Have you always wanted to start a blog?

A blog can be a great way to share your feelings, expertise or thoughts. (no there are not too many blogs out there either.)

Here’s ten tips to help you to start a blog.

1. Pick a domain name and make sure that you can get the same or similar names on social media too for your blog. Pick a blog name and domain that can grow with you and does not limit you. Buy your domain name as quick as you can as if you leave it then someone else might snap it up.

2. Choose a hosting package. I use Lyrical Host and I can honestly say that their customer service is amazing! If you need any help they are on hand to help you every step of the way. You can choose from a variety of packages too depending on how many blogs or websites you would like to host. My code for Lyrical Host is peggymay and referrals get 10% off their first hosting plan payment using this code.

4. Install WordPress. I have used Blogspot in the past for blogs and I can tell you that WordPress I think is far superior and easier to use. You can chose from different themes depending on how you want your blog to look and lots are free and you can choose plugins for a number of functions.

5. Create a blog header, or ask a graphic designer to make you one, if you are not confident to do this yourself. Use this same header on your social media.

6. Set up all of your social media sites. You can use Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest etc. So when you write your blog posts you can share to all of these sites too and grow your following.

7. Write your blog pages. Such as a contact us page, about us page, work with me page etc. Add these to your menu on your blog so people can access them quickly.

8. Install widgets. These will go in your sidebar of your blog. It could be a picture of yourself, about you, popular posts etc. Keep the sidebar simple though and not too cluttered.

9. Start an email list. You will be so glad in the long run if you do this. This means that your readers will never miss a blog post from you.

10. Promote on social media and on blog groups which you can join ion Facebook and get added to bloggers lists on twitter too. Be active on social media.

Creating a successful blog is about hard work and consistency. Keep posting and you will soon see your blog start to blossom.