a blog. Because by asking yourself, you will know what exactly your goal is, and why you are here. Here are some of the most common reasons why people are creating their own blogs.
1. Blogging is one of the most popular ways to communicate and spread information. It is considered as the new media, social media experts say. If you want to be an influencer or some sort, blogging is one of the best ways to do it.
2. You want to make it a hobby. An online diary where you can express your thoughts. An open book where you can freely speak yourself. It is like a portal where you can just throw everything in it and see who has the same opinions like yours.
3. You want to make money from it. You want to earn from it. You want to make it your bread and butter.
4. You wanted to become a writer so now you can make it happen by setting up your own blog.
If you already have your purpose, and you know what exactly you want from blogging, then let’s head into the basics of blogging.
How to start your blog in five easy steps
Setting up a blog can be time-consuming, but here are the basics and the main steps that you need for you to be able to start your own blog.
1. Choose a platform.
2. Choose a web host.
3. Setup your domain.
4. Design your blog.
5. Write and publish your first post.
Step 1 – Choose a platform.
The first thing you should do when creating a blog is to choose your preferred blogging platform. There’s a lot of platforms available on the internet; each has pros and cons. I advise you to choose wisely as switching of platforms can be troublesome.
Some of the commonly used platforms are WordPress, Blogger, Drupal, Gawker, and Tumblr. If you want a beginner friendly platform, I highly recommend you to use WordPress. It is one of the biggest and trusted blogging platforms all over the world, with more than 82 million active users. It is easy to understand, has countless add-ons and plugins, plenty of free to use layout and themes, a supportive community, and responsive customer service.
Step 2 – Choose a web host.
This step is a little tricky, as you have to decide if you are going to pay for your blog or settle for a free one. Tumblr, Blogger, and WordPress offer free blogs, but you know when it’s free, it has limits, right?
Here are some of the downside of getting a free blog:
– You are not allowed to get your own domain name. You can choose the name of your blog, like for example, Life with Pets, but you can’t freely set lifewithpets.com as your blog’s web address or commonly known as URL. Instead, you have to follow the platforms format, and you will be using it as your URL. This is how your domain will look like if you use the above free blog services:
lifewithpets.tumblr.com
lifewithpets.blogspot.com
lifewithpets.wordpress.com
– Free blogs have limited actions. With free blogs, you are not allowed to monetize it fully, add-ons, themes, and plugins are limited, and you have limits in uploading images and videos in your blog.
– You are not the real owner of your blog, well technically speaking. It is because it is hosted on someone else’s web property, and that’s your blogging platform, in case you are missing the point. And by saying they are hosting your blog, they can easily delete your blog if you violated the terms given to you.
On the other hand, if you want a self-hosted blog, then you have to pay for it monthly or yearly, depending on the plan you are going to avail. But the good side is you are the real owner of your blog, and you can do whatever you want with it, and that includes naming it whatever you want. For example, you can name it lifewithpets.com or choose from other popular web suffixes such as .co, .net, .uk, .org, or any different web suffix. You will also have unlimited bandwidth for your images, contents, and videos.
Step 3 – Setup your domain.
If you want your blog to stand out, you have to think of a name that is unique and easy to remember. Once decided, you have to choose a hosting company that will host your blog. In case you are confused, here’s the difference between domain and hosting.
- Domain: The domain is the URL of your website.
Hosting: Hosting is the company that puts your blog up on the web.
Step 4 – Design your blog.
This step is the fun part – designing your blog. You can easily design your blog by using themes in the market. There are plenty of free themes, but of course, with limited settings, unlike those paid themes with full access and support from the developer. Always remember that your blog’s design will leave an impression on your visitors so make sure it is easy to navigate and pleasing to the eyes. It is also nice if you will consider your niche in choosing the right theme for your blog.
Step 5 – Write and publish.
If you are all done with the mentioned steps above, then I am sure your blog is now up and running live. This is the time where you can write your first post and then publish it online.
How To Start a Blog and Successfully Earn From It – Beginner’s Guide
Bonus: How to monetize your blog.
If you aim to monetize your blog, then you should focus on creating quality contents, promoting your blog, and spending for your hosting and domain. There are several ways on how you can earn from blogging. Here are some:
– Sell your own product or services.
You can blog about the product you are selling or the service you are offering. This way, you can have your own free and unlimited advertisement on the internet. Boost your sales by maximizing your reach in the social media.
– Write reviews.
You can get paid by doing reviews of products on your blog. Some brands like to collaborate with bloggers, by paying them to do a review, or do an xdeals where you can get a free item in exchange for a blog post. You can sell the item after the review to fund your blog expenses.
– Google Adsense.
Once your blog is already stable and has regular visitors, then you can apply for a Google Adsense. Google Adsense will find the advertisers for you, and the only thing you should do is place its given code on your blog so you can start running ads.
And that’s it. Creating your own blog is easy, but maintaining it can be hard and needs a lot of time and effort. I hope you find my post helpful as it is my pleasure to help you set up your blog and welcome you to the community. Happy blogging!
Stacie
This is going to help so many newbies! I wish I’d had a guide like this when I first started. It was all trial and error for me.
Debbie Carr
Great tips for starting a blog. So many of us are doing it now, but it’s good to go back to basics and re-evaluate when we’re thinking of monetising.
Thanks for sharing this
Debs @ https://tiger-mint.com
robin rue
This is a great guide for beginners! I get asked about this stuff a lot.
Nate
Hi Angela,
You’re so right about the free blogs. Sometimes it’s better off to use something like word press and a nice web host like hostgator. This way you can think long term and not worry about any issues that might pop up with the free versions!
Melissa Chapman
These are great tips for every blogger and especially for people starting out. I can use any help I can get and this is a good post.
NIna
This is great advice and tips for those starting out in the blogging world. I agree thats a great way to write and give your readers something to think about or even try out.
Jeanette
This is definitely something that has a lot of value to it. A couple friends of mine wanted to know how to start a blog and her money right away. I think this post would really help them.
Liz Mays
This will definitely get a new blogger off to a good start. I definitely have to agree with your points about choosing a web host.
Marcie W.
This is a great guide for new and aspiring bloggers. I think it’s also important that they know making money takes time, but with hard work, it will happen.
Megan Kerry
The “why” is the most important thing for sure! It’s what keeps you going to push through the struggles of just starting out! Great post and awesome photo’s!
Fiona Cambouropoulos
You are certainly right about the time and effort needed, but what a great guide for anyone starting out. I wish I’d read this when I began.
Amy
I have been blogging for almost 8 years now! It was the best decision I have ever made for my family.
Abu Zaid
This is another awesome blog tutorial, Thank you for this article share
Brianne Tursi Manz
I love how you explained the “whys” of becoming a blogger, as well as a detailed breakdown of getting started. Such great content you shared!
Kathy
This has a lot of great information. I always get people coming to me asking how to start blogging. I never really know what to tell them either. I’ll have to send them your way and show them this.
Keikilani
Starting a blog was one of the best decisions I made. It’s my passion and my business. If you are thinking about starting on this journey, DO IT!
Krista
I wish this post was around when I started 11 years ago. I was in over my head and had no clue where to start. This is great information and I know it will help a lot of newbie bloggers get started!
Sara welch
These are all so spot on! Great tips for upcoming bloggers; it really is a lot of work!
Claudia Krusch
What a great post! Sounds great for bloggers who are beginning!
Alexandra
Thanks for the tips! I wish I had had access to this post when I first set up a blog – it is full of so much useful information.
Reese Woods
You are right that maintaining a blog is a lot of work! I feel like I am always in a process of developing and growing. But I feel like when you do it right, it’s worth it!
Kerrie Mendoza
I think this is one of the best post on how to start a blog and earn from it. I really enjoyed your post.
kristin lesney
Ive had my blog for over 10 years, amazing to see how much this has all come. I was doing this before money, was a long fight to start getting paid. Now its easy for everyone.
Catalina
These are helpful tips. Very clear, simple and easy! And you are right, maintaining a blog can be hard and needs a lot of time, effort and a lot of passion!
Toni | Boulder Locavore
These are really awesome tips!! I am sure a lot of aspiring bloggers will help this!
Emmeline
Great tips, thank you! And especially perfect for those just starting out. For me the hardest part is trying to monetize – Adsense isn’t really worth the money to me (makes the site too slow to be worth it), so might need to start creating my own e-books or somethinng..
Geraline Batarra
Thanks for sharing this wonderful article. It’s very informative, i learned a lot. I was planning to monetize my blog and this is a great help.
Czjai Reyes-Ocampo
I think it’s time time I apply for Adsense. I’ve seen fellow bloggers earn a hefty amount from it.
Rebecca Sanchez
starting a blog was never easy you have t create a content that will leave an impact to your followers plus the setting up of your platform, your article was indeed halpful and the step by step guides will be handy
Rachel
It is definitely possible to make money from a blog. It is just sometimes harder to make a LOT of money.
Anonymous
This is such a brilliant guide for those at the start of their blogging journey. I wish I’d had such a handy guide to look to when I started.
Yeah Lifestyle
This is such a brilliant guide for those just starting on their blogging journeys. I wish I had a guide like this when I first started.
Natalie L.
These tips would have been so beneficial when I started my blog!
Megan
Wow, this is an awesome guide! Thanks for sharing your great tips 🙂 This is so helpful! x
Rachael Eberhardt
Thanks for sharing this informative blog. This is so helpful for beginners or aspiring bloggers that doesn’t have much clue on how to start.
Ruth I
Good tips and great information. This is a big help for those who are planning to start their own blog.
Amy-Lynn Denham
I’d say those are, indeed, the basic basics! There’s a LOT more too it but let’s not overwhelm the newbies, yeah? lol
Kristen Frolich
These are great tips. Starting a blog can seem intimidating but when you take the right steps it can be really easy!
Claire Lee
What a great step to step guide for people who want to create a blog. Thank you for sharing!
Sarah
Great tips! I’ve been blogging for so long now, it sometimes hard to even tell someone how to start. I’ll share your article with my future blogging friends.
John Mulindi
This is one of the best post, I wish I came across when I was starting on my blogging journey, so much educative tips for new bloggers. Thanks for sharing.
Lisa
Selling my own products is something I want to try this year. This is a really useful post, thank you!
Mickal
I am so excited to try a few of the tips you offered! Thank you so much,
Shannan P
Great tips! Getting started can be intimidating, but you just need to jump in and do it!
Catherine
Starting a website can be so daunting to some. Great post!
Krystel | Travel on a Budget
I would love my blog to be a full-time income. Maybe one day
Alexandra Cook
Thanks for the tips! I wish I had had access to this post when I first set up a blog – it is full of so much useful information.
Julie Plagens
Great instructions for someone who wants to start a blog. I am impressed with all the detail. I hope people will be helped by your instructions.
Courtney Glenny
Congrats on your wonderful blog! What a fun article. Great advice for all beginners and rookies!
Erica ~ Erica Ever After
When I started my blog I had no idea what I was doing. I have learned a lot from making a ton of mistakes. If i had seen this post I would’ve saved myself a lot of frustration.
Scott Gombar
Solid information in your blog post. This is a good starting point for new bloggers.
Emily
I really am thankful that I started my blog! Whether you do it for a job or for fun, I think everyone could benefit from writing!
Sam
This will be helpful to new bloggers. There’s so much info out there that can be overwhelming. This simplifies a lot of information.
Brittany
This is such a great and informative blog on how to start a blog!! Thank you for sharing your insight.
Amber Myers
This is a great post for those starting a blog. I wish it were around when I started. I had no idea what I was doing.
Cris
I wish I knew these things when I started blogging. You have some great tips, very useful for a new blogger.
Corina
These are going to be really helpful tips for new bloggers. Very impressive post.
Monica Parlee
My sister is thinking of starting a blog. I’m going to send this post to her, it will definitely be very helpful to her. Thanks!
Natalia
I’ve been already blogging for some time and I haven’t earned much so far. I followed all of these steps while setting up my blog, so I need to work on promotion more. 🙂
Sophia
These are some great tips. It took me a few years of blogging before I started to actually implement these same tips. I wish I would have had them from the beginning.
Heather
I’ve had my blog for almost 2 years now, but don’t have any ads set up. I’m not sure if I want to add them. Do you find them distracting?
Blair villanueva
So many platforms comes in and its up to the new creator which one they are comfortable to use. This guide is still helpful for fresh updates.
Bindu Thomas
This is such a great guide for beginners. It is going to help many. I really enjoyed your post.
matthew
Great and informative content. This will definitely benefit a lot of newbies
Shweta koul
Thanks for sharing this blog, You have shared some very important tips on blogging. For me monetizing is the next step that I’m going to use.
Courtney
Great tips!!!!! I’ve been blogging for years. It’s all about being consistent!! At least in my opinion
Hollie Sic
These are all such great tips. I think it’s so important to stay true to yourself and what you personally believe in when blogging too.
Elizabeth O
This is definitely good article because as a blogger we do make lots of mistakes and you explained it very well. Very helpful
Dalene Ekirapa
I started my blog in order to communicate and years down the line, I’m indeed sharing out more on my niche. It’s been a great journey. Anyway, it’s not yet done until you monetize it. That’s my level at the moment.
ohmummymia
So many good tips for everyone who thinks about having a blog 🙂
Kisha Stewart-Harris
I know so many new bloggers will find this to be an asset, especially since so many times we are starting a blog without any help or just not knowing where to start. This basically takes out much of that legwork. Thank you
Amara Jakobsen
I love how elaborate you’ve made this blog post. Before starting my blog, I came across many posts such as this, but I think you’ve done an outstanding job explaining this process.
David Elliott
Trying to create my own product sounds like the most interesting way to start earning an income. Although I have thought about the Google Adsense. I have been nervous about that, to be honest.
Binge on Basics
This is a great informative post and thanks for sharing this guide. It is like the ultimate guide for newbie bloggers
Monique Starks
Awesome tips! This was very helpful, thank you for sharing!!
Tasheeni
These tips are super helpful! Thank you so much for sharing!
Anjali W
This post is really insightful for the beginners. Thanks for all the information on blogging and monetization.
Mahmud
Very informative on creating a blog. Excellent resource for newbies.