The 4 things you need to know before starting a blog
Here is a brilliant idea... START on a long-form content channel like blogging!
Not only does it help you be seen online, but it also allows you to create repurposed content on other channels, gives you access to a community of other creators, and allows you creative control.
Katie from Kaybee Lives created her blog to help others with her knowledge and expertise and the end goal of creating a business off the back!
Whether you have a business or not, creating content online is a powerful way to be SEEN and start something new.
So, let’s explore what you need to know before creating a blog and how to make the most out of this content channel!
1. Look at the end goal
Before you begin creating your blog, ask yourself what your end goal is. What is the purpose of the blog and what are you looking to get out of this channel? While it is important to have a blog strategy in place (which you can read about here) the pre-work before writing is just as important!
Think about this: When you have a goal around the channel you are showing up on, it allows you to easily create the right content and then measure its success! Considering this before you start your blog will give you a clear sense of direction and inspiration when writing.
Here are also some other questions to think about when planning the end goal of your blog:
Why are you writing what you are writing?
What is the path?
How will you get there and how will this blog be part of that final destination?
How can you address the pain points of your target audience and what can you lead them to help further?
So before jumping in, have a think about your end goals, write them down and refer back to them. This will help so much when you’re looking for inspiration, topics, or direction for your writing.
2. Don’t get overwhelmed with the research
You won’t know everything that you need to know when you start, and that’s OK! Just like any new business venture, you will learn by doing.
Luckily in the world of online businesses and entrepreneurs, there will always be others that have been through the process that you are beginning - these people can be your strongest resources.
Make sure to find a few people that can help you (not everyone) and get some insight that way. Choose trusted voices and drown out those that don’t apply, and if you don’t know where to start, Youtube will be your best friend.
If you make mistakes or get overwhelmed with the number of resources out there, take a breath and remember that you are a NEWBIE. Allow yourself the opportunity to learn and simply take it one step at a time.
3. Find your community
Like we said before, other people, business owners, and entrepreneurs that have been through this process can be some of your strongest resources, so find them and ask questions!
Look in Facebook groups like Blogging Babes Collective and Blogging for new bloggers and join forums to gain knowledge. Continue to use these community groups when you come across new questions or roadblocks and make sure to reach out for help or support - that’s what they are there for.
Remember that you are not alone and outsourcing is always an option. Sometimes when tasks become too overwhelming you need to remind yourself that it is okay to ask for help, this is why connections and friendships are so important in this business - use them when needed!
4. Repurposing the blogs
The last thing we suggest thinking about before starting a blog is how you can repurpose it.
Blogs are such a large form of content creation that it would be a waste to not repurpose them onto other channels. Have a look at the other channels you show up on and brainstorm how you can use your blog to create content on these platforms.
Can you link to your blog through Pinterest? Can you create IG captions from key points? Can you promote your blog on Facebook? Are you able to further discuss the main ideas in your blog on TikTok?
Whatever or however you choose to repurpose your blogs, make sure to include them in your marketing plan and don’t be afraid to repeat yourself. The more touchpoints, the better!
Final thoughts
No matter what your business or brand looks like, a blog will never go out of fashion.
While it is a more old-school type of content (especially being long-form) it is an amazing way to showcase what your skills, knowledge, and services are whilst appealing to your target audience and giving them a place to land when researching or looking for resources.
Blogs are also amazing for repurposing and directing traffic around your pages and platforms! So, if you’d like to optimise this by showing up on the platforms you excel on, take out Content Channel Quiz to find out where you should be showing up and where you can repurpose your blog. Follow this up by downloading our Content Strategy Template to create a content recipe for success!
Try out blogging and see how you go! You may just surprise yourself!