How To Go About Starting Your Own Blog
Gone are the days of scribbling on notepads and scrap pieces of paper. The age of the journal and locked diaries has long passed. In its stead is the technological substitute – the blog.
Originally, blogs were created as personal outlets for creative expression. They were supposed to be virtual works of art, however, they have become increasingly mainstream with millions of blogs being set-up on a daily basis. Furthermore, the blogging platform is now used as a means for smaller businesses to gain a following and earn money.
It is no crime to earn some extra cash while publishing your most intimate thoughts on the life of a grapefruit. In fact, the Google AdSense program has become one of the most popular and most lucrative options which a blogger may access to earn money via their blog. Other options include third party affiliate or CPA programs.
Before you start seeing dollar signs, you must create your blog. The physical act is simple enough, but there is a great deal of planning which goes into developing a successful website. Firstly, you need to decide what type of blog you will be maintaining. Will it be a personal one or a commercial one? This is important as each topic or niche has a certain writing style and physical presentation. A music blog cannot have cars as a background – it wouldn’t make sense.
To set up your blog you will need to have some technical knowledge of blogging platforms. However, if you are unsure as to how this all works, you don’t have to worry as there are many IT contractors available to hire on the Internet. If you don’t want to hire someone to help you, the blogging platforms have some step-by-step guides for beginners. Also, doing some research on Google can be beneficial.
The most popular blogging platform is that of WordPress, although there are many available online. Most businesses and professional blogs use this base as it has more professionally designed themes, and has the option of website domain hosting using their platform. In recent years, Tumblr has gained popularity among the youth as a personal blogging site. You can find many fansites and ‘gag sites’ on this platform.
Regardless of the site you choose to register with, there will always be the option of design themes. These themes are the background and style layout in which your blog will present itself on the internet. All will have ready-made themes, some fancier than others, placed in different categories according to different niches. You may choose one of these themes, which can then be customized to suit your individual preferences, or you can go about creating your own theme. However, to do this you will need some knowledge of HTML.
As may be seen, to acquire a blog is relatively simple. However, the posting and maintenance of the site are more complicated requiring more knowledge and hard work. Once you have everything in order, it is an exciting means of self-expression.
