Hello!
Today I would like to share three great books that helped me a lot when I started blogging. These books are for everybody who does not have a clue what blogging is all about and is in need of some basic information. Along with great websites and ideas, links and helpful tips, these books will be a good investment. There is just so much to know and learn before you start your blog. Writing good posts is one thing; but the goal is, you also want to attract readers to your blog so you have to work on the website itself to make it look presentable. You can do so with widgets, plug-ins and such great tools that you will find out about in these books.
Are you thinking about starting your own blog? Here is what I learned so far.
First, ask yourself what you would like to share or really care about. The key is to write on a regular basis – let’s say Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Or everyday, like I do. I just love writing and researching so much! Many start a blog and then don’t post anything anymore. Of course nobody wants to follow your blog if you don’t keep it fresh with new information. If you have followed my blog for a while you know that I love to write about my personal experiences, how-to-do stuff, my take-on things, recipes and a lot more. Just think what blog you would love to follow or read on a daily basis. Me, I wouldn’t want to read only about food, fashion or books. I want a variety of things. I love to help people or make things easier and better. This is why I love to share articles on my beauty products. Keep in mind that you want a clear line of some sort throughout your blog. Stick to the categories you want to write about.
I think it is also important to mention the latest trends and news on the topics you like to share. New recipes, new creations, new books etc. This is how you can increase the readership. I try to add jokes and funny stories now and then and of course I want to inspire others to follow their dream and do what they love. Don’t just dream about starting a blog or writing a book. Do it. Life is too short! You can write about a difficult time in your life, illness, experience – there is simply so much. At the same time, be careful not to share too much about your family, work etc. Simply know the limits to not make anybody uncomfortable. Read and subscribe to other blogs to see what they are writing about. See, what is interesting, what is out there and get ideas. Of course, don’t copy and paste but try to find out what people would love to read. And then be better than the rest. 🙂
Are you ready to start your blog? Think about a great name for it first. Decide wisely because once you started your blog you don’t want to change everything again. What would fit well with the topics you would like to share and write about? Now think about if you want to create your own website or if you want to host your blog. WordPress and Blogger are the most popular website creation sites. I like WordPress (WP Engine) because you have a 24/7 help service included if you host with them. Pretty neat if you are not a computer nerd. I registered at WordPress.org, which is self-hosted. WordPress.com is free. The free version restricts you from having an income. I have heard from my friends on Blogger, that the website is very easy to set up and to maintain. You can purchase your domain for $12 or so and you get a domain name like yourname.blogspot.com. There is also Tumblr.com and Webs.com as website builders but I don’t know anything about them really. I looked for the two main ones and WordPress sounded more appealing to me because it is just so reliable. After my website was set up I created the “About” page to introduce myself. Just include some personal information why you want to write a blog or what you want to share. If you have any questions, send me an email under Contact! I will be happy and glad to help you and share with you what I have already learned in the blogging business.
I have followed “The Minimalists” for a long time now and love to read their blog. This great video gives you insight on how to start your WordPress blog. Enjoy! And happy blogging!
Thank you for reading my blog.
