Want to Start a Professional Blog? Don’t Miss This Out
These Black Friday deals are the extra boost you need
If you’re ready to kickstart your blogging journey and are wondering how to create a blog from scratch, you’re in the right place.
Especially these days, you’re in for a treat because this Black Friday, the blogosphere is showering you with deals you won’t want to miss.
Building a professional blog from scratch is an exciting venture and a strategic move to amplify your voice, share expertise, or even explore the possibilities of generating income online.
So, let’s see everything you need to start a professional blog and, of course, the best deals in town!
How to Build a Blog from Scratch
There are three main things you need to start a blog: a blogging platform, a blog host and a domain name (I’ll later add here two more useful tools).
However, you don’t need to get each one from different places. Some blogging platforms offer their own plans with hosting and domain name, some blog hosts also offer free domain names with their plans.
It’s all up to you.
I’ll list here a few I consider to be the best ones for each category, with their pros and cons:
A Blog Platform
The beating heart of your blog. WordPress reigns supreme for flexibility, user-friendliness, and a sea of plugins to make your life easier.
Blogger and Wix are cool too, but for the full blogger experience, WordPress takes the cake.
- Flexibility at its finest. WordPress offers an extensive library of plugins, allowing you to tailor your blog to your heart’s content.
- A massive community means troubleshooting is just a forum post away.
- User-friendly, even for beginners.
- A bit of a learning curve, especially if you’re diving into customization.
- While it’s free, some plugins and themes might burn a hole in your pocket.
- If you’re all about simplicity, Blogger is your buddy. It’s straightforward and integrates seamlessly with Google services.
- It’s free! No need to reach into your pockets.
- Limited in terms of design and functionality.
- Customization options are somewhat restricted.
- Drag-and-drop simplicity. You don’t need coding skills.
- A plethora of templates specific to various niches.
- All-in-one platform, including hosting.
- Not as flexible as WordPress when it comes to customization.
- If you ever decide to move away from Wix, transferring your site might be tricky.
Website Hosting
Your blog needs a home, right? Hostinger, Hostgator, Colohouse, and InterServer are like the landlords of the internet.
Each has its perks, but keep an eye on Black Friday deals for some serious cost savings.
- Budget-friendly without compromising on performance.
- Speedy loading times ensure your readers won’t be staring at a loading screen.
- Customer support could be more responsive.
- Advanced features are somewhat limited.
- A solid reputation for uptime and speed.
- User-friendly, making it a great choice for beginners.
- Renewal prices can be a bit steep.
- The interface might seem a tad dated.
- A global data center footprint for top-notch performance.
- Scalability — start small, grow big.
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- Not as budget-friendly as some other options.
- Might be overkill if you’re just starting and don’t anticipate massive traffic.
- Transparent pricing with a price-lock guarantee.
- Offers a variety of hosting options, including shared, VPS, and dedicated.
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- Interface might be a bit overwhelming for beginners.
- No managed WordPress hosting.
A Domain Name
Your blog’s address and one of the most important things of your blogging identity. NameCheap is my top pick for affordability and ease of use.
GoDaddy is in the race too, but NameCheap steals the spotlight.
- Budget-friendly domain registration.
- Straightforward interface for managing your domains.
Get NameCheap discounted .COMs with no limits (with promo code COM898)
- Renewal prices can increase substantially.
- Additional services might add up.
- One of the largest domain registrars, ensuring reliability.
- Offers a range of additional services beyond domain registration.
- Can get a bit pricey, especially for popular domain extensions.
- The interface might be overwhelming for beginners.
An SSL Certificate
Ever seen that padlock in the URL bar? That’s thanks to an SSL certificate. SSLs has your back here, ensuring your readers’ data is safe and sound.
However, keep in mind that some hosting platforms already offer an SSL certificate with their plans.
- Affordable SSL certificates without compromising on security.
- Easy installation process.
- Limited options for premium SSL certificates.
- Customer support response time could be faster.
Marketing and Customer Support
HubSpot and Tidio are your virtual wingmen. HubSpot for all-in-one marketing magic, and Tidio for live chat that keeps your readers engaged. Think of them as your secret weapons for conquering the blogosphere.
- An all-in-one marketing hub, including CRM, email marketing, and more.
- Powerful analytics to track your blog’s performance.
- Free version comes with limitations.
- Extensive features might be overwhelming for beginners.
- Live chat for real-time engagement with your audience.
- User-friendly interface.
- Some advanced features are only available in premium plans.
- Integrations with other platforms might require some tech know-how.
What are the Main Elements of a Professional Blog
Now that we’ve got the groundwork, let’s talk about the essentials:
Compelling Content
Quality, quality, quality. Even though being persistent is highly important, writing top quality content will be the key to your success. I highly recommend you to write about things you’re deeply passionate about.
Aesthetic Design
First impressions matter. Invest time in creating a clean and visually appealing design. A reader-friendly layout and eye-catching graphics go a long way.
User-Friendly Navigation
No one likes a maze. Ensure your readers can easily navigate your blog. Simple menus, clear categories, and a search bar can make a world of difference.
Engaging Multimedia
Make sure to embed videos, podcasts, and striking images to keep your audience hooked.
Responsive Design
We’re living in a mobile world. Ensure your blog looks just as good on a smartphone as it does on a desktop.
How to Make Money off a Blog
Okay, now let’s talk business and see how to earn from blogging. Once your blog is up and running, you might want to turn those clicks into cash. Here are some popular options:
Ad Revenue
Google AdSense is the go-to platform for bloggers looking to monetize through ads. By strategically placing ads on your site, you can earn revenue based on clicks or impressions.
However, balance is key — too many ads can turn off your audience.
Affiliate Marketing
Ever thought about getting a commission for recommending products? That’s the beauty of affiliate marketing.
Promote products or services, and when your audience makes a purchase through your unique affiliate link, you earn a percentage of the sale.
Sponsored Content
Brands are always on the lookout for influencers in the digital space. By collaborating with brands for sponsored content, you not only monetize your blog but also establish partnerships that align with your niche.
Digital Products
You can elevate your blog by creating and selling digital products. Whether it’s ebooks, online courses, or exclusive content, your audience may be willing to pay for valuable, niche-specific resources.
Subscription Models
Offering premium content to a subscribed audience can be a game-changer. You may create a members-only section or exclusive newsletters.
A subscription model provides a steady stream of income.
Remember, the key to successful blog monetization lies in aligning strategies with your audience and maintaining authenticity. It’s not just about making money; it’s about offering value that resonates with your readers.
And there you have it! Building a professional blog might seem hard at first, but once you start, it all runs smoothly. Just take that first step.
With the right tools, a solid foundation, and a dash of your unique voice, you’re ready to conquer the blogosphere.
Keep an eye on those Black Friday deals — they might just be the wind beneath your blogger wings.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through those links I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for the support :)
