HOW TO START A LIFESTYLE BLOG

How to start a lifestyle blog (g).png

Hi everyone....I have to admit that for the past few weeks I've been totally dry when it comes to writing my next post. I felt like I had writer's block, but in listening to the famous Seth Godin, where he said that there is no such thing as writers' block because once you can talk there is always something to talk about and if there is something to talk about then there is something to write about. I am a woman after all and as most men like to insinuate....women are talkers, so here goes.


Blogging


I've been wondering what is the key objective of my blog because every article I've read on Pinterest says that you need to know what is the objective of your blog and if you plan to or want to monetize that the blog then you definitely need to choose a niche and one area of specialty, but I don't really want to go in that direction. As I've always stated I want this blog to be my medium to express my thoughts, feelings, opinions, ideas and more. I want to share what I've learned in all the different areas that I've encountered or had to use to be able to accomplish some means/end/goal.


The unique Elegant Problem Solver Planner only available at www.gafra.org at my Etsy Shop at www.etsy.com/shop/teaprint

Monetising my blog has now become secondary. I want to share knowledge, share what I've learned for different skills. If one is starting a blog what are the key things one needs to do to start, but firstly what is a blog?

In short, a blog is a type of website that focuses mainly on written content, also known as blog posts. In popular culture, we most often hear about news blogs or celebrity blog sites, but as you’ll see in this guide, you can start a successful blog on just about any topic imaginable.

Bloggers often write from a personal perspective that allows them to connect directly with their readers. In addition, most blogs also have a “comments” section where readers can correspond with the blogger. Interacting with your readers in the comments section helps to further the connection between the blogger and the reader.

At its heart, blogging is about sharing your knowledge with the world. Choosing a topic that you are passionate about makes the process of starting a successful blog so much easier.

 

To be a successful blogger one must be passionate about one's topic

  • Make money from home

  • Share your story.

  • Recognition for yourself or your business.

  • Find a community


How to Start a Blog (on the Side) in 10 Easy Steps

  1. Pick Your Blog's Name and Domain.

  2. Find a Hosting Provider - Bluehost, Siteground, GoDaddy

  3. Choose a Blogging Platform - like WordPress, Squarespace, Wix , Site builder

  4. Find Your Niche and Decide What to Blog About.

  5. Choose a Theme and Design Your Blog.

  6. Create Your Essential Pages (About, Contact, Blog)

  7. Develop Your Content Strategy.


Blogging platforms www.gafra.org

Blogging platforms www.gafra.org

The best blogging platforms for beginners.

  1. WordPress.org. WordPress.org is the world's most popular blogging software.

  2. Wix. Wix is a hosted platform to build websites.

  3. Gator by HostGator.

  4. WordPress.com.

  5. Blogger.

  6. Tumblr.

  7. Medium.

  8. Squarespace

Chose your platform, then get started on your blog

Chose your platform, then get started on your blog

Eight best free blogging sites to consider in 2019

  1. WordPress (www.wordpress.org) Best for…people who want to 100% own their blog and customize it.

  2. Wix (www.wix.com)

  3. Medium (www.medium.com)

  4. Ghost (www.ghost.org)

  5. Blogger (www.blogger.com)

  6. Tumblr (www.tumblr.com)

  7. Weebly (www.weebly.com)

  8. Joomla (www.joomla.org)



Getting More Views and Traffic

  1. Help search engines find your site.

  2. Blog regularly.

  3. Use Keywords On Your Site.

  4. Use appropriate tags.

  5. Connect to the Community & Spread the Word.

  6. Read and comment on other blogs.

  7. Share on Social Media.

  8. Bug your real-life friends.

Creative Blog Post Ideas

  • Do A (Number) By A (Certain Age) Post.

  • Put Together A Gif-Filled Post.

  • What Would You Love To Learn How To Do?

  • Write A Parody Post Of Some Sort.

  • Set Up A Contest On Your Blog.

  • Use Questions On Forums As Blog Ideas.

  • Find The Best Jokes In Your Niche And Share Them In A Blog Post.

I went through continuous research to be able to start my blog. With my first blog, I didn't know much about how to share it online. I created it on Wordpress but I didn't know about or how to create the covers (which are easily done in Canva, photoshop, picmonkey) or know how to share it properly. Now I have a blog I enjoy sharing and I also enjoy writing and spreading my thoughts. As mentioned all the research also preaches that your blog should be a business as well, or you ask yourself if you want more from your blog.


VISIT MY STORE - TEAPRINT

Well lately, although initially, I wanted to monetize my blog, I've been totally turned off by the barrage of emails from people I started to follow trying to get me to buy into a course of some sort. I'm also tired of the blogs that have interesting headings but only give you a minuscule drop of info then a barrage of sales commentary. HATE IT!!! Now if a blog doesn't keep my interest with interesting writing, but is filled with sales talk, I move on. I love what Seth Godin said about permission marketing. Don't be shoving the sales, get to know your readers and I add that If they want to buy, great but if not, no problem, once they enjoyed reading what I shared. I will offer my planners and my art because I am an Artist first and foremost. That to me was the traditional objective of a blog and I'm going that route.

Check you on Thursday and hope you get where I'm coming from.

 

Reference

  • ryrob.com

  • the blogstarter