Are you thinking about starting a blog? If you are, this is the right post for you, because we are here to show you some really important things you need to know, and we are sure that, if you follow these tips, you will save yourself a lot of valuable time and energy.
First, if you do not have a blog yet, and are wondering what the best way to get it started is, no worries! We’ve got you covered before you even start blogging.
When it comes to blogging, some things never change, but other things change on a regular basis, so it can all sometimes be a little confusing, especially for someone who has just started. Here are some of the most important things you need to pay attention to and what you need to do if you want to make your blogging a success.
Things to do before you start blogging
Have a Hosted WordPress Blog
The best thing you can do for your website and your blog is to have a hosted WordPress. Having a free blog will not give you the control, branding and ownership options that you need. Even if you opt for a free blogging platform, you will eventually have to migrate to a hosted one, and this process can be a little annoying. So, it is much better to set it up right away from the very beginning.
Related: The Ultimate Resource Guide for New WordPress Bloggers
Learn everything about web hosting and install WordPress to get your website started. After you have chosen a theme that will suit the niche you are going to blog in, it is time to see what you need to do before you write a single word on your blog.
Do Your Research
Believe it or not, professional bloggers don’t actually know everything, and to tell you the truth, they sometimes don’t know jack about a certain topic, before they sit down to blog about it. It’s their curiosity that makes them great at what they do, so if you want to blog for a living, you need to be comfortable to jump from one topic to another, even if you don’t have any extensive knowledge regarding that topic.
So, to write about something that is new to you, you need to know how to do proper research. Make sure to always double check all the facts, because all it takes is one false fact to tank your credibility as a writer.
Compile an Outline for Your Post
Amazing blog posts do not just happen, even some of the best bloggers need something that will keep them on track, so this is where an outline comes in. An outline does not have to be detailed or lengthy; it should serve as a rough guide so that you don’t wander off your topic. The purpose of having an outline is to make sure you will cover everything you have planned for your blog post. Whether you write it on a piece of paper, a word processor or you just scribble it on a napkin, it doesn’t matter, as long as it will keep you focused.
Long Content Still Works
Long content has been working for years. It can make your post go viral and get you the attention of other bloggers. Long content will put your blog on the radar, so instead of writing a short 500-word update on a topic you are interested in, invest some time and effort and create long and precise content. Neil Patel wrote about how long content works for him, so don’t rely on short updates and start creating longer content that will offer solutions to problems and provide value that people will share with others.
Make Connections Ahead of Time
This is something many bloggers fail to recognize. Success often depends on the connections you make. If you are starting a new blog, it is advised to connect with big bloggers in your niche as soon as you can. Get to know them, do not spam them with guest posts, and try to become genuine friends that will support each other for the long term. You can start by finding big bloggers on Twitter and share their work. Mention them on your blog also. That can be a nice introduction to making a strong connection.
Accept the Fact That Your Blog Post Is Far From Perfect
You need to realize that it is hard to achieve that perfect post and the sooner you come to terms with this, the better. We are not suggesting that you should publish sloppy work, but you shouldn’t be obsessive about every little detail. Even the best blog posts can be better, but time is always against every one of us.
Since you are going to need to publish more than one post every month, agonizing over every post will only make you lose the desire for writing and waste precious time. So, make your every post as good as it can be, learn from that experience, and then just move on.
Blogging is one of those jobs that seems to be very easy until you actually have to do it. Fortunately, it gets easier with time and practice, and you will be blogging like a professional in no time. Remember to always have in mind these 6 things, and we guarantee that your blog post will be a success.
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