Cassey Deveau
You may wonder, why would I blog? Blogging does not have to be about serious issues or lead to a career (but it can). The incredible thing about your blog is that it is yours. You don’t have to be a professional writer to start a blog. All you need is access to a computer and an idea. It really is that easy.
Here are five simple steps to start your very own blog right now.
Step one: Find your focus
This might seem daunting, but it is the best part of starting a blog. Choosing a focus for your blog is simple: pick something you’re passionate about and run with it. Do you love sports? Focus on sports. Do you love music? Focus on music. You can even blog about your life. There are real people blogging about these topics every day. Remember, you pick a focus, it can always change as your passions do. Your blog can grow with you!
Step two: Pick your platform
This part is easy but important. There are many different blog platforms including Blogger.com, Blog.com, and WordPress.com. Each of these offer unique benefits, and they are all straightforward. The most popular platform for new bloggers is WordPress. It offers you a free blog, a great selection of templates and access to help if you need it.
Step three: Choose your domain name
Your domain name is how people will find your blog and it is the first thing readers will see. If you go with any of the mentioned platforms, you will have something that looks like www.yourdomain.wordpress.com. Your domain name can be anything you like as long as it isn’t already taken. This means you should try and make it unique, and reflect what you want to accomplish with your blog.
Step four: Customize a theme
This is the fun part. Your theme and design can reflect your personality. Most blogging platforms already have free templates that you can customize. The tools to customize your blog on each platform are easy to follow and offer help throughout the beginning. You can play around with the available fonts, colors and add your own personal photos or graphic designs as backgrounds. There are so many options available, you might have trouble choosing just one.
Step five: Write your first post
Now all that is left is writing your first piece. Remember to always stay true to yourself and your goals when writing your blog. Writing should be an enjoyable experience. Write whatever comes to your mind. Use your blog as an outlet for thoughts and ideas. There are no limits to what you can write. Don’t forget to connect your blog to your social media so your Facebook friends and Twitter followers can see your pieces as well.
Blogging, like anything new, can seem daunting at first but it really is simple. Using these five steps you can turn your passion into a blog in just minutes. Blare June, (www.blarejune.com) a local blogger with a focus on fashion, mental health and empowerment says, “The first step to starting a blog is actually starting. Don’t let the fear of failure stand in your way because failure is not an option when doing something you are passionate about.”
The most important thing to remember is that there is no wrong way to blog, there is only your way.
