Top 5 Tips to Start a Blog in 2021
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So you’ve dreamed and schemed about it and now you’re ready to sit down and start blogging. Congratulations, friend! I’m excited for you’re here and ready to get started.
There are a few housekeeping things that you’ll want to do before you start sharing your story and getting your content out to the masses. But I’m here to help you to get things ready for the company you’ll be inviting.
Ready, set, let’s grow that blog!
Top 5 Tips to Start a Blog in 2021
No. 1 – Take Time for Self-Evaluation
There’s no need to rush through the process of starting a blog. Sure, you may want to just get something out there, but if you take the time to carefully and intentionally work through the nitty-gritty details of your blog ahead of time, you’ll be able to breathe easier and produce more quality content.
Otherwise, you might find yourself scrambling to get everything in working order while also trying to share what you have to say with your audience. Word to the wise, plan ahead, it’s worth the effort!
Take some time to do some true self-evaluation by answering the questions below.
If you’re a believer, take these questions to God in prayer and allow Him to help you sort out the answers.
SELF-EVALUATION QUESTIONS
1. Why do you want to start a blog?
– To share your unique story?
– To have a place to vent?
– To educate others?
– To form a like-minded community?
– To inspire and encourage?
2. What goals do you have for your blog?
– Do you seek to monetize it?
– Will it be a springboard to write a book?
– Or is it just a collection of thoughts?
No. 2 – Who Is Your Audience?
Now that you’ve done some true soul-searching to answer those questions above, you’re ready to narrow down your niche.
What’s a niche, you say? In blogging terms, your niche is the focus that is established as a foundation for all future content.
Basically, what could you write about, or develop, or offer services, for the rest of your life?
And who would you provide them for?
A few examples of popular niches and their target audiences:
- Homeschooling tips for stay-at-home moms
- Cricut designs and tutorials for crafters
- Easy to implement Bible study tips for busy Christian women
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN NARROWING DOWN YOUR NICHE
1. What will your overall focus be for this online space?
2. What kind of topics do you hope to cover? Make a list.
3. What can only YOU offer?
– This is a great approach to take to narrow your focus.
– God designed you with a purpose, therefore, what can you and no one else offer?
– What unique perspective can you lend your audience?
Hone in on your niche and target audience and your blog will instantly become that much more valuable!
Want to take this step a bit further and also learn how to tailor your writing to your niche/audience?
I highly recommend the Copyrighting for Creatives course from Ashlyn Writes to help you develop your unique brand voice and to learn how to confidently share your message. This course helped me transform the entire vision for my small business! And I CANNOT say enough good things about Ashlyn and her team!
No. 3 – Select a Name
Make a list of names, including variations of that name, and pray over it. Ask trusted friends and family for suggestions. My brother single-handedly named my original blog, The Imperfect Vessel.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A BLOG NAME
1. Versatility – Select a name that will allow you to grow and offer more than just blogging content, should you choose to do so in the future.
2. Domain Name Availability – Select a name that has an available “dot com” (ex. google.com).
3. Ability to Legally Register – Select a name that is not already registered in your state, whether or not you choose to use this space to generate income.
– This is a great article to help you determine if a name has been taken.
Once you’ve selected a name, I highly recommend you legally register the name and purchase the corresponding domain name.
Regardless of whether you intend to monetize your blog, it is better to have your name registered and a domain attached to it should you choose to go that direction in the future, rather than running the risk of having to change your blog/business’s name when/if that time comes.
A great place to begin with name registration is with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
A great, one-stop-shop for all of your domain registration (and blog hosting) needs is Bluehost, which I have used for 7 years. Their customer service has saved the day on more than one occasion!
No. 4 – Choose Where to Write
You may be wondering how to select a blogging platform?
WordPress.org | Squarespace | Weebly | WordPress.com | Wix
There is no right or wrong choice to selecting a blogging platform, just like there’s no right or wrong place to order a pizza from. It really comes down to two things, features and pricing.
Do your research ahead of time so that when you make your selection, you know that your choice will provide you all of the features you’re looking for and may grow to need.
Remember – your site doesn’t have to have every feature right out of the gate. Starting small is perfectly acceptable. It will also allow room for growth and the opportunity to learn what is best for you and your readers.
Preferred Blogging Platform
There are a lot of great platforms out there. In fact, I’ve used three of the choices listed above, but I’ve found that WordPress.org is by far the best platform to use to grow your blog and/or small business.
With its flexibility of the design and endless options to add features (some paid, many free) through tools called plugins, you can truly tailor your site to your needs.
Bluehost is a great option for your blog hosting needs and has a great intro offer that starts at $3.95 per month, which includes a free domain name (with a dot com 😉) for your first year, a free SSL certificate ($80 value) that helps to protect your site’s content, a 1-click WordPress install, and 24/7 support!
No. 5 – Branding
What colors are associated with McDonalds? Pepsi? Netflix?
I bet you guessed all of the correct answers because we’ve been fed the marketing of those brands frequently. We grew up around them and they became mainstream.
The same thing can be true of your own blog, if you build a strong brand.
KEY ITEMS FOR BUILDING YOUR BRAND
– Logo
This is where it all begins. A logo allows you to set yourself apart from other blogs and businesses. The design will be the focal point in which the rest of your brand is built.
– Color Palette
It is best to select no more than three (3) colors to be incorporated into your logo or overall branding. They will help your blog to become more recognizable.
– Website
Think of your blog’s website as your online business card. There you’ll share who you are, what you’re about, and what you can offer to others. Establish a cohesive look with your logo and color palette to support your brand.
– Social Media Presence
It is important to incorporate your color palette, logo, and cohesive imagery in order to establish a strong brand presence, that is consistent across platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
Want more tips?
Here’s a list of resources that I recommend, that will help you take your blog to the next level:
- Ministry to Business
- Quiz to Define Your Online Voice
- FREE Copywriting Webinar with Ashlyn Carter of Ashlyn Writes
- 44 Questions Your Website Must Answer – Freebie
- Intentional Filling’s Ministry Mindset Planning Guide (of course!)
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