Are you wondering how to start a blog? Or maybe you have questions about it. I’m glad you’re here! In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to create your own blog, no technical experience required. (It’s easier and faster than you think.) Plus, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions along the way. This is the site I wish I had when I started blogging 14 years ago.
I created my first blog in 2004 with zero computer experience. It took me forever because I had to google my way through. This how-to guide contains what I learned and is for those who want step-by-step instructions in an easy and simple format.
The 6 steps to start a blog
Decide what to blog about.
Choose a blogging platform.
Find a host.
Pick a domain name.
Get started with WordPress.
Design & use your blog!
Don’t worry, I’ll walk you right through. Frequently asked questions are clearly indicated by “FAQ.”
Why start a blog?
There are many reasons to consider starting a blog. Here are a few popular ones:
Make money while working from home. I make a full-time income blogging. Many others do the same. Making Money as a blogger is hard work, but it’s low risk, low overhead and low barrier to entry.
Become a published author. It’s no secret, these days publishers rarely work with authors who don’t have an online presence. The reason is simple: it’s a lot easier to sell books to people who already know you. A blog is one of the easiest and most effective places to start.
Get more exposure for your existing business or organization. A blog gives anyone, from individuals to large companies, the ability to reach a large number of people at very little cost.
Just write. If you want to write, share your story, encourage others and build a community, a blog is a great place to do that.
Do you see yourself in any of those? Can you see how you would benefit from a blog? Keep reading!
FAQ: How much does a blog cost?
If you use the method below, it works out to $5 to $10 a month. I blogged for years on this budget. As my blog and income grew, I eventually started paying for more premium tools and services, but they are not required to start.
FAQ: Can I start a blog for free?
Yes. However, here’s my advice from personal experience: a free blog is fine if it’s a hobby. If you want to make money from your blog I don’t recommend starting a free blog. Why? A few reasons:
Some free services limit monetization (i.e. making money) unless you “upgrade” to a higher level. You’ll have to pay for that upgrade of course, so it defeats the purpose of having a free blog in the first place.
Companies don’t offer free blogs out of the goodness of their hearts. They still want to make money somehow. If you’re only using their free service, they’re not making money from you. Therefore, they don’t have a lot of incentive to keep you happy. Sometimes this means you’ll have little to no support. Other times it means you’ll be badgered with offers for their paid-for products.
Most free services have only basic features. This might not be a problem at first, but as you grow, you will almost certainly feel the pinch. Expandability and flexibility are key, both of which are limited with free blogging services.
If you ever want to switch to a better service (very common among those who start a free blog), it’s a hassle and can be costly. Doing it yourself takes a lot of time and know-how. Hiring someone to do it for you correctly costs hundreds of dollars.
You might not be able to do what your favorite bloggers are doing. This happens to new bloggers all the time. They start a blog for free. Soon they notice cool features on other blogs which they want too. The problem is, it’s not possible on their free service.
Accountability. In general, we value things we pay for. Blogging is hard work. One way to keep yourself accountable is to pay just a little bit for it.
If those 6 common pitfalls don’t convince you, or a free blog is truly your only choice, I would go with Blogger.
