In this article, you will learn how to create and maintain a blog in general, as well as two specific platforms, WordPress and Blogger.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: How to Create a Successful Blog
Step 1. Determine the scope of your interests
To decide on the topic of your blog, you need to decide what you want to write about. There are no restrictions, but most often blogs are devoted to the following topics:
- games;
- style;
- politics, social justice and activism;
- food and cooking;
- trips;
- commercial activity.
Step 2. Know what not to blog about
Any personal information that concerns you or other people, as well as personal information that you are not willing to share, should not appear on the pages of your blog.
- If at work you have signed a non-disclosure agreement, then the blog should not discuss the topics and aspects that are set out in this agreement.
- It is allowed to blog about other people if your texts do not bother them and do not contain offenses, but it should be understood that they can take retaliatory measures.
Step 3. Define the purpose of your blog
A general blog topic is a good start, but your content needs a specific direction. Usually, a blog is created for one (or more) of these reasons, although your goal may be different:
- Learning - Educational blogs with clear instructions (for example, handicrafts);
- fixing your own life - travel, physical education and other topics;
- entertainment - various versions of comedy texts or fan art;
- a call to action - usually a blog about your company or activity;
- inspiration - can be a separate category or combine other topics.
Step 4. Browse other blogs in the selected category
Choose a blog topic and purpose, then explore other blogs on that topic with your preferred writing style to learn how to interact with your audience.
You should not copy your favorite blog, but you can be inspired by the mood, design and style of speech
Step 5. Go to specifics
The last two aspects to decide before starting a blog are the name and appearance:
- Title - Come up with a title that you feel comfortable sharing with others. The title can be a combination of your interests, blog content, and your nickname. It is important that such a name is unique and easy to remember.
- Design - usually on the site there is no way to change all the elements for yourself, but at least a general idea of the color scheme and font will help you choose the appropriate template.
Step 6. Use a reputable blogging service
Popular options include WordPress, Blogger, and Tumblr, but pick whichever service you like. After choosing a platform, the whole process usually looks like this:
- open the site of the selected service on the computer;
- create an account (it's better to choose the free option first);
- enter your preferred blog name and create a link;
- choose a design template and other aspects.
Step 7. Promote your blog on social media
If you have created a blog and made several posts, then try to increase the number of visits - leave a link to the blog on social networks like Facebook and Twitter.
You can even include a blog address in your bio or as "your company site"
Step 8. Find keywords for publications
"Keywords" should be related to the topic of your blog; the right keywords will contribute to the high ranking of your blog in the search engines. With keywords, people will be able to find your posts.
- Keyword generators like https://elama.ru/tools/keyword-generator/ and https://keywordtool.io/ can help you compose word lists that are relevant to your blog topic.
- Check the keywords used when working on a new post.
- If you place keywords naturally in your posts, then search engines are more likely to choose your blog than if you use it randomly.
Step 9. Index your blog on Google
If you index your blog on Google, then you will increase the ranking of your blog in the search engine and it will be easier for people to find it by keywords.
Step 10. Create publications with images
As a rule, search engines give preference to materials with images, so try to accompany your publications with high-quality images.
- Original images can bring additional points in the ranking.
- Users appreciate the visual complement to the texts, so the images will be relevant even if you are not interested in search engine optimization.
Step 11. Post regularly
Few things contribute to a decrease in blog traffic like a long absence of new posts (or irregular posts). Create a publishing schedule that includes at least one story per week.
- It's not scary if sometimes you publish material a couple of days later, but try to warn readers about this in advance on social networks.
- Fresh materials will also help raise your blog in search engine rankings.
Part 2 of 3: How to Create a WordPress Blog
Step 1. Open WordPress
Follow the link in your favorite browser on your computer.
Step 2. Click Proceed
The button is in the upper right corner of the page.
Step 3. Fill out the form to create a blog
Please provide information in the following fields:
- What would you like to name the website? - enter the name of the blog.
- What topic will your site focus on? - specify the category name from one word and select an item from the drop-down menu.
- What is the main purpose of your website? - specify the category name from one word and select an item from the drop-down menu.
- What is your knowledge of website building? - select one of the numbers at the bottom of the page.
Step 4. Click Continue
The button is at the bottom of the page.
Step 5. Enter the desired blog address
In the text box, enter your desired address for your new blog.
Do not use elements like "www" or ".com" on this line
Step 6. Click Select next to the "Free" option
This item will be available below the text box. Choose a free address for your blog.
Step 7. Click Start with Free
The item is on the left side of the page. Next, you will be taken to the account creation page.
Step 8. Enter your email address
Enter the email address you would like to use to create your account in the "Your email address" field.
Step 9. Enter a password
Enter the password for your account in the "Choose a password" field.
Step 10. Click Continue
The blue button is at the bottom of the page.
Step 11. Confirm your email address
Follow these steps while WordPress finishes creating your account:
- Open your mailbox in a new tab.
- Select the "Activate [blog name]" email from the "WordPress" sender.
- Click the link Click here to confirm now in the body of the letter.
- Close the tab after the download is complete.
Step 12. Click Continue
The link will be in the center of the original tab where the WordPress account was created.
Step 13. Choose a theme for your blog
"Theme" defines the look and feel of the blog. Scroll down to the Personalization tab, click Themes and choose your preferred option. Then press Activate the visual style at the top of the page.
- Filter can be selected Is free at the top right of the page to display only free skins.
Step 14. Create publications
Create your first post using the button Write a message at the top right of the window. Everything is ready to publish your materials on the blog.
Part 3 of 3: How to Create a Blog with Blogger
Step 1. Open Blogger
Follow the link in your favorite browser on your computer.
Step 2. Click LOGIN
The button is in the upper right corner of the page.
Step 3. Sign in with your google account
Enter your email address, click Further, then enter your password and press Further.
If you do not have a Google account, you will need to create an account
Step 4. Click Create Google+ Profile
The button is on the left side of the page.
Step 5. Enter your name
Enter your first and last name in the text boxes at the top of the page.
Step 6. Select gender
Click on the drop-down list and select a gender.
Step 7. Click CREATE PROFILE
The button is at the bottom of the page.
Step 8. Add a photo
Click on the current photo, click Upload a photo and find a suitable picture on your computer. Then press SAVE.
- You can press the button SKIP below this section and add a photo later.
Step 9. Click Go to Blogger
This button is at the bottom of the page.
Step 10. Click CREATE BLOG
The button is in the center of the page.
Step 11. Enter a name for your blog
Enter a name for your blog in the Title field.
Step 12. Run out your blog address
Enter your desired address in the Address field, then click the option that appears below in the drop-down menu.
If Google tells you that this address is already taken, then choose a different address
Step 13. Choose a theme
Select the desired option from the "Subject" list.
The theme determines the look of the blog
Step 14. Click Create Blog
The button is at the bottom of the window.
Step 15. Click Don't
This will open your blog's dashboard.
Step 16. Create publications
Click on A new message at the top of the page to open the post creation window. Everything is ready to publish your materials on the blog.
Advice
- Always check the accuracy of published news and facts.
- Many people prefer to view blogs from mobile devices. Make sure the service has a mobile version that is optimized for smartphones and tablets.
- Use a strategy for your blog and create posts that stay relevant, or post current news that may be of short-term interest.
- If you need to run a commercial blog, but you are in doubt about your authoring skills, then you can hire a specialist who will create publications for you.
- Publications must be regular and consistent. For example, post new content on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Warnings
- Beware of misplaced attention. Do not disclose personal information such as full name, home address, and other information.
- Be prepared for unflattering comments, especially on sensitive posts.
- Remember that your posts are available to everyone, so be aware of what information you post. In some countries, publications criticizing government actions or various offensive material can cause serious trouble. Use common sense.
- If you have an open blog, then do not publish materials that may infringe on the privacy of others. At least do not include surnames or use fictitious names. It is also best to never post personal photos of other people without proper permission.