With the advent of the Internet came the advent of blogging. Originally a contraction of the words “web log,” blogging has exploded into a lifestyle for many people. Popular sites across the web have become aggregates of content produced by writers, while the traditional single-author blog still remains prevalent on the web. Today, blogging has become less about producing content (though of course, that is still a crucial piece of the blogging puzzle) and more about creating a community. Through comments on posts and now particularly with the advent of social media, bloggers have found that they have particular sway and hold on their audiences, and their audiences have found that the writers and creators they admire are listening. If you have ever wanted to get into the world of blogging, the time is ripe.
The first thing to consider when starting a blog is deciding upon your niche. Blogs that are about many topics are of course possible, but the easiest route to take when beginning a blog is to pick a topic and stay with it, at least in the beginning stages. You, as a unique human being, have something to say that nobody else could write- figure out what that is and go from there. The beauty of blogging lies in the genuine expression of your character. It is strikingly obvious when a blogger is trying to be someone they aren’t, and their readers will notice.
So you’ve figured out your topic? Good. Now it’s time to find a place to host your blog. Typically, web pages are created by the purchase of a domain name from a server. The page is then populated with content using complex code. However, there are a myriad of ways to create your blog on a blog hosting service, which take out the hassle (and cost) of the traditional method. Do your research and select the best hosting site for your blog. You’ll want one with an interface that is easy to understand, especially if you aren’t particularly Internet savvy. The service you’ve chosen should help you set up your blog, but there are a few things to make sure you have set up. A built-in comments section on each post, options for connecting social media, and a basic site traffic monitoring system are all optimal.
Now it’s time to create your content! Put on your creativity cap and get to work. If you’ve chosen a highly visual topic like fashion or food, combine images with your text posts. If your topic is how-to or DIY, video can be a great addition to your blog (and a great source of extra traffic). Make sure your content is highly shareable and easy to understand. Set a schedule for posting and stick with it, as your readers will begin to get excited about your new posts. Continue to grow your community by leaving comments on other blogs and setting up social media for your blog. Interact with other people and watch your community grow. As long as you stay true to your brand and yourself, there is no limit to where a blog can go!
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