Let's say you're thinking about starting a blog. Excellent! You may be eager to debut your first blog post with all that fresh excitement still sinking in. However, are you sure that you have thoroughly prepared for its execution before you rush into it?
Unlike casual bloggers, successful bloggers make their own desserts. The urge to slack off could be strong when the activity is only a time-pass. If, however, you're serious about running a blog with regular visitors, you will have to put in more effort. When it comes to creating an engaging blog, many of the tasks must be handled, including choosing a theme, selecting a hosting provider, and creating content regularly.
The following are ten things you should consider before you start a blog. In a couple of weeks, you should be able to come up with some convincing responses to these questions.
Image Credits : Pexels
1. Why do you want to start a blog?
Bloggers and superheroes share a common trait! Their before you start a blog. You have to figure out the purpose of your new blog before getting started. In the event that you are merely trying to make money out of it or ape other successful bloggers, you should not continue. If you are thinking about starting a blog, you need to make sure that you have more passionate reasons for doing so.
2. What will you write about?
It is important that you decide what genre your blog will be and what topics you will be blogging about. Even if your blog is general, being more specific with your scope can provide an edge over competitors. Finding a niche in which you feel comfortable is the best thing to do. If you're unsure about what subject to choose, choose something you're knowledgeable about or at least one you're interested in.
3. What makes your blog different?
Irrespective of whether or not your blog genre is specific, you will undoubtedly face lots of competition from very similar blogs. A unique or different aspect of your blog is what will make it stand out from the crowd. It could be something you write, an image you use creatively, an interactive map, a graph you use, or the way you express yourself.
4. Who is your target audience?
You won't have difficulty determining who your target audience is once you have decided on your blog niche. Your blog can easily be targeted to your target audience by performing a little research on your part. From there, you can choose what you want to post and even what writing style to use.
5. What should be the frequency of posting?
On average, the top blogs and websites publish one post per day. However, with limited time and resources, this may not be possible for you. However, there's no reason why you should either. Posting frequently is important, but consistency is also crucial. Write fresh and relevant content for your posts, so your readers can get some value from your content. You should be able to post two or three times per week at least.
6. Have you decided on the length of your posts?
The longer the blog, the better for beginners! I am referring to posts with 1500 words or more here. The longer your content is, the more likely people are to spend time on it, and the more likely you are to have it shared. In addition, it is well known that longer posts tend to rank higher on Google - it favors long-form posts. In this case, consistency in writing lengthy posts without compromising on quality is key. There should be no repetition or attempt to add words to the text.
7. How much time can you spend working on your blog?
Ideally, you should come up with 1,500-word long posts, in which on-page SEO techniques are integrated into every single post. It should be done at least twice a week, but the quality cannot be compromised. As a result, there are no secrets in that area. Blogging requires a lot of time and effort. It is important that you take the time and resources to prepare for your new blog before you begin crafting ideas.
8. Do you have a strategy to promote your blog?
Your blog cannot be considered 'successful' unless you're able to recruit a regular readership and more importantly, keep your visitors. There are many ways you can promote your blog and attract new readers. There are many methods to use to reach your audience, from old-fashioned social media postings to PPC (Pay-Per-Click) to highly targeted Facebook ads. Your marketing strategies should match up with the audience you are targeting.
Content discovery platforms like Taboola and Outbrain can be used to break controversial or 'ever-trending' topics, such as tips for losing weight. You will be featured on some of the most reputable websites and publications in the world, like CNN, BuzzFeed, Financial Times, and Huffington Post.
If you cater to a particular niche, you might want to consider Facebook and Twitter ads (for example, designers & WordPress developers) as it will reach audiences that are already aware of your niche.
9. Has the name been decided of your blog?
First impressions are important, and your blog's name is what makes the first one. Name your blog something catchy, but it must not limit your future explorations. Generally, it is wise to avoid names that are too specific to one genre. Check if the domain name you are considering is available upfront.
10. Have you decided on the platform?
There is a choice here between someone else hosting your blog for you or you hosting it yourself. The long-term benefit of having a self-hosted blog is immense. The advantages of having your own blog are better designs and the ability to monetize it easier. Although WordPress is the platform of choice for most bloggers, due to its powerful features, scalability, convenience, and ease of use, make sure that you conduct a detailed research before making your final decision.
Quick Links : Effective Blogging Strategies & SEO Tips : Interview with Kulwant Nagi of BloggingcageAccordingly, the best options for those looking to start a blog for free and get its start up rolling are Blogger & Tumblr.
Almost every journey culminates in blogging. In case you checked off all the boxes above, you are all set to travel! Let's get started now.
