This wikiHow teaches you how to create and use a blog, both in general and through specialized platforms like WordPress and Blogger.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Creating a Successful Blog
Step 1. Make a list of interests
Before setting a blog goal, you need to get a general idea of what you want to write about. There aren't any specific restrictions when it comes to blogging categories, but there are some general topics you can consider:
- Games (gaming)
- Trend or style of dress
- Politics/social justice/activism
- Cooking food
- Journey
- Business/company
Step 2. Identify things that don't need to be displayed
Things like personal information (both your own and someone else's) and personal details that are not shared with those closest to you should not be used as blog topics.
- If you have a job that requires you to sign a non-disclosure agreement, you may not discuss the activities or topics described in the agreement.
- You can create a blog that talks about other people as long as you don't annoy or discriminate against the person concerned. However, be aware that these people may see your content and seek revenge (by blogging about you).
Step 3. Consider the purpose of the blog
While having a blog topic can be a great start, blogs still need some direction in order to function or “work” properly. Some of the reasons that encourage someone to create a blog include one or a combination of the following. However, you can of course find your own inspiration to create a blog:
- Teaching something - Instructional/hint blogs are well suited to this purpose/function (eg self-project blogs).
- Documenting the experience - This goal can be achieved through travel blogs, fitness challenges, and more.
- Entertaining - This goal can be applied to various media, such as comedy reading blogs, fan fiction, and others.
- "Call to action" or call to action - This is usually the purpose of a business or company blog.
- Inspire others - This category can stand alone, but may be better suited to other purposes/functions in this segment.
Step 4. Visit other blogs in the category you want to dive into
Once you've determined your blog's topic and purpose, research other blogs that share the same topic and/or preferred writing style so that you know how the owner/manager attracts attention and engages readers.
You can't just copy the blog you like, but you can take inspiration from the atmosphere/tone, layout, or language used in the blog content
Step 5. Brainstorm to find out the specific elements that the blog displays
The last two things to know before starting a blog are its name and appearance
- Blog name - Find a name that you can comfortably share with others. This name can be a combination of things you are interested in, blog content and/or nicknames. Make sure the blog title you choose is unique and easy to remember.
- Blog design - You may not be able to design the layout of your blog the way you want it, but having an overview of the color scheme and font type before you start your blog will make it easier for you to find a template you like.
Step 6. Create a blog using a trusted platform
Some of the more common blogging platforms include WordPress, Blogger, and Tumblr, but you can choose the service you want. After choosing a service, the process of creating a blog can more or less be explained as follows:
- Open the blog service website on the computer.
- Create an account (usually a free account to start with).
- Enter the desired blog name, then select the URL.
- Select the blog layout and other requested details.
Step 7. Promote the blog through social media
After you've created a blog and uploaded a few posts, you can increase traffic to your blog by posting blog links on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
You can even use the blog address in the bio section of your social media account as a "Company Website"
Step 8. Find out the keywords for your posts
"Keywords" or keywords are words or phrases related to the topic of the blog and have high search engine ratings. Using keywords in blog posts makes it easier for readers who use appropriate keywords to find your content.
- Keyword generator sites like https://ubersuggest.io/ or https://keywordtool.io/ are capable of displaying a list of words related to the blog topic.
- Double check the keywords used before you create a blog post.
- If keywords are naturally inserted in posts, rather than simply spreading them out in posts, there is a good chance that search engines will be able to show your blog.
Step 9. Index your blog on Google
By ensuring that your blog is indexed by Google, the search engine ranking for your blog will improve making it easier for readers to find your blog when searching for keywords related to the post.
Step 10. Use photos on posts
One of the things that search engines prioritize is the use of images. Therefore, make sure your posts are equipped with high-quality images.
- You can get extra value if you upload an original photo.
- Users tend to appreciate visual and text input, so adding images to your blog is a good tip, even if you don't think much about or prioritize search engine optimization.
Step 11. Keep uploading content
Nothing can stop traffic to a blog faster than the absence of new content over a long period of time (or content uploads in an erratic time). Develop a content upload schedule so that you can upload at least one content each week, and stick to it.
- It's okay if you occasionally don't upload content for a day or two. However, try making a note on connected social media announcing that you are late to upload content.
- New content helps your blog stay on the top line of search engine results.
Part 2 of 3: Creating a Blog on WordPress
Step 1. Open WordPress
Visit https://wordpress.com/ through your computer's web browser.
Step 2. Click Get Started
This link is in the top-right corner of the page.
Step 3. Fill in the blog creation form
Enter the required information in the following fields:
- “What would you like to name your site?” - Enter the name of your blog in this field.
- “What will your site be about?” - Type in a category (in one word), then click the category that corresponds to the blog in the drop-down menu.
- “What's the primary goal you have for your site?” - Type in a category (in one word), then click the category that corresponds to your blog from the drop-down menu.
- “How comfortable are you with creating a website?” - Click one of the numbers at the bottom of the page.
Step 4. Click Continue
It's at the bottom of the page.
Step 5. Enter the desired blog address
In the top text field, type in the URL name of the desired blog.
Do not include "www" or ".com" elements in URLs
Step 6. Click Select next to the “Free” option
This option is below the text field. After that, a free address for your blog will be selected.
Step 7. Click Start with Free
It's on the left side of the page. You will be taken to the account creation page after that.
Step 8. Enter your email address
Type the email address you want to use to create an account into the " Your email address " text field.
Step 9. Enter the password
Type the account password into the "Choose a password" field.
Step 10. Click Continue
It's a blue button at the bottom of the page.
Step 11. Confirm the email address entered
While waiting for WordPress to complete the account details, follow these steps:
- Open the WordPress inbox in a new browser tab.
- Click the email with the subject " Activate [blog name] " from "WordPress".
- Click " Click here to confirm now ” in the body of the email.
- Close the tab once the page has finished loading.
Step 12. Click Continue
This button is in the middle of the original tab used to create the WordPress account.
Step 13. Add a theme to the blog
Theme options determine the appearance of the blog. Scroll to the "Customize" section, click " Themes ”, and select the theme you want to use on the blog. You can click " Activate this design ” at the top of the page.
You can click the button " Free ” in the top right corner of the page to see results showing only free themes.
Step 14. Start writing
You can start writing your first post by clicking the “ Write ” in the upper right corner of the window to display the posts window. At this stage, you are free to create content for the blog.
Part 3 of 3: Creating a Blog on Blogger
Step 1. Open Blogger
Visit https://www.blogger.com/ through your computer's web browser.
Step 2. Click SIGN IN
It's in the top-right corner of the page.
Step 3. Sign in using a Google account
Enter your email address, click Next ”, enter the password, and click the “button Next ”.
If you don't have a Google account, create one before continuing
Step 4. Click Create a Google+ profile
It's a blue button on the left side of the page.
Step 5. Enter a name
Type your first and last name into the text fields at the top of the page.
Step 6. Choose a gender
Click the gender drop-down box and click the gender you want to use for the blog.
Step 7. Click CREATE PROFILE
It's at the bottom of the page.
Step 8. Add photos
Click the currently displayed photo, click “ Upload a photo ” when prompted, then find and double-click the photo you want to use on your computer. You can click the button " SAVE " to continue.
You can also click the “ SKIP ” below this segment to add photos later.
Step 9. Click Continue to Blogger
This option is at the bottom of the page.
Step 10. Click CREATE NEW BLOG
It's in the middle of the page.
Step 11. Enter the title/name of the blog
Type the title of the blog in the "Title" column.
Step 12. Choose a blog address
Type the address of the blog you want to use in the "Address" field, then click the address that appears below it in the drop-down menu.
If Google indicates that the address entered is already in use, you will need to select a different address
Step 13. Choose a blog theme
Click the desired theme in the "Theme" list.
Themes determine the appearance of your blog
Step 14. Click Create blog
It's at the bottom of the window.
Step 15. Click No thanks when prompted
After that, you will be taken to the blog dashboard page.
Step 16. Start writing
Click the button New post ” at the top of the page to open a new post window. At this stage, you are free to create content for the blog.
Tips
- Always double-check the information strictly before uploading news or matters relating to facts.
- Many people enjoy reading blogs on their mobile devices. Make sure your blog site has a mobile version that is optimized for smartphone and tablet displays.
- Set up a strategy for your blog and figure out if you need to write “timeless” content (with information that is always relevant) or news-based content that has high traction in the short term, but can quickly become irrelevant information.
- If you want to run a business blog, but aren't confident in your personal writing skills, hire a professional writer to write posts.
- Demonstrate consistency in content uploads. For example, try uploading new content every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Warning
- Don't upload content that invades other people's privacy if you allow everyone to read managed blogs. If any information is personal, at least don't show the person's last name, or create a pseudonym for the person. Also, never upload other people's private photos without their permission.
- Be prepared for harsh comments, especially if you're blogging on a sensitive topic.
- Watch out for unwanted attention. Do not share personal information such as your full name, location or other identifying attributes.
- Remember that what you upload can be seen by others so be careful about how much information is shared. Also, in some countries blog posts can be considered as criticism or “attack” on the government, and can get you in serious trouble. Therefore, create and upload your blog content wisely.
