Thinking about starting a blog, but not sure where to begin? The SITS Girls and I have you covered! From web domains to site design, our Blog Startup Checklist has all the information you need to get started.
How Do I Start a Blog?
Is this a question that you’re running into? Then check out the below steps! We’ve breaking down how to start a blog step-by-step. {As an added bonus, we’ve even compiled the info into a free printable at the end of the post. Score!}
1. Determine Which Blogging Platform You’ll Be Using
This first step is a big one~ and it can be overwhelming. There are lots of popular options out there, but WordPress and Blogger are great places to start for beginner bloggers. Need help deciding which one? Check out our Blogger vs WordPress series to weigh the pros and cons of each:
- Moving Your Blog to WordPress
- Blogger to WordPress: Is it time for you to change?
- Mistakes to Avoid on WordPress
2. Name Your Blog
Time to hone in on your creativity! Pick a name that reflects the essence of your blog. Taglines aren’t critical, but they do give readers a snapshot as to what your blog is all about.
Take the time to really think this step through. After all, you & your blog want to have a long, happy relationship together!
3. Reserve/Purchase Your Domain Name
There are a number of compelling reasons why you need your own domain name. GoDaddy.com and WordPress.com are just two of the many sites that will walk you through this process.
4. Determine What You Want To Do With Your Blog Design
This is another key area, since your blog design can either draw people in or turn them away. Think of it like browsing for a book~ you are drawn more towards books with eye-pleasing designs, right? Same with blogs.
Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank to find a design that reflects you. Blogger & WordPress offer free themes that you can build upon, and there are lots of free site design options that you can find via Google. And if you’re familiar with CSS, good for you~ have at it!
If you want a customized look for your blog to help it stand out, hiring a blog designer is always an option. Make sure you agree on what’s included in your design package upfront, and what type of design support will be available to you once your blog is up & running. Timing is also important~ you’ll want to get on your designer’s schedule as soon as possible.
5. Write, Write, WRITE!
Once you get readers to your site, you want to engage them & bring them back day after day. The best ways to do this?
- Have a great ABOUT page. Explain why you started blogging, introduce yourself, your family or anyone/anything else that you’ll be blogging about. Check out our post on 10 Ways to Dazzle Readers with Your About page for more ideas.
- Make sure your CONTACT page is up-to-date. Include your email address, as well as any other social media accounts that you’d like to connect with people on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.
- Remember that Content is King. Readers won’t want to hang around on your blog if there isn’t much to read, so have a handful of posts ready for when your site goes live.
- Set a blogging schedule to ensure that you’re keeping fresh posts coming. Whether you blog once a week or once a day, you should set that expectation for your readers from the get-go.
- Don’t forget the pictures! Too much text can get overwhelming to read. I frequently use adorable pictures of my children to lure readers back {like this one!}:
6. Social Media
If you haven’t already, joining Twitter and creating fan pages on Facebook and Google+ can really help build your community. Make sure you have the correct links to your social media accounts from your blog’s homepage, and ask your friends to like/follow you.
7. Create an RSS Feed
Feedburner is a free & easy option~ make sure to include a “subscribe here” link on your post!
8. Promote
Once your site is live, promote the daylights out of it {within reason, of course}. Share your new posts on social media platforms and engage in blogging communities.
Looking for a community to get started? The SITS Girls discussion forum is full of lovely & engaging bloggers from all types of niches. Pop over & introduce yourself!
Most Importantly: Stick With It!
It’s a lot of work to start a blog, but it’s also incredibly gratifying to create something that reflects you to the world. Print out our handy-dandy Blog Startup Checklist to help you through this exciting process.
{ALERT! If you are trying to download the printable using Firefox, please note that due to a recent Firefox upgrade, you must have their PDF Add-On installed on your computer. You can find it here. Once installed, you should not have any problems.}
Good luck, and welcome to the world of blogging!
Today in the Forum
We’ve got another hot topic for you today in our discussion forum! It’s all about the state of the blogosphere, commenting, and where our beloved craft is headed. Come see!
Forum Discussion Topic: Why Blog?
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I have a blog and I still think these are great tips. I love Amy’s blog Counting my Kisses!! I wish I could be more like her.
Anjie @ Of Pandas and Pirates recently posted..This is me.
Twitter: emielli
says:
I loved seeing this topic appear in my e-mail. It was the perfect motivation to get me back into blogging regularly -> especially with the “Write, Write, Write” section. It’s so easy for me to slack off and before I know if, a month has gone by without a new post!
Emily @ Stylenerd recently posted..Wordless Wednesday
Twitter: anotherjenb
says:
Great post. And spot on! I’m printing out the checklist and having it ready to share with my blogging clients. Thanks!
another jennifer recently posted..My Giving Pledge: April Donation
Twitter: AlisonSWLee
says:
Great ideas and tips, Amy! I wish I had this guide before I started my blog
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..This Is About Blogging Again…. and Thank You
Twitter: slapdashmom
says:
This is a great post.
SO many ask me how to create a blog, and this breaks it down! My kids just created their first blog and they’re stoked to get started. 
Sadie recently posted..Paris Goes to San Francisco: Book Review
Twitter: cookinstilettos
says:
GREAT post! Can I add one more thing please?
When naming your blog, do a quick Google search and make sure that someone else doesn’t have it. 5 minutes can save you some major legal headaches.
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos recently posted..Want To Perk Up Your Blog – Content Brew Can Help
great post!! nice tips!!!
thanks a lot
Ana
Lücuma Volätil recently posted..Llegó mi Swap! [ mil gracias Alma de Valija!]
Twitter: UniquelyEN
says:
Thank you for the tips. They are very helpful.
Erin recently posted..The Planning Desk
Twitter: teacher_viviene
says:
Wow.. step by step with printable! This is great.. =)
viviene @ thejourneyofawoman recently posted..Saturday Blast
Twitter: mtvtdmommyof2
says:
Thank you for sharing this is a great post. I wish I would have found something like this before I started my blog
Shirley recently posted..10 Weekly Goals
Starting a blog isn’t all that difficult, growing an audience is. Unfortunately, Google is making it all the more difficult by frequently changing its algorithm. All of my blogs have been hit by the recent Google Penguin update, and I don’t know where to turn for help.
manjusha@ielts practice recently posted..IELTS sample letter
Twitter: homejobsbymom
says:
All great tips!! Thank you!! I SO want to make my blog more attractive but I don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a designer yet. Maybe one day.
krystle recently posted..Mally Evercolor Poreless Face Defender Giveaway
Twitter: trungpc81
says:
You guide is great for new blogger who wants to start a blog, I love #5 point, write, write, write is most of work that a blogger have to do every day
Trung Nguyen recently posted..How to Start a Blog: 7 Steps to Start a Blog Yourself
Twitter: driedonmilk
says:
Ooooh great tips!
Stacia recently posted..Fin… bitches!!!!
Twitter: cammipham
says:
Great post very useful for someone who is new to blogging….start a blog is easy to maintain one is another story…
Twitter: TaraGusmanis
says:
I love this!! Wow! So cool! Happy New Year!
Tara recently posted..#StartClean2013
They do not insert secret or additional advertising in our material.
For example, we often do some driving trains to encourage the students to speak a few numbers in turn.
Use old fabric to create puppets, monsters, and any other creatures that your child can imagine.
funny pictures animals smile recently posted..funny pictures animals smile