Blogging appears to be less popular nowadays when compared to becoming a “YouTuber” (also known as a vlogger), an Instagram/TikTok “Influencer,” or even a podcaster. However, a comprehensive blog, which originated as “weblogs” in the late 1990s, is the platform for genuine writing.
A blog is a website that is frequently updated with posts, usually displayed in reverse-chronological order. This means that the newest entry is shown first. Blogs can either be embedded within larger websites or be the entire website itself. The content of a blog can range from personal essays in diary-style to comprehensive reports and more. It can be authored by either one person or a group of individuals who take turns writing entries.
Blogging differs from the current state of social media. Twitter is referred to as a micro-blogging platform due to its short posts. Facebook’s status updates follow a similar pattern, though they allow for longer content. Despite the inclusion of images on blogs, platforms like Instagram and TikTok are not considered blogging services, even if they offer the ability to use creative hashtags in each post.
If you are a writer who wants to share information quickly and receive immediate feedback, blogs are primarily designed for you. If you are unsure about how to begin, it is essential to consider certain factors and explore available services to start your blogging journey.
First Steps
If you are considering launching a blog, it is important to note that the process can be overwhelming. To assist you, we have prepared a concise list of factors you must take into account.
Selecting a specific topic is crucial, unless you plan on creating an online diary solely focused on yourself, which is also a valid approach. However, consider this: should you not offer advice to everyone whenever you provide it to someone?
Do you have any ideas for what to name it? Eye-catching titles for your blog can help you stand out.
Are you planning on getting a domain name? The professionals usually have a domain name (such as PCMag.com), but it will require spending a few dollars per year and is not necessarily necessary during the initial stages of establishing your online presence.
When creating a blog, it is important to include more than just blog posts. About pages, contact pages, and other permanent bios should be included, depending on the purpose of your blog.
If you are thinking about your schedule, remember that the success of a blog relies on various factors, such as writing ability and engaging topics, but the crucial element is consistent updates. If you cannot dedicate yourself to a schedule, it is not worth pursuing. Keep in mind that it typically takes almost four hours to create an average blog post! However, the more time you invest in a post, the better the outcomes. According to Orbit Media Studios, the average blog post in 2020 is approximately 1,269 words.
What steps can you take to establish an audience? We cannot offer much assistance in this area, as there are numerous articles and recommendations available on this topic. If your aim is to reach the ultimate objective of achieving financial independence through blogging, which means earning money from your writing, it is essential to explore all potential avenues. (However, the likelihood of attaining this level of success is as improbable as instantaneously achieving Stephen King’s level of accomplishment by writing a novel. Nevertheless, everyone has to begin somewhere.)
Before starting a blog, there are additional factors to think about. Firstly, if you plan to blog with a group, it is important to have tools that support multiple users. Secondly, if you intend to include an audio component like a podcast, you will require a webhost that permits audio uploads and indexes the audio with podcast syndication lists. If your main focus is podcasting, it is recommended to use a dedicated podcasting host such as SoundCloud, Buzzsprout, or Transistor.
Next, we’ll address the impact of choosing a blog publishing tool, or content management system (CMS), on various decisions. It is important to note that in some cases, the CMS is closely connected to the overall website creation process, while in others, it is not.
Create a Website, Add a Blog
Creating a full website is incredibly easy with website builders. The process involves going to the service online, setting up an account, and building pages directly in your browser. Nearly all website builders provide a blogging option, although it is typically considered a secondary component to the main focus of building a complete website.
We have two Editors’ Choice website builders: Wix and Duda. Our analysts have found that Duda’s blogging feature is only “serviceable” at best. However, they highly appreciate the rich blogging feature offered by Wix (as shown in the picture above). With Wix, you can schedule posts, add tags, provide RSS feeds, receive comments from Facebook or Disqus, and compose posts in a dedicated blog-posting interface. However, it is advisable to write your blog posts in a word processor first to avoid losing a lengthy blog post on a web-based form, which can be very frustrating. Additionally, you can install the Typio Form Recovery Chrome extension to save most of the content you wrote in case of a crash.
You can utilize Wix’s blog feature to incorporate photos and videos and customize the formatting according to your preferences. Additionally, numerous pre-designed templates are available, eliminating the need for you to personally create a design. Feel free to give it a try at no cost.
Use a Blog-Specific Platform
Although the blogosphere has changed, there are still platforms and services available for those interested in creating a blog without many additional features. These options mainly cater to individuals skilled in technology who can navigate through HTML and occasionally troubleshoot scripting issues, depending on the specific service.
Learning WordPress is a valuable skill for aspiring professional bloggers as it powers 14.7% of the top 100 websites, accounting for around 40.6% of internet usage. Additionally, WordPress simplifies the process of transferring your blog to a different platform, making it relatively pain-free compared to other tools available.
There are alternative platforms that are specifically designed for blogging. Blogger, which is owned by Google, is one such platform that is free to use. On this platform, all websites have the domain name “name.blogspot.com” unless you purchase a domain. Additionally, you can utilize Google tools to include advertisements and potentially generate income. Another option is Postach.io, which enables you to transform a notebook filled with content saved on Evernote into a blog.
Ghost, which began on Kickstarter, is marketed as a “professional publishing platform”. It offers various plans, ranging from $108 per year for individual bloggers to options for full teams who want Ghost to host their site. Alternatively, you can choose to obtain the Ghost software and install it on your own web host servers. For those looking for a minimalist group blog that may have potential, especially if they find WordPress too overwhelming and intricate and do not require additional features such as e-commerce, Ghost is the recommended CMS.
There are some top-tier CMSes available, like Joomla and Drupal, that offer not only blogging features but also many other functionalities. However, it should be noted that using these tools will require more effort. Nevertheless, if you prefer everything to be precisely tailored to your liking, then these CMSes are likely the best choice for you.
How to Write a Stunning Blog Post
Pick a Good Title
Begin your blog by choosing an attention-grabbing title, as it serves as the focal point for all the content you will incorporate in your blog.
Step by step, rephrase the text while preserving the original meaning. Eliminate any content that does not align with the title or utilize it in a different section.
Even though some individuals choose an interesting title only after they have finished writing the blog post, it is advisable to have a tentative title from the beginning. You have the option to modify it later. Keep in mind that you are just beginning.
While nothing is definitive, it is beneficial to establish a strong initial foundation. It is advisable to generate multiple headings and choose the most captivating one as a useful exercise. With time, you will develop a skill for crafting attention-grabbing headlines more effortlessly.
Catchy titles have the ability to establish the tone and atmosphere of a blog, as well as aiding in memory retention regarding the main focus. The following formats are particularly effective at achieving these goals:
- How-to Content– How to Be that Friend Everyone Wants to Have, How to be Financially Stable Before You Reach 30, How to Dress for Success Every Single Time
- Top lists– Top 5 Destinations to Spend Your Gap Year, Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials Every Girl Should Have, Top 22 Makeup Hacks to Learn Before It’s Too Late
- Fast Facts– 29 Myths About Homeownership, 33 Home Makeover Ideas Under $5, The 3 Secrets That Will Make You Rich
- Emotional Titles– 3 Terrifying Things that Happen if You Don’t Have Life Insurance, 4 Remarkable Ways to Make Your Relationship Last, 11 Compelling Reasons to Lose Weight Now
Know Who You’re Writing For
When writing, it is important to consider your audience and provide content that they can relate to. Certain topics may catch the interest of millennials, while others may not appeal to baby boomers.
In order to effectively communicate, it is crucial to identify your audience and adapt your explanations to their level of understanding.
Before writing about your chosen topic, remember the following tips: Think step by step and rephrase the text to maintain the same meaning. Do not add any new information or remove any existing information.
- Have a target audience in mind– Your blog should belong in a niche, and your target audience should be a sub-population of that niche. For instance, if you’re blogging about baby strollers, your target audience can be first-time mothers or single parents who are having a hard time carrying their baby around.
- Stay on point– After you’ve determined your target audience, you need to stay on point. First-time mothers don’t want to read too much about how the elderly have cared for their children in the past, and single parents will not benefit from a subheading telling them how to care for their spouse. Trim the fat and leave your readers with tasty, juicy meat.
Know What to Write, and How to Write It
Make sure to read other articles on the topic and equip yourself with effective writing tools before you begin writing. This enables you to discern topics that have already been addressed by other blogs.
Unless you can provide unique information that others haven’t covered yet, refrain from writing a blog post that simply repeats what everyone else has already discussed.
Consider the following text: “The company is seeking to expand its market presence through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. This will help enhance its product offerings and reach a wider customer base.” Rephrased version: “The company’s plan to increase its market presence involves forming strategic partnerships and making acquisitions. By doing so, the company aims to improve its product offerings and broaden its customer base.”
Suppose someone wrote about the attractiveness of incorporating prints in curtains and wallpapers, as well as discussed the timeless aesthetic that solid colors bring to a home. Topic of interest: “The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation on Mental Health”
Challenge the status quo and engage readers who are seeking alternative perspectives. Subsequently, ensure that your arguments are convincing.
Improve your blog’s readability to gain approval from both Google and human readers by thinking step by step, rephrasing the text without adding or removing any information. Avoid fluff and focus on short, meaningful sentences.
Please rephrase the text provided.
Work on a Captivating Intro
With an intriguing title in place, the next essential task is to craft an engaging introduction. The initial paragraphs of your blog hold utmost significance as they have the power to grasp or lose the reader’s attention, potentially influencing their decision to continue reading.
Begin with a captivating and engaging introduction instead of something mundane. Inject intriguing facts and compelling statistics that capture the attention of readers right from the start. Sprinkle in a humorous joke to add a touch of humor and lighten the mood. Alternatively, ask readers an intriguing question to pique their curiosity. Following this attention-grabbing introduction, proceed to provide detailed explanations under distinct subheadings.
Your introduction holds the same level of quality as the rest of the content, and throughout your article, readers should be compelled to continue reading without any desire to pause.
To captivate and sustain their interest, it is essential to conduct comprehensive research on your topic. The greater your understanding, the more enriching your writing can be.
Write, Edit, and Fine-Tune Content
There is nothing wrong with your unique approach to writing, so feel free to write as much as you want.
Rewriting the text while maintaining the same meaning, using subheadings for clarity: Breaking down the text and ensuring readability When rewriting the given text, it is important to maintain the same meaning without adding or removing any information. Additionally, periodically reviewing the rewritten sections can help identify areas that may need further clarification. Implementing subheadings throughout the article can also enhance its overall readability. Retaining the meaning, paragraph by paragraph: 1. Identify the purpose of rewriting By maintaining the original intentions, the text should be rewritten to convey the same meaning while addressing any potential areas of improvement. 2. Review and rephrase periodically Regularly reviewing the rewritten portions can help ensure accuracy and clarity. It allows for the identification of any confusing or ambiguous sentences that may require further refinement. Utilizing subheadings for greater clarity: Using subheadings throughout the article can significantly enhance its readability. It helps readers navigate through the content more easily and understand the different sections of the text. 3. Maintain information, avoid addition or removal When rephrasing the text, it is essential to retain all the provided information. No new information must be added, and no existing information should be removed. This way, the rewritten version will continue to contain the same content as the original. 4. Preserve the original meaning While rewriting the text, it is crucial to ensure that the original meaning is maintained. The sentences should be rephrased using different words and sentence structures, but the fundamental ideas and concepts of the original text should remain intact. 5. Check for clarity and coherence After rewriting each paragraph, it is vital to review the text for any potential issues related to clarity and coherence. This process allows for the identification of any confusing passages that may require further clarification. Implementing subheadings for a more readable article: The use of subheadings can greatly enhance the readability of the entire article. By dividing the text into relevant sections with clear headings, readers can easily navigate through the content and comprehend the key points covered in each section. Continuing the process: By following these steps, the given text can be rewritten while maintaining the same meaning. Regularly reviewing the rewritten portions and utilizing subheadings can improve the overall clarity and readability of the article.
Readers are not fond of being presented with a large block of text, and they also find visual formatting appealing.
When thinking in a systematic manner, restate the following passage without altering its meaning. Avoid introducing additional details or omitting any information. However, it is vital to give proper consideration to your grammar as writing encompasses more than just eloquent words and formatting.
The professionalism of your work will be determined by readers based on how well it sounds. A blog that contains numerous grammatical errors would not meet anyone’s standards of professionalism.
If you require assistance, you can install Grammarly on your desktop or utilize a spellchecker to review your draft. Please ensure that you retain the original meaning, refraining from adding or omitting any information.
While others may choose to hire a proofreader to ensure their blog is prepared for publishing, it is always advisable to edit your own work in advance. Reading through the entire blog to assess the coherence of your ideas is never a misguided approach.
To discuss a topic effectively, it is important to think step by step and ensure a smooth flow of information. Avoid switching back and forth between paragraphs as it can hinder clarity.
When proofreading the blog, it is important to maintain coherence and flow between paragraphs. This can be achieved by rephrasing the text while preserving its original meaning step by step. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid adding new information or removing any existing information. To ensure a professional tone, it is recommended to read the content aloud during the proofreading process. This helps to identify any awkward sentences or repetitive words that may have been overlooked when reading silently.
As you think in a systematic manner, rephrase the following passage without altering the meaning, omitting any information, or introducing new information. Reciting the blog out loud aids in identifying unnatural-sounding phrases. It is essential to avoid creating an article that appears generated or penned by an automated system.
