Nearly 50 percent of small business owners use content marketing. If you’re interested in starting a blog, then this is a smart idea!
Yet, starting a blog can be challenging if you’re not tech-savvy. There is a lot to learn, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a successful blog!
Here are the basics on how to start a successful blog. Be sure to keep these tips in mind before diving into the deep end.
Decide What Blogging Platform to Use
When beginning to set up a successful blog, one of the first decisions to make is deciding which blogging platform to use. Depending on which platform is chosen, will determine the design of the blog, what functions the blog can have, and other features.
WordPress is considered the most popular blogging platform and is used extensively in the blogging world. It is relatively user-friendly and allows for creativity and customization.
Blogger is also a popular choice and it is simple and easy to use with an array of designs/templates available. Tumblr is considered a more modern blogging tool and is great for sharing content.
In addition, there are many other blogging platforms, so it is important to research to determine the best one to suit the needs of the individual.
There are many other blogging platforms to choose from aside from WordPress, Blogger, and Tumblr. Here are some:
Medium
Medium is a great platform for those interested in publishing stories, as it allows writers to join collections, post stories, and even share within the platform’s community. Medium is also an up-and-coming blogging platform that is quickly gaining traction with writers and readers alike.
Not only does it provide a straightforward user interface with powerful features. It also provides a stunning, visually-appealing platform for content sharing. It has grown much more popular in recent years with the ability to:
- easily follow authors
- easily follow publications
- create meaningful conversations
- create meaningful content
- embed images
- embed videos
- embed media
Joomla
Another popular platform is Joomla, which is free and open-source software used to create websites and blogs. Joomla is written in PHP language and stores its data in a database, either:
- MySQL
- MS SQL
- PostgreSQL
Joomla offers users a platform where they can create content such as articles, maps, polls, and more. It also comes with a variety of add-ons like:
- RSS feeds
- social sharing
- membership management
- web forms
Joomla comes with an API that allows users to programmatically interact with their sites and develop custom solutions.
Squarespace
Squarespace is also a great blogging platform for bloggers looking for an option. Its robust platform allows you to design a website exactly how you want, with an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to customize your website.
Additionally, its search engine optimization tools help you make sure your website is seen. Its analytics dashboard allows you to track your performance.
Squarespace’s customer service is also especially useful for bloggers. They come with email guidance for more complex issues. Their mobile apps help you manage your site on the go, and their pricing plans are competitive with WordPress, Blogger, and Tumblr.
Ghost
Ghost is perfect for writers and authors who are looking for the ideal platform to express their thoughts and ideas in an organized fashion. The open-source platform provides users with an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface. This allows them to create a stylish and professional blog with minimal technical knowledge.
Ghost is also well known for its built-in SEO features. It ensures that your blog posts reach a broader audience and are seen more often. Furthermore, the powerful dashboard allows users to manage their blogs easily, from editing posts to viewing analytics and moderating comments.
Weebly
Weebly is also an excellent blogging platform for bloggers. With Weebly, users have access to a variety of features, such as:
- user-friendly drag-and-drop tools
- customizable layouts
- various themes
It also offers integrated:
- eCommerce
- marketing
- analytics tools
Security and password protection are also top priorities for Weebly. Additionally, Weebly provides hosting and increased storage capacity. This allows users to manage their content more efficiently.
Weebly also offers detailed statistics and tracking, helping bloggers gain deeper insights into the performance of their blogs. Lastly, Weebly’s customer support team is available 24/7 and provides user-friendly resources perfect for the novice to the advanced blogger.
Thus, there are many different types of blogging platforms depending on your needs, no matter if you’re a beginner or a professional.
Decide What Hosting Platform to Use
Deciding on the right hosting platform is one of the first and most important steps to establishing a successful blog. It is important to find a reliable provider that offers a variety of services tailored to meet your blog’s needs.
Research the various hosting providers and their features to determine the best fit. Consider their:
- uptime
- storage space
- bandwidth
- data privacy
- security measures
Furthermore, make sure their service allows for easy upgrades and scalability when your blog grows. Additionally, web hosting plays a huge role in how well your blog performs in terms of speed and overall user experience.
Therefore, it is important to choose a hosting provider that can provide smooth hosting experiences for your readers. Do your homework, pick the one you think is the best fit for your blog and go from there.
Decide on a Niche That Can Be Profitable
When starting a profitable blog site with an understanding of the right niche, it’s important to identify what kind of niche has the potential to be profitable. Factors all matter in choosing the right niche, such as:
- size of audience
- marketability
- competition
Different niches have different levels of profitability. Taking the time to research can help ensure a successful blog. You can:
- filter out possible contenders
- decide on the final niche
- foresee niche challenges
After choosing the niche, the initial steps of setting up the blog need to be taken. It’s important to create a blog where the focus is on content and usability. This of which will help to attract the right readers.
It’s also important to generate an optimal overall blog design. Once the blog is ready, getting started is all about creating content, engaging with readers, and optimizing each posted article. With the right combination of strategy, content, and a profitable niche, any blog can be successful.
Enjoy Your Niche and Consult Experts
As mentioned above, it’s important to first choose the right niche for your blog so that you can focus on topics that you’re passionate about and that your readers can relate to. If you’re not sure what you should write about, take the time to research different topics and ideas to get some ideas.
Once you’ve chosen your niche, decide on a catchy name and domain name for your blog. You should also create a logo and design a website. Before posting content, create and plan with an editorial calendar plan and content strategy. This will help you to stay organized and will make it easier to measure your success.
Additionally, research the best SEO practices from Theblogpilot.com to ensure that your blog content can be found online. Finally, always measure and track your blog’s performance. Consider using Google Analytics or a similar tool to keep track of your progress and make changes where needed.
Make Sure to Invest in the Right Tools
Starting a successful blog is no easy feat, but it is something that anyone can achieve if they have the right tools and knowledge. Investing in the right tools and taking the time to familiarize yourself with the various factors involved are the most important steps to take.
Content Management System
To start on the right foot, you’ll need to set up a content management system. Depending on your objectives, you’ll then assess which plugins will be most beneficial for your blog.
Design Theme
Other considerations include choosing a design theme. Don’t forget to ensure that your blog layout and navigation structure are user-friendly. Once you have the structure in place, you’ll need to ensure that your blog is updated regularly with fresh and valuable content.
Leverage Marketing Strategies
Once you have created content, it’s important to leverage social media and other digital marketing strategies to reach your target audience. Quality content and consistent promotion of your blog are the keys to success.
With these factors in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful and engaging blog.
Learn How to Start a Successful Blog and Have Fun
If you’ve been looking for a way to launch your passions and have fun while doing it, starting a successful blog is a great option! Set goals, develop a strategy, create content, and engage your audience to grow your blog. If you need help getting started with how to start a successful blog, make sure to consult experts.
For more helpful reads aside from writing a blog, visit our main blog page.
