Last June, I finally shared my blog with my friends and family. It still feels a bit strange to talk about it with new people since I kept it private for so long.
Now, many of my friends and even their friends ask me for blogging advice whenever they can, which I find amusing. I never imagined people would come to me for tips on blogging. Some friends have even asked me to spend a day with them to help them start their own blogs.
One of my close friends recently told me that my blog opened her eyes to a whole new world, which was a pleasant surprise. Like her, I hadn’t considered blogging until I actually started. I knew nothing about it and didn’t know anyone who blogged. Now that I’m into it, many people around me are getting interested too.
Since I get so many questions about blogging, I decided to write a blog post with some tips. Starting a new blog can be intimidating, but hopefully, my advice will help you create a successful website.
1. Start on WordPress.
I wrote a detailed post about this last year. Try to avoid Blogger and start directly on WordPress. While Blogger is free, I don’t think it’s worth it. I also created a guide on starting your WordPress blog on BlueHost, which is easy to follow.
If you’re unsure about blogging, a free blog might be a good start so you don’t invest money right away. But in most cases, I recommend starting on WordPress. It’s affordable to start a blog from scratch. I regret staying on Blogger for too long.
2. Find a niche.
While not essential, finding a niche can be beneficial. There are countless topics you can blog about, such as personal finance, travel, lifestyle, parenting, food, and fashion. For example, my blog, Making Sense of Cents, primarily focuses on personal finance but also covers my travels and life experiences.
3. Have personality.
Avoid sounding robotic in your posts. Inject your personality into your writing. My favorite blogs are those where the authors have relatable personalities. They make even dull subjects interesting and show how real people approach problems.
4. Produce high-quality content.
Always aim to create high-quality content. If your posts are boring and add no value, you’re wasting your time. ProBlogger has excellent articles on writing great blog content.
5. Get on social media.
Having a Twitter and Facebook account is crucial for bloggers. Even if you don’t understand social media, start an account and give it a try. It’s a fantastic way to connect with readers and other bloggers.
6. Don’t get caught up with your stats.
It’s easy to obsess over your blog’s statistics. While it’s natural to be curious, don’t get carried away. Limit yourself to checking stats occasionally, like once a day or week.
7. Make sure all of your links work.
Broken links on a blog are frustrating. Ensure that all links in your sidebar and posts lead to the correct places.
8. Don’t use CAPTCHA.
CAPTCHA is annoying for readers. There are better plugins to help with spam that don’t require filling out quizzes to leave a comment.
9. Don’t copy others.
Always provide fresh content. Even if a topic has been covered before, put your own spin on it and avoid copying someone else’s work.
What blogging tips do you have for new bloggers? What mistakes have you made? Share your story below!