Do you have information to share? Do you have a love for teaching others that just isn’t being fulfilled in your current job or situation? Then blogging may be the right fit for you! I know when I started blogging, I had lots of information to share, and my poor husband and friends could only tolerate so much garden and baking talk. And while they may not be interested in my hobbies, there were tons of people out there who were! So, after deliberating for over a year, I finally took the plunge and started writing.
Do you need to be a tech expert to know whether to start a blog? Absolutely not! A desire to help others or share information and a basic knowledge of operating a computer (and internet) is truly all you need to start. You will learn so much along the way, but no one should expect to know everything when they first begin.
You (and your ideas) have value
There’s of lot of self-doubt that comes into play when you start thinking about publishing blog posts. What if no one cares? What if no one reads it? Will I get negative comments like I’ve seen on some other blogs? The truth is that there are tons of people out there who ARE interested in the same things you are. And many people are happy to read ideas, tips, and suggestions from others. So know that your content and ideas have VALUE!! You have value! And blogging is an amazing way to share your gifts and talents with others.
I haven’t experienced a lot of negative feedback, but gardening isn’t a hot button topic, right? But just know there are some people who thrive in living negative comments, but overall, they’re in the minority. You’ll find a tribe of readers who love your content and you!
Now, let’s cover some commonly asked blogging questions:
1. Is blogging dead?
Heck no! When was the last time you looked at a blog? If you’re active on the internet, particularly Pinterest, then it probably hasn’t been long since you’ve visited a blog. I know that I love blogs for new recipe ideas, home decor inspiration, and articles on a wide range of topics. I love knowing there are people all around the world who want to share their knowledge and talents with the rest of us! And there’s always room in the blogosphere for more, like you!
2. What should I blog about?
Do you have multiple interests? Welcome to the club! If you are considering starting a blog, then start by listing out topics (or niches) you’re interested in. I did this exact thing when I first began my blog. Once you have your topics listed, think about content or posts that you could create for each one. The topics or subjects that you come up with the most content for may be the areas to direct your blogging energy into. If you’re like me, you may have two niches that are closely related. The Kitchen Garten is all about gardening and recipes using fresh ingredients. They really go hand in hand together. Some topics will do this, so consider if you have two similar interests that would mesh well. Ruth Soukup has a FREE Blog Planner that is a great way to get your ideas on paper and start planning. I used many of her resources when I first started. She also has a free assessment to determine if her blogging course, Elite Blog Academy, is right for you!
3. Does blogging really make money?
Yes! Is it quick money? Not necessarily. It does take time to build a readership and get your feet under you in regards to advertising and affiliate sales. But, if you are passionate about what you’re writing about, then blogging could be both enjoyable and financially rewarding for you! There are lots of ways to earn an income while blogging, and some of these include:
- Ad revenue (having ads on your site)
- Affiliate sales (promoting other people’s products)
- Sponsored Posts (companies hire you to write a post about their product/service)
- Product creation (develop products to sell on your site)
- Coaching (either in your niche or about blogging, you can offer your time to help others)
How to Get Started Blogging
There are lots of resources and blogs out there that promote blogging courses, books, and articles. I’ve been blogging for over three years and have a list of reliable resources created by long-term bloggers. You can find that list on Blogging Resources page. All of these resources I have used personally.
Use the Blog Planner that I mentioned above to get your ideas down on paper, and then get started building. I recommend WordPress as a website builder, and there’s a free option if you want to test the waters before investing money into starting your blog. However, if you already know that you want to pursue blogging as a way to make an income, then go ahead and spring for a WordPress.org site, and go from there!
If you’re interested in getting blogging related emails, sign up above and they will come straight to your inbox! Always feel free to reach out with any questions you may have; and have a great week!
Lori
Thursday 10th of March 2022
Courtney,
This is the first How to Start a Blog post I've read that addresses the real problem: the doubts. Will anyone read it? Will anyone care? I built myself a beautiful greenhouse as a pandemic project, so I was thinking of "The Greenhouse Diaries." But I know I have a huge learning curve ahead of me. I've already tried some things that didn't work and I live in the Pacific Northwest, which is a unique environment. My experiences may not translate well to other parts of the country.
And even as I'm writing, in my head I am refuting my own arguments . So I guess this is just a Thank You for sharing your experiences.
Courtney
Friday 11th of March 2022
Hi Lori! Thank you for sharing; there are so many doubts when it comes to putting yourself out there in online content, but I encourage you to give it a go. I have found that the gardening community especially is one of kindness and grace. I'd love to hear what you've learning through greenhouse gardening, and I know other gardeners would agree with me when I say we've all failed at a lot, and that's how we learn best. Good luck!