Blogging Tips for Beginners - From Concept to Creation

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BY JENNIFER SILVERMAN

Most of us reach a point in life when the sudden need to share is all-consuming.

I've always considered myself a rather private person, but after enduring a divorce that was the stuff of soap operas, I had so much I wanted to say - about divorce and life in general.

The whole divorce ordeal was such a learning experience for me, and I felt completely compelled to start writing about it - partially as a personal catharsis, (and to ensure I was retaining the rapid fire life lessons that were coming my way) and in an effort to give a boost to others going through similar sagas.

If you're feeling a likewise nudge to share for any reason - hopefully NOT a nutty divorce, take a gander at this Part 1 step by step beginner's guide to starting a blog -to prepare for, conceive, design, and build your shiny new blog.

(FYI - I'm a newbie blogger but I invite you to join me on my blogging journey and learn from my detours so you can take the direct route to blogging success!)

1. THE TOP BLOGGING TIP FOR BEGINNERS - START WRITING!

If you're thinking about starting a blog, you likely enjoy writing - which is ideal since blogging does indeed require writing.

Personally, I've always loved to write and often ended up assuming writing responsibilities in a plethora of professional roles. However, I did not have a consistent writing habit.

Getting into a writing routine to prepare to blog consistently was crucial for me. I remember reading how the fabulous, Glennon Doyle wrote daily when she launched her blog, Momastery. Glennon was my inspo.

Once I began writing on the regular, my writing improved, the words and ideas flowed more easily, and writing in general started to become second nature. Plus, I homed in on a writing process that worked for me and figured out how to channel my writing muse.

ASK YOURSELF: How can I realistically build a regular writing habit into my routine?

Even 15 minutes a day is a solid writing start. As long as you're creating a writing regimen and thereby improving your writing methods and skills, you're on a roll!

2. SHARING IS CARING.

Once you get into a writing rhythm, find ways to distribute your work to see if it resonates with readers.

A caveat - don't wait too long.

Fear or a desire to get all our ducks in a row often function as procrastination enablers. I get it - it's totally scary to put yourself out there.

But, starting to share your writing will only get you closer to your blogging goals.

In my case, serendipity led me to call for columnists in my local newspaper, The News Leader, and its talented editor, Tracy Dishman graciously gave me a shot. Thanks to Tracy, I was able to begin writing a weekly newspaper column.

Writing my column each week has equipped me with a ton of practice and feedback, plus a captive, supportive audience.

ASK YOURSELF: What is the best way to begin circulating my writing to source feedback?

Emails to family and friends, social media, and local publications are all perfect places to start.

3. FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU'RE ABOUT & CLAIM YOUR NAME.

Make like a drag queen and build a brand identity for your forthcoming blog.

Drag queens are masters of crafting an image that works for them, bringing it to life, and imparting that identity in such a way that their audience gets it and remembers it. (Drag queens have so much to teach us all.)

Next, claim your name...eventually.

I waited several months to see how my column would evolve before I christened it. This gave me an opportunity to select a name that was true to my style and subjects, but that didn't box me in.

After I had a few months of articles under my belt, I asked readers for their column name ideas. My all-knowing mother conceived the winner, The Curious Columnist.

The name, The Curious Columnist, not only helped me define my branding and communicate what I'm about to readers, it inspired the image I'm working to build.

Case in point, I designed my blog website around photos of books, which embody the idea of curiosity and learning, and a mix of bold color and pattern to evoke a vibrant, fun, quirky tone.

When you decide on a blog name victor, be sure to Google your new moniker before you take the plunge to ensure someone else isn't already using it.

I then suggest purchasing the domain immediately because cyber spies work in mysterious ways, and we don't want them to steal your awesome idea.

I purchased my domain from Google (which later transitioned into Squarespace) for an annual cost of $12. Even if you're not ready, go ahead and claim your name to get that momentum moving!

I also hired LegalZoom to trademark The Curious Columnist.

I did boatloads of research on the most reputable trademarking websites and determined that LegalZoom's trademarking services were very legit. (Companies claiming to manage the whole shebang for the cheapest trademarking prices tend to have exceptionally poor reviews and scores of complaints with The Better Business Bureau.)

LegalZoom's quoted cost to trademark my blog name was $599 + federal filing fees which range from $250 to $350. After all was said and done there was an additional $399 to finalize the filings and seal the deal. So, based on my experience with LegalZoom, the total price of your trademark will likely be in the neighborhood of $1,250 to $1,350 all-in, but be sure to double-check current pricing.

Of course, going through a law firm to trademark your blog name would exceed LegalZoom's pricing many times over. A friend of mine hired an independent attorney for trademarking services and spent upwards of $3,500. (LegalZoom does have great promo codes and also works with cashback platform, Rakuten, so be sure to take advantage of those savings!)

* (If you're not currently a Rakuten member, and would like to join for free, I would SO appreciate if you would click here to use my referral code!)

Aside from that $399 that I didn't anticipate on the trademark home stretch, my overall experience with LegalZoom has been fantastic. Everyone I have spoken to at LegalZoom from customer service agents to attorneys have been patient, knowledgeable, and helpful.

LegalZoom also has a super-seamless communication system to update you on the progress of your trademark application and facilitate correspondence with attorneys. I would award LegalZoom a glowing review and consider LegalZoom the best trademarking service by far.

ASK YOURSELF: Is there a name that captures the essence of who I am or what my work is about?

The Curious Columnist is really broad, so I'm able to write about whatever is on my mind. I also appreciate the alliteration which comes across as clever and intentional. (If I do say so myself.) It's also easy to remember.

ASK YOURSELF: Are there any aesthetic elements that could bring your brand identity to life?

Anything from an object, (like books for Moi) to an image, to a color or color palette, to a pattern can get you started. Just keep building on what feels true to you!

When it comes to naming your blog, another element to keep in mind is your end game.

Many aspiring bloggers initially lean towards utilizing their own names for their blogs/domains. If you hope to sell your blog one day, using your own name may limit sales potential, so consider widening that name net.

4. BUILD YOUR VIRTUAL HOME.

Take everything you've learned in steps 1-3 and apply it to the design of your blog website.

I used Wix to customize a free pre-built blog template.

It was a very easy, comprehensive process which allowed me to bring my blog vision to life without having to start from scratch. I especially appreciated the design capabilities that Wix has to offer because blog aesthetics are way important to me, and I wanted to create something unique.

Plus, Wix provides users access to oodles of free, fantastic stock images, which is another great pro.

I know a lot of bloggers swear by WordPress, but in my experience, it is so much more complicated to learn and utilize which was a major con for me.

Wix is pretty much a one-stop shop, and SEO tasks are built into templates, which is a HUGE bonus.

(You will still need to do a lot of SEO learning, research, and implementing, but the framework is all there - as is plenty of direction.)

Wix users also have the option to purchase their domains, email addresses, and additional analytic options from Wix. Wix handles the hosting, so bloggers don't need to source that elsewhere.

Of course, Wix does impose fees once your site is published. Package pricing starts around $15 per month for the basic plan, and Wix frequently offers a 50% promo code for year one.

Back to SEO for a jiffy - I called upon an incredible SEO expert, Amber Johnson of Maevan Marketing to learn to utilize SEO to promote my blog. I recommend her wholeheartedly without hesitation. Amber speaks SEO fluently and has the magical ability to translate technical lingo into real world examples that actually make perfect sense. Her prices are very fair, she is a pleasure to work with, and I have no doubt you'll be blown away by her recommendations.

(By the way, neither LegalZoom, Wix nor Maevan Marketing are sponsors of my blog. My reviews of Wix and LegalZoom will hopefully arm you with more info, and as a super satisfied client of Amber's, I'm thrilled to give her a shout out!)

ASK YOURSELF: What blog websites do I particularly enjoy and why?

Do some research. Go ahead and learn from those who came before - get inspired by their format, layouts, ideas, etc. and put your own spin on them!

To be continued...

As I type this little beginning to what I hope will eventually be a thorough, helpful guide, I pressed the somewhat intimidating, "publish" button on my blog to share it with the world.

I'm confident that the next few months will have all kinds of lessons in store. As soon as those lessons come my way, I'll pen and post a Blogging Tips for Beginners continuation!

I hope my blog experience thus far has motivated you to begin your blogging journey and given you some insight into how to start a blog! You've got this!

Feel free to give me a shout with any questions. I'm happy to share any blogging tips and tricks and wish you the blogging best!

(If you should ever feel stuck or depleted in the inspiration department, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert was my saving grace. Each time I hit a wall or two, Gilbert's take on living a creative, magical life got me back to blogging business.)

Interested in the next chapter of this guide? Why thank you! May I suggest returning to the home page and scrolling down to subscribe? I'll gladly keep dishing!

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Wait up! It looks like you’ve reached the end of the road on this particular blog post. You might be wondering where to go from here. May I suggest some delightful destinations, conveniently located on CuriousColumist.com?

THE BLOG MECCA – You’re on a reading roll. Why stop here? More quirky commentary on all sorts of subjects is just a click away.

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THE CONTACT FORM – Sometimes, we have a hankering to drop a line. Maybe you work for Oprah Daily and are looking to hire an unconventional freelance lifestyle writer – hint, hint. (Hey, a girl can dream.) Maybe a burning question is beckoning you to buzz. Maybe you have a craving to comment. Regardless, feel free to get in touch.

Thanks again for stopping by!

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