Blogging has been around for years – and has changed considerably in the process, evolving along with time and technology.
With millions of bloggers out there (over 600 MILLION?!), you might be thinking that the internet is too saturated to make money blogging in 2021.
According to OptinMonster, there are about 70 million posts being published each month by WordPress users alone! Pretty crazy, right?
So, is it too late to start blogging in 2021?
Many hold back for the simple reason that there are so many out there, but (spoiler alert) we’re here to tell you there is definitely room for one more – YOURS!
Whether you have a blog or not, blogging deserves more attention today than ever before.
Blogging is one of the most popular and effective ecommerce marketing strategies. It is also the most popular format among content marketers.
Whether you want to start a blog as a quarantine hobby or as something that you eventually plan to turn into a career now is the the time to take the plunge.
A quick step-by-step guide to get you up and running in 2021
Figure out what your niche is and choose a domain name
- In blogging, a niche is typically thought of as a specific area in which a blogger specializes. Will you write about your travels? Female entrepreneurship? Pick a niche that you’re familiar with and have a lot of knowledge about.
- Choosing the same Instagram username as your blog name will help your current readers find you on the platform easily.
- A domain name is the address of your website that people type in the browser URL bar to visit your website. Ours is www.PangeaDreams.com.
Start your WordPress blog right from day one
- Once you have selected your host provider, such as Bluehost, you should also purchase your domain name from them too for a small annual cost.
- Having your own domain gives you a lot more control in terms of the design and how your site is optimized.
Get a WordPress theme (free or paid!) and start customizing your blog
- You can select one of the free WordPress themes by selecting ‘Appearance’ from the menu on the left-hand side.
- If you don’t see anything you love and are willing to invest a little bit more in your blog, you can purchase beautifully designed themes from sites like Creative Market or Theme Forest.
Perform keyword research and start writing your first blog posts
- Do some competitive research, search for your focus keyword on Google and read all the first page results, learn all there is to know about SEO (YouTube is a great resource!)
- Think about how you can add as much value as possible to your readers, this will ensure that readers return to your site as it becomes a trusted resource for them.
- In order to be successful in the long-term, you need to plan long term! Develop a content strategy and put together a long-term editorial calendar, it doesn’t have to be fancy (we use Excel!)
Publish and promote your blog
- Congratulations! You’ve published your first blog post – now what?! Share your blog posts in your Instagram story, add the URL to your social media profiles, Pinterest is an excellent tool for increasing your blog traffic.
- Not all blog promotion needs to happen online and on your blog; building real relationships with readers can be just as beneficial.
Start making money!
- Truth be told most bloggers don’t make a full-time living from blogging. Even with four or five years of blogging behind you, there’s no guarantee of a decent income – but don’t let this discourage you.
- A few ways to monetize your blog include:
- Affiliate links
- Create and sell an online guide, e-book or course
- Sponsored blog posts
- Display Google AdSense
- Sell Ad space directly
- Turn your blog into a membership site
So, is it too late to start blogging in 2021?
The data doesn’t lie! Blogging is still relevant in 2021, albeit in different ways (vlogs, podcasts), and is unlikely to go anywhere in the foreseeable future.
Keep in mind, this is an industry that started in 1994 – that’s just 26 years ago! It’s still in its infancy, with so much more room to grow.
What do YOU think, is it too late to start blogging in 2021? Do you have a blog? Thinking of starting one? Drop your URL in the comments below.
Blog post written by Pangea Dreams Social Media Manager and #PDTRBali Oct 2018 Alumni Mollie Brown. Find her on Instagram: @HelloMollieBrown
