So, you got a domain name? You’re a brand new blogger. Now what? Stop! Think. Have a plan before you hit the publish button.
I’ve learned about blogging the hard way. I’d like to help you avoid a few of the pitfalls. What do most people do when they become a brand new blogger? They get excited. They start writing. They post. That’s what I did on my early blog ventures. In hindsight, I would have done it differently. I would have created a better plan.
The first thing you should do as a brand new blogger is get familiar with your blogging platform. I currently use WordPress. The basics are simple, but unless you’re a geek, there’s a lot to learn. If you stick with it, you’ll become a WordPress expert.
You Really Want To Write Your First Blog Post, Don’t You?
Once you’re familiar with your platform… Wait! Don’t hit publish yet. You need a plan. You need to make choices about pages and posts. How many pages do you need? How often should you post?
I believe simple is best. Three to six pages are enough. Posting a couple times a week is a good start. If you’re using WordPress, make sure to create pages and posts in “private” mode. You can find private mode in the “publish” area of your dashboard, under visibility. I do much of my work in private mode.
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The “About” page is one of the most important for a brand new blogger. People want to know about you. They want to know who you are and what you do. They want to know your blog’s topic. They want to know what you have to offer. Here are a few links to great articles on crafting an awesome “about” page:
I keep my “About” page short and simple. You may choose to include more detail. Don’t overdo it. Here are five things to include:
- Introduce yourself or your business: Keep it short. Mention your name.
- Tell the reader what you have to offer: Why are you blogging? What can you do for your readers? Tell them, briefly. You can add more later.
- Tell them a bit about yourself: Don’t be afraid to include a few personal facts. Write in a simple and friendly tone.
- Tell them about your blog or business: Now you can add more detail. What is the core theme of your blog? What kinds of posts can they expect to read? What kinds of services do you provide?
- Invite them to subscribe: If you want people to keep coming back, you can set up a newsletter. Ask readers to subscribe. Check out MailChimp to learn more.
Now You’re Ready To Start Your Blogger Journey
Your first blog post should be an introduction. Tell people who you are, why you’re blogging and what you’ll be blogging about. Keep it short and simple. My first post was less than 500 words. Make it interesting and conversational. You need to work on gaining rapport with your audience from the start. The folks at ProBlogger have written an ebook on what to do in your first week of blogging.
So, you’re a brand new blogger. Congratulations! I hope this article has helped you get started. I want you to have a great blog. If you’d like personal blog coaching, I’m available. Contact me at danerickson@danerickson.net.
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