How to Create a Profitable Blog

 So what exactly is a blog? 

A web site that allows an author to write about whatever they are passionate and knowledgeable about: gardening, home interior design, vacation get-a-ways, or playing pool.  You name it, I'll bet there's a blog about it.  So why should you write yet another gardening blog when there are already hundreds of them out there?  Because each writer has a unique voice.  Combine this with an unusual angle and readers will be hooked.  Maybe this garden writer wants to share his experiences with roof-top gardening or organic gardening methods or maybe even water-less gardening.

Where do I start?

If you're new to blogging, you most likely will want to try a free blogging site.  This will allow you to gain experience and see if it's something you're really interested in doing.  There are several free sites available: BLOGGER, BLOGSTER, and WORDPRESS.COM (please note that Wordpress.com is the free blog site and Wordpress.org is the professional site).  Follow the hosting site's instructions for creating a new blog.  You'll need to name your blog and you'll also need to see if the name you want to use is available.

What do I write about?

Anything you want.  Think of something you're good at, something you're passionate about, something you know a lot about, or something you want to know so bad that you're willing to dig up all the information you can find.  Whatever you're writing about, remember to stay focused.  If your blog is about weight loss, don't write a post about computers.   

 

How do I make my blog profitable?

There are several ways: 

• place affiliate links or banners on your site
• sell merchandise related to your blog
• sell ad space

How do I obtain readers for my blog?

• Place advertisements on search engines such as Google and Yahoo.  You can also purchase ads on other sites such as Facebook. 
• Utilize social media.  Create a page on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest.
• Submit your blog to various blog directories.  To find these, simply type "blog listings" or "blog directories" in your search engine.  Many are free, but some also offer better "placement" if you purchase an ad.
• Participate in a blog carnival.

 

How do I get readers to keep coming back?

The best way to turn a "visitor" into a "repeat guest" is to write posts on a regular, consistent basis.   Readers are continually seeking out new information.  By keeping a well-maintained blog with up-to-date information, these readers will keep coming back.

Do I need a domain name?

Only if you want one.  By purchasing a domain name, you get to label your URL anything you want as long as the name is available. This is helpful if you want your URL to read yourwebsite.com rather than yourwebsite.blogspot.com.  Domain names are purchased for a specific amount of time and generally cost about $10 a year. Just a few domain name registrars are GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Hostgator domains.

 

What about hosting providers?

The free blog sites above offer free hosting; however, there are other hosting providers available should your needs change.  Some hosting providers worth checking out are Hostgator, Bluehost, and Fat Cow.  

Add blog to our blog directory.