Here’s a little bit of blogging inspiration for those who need it. My first official website was a bust. Not due to lack of visitors, but the result of poor planning and self discipline. So I’m starting over the way I should have, and keep running my race.
I began by doing some research on Google to figure out how easy it could be to start a blog. Many bloggers have their own step by step pages on how to set one up, including the starting cost. One day, I may be one of those bloggers. I haven’t decided yet.
What ‘Starting a Blog’ Articles Offer
Most articles I have come across for starting a blog begin with explaining how to find a host. Then the author tells you who their provider is and why they recommend them. The author also explains the steps to setting up a site through that host. Finally, they offer a discount, at no cost to you, as an affiliate for that provider.
Great! I’m not mad about it. In fact, I’m happy that they were able to find passive income through blogging. Many bloggers struggle with making that happen. Other blog pages I’ve come across give tips on how to monetize. But the true purpose of blogging is giving information that’s valuable to the reader or audience.
If you’re lucky, the same author will have another article on how to write your first post. Articles are a lot like essays. I have never been good at essays, but that isn’t going to stop me from trying to publish informative articles. And I hope whoever is reading this right now finds value in any of the content I have now, and in the future.
Finally, I noticed that many bloggers are not suggesting a different option. Their affiliate sales funnel is their target goal, so I can see why they wouldn’t suggest doing so. But I will.
Try a Free Platform
Maybe it would be better to try out one of the free platforms for blogging before spending money. Platforms like WordPress.com, Wix, or Blogger are good sites to practice writing posts. These services are good for beginner bloggers.
I didn’t do that. Instead, I went through the one of those sales funnels, and spent money on hosting for three years. And that poor planning and lack of self discipline made it a bad investment. I haven’t found my niche for blogging yet, and I’m okay with that.
While you may not fully “own” your content using a free platform, you can still get valuable input from the people who manage to come across your blog.
Keep Going
If you aren’t able to find an audience, don’t give up. Edit your posts to make them better. And remember to add more content. Sooner or later, you’ll have your audience.
As an example, this is the third time I’ve published this article. The first version was alright, but I knew it could be improved. The second time was better, yet I found more could be done. And now here we are.
From what I have read from other bloggers, a successful blog doesn’t happen overnight. It’s something you work on for months or even years before gaining traction.
If you are able to get enough readers with ten to fifteen posts on a free platform, then maybe you should consider paying for web hosting. You could transfer the content you created to your new host. I know that WordPress has an export option under tools, if your site is ran by WordPress.
Closing Statement
Here are a few things that I’d like for you to take away from this. Keep running your race. Although my first site crashed and burned, I’ve only just begun my race in the blogging world. I’m not giving up, and neither should you.
Do your research. Improve whatever you feel needs to improve. Practice, practice, practice. It doesn’t have to be a website or blog, but any aspect of your life. Be consistent, and you will see results.