Last June I finally told my friends and family about my blog. Even now, talking to someone new about it feels a little odd — I kept the blog very private for a long time.
Many friends and acquaintances ask me questions about blogging whenever they get the chance, which is kind of amusing.
I never expected people to come to me for blogging advice. Some friends ask me to spend a day with them to walk through how to start a blog and go over everything step by step.
One close friend recently told me something she considered nerdy: she said my blog opened her eyes to a whole new world. I was honored — and surprised.
Like me, most people don’t think about blogging until they actually start. I knew nothing about it at first and didn’t know anyone who blogged. Now that I blog, lots of people around me have become curious as well.
Because I’m frequently asked for blogging advice, I decided to put together this post. Starting a new blog can feel overwhelming, but these practical tips should help you launch and grow a successful site.
EDIT July, 2016: I recommend my online course for bloggers, Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing. I disclose that I earn significant income through affiliate marketing and that the course shares my strategies and tips. If you’re new to blogging, consider first taking a free blogging course to learn the basics before investing in paid material.
1. Start on WordPress.
There’s a lot to say about platform choice. My advice: avoid starting on Blogger if you plan to grow and monetize a blog. Blogger is free, but it limits flexibility and control. WordPress gives you better control over appearance, plugins, SEO, and long-term growth.
If you’re unsure whether blogging is for you, a free platform can be useful to experiment without cost. But in most cases it’s worth investing a small amount to start a self-hosted WordPress site from the beginning. It’s affordable and will save headaches later.
I once stayed on Blogger longer than I should have — one of my biggest blogging regrets.
Related: How To Start A Blog
2. Find a niche.
Choosing a niche isn’t strictly necessary, but it helps focus your content and attract a consistent audience. There are plenty of topics to choose from; pick something you enjoy and can write about consistently.
Popular niche ideas include:
- Personal finance — this blog focuses mainly on personal finance, with occasional posts about travel and daily life.
- Travel — travel blogs remain among the most engaging and inspiring to read.
- Lifestyle.
- Parenting.
- Food.
- Fashion.
Finding a niche helps you build authority and makes it easier for readers to understand what your blog offers.
3. Have personality.
Your voice matters. If your posts read like a dry manual, most readers will lose interest. Infuse your writing with personality so readers feel connected to you as a real person, not just an information source.
The blogs I enjoy most are those where the author’s personality shines through. They can make complex or mundane topics entertaining and relatable. People want authenticity — real stories and honest takes on problems.
4. Produce high-quality content.
Quality matters more than quantity. Publish posts that offer value: useful tips, thoughtful insights, original perspectives, or practical solutions. If your content is repetitive or provides little benefit, readers won’t return.
Study resources on writing strong blog content and aim to improve with every post. High-quality content builds trust and encourages sharing, which helps your blog grow organically.
5. Get on social media.
Social media is essential for promotion and connection. Create accounts on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, even if you’re unsure how to use them at first. Start small and learn as you go.
Social networks help you connect with readers, join blogging communities, and promote new posts. Over time they become powerful tools for traffic and engagement.
6. Don’t get caught up with your stats.
It’s natural to check your traffic, but avoid obsessing over analytics. Constantly refreshing stats can be distracting and stressful. Set limits for yourself — check numbers once a day or a few times a week rather than every few minutes.
Use analytics to inform decisions, not to dictate your mood. Focus on creating value and improving your content, and the metrics will follow.
7. Make sure all of your links work.
Broken links are frustrating for readers and harm credibility. Regularly check that links in posts and sidebars lead where they should. If you display social icons, ensure they link to your actual profiles and not to empty pages.
Broken or missing links create a poor user experience and can cause readers to leave. Keep navigation and links clean and functional.
8. Don’t use CAPTCHA.
CAPTCHA can be annoying for visitors and may discourage comments. Instead, use reliable anti-spam plugins that filter spam without forcing readers to complete quizzes. Make it easy for legitimate readers to engage with your content.
9. Don’t copy others.
Originality is crucial. Don’t plagiarize or reproduce someone else’s work. Even when you cover topics that already exist, offer your unique perspective, personal experiences, or a fresh angle. Readers value authenticity and original ideas.
What blogging tips would you give someone just starting? What mistakes have you made on your blogging journey? Share your experiences below.