How To Set Up a Blog - Blog 101

In my first "Blog 101" tutorial I shared some basic tips to help you write a blog. In the next post in this blogging advice series, let's look at the how to set up a blog and start writing.

Choose a Blog Platform

If you're not technically minded, or even if you are, setting up a blog can seem like a logistical nightmare.

There are plenty of blogging platforms, such as Ghost, Medium or Wordpress, to choose from that have done the heavy lifting and can get you up and blogging as soon as possible.

It depends on your existing web presence. If you already have a website and use other social media platforms, you must integrate your blog into your online arsenal. ​If your blog is your first step into the online world, you're less restricted.

​Here is a great comparison of blogging platforms to help you decide what's best for you. Alternatively, you could enlist a professional blog builder to help you set up your blog if you want to really stand out from the crowd or have more specific requirements.

Pick your Topic

Your topic will depend on your target audience and your brand. It may seem like an obvious choice but it's important to pinpoint your core topic(s) from the outset and ensure this forms the foundation of every blog post you write.

For example, this blog focuses on two core themes: technology and writing. Why? Because as "the freelance writer who gets tech" I want to showcase my expertise in these two areas to attract potential clients. And I love writing about these topics.

This is the real secret behind any successful blog. You must demonstrate both expertise and enthusiasm in your blog to make it informative to read, and enjoyable to write.

You need to stand out from the thousands of blogs trumpeting their own work and interests. How exactly?

I'll cover that in my next post.

Happy blogging!

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