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Are you interested in starting a blog but have absolutely no idea where or how to start?
Starting a blog is not as difficult as you may think. In fact, you can start a blog in less than 15 minutes! If you’re open to learning, you’re already 50% ahead of the game!
These bloggers have started blogs, learned how to make money from them and are now teaching others how to make money from blogging. They’re living proof that anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it.
Starting a blog is a quick and extremely easy process. Technical experience is not required! If you’re ready to start a blog in less than 15 minutes let’s get started.
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Why did I start blogging?
I’m a millennial mama swimming in student loan & consumer debt. I started this blog because I read that I could make money by blogging. Since I’m in debt, I figured I could blog about my experience and make money doing it. This would be the best part-time job EVER! The best part is I can still stay home and take care of my child.
Hey, I’m just keeping it real!
On this blog, I will highlight my journey towards debt with the hopes of empowering millennials to set financial goals, reclaim their money and get out of debt! Journaling/Blogging about my experiences allows me to hold myself accountable as paying off my debt.
It is my goal to become a full-time blogger so that I am able to work from home and have a flexible schedule that allows me to spend time with my family.
The Beginner’s Guide to Starting A Blog
Step #1 – Laying the Foundation
Click here if you’re ready to create your blog. If not, continue reading the steps below. In order to start your blog, you MUST lay the foundation.
Anyone can launch a blog but in order to start a successful blog, you gotta have a solid foundation.
Think about your target audience.
- Who are you writing for?
- What are you blogging about and what problem(s) can you solve?
- When are you going to work on your blog? How often do you plan to update the blog?
- Where do you see yourself (what are your blogging goals)?
- Why do you want to start a blog?
Write your answers down! Post them in your planner, on your fridge and set reminders on your phone. Once you see the path that you want to take, it will be easy for you to walk into it and get things done!
Step #2 – Determine your niche! (Hint: What do you want to talk about?)
What are you blogging about and what problem(s) can you solve?
In order to ensure blogging success for your blog, think about your likes and dislikes. What is that one topic that you love talking about?
CoinCountinMama is not my first blog. As a matter of fact, I started a fashion blog 6 years ago and it flopped! I started the blog because my friends were doing it, it looked easy and I wanted people to write in my guestbook (remember those?)! I wrote 4 posts and I haven’t looked back since. The funny thing is, I can’t even tell you what the name of the blog was.
It’s safe to assume that I was not passionate about this niche.
Learn from my mistakes! Don’t waste your time.
Brainstorm! Think about your likes and dislikes and write them down.
What is that one topic that you just can’t stop talking about? Can you write about this topic for weeks, months even years at a time? Does this topic have the potential to make money? Are you knowledgeable about this topic or perhaps willing to educate yourself on this topic?
What information can you provide to your target audience that will keep them wanting to come back for more?
Search relevant keywords on Pinterest or Google Search that represent your niche. This will help you determine if your niche is a solid option!
***FYI – if you’re interested in monetizing your blog, will your potential niche help you to generate revenue? Will you be able to do sponsored posts for companies that fall in line with your blog niche? Think long and hard about this – it took me about 10 days before I determined my niche. ***
Step #3 – Identify your Domain Name
Are you ready to register your domain name? Click here to get started.
What is the name of your new blog?
Your niche should be the inspiration behind your domain name. Your domain the URL for your website.
Be creative! Think of something that’s catchy and easily rolls off of your tongue.
Use a dictionary, complete a Google search to search for additional keywords that fall in line with your niche. Have multiple options just in case your first option is taken.
Select a domain name that is catchy and easy to remember.
For example, if you’re a food blogger, your name should not be http://www.daddyhacks.com. This name doesn’t make me think about food, my first instinct is that it’s a parenting blog from dad’s point of view.
Step #4 – Select A Blogging Platform & Web Host
We’re almost there! Now it’s time to select a blogging platform and web host!
According to WP Beginner, the top four blogging platforms are:
The web host is a web service that allows you to create a website that is accessible to the Internet.
You can purchase your domain directly through Bluehost and as an added bonus your domain will be FREE for the first year as long as you buy 12 months worth of Bluehost web hosting.
I currently use Bluehost as my blog host and I love it. I love Bluehost because:
- It’s was inexpensive @ $3.95/month.
- My Doman Name is free for the first year.
- 24/7 support is available – I was constantly communicating with them during the first month – I’m not tech-savvy. I had no clue what I was doing, lol. The representatives are very friendly and eager to help!
- WordPress is automatically installed for you!
- It was easy to set up! Everything happened so quickly, it seemed like I missed a step.
*** Click here to sign up for Bluehost and to get a discount!!! ***
1. Select your plan.
There are three plans to choose from: basic, plus and choice plus.
As a new blogger, I selected the basic plan. I’m a new blogger. Besides, I didn’t want to get too far in over my head. Taking baby steps.
2. Choose/Register your domain name
You’ve already completed this step because we selected a domain name early in the process. One thing that I love about Bluehost, is that you don’t have to buy your domain name separately; you can get a FREE domain name for the first year as long as you buy 12 months worth of Bluehost web hosting! This is seriously a big deal!!
If you already purchased a domain name from somewhere else, you can still start a blog with Bluehost.
3. Creating Your Account
The next steps include entering your personal information such as entering your name and other demographic information, selecting a package and providing payment.
Under package information, select the “Basic 26 Month Price – $3.95/mo plan”. It’s only $3.95 per month if you sign up for 36 months using my link.
You will be paying the full amount upfront. If you break the cost down over the course of 36 months, it will cost you $3.95 per month.
FYI – if at any point, you decide to cancel your account after 12 months, Bluehost will refund you for the 24 months that you haven’t used. You can cancel anytime and get your money back for the unused months!
Under package extras, un-check all options except Domain Privacy Protection, which is only $0.99 per month. By selecting this option, you are ensuring that your contact information stays safe.
Next, you’ll be directed to enter your payment information (You’re almost there – wooooo-hoooooo!!!).
Step #5 – It’s time to Install WordPress on Bluehost
This is the easy part!
- Log in and click on Log into WordPress.
- Next, select the type of site you would like to set up – “business” or “personal”. If you’re unsure you can always select I don’t need help.
- On the next page, you’re asked to pick a theme. You can just pick a random one here or find one that you actually like. You can change it later so it’s not a big deal or just scroll to the bottom and skip this step. Don’t spend too much time on this part because I can guarantee you that you will change your theme (I changed mine at least 5 times).
- Select Install.
Guess What? You did it!!!! You’re ready to start your blog!
You can now log into WordPress and start building content that will reach your target audience.
Starting a blog can appear to be intimidating but it’s not. All you need is a guide that will help steer you in the right direction. I hope after reading this tutorial you’re pumped up and ready to start your blog.
After starting my blog, I did a little happy dance because I FINALLY did something that I’ve always wanted to do.
I want to hear from you – what’s stopping you from starting a blog? What’s your inspiration behind starting a blog? Comment below!
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