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Starting a blog for the first time is an amazing yet daunting experience. To be honest, I didn’t realize that I would be in this position. But starting a blog gave me the freedom to write about the things that interest and excite me, which makes me love blogging even more.
The best part is, I can also share photos, videos, and audio, to make my blog posts visually appealing. But before you get too excited, I’d like to share some vital information to give you an idea of what goes down in starting a blog.
1. A new blog hardly receives visits at the beginning
Your posts will have very few readers for a long time. Although these entries initially don’t get traffic, you can still benefit from them if you create content with no expiration date. The more content you build on your blog, the better. Part of your blog’s success will be due to how long you can keep readers on your site. If you have lots of good content, the longer you can keep them there.
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2. You have to be on multiple social media platforms
I know what you’re thinking. You will find bloggers out there who will say you only need ONE social media platform, make it work, before starting the next one. But chances are, your ideal audience may not be on the platform you choose. Therefore, you need to conduct your market research by means of having multiple social media platforms.
For my blog, I have a Facebook page, a Facebook group, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn. It’s impossible for me to update all these accounts at the same time. So, I prioritize the ones that give me the most ROI: Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
3. Making money blogging as a newbie is tough
Most bloggers are not successful in terms of monetizing their blog because they underestimate the effort required. In fact, I see a lot of new bloggers make an attempt to make $1k on their first month, which is nearly impossible if you’re only relying on website traffic and not offering products or services.
Moreover, you have to consider some key factors.
- If you treat your blog as an online journal or hobby, it will be hard for your blog to make money.
- If you want your blog to make money, you have to treat it like a business. This means having a domain name and matching email account, having the appropriate legal pages on your blog, and having it ready for other business opportunities.
- Promoting a blog is just as important as putting out good content. You have to do both to be successful.
4. You need to learn SEO
SEO will help your blog be found on Google search results. It’s hard to rely on social media platforms for blog traffic. Therefore, positioning your website in the search engines doesn’t get you readers, it gets you visits. You have to create content to keep your visitors on your blog and keep them coming back for more.
5. You need to post 1-2 times a week
Blogging is work. It is not worth posting an article every 2 months. If you get started, you have to do it right. If you’re not consistent it will be impossible to retain your audience. I post on this blog weekly and I get it, it is hard work. I work as an attorney and blog on the side but I prioritize making blog posts. You can dream of having a successful blog for a long time, but what really matters is to launch it, start producing your content, and publish it.
6. 70% of blogs are not legally protected
The three legal pages that every blog needs are missing from most blogs: privacy policy page, website disclaimer page, and terms & conditions page. Keep in mind that a lot of advertisers and affiliate programs will not work with you without the proper legal disclosures on your blog. Not having the appropriate legal pages will hinder your blog’s ability to make money.
7. Blogging can make you disconnected from the “real world”
If you don’t want to spend at least 10 hours per week sitting in front of your computer, blogging, or you feel guilty about missing important family occasions because of your blog, then starting a blog may not be for you.
Remember, starting a blog should help you support the life you want, and not ruin it.
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