8 Lessons I've Learned - Blogging For Newbies.
Blogging is an exciting way to express yourself and share your thoughts and experiences with the world. However, for beginners, it can be daunting. As a new blogger, I have learned several valuable lessons that can help newbies bloggers enhance their writing and blogging skills.
These lessons include understanding the target audience, selecting the right niche, establishing consistent writing habits, and improving writing skills by reading and learning from other bloggers.
Sharing these lessons with newbies bloggers can help them avoid common mistakes and assist them in achieving writing and blogging success.
Before COVID-19 hit, I spent two months in Las Terrenas and decided to document my travels through pictures and writing. Although I’m not a blogger, I’m passionate about sharing my experiences, both good and bad.
To start, I needed to come up with a suitable name for my website (try a catchy name) that. Then, I had to search for a platform to host my domain name. I ultimately chose Bluehost, but there are other options available that may better suit your needs.
After that, it was time to choose a website builder. I opted for WordPress because of its user-friendly interface and pre-made themes. It’s important to take the time to explore your options before making a decision.
Now that everything is up and running, you can begin creating your first page or post in your chosen niche.
Here are the steps I learned for Newbies
My learning process.
Initially, I watched several video tutorials on how to create a website. However, I faced difficulty in finding the necessary information until I came across some highly beneficial videos that taught me how to make a website the easy way.
After almost two years of posting content in an incorrect manner, I realized that my blog was not visible on Google, and the paragraphs in my posts were too lengthy for readers to read. This was another mistake on my part.
I had failed to comprehend the significance of SEO in increasing my visibility on Google. Therefore, I went back to the basics and began learning new concepts once again, while searching for appropriate tutorials and videos on SEO.
I also learned how to create a post page in the right manner. There is still so much left to learn, and I continue learning every day!
Also, I joined a Facebook group where I discovered the potential to learn more.
How to start an Website for A Newbie
Let’s dig inside my learning..
With WordPress, I built my travel website using Elementor Pro. The Hello Theme serves as my base, and I personally constructed my blog. Alternatively, you can opt for one of their numerous themes, which provide easy-to-follow instructions on adding your own text and pictures.
My choice of Elementor was based on its affordability, particularly for beginners who are hesitant to spend too much money. It took me a few weeks to become adept at using it, and their customer service was exceptional.
As someone who is familiar with computers, I cannot say for certain whether or not it will be easy for you to use.
However, you have the option of trying it out for free.
Write your post
*Begin by using the Google Docs app to write your post. Google Docs correct any mistakes and keep your pages safe. This way, you’ll always have a backup copy.
** Choose a good font.
With so many fonts available, it can be challenging to know where to begin and how to find the perfect fit. While the look is crucial, readability is equally important.
I use the font sizes between 14-16.
*** Structure your post- For easy Reading
Incorporate header tags into your post to structure it for easy reading. Every blog post should have an introduction and a conclusion, with headers and subheadings in between.
H1 Header
H2 Sub header
H3 Accent
H4 Text
H5 and H6 (you can use it or not)
If your content is too long, add a table of contents or some pictures.
Write short paragraphs
Writing short paragraphs can make your content much easier to read. This is because breaking up text makes it more visually appealing and less intimidating to readers. It allows them to take in information at their own pace, rather than feeling overwhelmed by a large block of text.
Short paragraphs can also help you to better organize your thoughts and ideas. By breaking up your content into smaller sections, you can ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic and purpose.
This can help you to convey your message more effectively, and to keep your readers engaged from beginning to end.
Overall, creating short paragraphs is a small but significant way to improve the readability and impact of your writing. By taking the time to break up your content and make it more accessible, you can ensure that your readers stay interested and informed throughout your piece.
Write your article section by section
When writing an article, it’s advisable to tackle it section by section rather than attempting to write the entire piece in one go. This approach helps to alleviate the pressure that comes with writing long pieces.
I prefer to write my articles section by section on a document page (docs.google), and then go through it again to make necessary changes before adding a new section.
You’ll eventually find your unique style that works best for you.
It’s important to note that articles should be at least 2,000 words long. However, be mindful not to make them too long, as readers might lose interest.
My articles typically range from 1,000 words or slightly less. I always strive to make them longer, but sometimes it can be challenging to add more content when you’ve already exhausted all the possible topics.
To write an effective article, start with an introduction that briefly explains the topic you will be covering. For a travel article, consider providing some background information that could include the history or current status of the topic to keep readers engaged.
To make your article easy to follow, use headings, subheadings and bullet points.
Finally, wrap up your article by offering some final thoughts or recommendations. Don’t forget to proofread your work for spelling and grammar errors before publishin.
I hope these tips help you write an excellent article/post!
Insert original images
Use original images to set your blog apart from others. Take your own photos or use stock images. Original photos are great for SEO and are more likely to keep your readers interested.
People are more likely to share them on sites like Pinterest or Instagram too!
Nowadays you can get photos generated by AI! If you’re interested, check them out and see if you like them or not.
Proof-read your post
Proof-reading your post is an essential step in ensuring that your writing is clear, concise and free of errors. When you proof-read your work, you are taking the time to review and revise your content with an objective eye.
This allows you to catch mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation and syntax. In short, proof-reading is a key aspect of effective communication and is a habit that you should develop if you want to produce high-quality writing.
I made a few mistakes in some posts, but luckily my son caught them. It’s always better to double-check before sharing your content with others.
Before hitting the "done button"
If you want to increase your blog traffic, consider including Pinterest pins.
You can create your pins using Canva or Photoshop.
For Pinterest, the recommended size is 1000x1500px with a 2.3 ratio, while for Instagram, it’s 1080×1350 with a 4.5 ratio.
To add a “Pin It” button to your blog, you might want to try using a plugin like Tasty Pins, Grow by Mediavine, or Welbizer Pin It (free).
Additionally, investing in a quality mirrorless DSLR camera or the latest smartphone can enhance the visual appeal of your blog. You can learn some basic photography techniques, such as the rule of thirds, to take even better pictures. Best of luck with your blogging!
MY RESEARCH FROM A NEWBIE
I would like to share some resources that can help newbies start their own website or blog.
Buy a Domain Name with top hosting of 2023
-Learning to make a Website:
I have come across some useful tutorials and videos on how to start a website.
**These two are my favorite to learn on how to make a good website.
*How To Make a WordPress Website – In 24 Easy Steps
*Living with pixels
These are the videos I selected to improve my website’s SEO. You can search for more that fit your needs.
-Seo:
-Videos for learning SEO
-You will find a lot more informations here that will help you.
Blog Coaching For New Bloggers And Online Entrepreneurs (margaretbourne.com)
Have fun Newbies!
Great advice! Especially Google Docs for proofreading as well as a form of backup for your posts!
Thank,s .I always add it also to one note (double security LOL )
These are great tips! Definitely could have used some before I started, haha.
These are great lessons for new bloggers. I also struggled with SEO in my first couple of years and I am still learning. Thank you for sharing!
I am always in trouble with my SEO ,not fun
Such an informative post! I love working in Google docs for the auto-saves and being able to pull up the doc on all of my devices.
I like it that you can write and rewrite without losing your pages.
Thanks for sharing this breakdown of your process. It’s very helpful and informative.
I hope it will help :O)
Good advice included in here. We’ve all been there and I wish I had some tips like these when I was just getting started.
Thank you . I find it hard for me to look everywhere for good help. I hope it will help newbies
Thanks for sharing!
Google Doc is my most favourite thing when we talk about writing! I am in love! I’ve got a paid plan so I can store more texts and pictures 😁
I discovered google Doc not too long ago and I love it..It corrects my french/english errors lol…