Starting a blog is an exciting journey that requires dedication, a willingness to write, and most importantly, a passion for helping others. Blogging is time-consuming, and at times, it may feel like your posts are reaching no one. But remember, just by putting your thoughts and knowledge out there, they will eventually find the people who need them most. If you’re starting with little to no budget for marketing, don’t worry—believe in the ripple effect of your words. It’s worth the effort.
Naming Your Blog
Before you start, you’ll need a blog name. Should it be catchy? Should you use your own name? Both are great options. If brainstorming leaves you stuck, AI can be your creative ally. By inputting a prompt about yourself and your blog’s theme, AI tools can generate name ideas for you. It’s like having a brainstorming buddy who never runs out of ideas. (I’ll be diving deeper into using AI for blogging in an upcoming post, so stay tuned!)
Setting Up Your Blog
Once you have your name, it’s time to purchase a domain and choose a hosting service. I recommend Bluehost, which is reliable and user-friendly for beginners. Bluehost offers domain registration and hosting plans, making it a one-stop shop for starting your blog. After setting up your hosting, you can use WordPress to build your site. WordPress allows you to choose from various themes—I kept mine simple, as I didn’t want to feel overwhelmed with learning to code. And speaking of coding, YouTube University and AI tools are lifesavers when it comes to tackling tech challenges.
Choosing Your Blog’s Direction
Decide on the direction you want to take your blog. For me, one of my goals is to generate ad revenue, a passive income stream that can significantly improve financial circumstances. Ad revenue is earned when ads are displayed on your blog, and it grows as your traffic increases. Another great option is affiliate marketing. For example, the Walmart Creator Program allows you to earn commissions by promoting Walmart products. I’ll be sharing more about affiliate marketing in a future post, so keep an eye out!
Professional Photos and Manifestation
A professional image matters. Investing in professional photos made me feel confident and legit. Showing up to blog is like showing up to work, and these photos help set the tone.
Speaking of mindset, let’s talk about manifestation. Manifesting is the practice of reprogramming your mind to align with your goals and dreams. It’s a powerful tool—as powerful as prayer, in my opinion. I’ve used both to envision and prepare myself for becoming a content creator. Your belief in yourself is crucial; without it, dreams remain just dreams.
Maintaining a Positive Attitude
Blogging is a marathon, not a sprint. I’ve completed my first year, and it’s been a mix of tough moments and exciting growth. I’ve learned to code, developed a website, and persisted through countless breakdowns. Support from my grandmother and seeing others succeed have kept me going. One affirmation I swear by is: “I’m better today.” It reminds me that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.
Final Thoughts
Blogging is not just about creating content; it’s about building a connection. I’ve created products to inspire and motivate, including affirmations like “I’m better today,” printed on items in my store. Your support, even through a simple share, helps keep this blog alive.
Have questions or thoughts? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you.
Affirmation: Believe in yourself; the world needs your unique voice.
Write to y’all soon,
Jordy
