If you are going to start a blog there are some things that you need to consider before you take the plunge.
1.) What type of hosting service should you use - I am not talking about specific hosting services I am referring to whether you should be using a free service like WordPress.com or whether you should purchase your own domain name and hosting.
The simple rule of thumb that I use is if your blog is for your business or for profit have it set up on its own domain name. If it isn't for either of these purposes then you should be fine on a free blogging service.
Having your own domain name and your own site makes it so that you can add features like plugins that will optimize your site for better performance in the search engines which should bring more targeted prospects to your site.
2.) Choose the right blogging software - There are a number of different software programs you can use to create a blog such as Joomla, TypePad, Concrete and WordPress. I recommend WordPress because it is the most highly supported when it comes to plugins, themes and even support. There are a number of sites that will help you with your WordPress blog besides the support that you will find at WordPress.org.
3.) Only blog about one topic - stay on target with your blog. Yes, you can have all kinds of sub-topics but they should all be related to your main niche.
Staying on topic for your specific niche will make you the obvious expert and will help on conversions whether you are selling your own product or are referring your readers to affiliate products. You will become known for your niche.
Speaking of niches, your niche should be something that you have an affinity for. You don't have to be the expert but you need to like the niche enough that you are willing to put in the work and it helps if you do know enough to know if the post you are entering is good information or bad information.
4.) Do some keyword research - Keywords are the heart and soul of your blog. If you are relying on the search engines to get traffic to your site you need make sure you are using keywords that are being searched and are targeted to your niche.
You can do some quick keyword research using the Google Keyword tool. This will at least tell you if you are working with keywords that get searched.
5.) You should be the star of your blog - let the readers know who you are, put your picture on the blog and a short biography. This will help the reader relate to you and will end up getting you more loyal reader then trying to be an anonymous expert.
These steps will get you started with blogging, review them before you start your blog or if you already have a blog going see if they apply to your blog. They are the backbone of almost all successful blogs. - 16463
1.) What type of hosting service should you use - I am not talking about specific hosting services I am referring to whether you should be using a free service like WordPress.com or whether you should purchase your own domain name and hosting.
The simple rule of thumb that I use is if your blog is for your business or for profit have it set up on its own domain name. If it isn't for either of these purposes then you should be fine on a free blogging service.
Having your own domain name and your own site makes it so that you can add features like plugins that will optimize your site for better performance in the search engines which should bring more targeted prospects to your site.
2.) Choose the right blogging software - There are a number of different software programs you can use to create a blog such as Joomla, TypePad, Concrete and WordPress. I recommend WordPress because it is the most highly supported when it comes to plugins, themes and even support. There are a number of sites that will help you with your WordPress blog besides the support that you will find at WordPress.org.
3.) Only blog about one topic - stay on target with your blog. Yes, you can have all kinds of sub-topics but they should all be related to your main niche.
Staying on topic for your specific niche will make you the obvious expert and will help on conversions whether you are selling your own product or are referring your readers to affiliate products. You will become known for your niche.
Speaking of niches, your niche should be something that you have an affinity for. You don't have to be the expert but you need to like the niche enough that you are willing to put in the work and it helps if you do know enough to know if the post you are entering is good information or bad information.
4.) Do some keyword research - Keywords are the heart and soul of your blog. If you are relying on the search engines to get traffic to your site you need make sure you are using keywords that are being searched and are targeted to your niche.
You can do some quick keyword research using the Google Keyword tool. This will at least tell you if you are working with keywords that get searched.
5.) You should be the star of your blog - let the readers know who you are, put your picture on the blog and a short biography. This will help the reader relate to you and will end up getting you more loyal reader then trying to be an anonymous expert.
These steps will get you started with blogging, review them before you start your blog or if you already have a blog going see if they apply to your blog. They are the backbone of almost all successful blogs. - 16463
About the Author:
About The Author: Randy The Hermit Baustert has been working online since 1994 and is the top rated SEO expert according to ExpertRating.com the industry testing services. You can find more free blogging instructions at his newest blog How To Blog Site
