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I’ve been getting a few e-mails lately about how to go about starting a blog, how to get readers, what to blog about, etc., so I thought I’d address some of them here. Let me tell you I am probably totally not the most qualified person to ask about this, but I’ll certainly won’t let that stop me from answering your questions ;).
1. How do I start a blog?
Although I use WordPress (.org NOT .com), I would recommend starting a blog with blogger. It will seriously take you two seconds to get started. You can set up a template right in blogger and have your blog up and running super quickly. Later on if you decided you want to switch to a self-hosted blog in WordPress.org, it’s easy to switch (at least I thought it was). Or if you want to go right to WordPress.org, I recommend using bluehost as your web host and starting there. Wordpress.com doesn’t allow ads, sponsored posts, etc. so if that’s something you are interested in or want to promote your business, don’t opt for WordPress.com because they could shut down your blog.
2. Should I buy my own domain name?
If you really think you are going to enjoy blogging and plan on sticking with it, then go for it. You can buy one at GoDaddy for fairly cheap and this way you can make sure no one steals your blog name while you are deciding. If you have no idea what I am talking about, having your own domain name means you are “ilovemydogs.com” instead of “ilovemydogs.blogspot.com”.
3. How do I get people to read my blog?
Well, that’s the million dollar question in the blogging world. If it was easy, we’d all be The Pioneer Woman now wouldn’t we? But seriously, I recommend a few things: blogging often, blogging about lots of different topics, commenting on other blogs (with your blog link of course), participating in link-ups, sponsoring big blogs(*), etc.
4. But only 10 / 100 / 1000 people read my blog. I want MORE.
Don’t blog for “numbers”. Blog because you love it. You’ll attract more people! I don’t have google friend connect (GFC) because I am not on blogger, so I really don’t know how many “followers” I have. But it doesn’t matter to me. I blog because I like it!
5. Should I use word verification to keep spam comments out?(**)
NO! I personally am more likely to leave a comment on a blog without word verification because I have so much trouble with these codes. You don’t want someone who wants to comment on your blog to leave annoyed because they spent ten minutes trying to type in a word verification. Honestly, sometimes I just give up and don’t even comment ;(.
6. But I don’t have anything to blog about?
I am certain you do. That’s the beauty of having a blog. You can blog about whatever you want. Babies, wedding planning, college life, kids, books, movies, tv shows, subscription boxes, make-up, current events, ANYTHING you want. Again, it’s your blog. Don’t blog about what you think people will want to read, blog about what interests you.
7. How do I make money from blogging?
I did a post called Blogging for Money a while back that might help you out. I will tell you that just having like AdSense ads probably aren’t going to make you a ton of money. *Maybe* a few dollars a day? And that’s if you have a fair amount of readers.
And now you know everything I know. Maybe more than I know ;). If you have any more questions or any blogging tips or tricks, I’d love to hear them! I’m always game for learning new blogging stuff!
I very much love coming to your blog at random times during the day and suddenly seeing theres a new post. Seriously. Love. Thanks for the blogging advice. I will keep it in mind. I love my blog, posting at 1am cause I can and being able to post about anything I am thinking of. However, perhaps explain the mechanics of this “linking up”, so that I can do it to you occasionally. Like your daily random stuff.
Thanks for the tips! I can’t figure out how to get my pictures in a row like everyone else…there goes my weekend.
Thanks for posting this, I have emailed you before about this and this definately helps. I found out about your blog because you got posted on Hip2Save with your Christmas finds this year. Have to tell you since I found you I check your blog 1-2 times a day. I love that you are in the same area as me, so when you get snow I know exactly what you are talking about. (Perrysburg, OH outside of Toledo)
Very nice post – both (this one and the Blogging for money).
I love this! I have no ambitions with my blog except to entertain my friends and be able to go back and read for fun later – but I loved your comment about blogging about ANYTHING! I just did the most random post on things that I’m obsessed over because you’re right, it’s my blog! (Though I may have stolen the initial idea from you – I don’t want anyone to be able to search my niece or nephew’s name and find my blog – Creepy!)
I had to restart my blog on Blogger…I need to give you my address in fact… I will add it above… Warning, I haven’t blogged yet, lol, I will, I just need to find the time.
Thank you for this!
Haha I agree with the Captcha! It’s annoying and while I can usually get it right, it’s so annoying. I also don’t like how Blogger has things set up to link to your Google account, because when people click on my name they wouldn’t end up on my blog like they would here. So I have to write in the code in the EVERY SINGLE comment (since I do want people to find my blog), which kind of makes it tedious.
What do you use to take your pictures? They always look way nicer than the ones I try to take.
I just use my iPhone!