Here are the basic six steps towards creating a blog.
Step 1 – Where to start a blog?
For the basic blogger, I have found two optimal places to start a blog.
1. Blogspot.com
I use blogspot to host this website. Although it doesn’t have a lot of features, it is very easy to work with.
2. WordPress.com
Using WordRress.com is also a very easy way to create your first blog. The thing that I didn’t like about Wordpress.com is the fact they don’t leave many options towards adding tools to make money from your blog.
Of the two, I would recommend starting with Blogspot for your first blog.
Step 2 – Layout
The layout of your blog is important. A good layout is a way to impress your viewers and keep them returning to your site. This is also how you can create a site that displays your personality as well as your creative abilities.
To get a good layout, every blog site always comes with default layouts that you can use without much hassle.
There are also a few website that offer better templates.
The Final Sense offers templates that work with the beta version of Blogger offering full customization of your Blogs template.
Step 3 – Writing blogs
Writing good blogs are important. This gives the reader a reason to come back to the website. Not only should the blogs be well written, but also consistent. Posting blogs at a consistant rate, for instance one blog per day, will give the reader a reason to look at your blog daily. Try taking an English class to brush up your writing skills.
Step 4 – Monetize
There is always the chance to earn a little money on the side. Using Google’s Adsense allows you to make a little money from your blogs. Everytime someone goes to your site and then clicks on one of your ads some money goes into your Adsense account. $100 has to be earned before it is possible to put it in your bank account. Bidvertiser is also a good place to monetize your blog.
For a list of more places that offer a way to monetize, read my post on monetizers.
Step 5 – Advertising To get users on your site they need to know about it and have a reason to come.
1.Read my post about pinging for publicity.
2.Use answers.yahoo.com to build up publicity. Answers questions and list your website as the source.
3. Use facebook, myspace, etc. and create an event about your new website
4. Take advantage of Bidvertiser’s current promotion. For signing up as an advertiser they will give you $20 in free ad clicks. I set my budget to $1 per day and cancel before the $20 runs out.
Step 6 – Monitor your results
Sign up for Google Analytics. Through this service you can see detailed results towards the progress of your website. They show you who is visiting by showing you where they come from and how often they visited. This way you can find out how well your advertising is working.
