How to start a blog (in 2021) with these simple steps!

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When I first started looking into how to start a blog, it seemed like such a simple and easy dream.

I could write whatever I want, whenever I want and get paid… but, then I started a blog and it was so much harder than I ever expected but what I realized was that it is still my dream!

Having the ability to earn a full-time income while still being home with my children was exactly what I was fighting for (and it is so worth the fight) and what I want to help you achieve!

Today we will be going to be talking about:
1. Why right now is the PERFECT time to start a blog
2. What you need to start a blog
3. Steps on how to start a blog
4. What to do AFTER you start a blog

Let’s get started on these steps so you can get started on living the life of your dreams!

Why right now is the perfect time to start a blog

First and foremost, you need to find your reason WHY you want to start a blog. Do you want financial freedom? Are you looking for just a side hustle? Do you want to inspire and help people? What is your reason? Jot it down and keep it with you – whenever you start losing hope… reread your reason why you started this journey.

Right now is the PERFECT time to start a blog and here is why –

10 Benefits of blogging:

1. First, You are your own boss. You have the freedom to work when and where you want.
2. It can create STABLE PASSIVE income
3. It will not cost you thousands of dollars to get started
4. You can inspire and help those within your niche
5. It gives you amazing opportunities to work with the brands you love
6. Blogging improves your writing skills
7. It gives the option to be seen as an expert in a certain (or multiple) subjects
8. You join an incredible supportive community
9. It can help create confidence
10. Lastly, it is honestly so much fun!

What you need to start a blog

Not much! Seriously!

A computer, internet and an email address.

Those are the 3 things needed to get started today to start a blog.

You can use your phone or tablet but honestly, a computer makes it so much easier!

Now, you can use any email address but I highly recommend getting an email address that is strictly used for the business. It makes it much easier to keep track of everything business related.

Step by Step Guide to starting a blog

Quick Note: Do not let your mind talk you out of getting started! I went back and forth…and then back and forth a couple more times, debating on whether a blog and writing was what I really wanted for my life and finally my husband gave me the push and confidence I needed! Just take a leap of faith and believe in yourself and work hard!

Step 1: Create a business name

Creating a name for your business is a huge deal! It is something that you need to love and something that represents YOU and YOUR BRAND.

I chose The Caffeinated Mom because for one… I’m a mom and secondly because coffee is my life. I always have one in my hand. It represents who I am and also gives a glimpse into what my website is about (parenting).

Choosing a name can be hard and can take a lot of time to find something you really love and will always love.

It needs to be something easy to spell and say, something catchy and that just flows without any issues. If you are struggling, then get opinions from your family members or friends. If you are still struggling, then send me an email and we will work together in finding the perfect name just for you!

Step 2: Find a website host

This is equally important as choosing your business name. You need to find a website host that is reliable and can handle any back end issues that you need.

I have tried Bluehost and Siteground and while they both had really good things about them, I ended up going with DynamicHelix and it has been a life saver! Anytime I have an issue (even something I should probably know…) this company is right there willing to help and save the day which is exactly what I look for when I have a website host.

Right Now: Get 10% off your website for the first year! Just click here

You can go with any host that you feel comfortable with but do your research and make sure that they are willing to help you with even the littlest things without charging you a ton of extra money.

Step 3: Once you have your site all set up, it is time to pick your theme

There are TONS of themes out there so do some research and find one that really looks like what you pictured in your dreams. I bought the Stella & Co theme from Bella Creative Studio because I thought it was so beautiful and it was set up exactly how I wanted.

So look around and find exactly what you want. This is a really fun step! It really starts to feel like… YOUR OWN WEBSITE.

Step 4: Write an About Me page

Writing an About Me page is one of the most important pages you will write. It lets your readers know who you are and why they should continue coming back to your page.

If you don’t have a WOW About Me page then you are risking losing many more followers.

Step 5: Find your niche

Finding what your niche (what you are going to write about – your topic) is so important. You can definitely write about everything under the sun if that is what you wanted, but it will make it so much harder to be successful.

You want your visitors to know what to expect when they come to your site. If in one post you are writing about car motors and in another you are writing a recipe… your readers will not know what to expect from you and in turn – may not want to come back to your site because they won’t be expecting to see what they are looking for.

Choose a niche that you are passionate about and a niche that you can show your passion through your writing.

Step 6: Learn SEO

I took an SEO class through Udemy and it was so incredibly helpful! I took the class SEO Tutorial A-Z + SEO For WordPress Website & Marketing by Pouya Eti and it was so great! I was able to go at my own place and each step, I paused the video and applied the steps to my website.

I highly recommend checking out the site when you start a blog because there are THOUSANDS of inexpensive classes on hundreds of different subjects.

Step 7: Take advantage of Pinterest

This is huge! Pinterest is one of the top ways to gain followers and views to your website (and you get to continue pinning like you did prior to your business!).

There are so many different elements when it comes to Pinterest and how to properly use it. Pinterest’s algorithms are constantly changing so learning how to pin, the right time of day to pin, how to properly create boards and so much more is so important.

Side Note: I highly recommend using Tailwind in association with Pinterest (and Instagram). Tailwind helps you plan out your pins for the week, they spread out yours (and other people’s pins you want to repin) where they are being published at the highest traffic times for your Pinterest account. You schedule them straight through Pinterest and it is so easy to use!

Step 8: CANVA BABY

I could do an entire post about Canva alone (and maybe I will!) because of how amazing this site is! The possibilities with Canva are endless. From creating presentations, logos, Facebook posts, Pinterest pins, Instagram stories, wedding invitations, and SO much more. There are hundreds of items you can create with Canva.

Canva has a free option which is so great when you are starting out and they have Canva Pro which I highly recommend. There are so many different elements and photos to choose from, creating an item has never been easier!

Sign up with my link and get 30 days FREE of Canva Pro to try it out although, it will probably only take 10 minutes to FALL IN LOVE.

Step 9: START WRITING

The step you have been waiting for, to get writing! It is recommended that you have 5-10 blog posts published before launching your site and promoting it.

The last thing you want is to be promoting your site only for a customer to come and find one post and there is nothing else for them to get hooked. Have at least 3-5 posts published but ideally 5-10 is even better.

This will also give you a chance to write and get to know your style, figure out the SEO portion of writing and really apply everything you learned into what you are doing.

So you started a blog, now what?

Hurray! You started your blog! Now is the time to get started with Google Analytics and start applying for those affiliate programs (start earning income!). There are so many places to find affiliate programs but a few of my favorite ones are Impact, Rakuten, and ShareASale.

I also recommend adding the plugins you want for your site and also starting your email list. I use ConvertKit and it has been so easy and so great to use so I highly recommend using that email subscription program to get started.

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Let’s go start a blog!

I hope these steps help you start your dream and build your business with success. Blogging is an incredible thing but it is also VERY hard work… but what’s worth it, never comes easy. Fight for the life you want and the dream you want to live.

xoxo,