It seems simple, but creating a basic blog can seem like a huge task if you’ve never done it before.The following step-by-step guide will show you how to create a blog from start to finish in just eight minutes, with no prior computer experience needed.All you need is internet access and about 10 minutes of time, and by the end of this page, you’ll have your own blog! Let’s get started… – Pick a blog name Most bloggers will tell you it’s important to find a memorable, SEO-friendly name for your site that’s relevant but also doesn’t infringe on any trademarked names.Hence, it is a must to pick a name that isn’t already registered.Tools like NameMesh and Fusible help to conduct basic domain searches.
– Get your blog online Launching your site is just half of it.You also need somewhere for people to go when they want to read what you’ve written or find out more about you.The easiest way is through popular hosting sites like WordPress, TypePad and Tumblr.
Pick one that fits your interests and budget and sign up for an account (most are free).Once you have that account, you can install blogging software on your own domain.- Select a theme and design your blog Finding and selecting your own unique theme is important because it allows you to craft your own vision, rather than using one of hundreds or thousands that are out there.A custom theme doesn’t have to be expensive either, as there are plenty of sites that will help you create a professional looking template for just a few dollars.
Sites like Unsplash, TemplateMonster, and ThemeForest all have themes available for as little as $5-10.If you need design assistance check out Fiverr or Upwork.- Customize your blog To customize your new blogging platform, you’ll need to learn how to change fonts, add images and insert widgets that display your content.Check out our beginner’s guide on how to create a WordPress blog for step-by-step help with these settings.
Once you have your site up and running, it’s time to decorate it.Choose themes that represent who you are and allow potential readers a peek into your personality.- Write & publish your first post Your first post may seem insignificant, but it’s actually one of the most important things you can do as a blogger.Spend some time crafting an interesting introduction that reflects your brand’s values and personality.
This is your chance to show readers what makes you unique, so don’t waste it! – Optimize your blog for search engines It’s important that your website is easy for people to find and navigate, but you also want it to be useful for search engines.When someone conducts a search on Google or Bing, they’re looking for an answer (or at least, an entry point) that’s relevant.If your site doesn’t appear in their search results, you’ve lost them before they even visit your page.- Promote your blog The quickest way to gain an audience is to promote your content—via social media or search-engine optimization (SEO)—as it comes out.
The more posts you have, and better they are, the greater your chances of spreading your voice and gaining new readers.Ideally, you’ll have at least six posts written before launch so that you can ride a steady wave of traffic right after going live.- Make money blogging Most bloggers make money through affiliate marketing, selling advertising, product placements and sponsorships, blogging as a client of another company or organization or even through selling their own products.If you want to learn how you can make money blogging, check out our post on how to create and monetize your own website.It’s an excellent primer for getting started.Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author’s own..