If you are new to the world of blogging and WordPress, this page is a great place to start. I created this page to get you up and running as quickly and affordably as possible. Let this be your first step on the path to blogging greatness.
There are a lot of factors that will determine your success, but there are four basic steps in the process that remain consistent. Notice, I said basic. Each step involves time, energy and persistence.
Since you have found this site, you must already have some interest in starting a blog. And, I am confident you have an interest in making some money from your efforts. But before you run out there and start running in nine different directions, let’s address some basics of what a blog really is and and it’s potential.
So, let’s get started with WordPress and blogging.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a completely free website tool used to create elegant and dynamic blogs. Originally, WordPress was considered primarily blogging software. As development became more intense, WordPress has morphed into a full-fledged content management system (CMS). It seems at this point, that WordPress has no limits.
When I say free, I mean free. WordPress is licensed under the GPL, which requires that any derivative work be licensed the same way. There is no trial version or features to unlock, when you download and install WordPress you get all the power it provides. WordPress is developed by a community of coders that test and provide support. Without this community, WordPress would not exist.
Helpful Links to Get You Started
What is WordPress & What Can It Do For Me?
What are WordPress Theme (And How To Install Them)
What are WordPress Plugins (And How to Install Them)
What is the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org
What is a Blog?
Blog is an abbreviation of the term “weblog” or “web log” which basically means an ever changing store of organized information. When I say “blog,” it isn’t necessarily synonymous with WordPress. Although, they could be. A blog is the content and WordPress is a home for that content where you can organize it and make it look pretty.
A little history, the blog started sometime back in the 90’s and used to be an online diary where people shared personal stories. Today, blogs range from small and personal to information powerhouses that drive big business. Blogs have become a way for companies to engage and interact with their customers.
When you decide that you are ready to start a blog, it is important that you think of your blog as business. Treat your blog as your business and things run a lot smoother and your potential for growth expands.
Helpful Links to Get You Started
Finding Your Blogging Voice Could Save Your Blogging Life
6 Mistakes That Guarantee Your Blogs Failure
10 Tools for Finding Trending Content for Your
6 Great Resources for Engaging Blog Images
What Does It Mean To Market a Blog?
There is no degree in internet marketing that I know of, or I would have one. Marketing my blog has been a series of successes and failures, each of which has taught me valuable lessons. There is no quick way to get to the top, whether you want to hear it or not, it takes hard work, perseverance and consistency to win with a blog.
As with everything else on the web, there are several ways to market a blog both free and paid. Some of the methods used to promote a blog, you have probably already been using every day. The quickest way to get started marketing your blog is to spread the word on Social Media. Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest are just a few of the free ways to promote your work.
The truth, all the marketing in the world will do no good if you don’t fill a few essential needs to your visitors. You will hear these three things over and over again on this blog so learn them and never forget them.
- A well laid out and user friendly blog design
- Well-written valuable content for your readers
- A reason for them to return over and over again
Helpful Links to Get You Started
How to Promote Your Blog on Pinterest
5 Underutilized Methods of Promoting Your Blog
So, You Need A Social Media Strategy?
6 Simple SEO Tips That Work
What is Monetizing a Blog?
Now that you have a beautiful blog with lots of great content, it’s time to make some money from your hard work. Monetizing is the process of setting up ways to make money from the visitors to your blog. Both making money online and internet marketing have got a bad rap, but that is the fault of a few bad apples.
When done right, you can earn a pretty good income from blogging.
There are a bunch of ways to monetize your blog. But, since this page is dedicated to the beginner, I will only cover the methods that have a low barrier of entry. First things first, successfully monetizing your blog directly relates to the amount of traffic to your site and your dedication to getting them there.
Here are a few of the ways to get started when you have the traffic to support it.
- Affiliate Marketing such as Amazon
- Advertising Networks such as AdSense
- Direct Advertising Sales if you are a good at sales
- Sell you own product such as an eBook or how to videos
- Provide services such as web and graphic design
- Email Marketing
Helpful Links to Get You Started
What is Affiliate Marketing (And How To Get Started)
7 Highly Effective Ways to Monetize Your Blog
What Do I Need To Get Started?
You need to see the big picture now, so you don’t pay later. When you put hard work and long hours in building the perfect blog, you want to make sure at the end of the day that you own it and you have complete control.
There are free options out there such as WordPress.org and Blogger, but I don’t recommend them, and here’s why.
When you sign up to these free services:
- They own the domain name http://yoursite.blogger.com what you want is http://yoursite.com
- You have little control over features and functionality that you will sooner or later need to succeed
- They rarely allow you to monetize your blog or they get all the revenue
- You are starting off without the long term goal in mind
I suggest that you host your own site. It may seem complicated at first, but it isn’t. You will learn valuable skills along the way that you can use for the rest of your blogging career.
You need a host
I recommend Bluehost for the beginner for their easy one click WordPress install. Here is a great tutorial to get you up and running with WordPress in ten minutes.
Other reputable hosting services can be found on the resources page.
You need a domain name
GoDaddy is the industry standard in buying domain names. Find one that fits your niche, keep is short, easy to spell and catchy.
Here are some basic tips in choosing a domain name:
- Go with a .com when possible
- Keep it short, easy to remember and easy to spell
- Do not use hyphens or obscure terms
- You can use your name but, if you ever want to sell your blog, it could be difficult
- Your domain name is extremely important: it is the key to your kingdom.
You need a theme
Once you have installed WordPress and learned how to navigate the admin area you are going to want to change that default theme to something more, well… you.
You need plugins
Free plugins are a great option but be careful which one you chose, do some research and read the reviews before making your decision. For thousands of free plugins visit the WordPress free plugin page.
Helpful Links
- 7 Indispensable WordPress Plugins for Affiliate Marketers
- Must Have WordPress Plugins for 2015
- Must Have WordPress Plugins for Every New Website
- Popular SEO Plugins For WordPress
Stay Up-To-Date on WordPress & Blogging
I appreciate you and want to help you succeed. We are all in this together, some ideas work some fail but we are always learning. There are a bunch of sites out there that provide advice on blogging, WordPress and marketing.
I am grateful that you chose this one.
I hope you find this site as useful as other successful bloggers have. I hope you stick around, then come back again and again for new and engaging insight into the world of successful blogging.
Before you take off on your journey into blogging bliss, take some time to subscribe to my email newsletter and get free updates sent direct to your inbox.