Congratulations! You’ve taken the first step on an exciting new journey by creating your blog. There’s a sense of thrill that comes with crafting that first post and sharing your thoughts, ideas, or expertise with the world. It’s an adventure, indeed, filled with learning, creativity, and connection.
But just like any new endeavor, starting a blog on WordPress comes with its own set of challenges. How do you pick the right theme? What plugins should you use? And, what about that all-important first blog post?
Don’t worry – you’re not alone in this. We’re here to help you navigate these waters. Your initial steps in blogging are incredibly important as they lay the foundation for your online presence. So, buckle up! This journey is about to get a whole lot more exciting as we dive into the vital next steps you need to take after setting up your WordPress blog.
Together, we’ll turn these challenges into stepping stones to your blogging success.
Understanding your blogging platform: WordPress
You’ve chosen WordPress as your blogging platform, and let’s just say, you couldn’t have made a better choice. A powerhouse of versatility, WordPress powers a significant chunk of the world’s websites. It’s user-friendly, robust, and above all, made for bloggers like you and me.
With its vast array of themes and plugins, WordPress allows you to create a website that truly reflects your style and purpose. But to tap into its real potential, it’s important to get acquainted with its fundamental features.
Ever heard of the adage, “knowledge is power?” Well, when it comes to WordPress, understanding its nuts and bolts can make your blogging journey smoother and more enjoyable. You’ll know exactly where to click to customize your theme or add a new post.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves, dive into the basics, and get you comfortable with your new WordPress blog. After all, a well-understood tool is a tool well used!
Step 1. Have a solid strategy
Stepping into the blogging world without a strategy is akin to sailing without a compass. It’s not impossible, but it’s surely challenging. So, before you start churning out blog posts, it’s vital to spend some time crafting a solid strategy.
What’s your blog’s purpose? Who’s your target audience? What types of content will you create to engage and delight your readers? These are some of the questions your strategy should address. Remember, your strategy is your roadmap. It will guide your actions and help you make decisions aligned with your blogging goals.
Your strategy will also influence key aspects of your blog, from your chosen theme to the WordPress plugins you install. So, set aside some time, brew a pot of coffee, and let’s create a strategy that sets your blog on the path to success.
- Your end-goals for each visitor
Start by figuring out what it is that you want each visitor to your blog to do before they leave your site. It might be signing up for a mailing list, purchasing a product, or something else. - A basic content plan
Your articles should never be stand alone pieces, but rather form a comprehensive web of topics that are all related to your end-goals. For example, start with a 5,000-word “Ultimate guide to X” article and then make your next few articles deeper studies of sub-topics within that. - A simple means of promotion
Try to come up with some ideas for how your will promote the blog. For example, you might create graphics and videos and then send a little paid traffic to them for added engagement.
When you create a strategy you will find that your writing and promotion time is spent much more effectively and you will have concrete measurements to track your growth.
Step 2. Choose right theme
So, you’ve got WordPress installed, and your blogging strategy is ready. The next step? Giving your blog a visual identity. This is where WordPress themes come into play.
Think of your theme as the outfit your blog wears. It can instantly communicate your blog’s personality and purpose to your visitors. Do you want your blog to exude professionalism? Maybe a minimalist theme suits you. Or, perhaps, you’re all about creativity and color? There’s a theme for that, too.
When picking a WordPress theme, consider your brand, your target audience, and the type of content you’ll be posting. Is it easy to navigate? Is it responsive for mobile users? And most importantly, does it reflect your blog’s voice?
Remember, your theme is the first impression visitors get of your blog.
Step 3. Get the right plugins installed
So, you’ve picked the perfect theme for your blog. What’s next? It’s time to deck it out with some handy tools. In the world of WordPress, we call these “plugins.”
Imagine plugins as the secret weapons of your blog. They’re like tiny elves working behind the scenes to amp up your blog’s functionality. Whether you want to boost your blog’s SEO, create contact forms, or add social media buttons, there’s a plugin for that!
It’s crucial, however, to choose your plugins wisely. Your blog is like your home. You wouldn’t clutter it with unnecessary items, would you? The same applies to plugins. Only install what you really need.
Here are a few must-haves for any WordPress blogger: Yoast SEO for optimizing your blog posts, Akismet to filter out spam comments, and Jetpack for site performance and security.
Remember, the right plugins can supercharge your blog, but the wrong ones can slow it down.
Pro tip: Set up a mailing list from day one
Starting a new blog can be exhilarating, yet many beginners trip up by not establishing an opt-in form for email subscribers early on. Trust me, this little oversight can turn out to be a biggie. Why, you ask? Well, as your blog grows, your mailing list becomes your go-to promoter for new content. More subscribers mean more promoters. It’s simple math, really!
Plus, a robust and engaged mailing list acts like your shield against those pesky Google algorithm changes that might threaten your traffic down the road.
So, what’s this magical mailing list? It’s your little corner on the internet where folks can subscribe to your blog, eagerly awaiting your email notifications each time you publish a spanking new post. To sweeten the deal, many savvy bloggers offer freebies or exclusive content for subscribers. Tempting, right?
But how do you make the most of this tool? Here are a few tips:
A. Make it Easy to Spot : Once you sign up with a mailing list provider, like Constant Contact, you can add an email collection form to your site. Make sure this form matches your blog design and is easily visible on both mobile and desktop platforms. The prime real estate of your blog? The top of your sidebar and above the fold.
B. Design a Landing Page to Promote It : A landing page dedicated to promoting your mailing list can work wonders. If you’re offering a free eBook for subscribers, for instance, this page could detail the process, benefits, and expected timeline.
C. Experiment and Optimize – Once your form is up and running, don’t just let it be. Experiment with A/B testing, changing minor details, like the button color, to see what works best. Extend this testing to your newsletters as well, playing around with subject lines and links to figure out what resonates with your readers.
Remember, a blog without a mailing list is like a party without guests. Start building yours today, and watch your blog flourish!
Step 4. Create your first blog post
Ah, the anticipation of the first blog post! It’s a bit like taking your first step on a thrilling journey. Don’t let the blank screen intimidate you, though. Remember, your blog is your canvas, and you’re the artist.
Start by choosing a topic that sets your heart racing. It could be a hobby you love, a cause you’re passionate about, or a unique experience you want to share. When you’re passionate about your subject, your enthusiasm will shine through, drawing in your readers.
Remember to draft, edit, and proofread before hitting the ‘Publish’ button. It might seem daunting at first, but remember, every great blogger started with their first post, just like you. So, take a deep breath, harness your passion, and start writing. After all, your blogging adventure begins with the first word!
Step 5. Make sure your blog looks good to Google
Starting a blog is exciting, but let’s not forget the importance of catching Google’s eye. You’re probably wondering, “What on earth does that mean?” Well, we’re talking about the science and art of blogging SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
SEO is a bit like sending Google love letters, wooing it to rank your blog higher in their search results. Implementing both on and off-site SEO strategies could lead to a significant boost in traffic over time as you keep creating more content. Remember, each page of your blog is a potential magnet for visitors, not just your homepage!
But, how do you charm Google, you ask? Here are some tips:
A. Originality is King – Google appreciates authenticity. Avoid rehashing content found elsewhere, and strive for fresh, unique perspectives in your posts. Think of it as crafting a unique voice for your blog.
B. Be a Problem-Solver – Google loves to match queries with solutions. Make your blog a hub for problem-solving. Whether you create a new tool or offer fresh insights on existing issues, solving problems equals higher rankings.
C. Speed Matters – A fast-loading blog is like a well-oiled machine. Google likes that! Check your blog’s loading time using tools like Pingdom, and aim for a loading time of one or two seconds.
D. Embrace Yoast SEO – The Yoast SEO plugin is like your friendly guide through the jungle of SEO. It uses a simple traffic light system to help you optimize your content. Green light means go!
E. Variety is the Spice of Content – Blogs that incorporate a mix of text, photos, infographics, and videos are more appealing to both Google and users. Such diverse content also tends to attract backlinks, boosting your rankings further.
F. Get Comfy with Webmaster Tools and Analytics – Lastly, don’t forget to install Google’s Webmaster Tools and Analytics on your blog from day one. These tools offer precious insights into how Google views your blog.
In your early days, it’s easy to get caught up worrying about SEO, but remember, the best blogs are those that find innovative ways to help their audience. Keep SEO in mind, but always prioritize your readers’ needs.
Step 6. Refine your design and UX for maximum readability and conversions
Once you’ve dived into the blogging world, it’s important to take a moment to ensure your blog is a welcoming space for readers. The aesthetics of your blog can greatly impact its performance and readability. Here’s how you can make your blog shine:
A. Embrace Simplicity – Don’t overcrowd your blog with numerous images, links, and menus. Instead, think of your blog as a minimalist, high-end magazine – a clean space sprinkled with engaging content and tasteful imagery.
B. Magnify for Readability – Opt for a font size of at least 16px. Larger font sizes enhance readability, making your blog more accessible to everyone, especially older readers.
C. Consistency is Key – Craft each blog post consistently. Avoid generic stock photos and low-quality graphics. Stick to a consistent color scheme that mirrors your brand’s personality. Take a leaf from the book of successful content-driven blogs and websites for inspiration. Publications like The New Yorker offer great examples of a strong focus on long-form content combined with a consistent aesthetic.
D. Select a Suitable Theme – Explore Google Fonts and WordPress themes to find a design and font combination that suits your taste. Look for a theme that minimizes clutter and promotes readability, like a white theme with a single column layout.
E. Make it Mobile-Friendly – Last but not least, ensure your blog is mobile-friendly using Google’s mobile test. With more than half of potential traffic coming from mobile devices, a mobile-friendly design is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Remember, your blog’s design is its virtual storefront. An appealing, user-friendly design can turn casual visitors into loyal readers.
5. Network and promote
As you take your first steps in the blogging journey, it’s crucial not to underestimate the power of networking and promoting your blog. These steps are often overlooked by new bloggers, who, despite crafting compelling content, feel disheartened when they see no one is reading. So, let’s explore ways to change that:
A. Connect Through Content – One proven technique involves referencing other bloggers in your niche. It not only provides credibility to your post but also gets you noticed by those bloggers when they see you’ve linked to them.
B. Bridge the Gap – Once you’ve linked to another blogger’s work, let them know. A simple tweet can put your blog on their radar. The aim is not to ask for promotion, but to gradually introduce your blog to their field of view.
C. Share to Show You Care – Another effective approach is to share the content of blogs in your niche. Create a concise summary and repost it on your social media platforms. The idea here is to capture the attention of fellow bloggers.
D. Guest Posting – Once your blog is loaded with quality content, look for guest posting opportunities. It’s a beneficial strategy to attract new traffic, although somewhat challenging. If you’ve built a relationship with fellow bloggers, pitching becomes much smoother. Platforms like LifeHack that accept posts from various writers could be a good starting point.
E. Value-Added Comments – Leaving insightful comments on other blogs is an underused tactic that can add value and promote your blog simultaneously. Comments that show appreciation or add to the discussion can earn you visits from the blog’s readers and potentially lead to collaborations.
F. Invest in Advertising – Finally, treat your blog like any other business. Consider investing in advertising. Even with a modest budget, say $50 a month, you can increase traffic and gain valuable insights into ad design. Remember, writing great content is just half the battle. The other half is getting people to read it – and that’s where strategic networking and promotion come in.
You are ready to blog!
To wrap up, starting a blog is an exhilarating journey filled with opportunities to express, create, and connect. Remember the crucial steps – understanding WordPress, crafting a sound strategy, creating impactful content, and effective promotion.
Stay patient, keep exploring, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Your blogging adventure is just beginning, and the world is ready to hear your voice!
What have I missed?
I’d really love to know if you think I’ve missed anything important. What do you think bloggers should absolutely do when they first set up their new blog?
Please leave a comment below and let me know!
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