Yesterday, someone asked me this question: “How do I become a blogger”. I told him to read one of my articles-I believe this article will answer his question.
First, for you to succeed in blogging, you have to be passionate about your work. In all the years I have been blogging, I have realized blogging is not as easy as I thought-it’s as challenging as any other business. So, before you decide you want to become a blogger, know that there are ups and downs, sleepless nights, disappointments and excitement as well. But all in all, if you have passion, you will certainly make it.
How do you start blogging? Here are steps to follow.
We have several types of bloggers. There are those who blog on Facebook, others on Twitter, others on YouTube while the rest own blogs. The most successful bloggers are those who publish information using personal blogs.
To be a blogger, you can start by creating a Facebook page. After you have created one, start sponsoring your content to a targeted audience. Once your Facebook page becomes popular, you will start receiving adverts from corporates and individuals.
The second way of becoming a blogger is by attracting millions of followers on Twitter. If you happen to be popular, people will send you sponsored articles and information.
The third one is creating a YouTube account. Once you have created one, you will be required to upload interesting videos. After some time, apply for Google AdSense. If Google AdSense approves your application, you will be required to place the adverts on your YouTube account; thereafter you will start earning from the adverts.
The third and most important method is to own your blog.There are few steps you should follow before you finally own your own blog. The first step is to register a domain name.A domain name uniquely identifies your website. Example of a domain name is www.venasnews.co.ke ….I know many of you may wonder how to register a domain name. If you are a Kenyan, you can register your domain name.co.ke at Kenya Web Experts. If you are interested to own a domain name ending with .com,.info,.int,you can register it at Bluehost.To register at bluehost,you follow the following procedure:
Visit Bluehost website (Click here to visit the website).On the Bluehost website, select hosting, then domains. Here you will be required to key in the domain name you wish to register. For example, if you want to register www.kenyagreyt.com, this is the domain name to key intone you have done so, click next.If you find the domain name is available, proceed to pay for it.In case you are stuck, you can start a chat with Bluehost customer care for help. The chat is located on the top right side of Bluehost website. Domain name costs less than $15
Once you have paid for the domain name, you will be required to have a website. Nowadays, most websites are designed by WordPress.You can either look for a web designer or contract us to do a professional website for you(our email is [email protected]).The cost of designing a website ranges between $100 to $300.
After the website is complete, you will be required to pay for hosting. Since bluehost is one of the best hosting companies, it’s good you pay for hosting once you have bought a domain. Hosting services cost as little as $2.65 per month.
Once you have passed the three steps, you are now free to blog…nothing else is required apart from creating content.
Now you have a blog, what next? The next step is to write as many blog posts as possible. But, please make sure you choose a topic you are passionate about if you don’t want to get bored.
The most important part is to find out ways of monetizing your blog. In blogging, you can’t survive if you don’t earn through your site. There are numerous ways of earning, which include:
- Google AdSense
- Direct advertisements
- Sponsored content
- Google AdSense alternative (You can click here to sign up for HilltopAds)
- Affiliate marketing (You can click here to sign up for Kilimall affiliate program)
- Selling personal products like electronics, online courses etc.
Google AdSense is the most common way of monetizing a blog but may reject your application. In case they reject your blog, you can join HilltopAds or simply start marketing products through affiliate programs
As a blogger, remember content is king. If you are capable of generating great content, you will make a lot of money but if your content does not excite your readers, you will fail terribly.
Finally, there is money in blogging but only if you become patient.
