Are you looking for a guide to blogging as a side hustle! Don't
worry, I've got you covered. When I first dipped my toe into the murky
waters of blogging, I wasn't
quite sure what to expect. Would it be a fleeting love affair, or a
lifelong commitment? Would my words be met with adoration or derision?
Would I become just another anonymous voice
shouting into the void?
As it turns out, my first foray into the world of blogging was a bit of a slow burn. At first, I was content to simply share information about antiques, art, and collectibles with my customers on my business website, Jackdawantiques.com. But as I started to write more and more, I realized that I had a passion for writing that extended far beyond just the world of antiques. I wanted to explore other topics, to dive deep into subjects that had always fascinated me but that I'd never had a chance to fully explore.
So I did what any self-respecting blogger would do: I created another blog. And then another. And now here I am, on my third blog, still typing away into the digital abyss, still hoping that someone, somewhere, is reading my words and finding them even remotely interesting.
But enough about me. If you're thinking about starting a blog of your own, my advice is simple: do it. Embrace the uncertainty, the thrill of the unknown, the thrill of putting your thoughts and ideas out there for the world to see. And who knows? Maybe someday you'll find yourself on your third blog, wondering how the heck you got here.
First, let's talk about the history of blogging. It all started in the early 1990s, when the internet was in its infancy. Back then, blogs were known as "weblogs," and they were primarily used as online diaries or personal journals. In 1999, the term "blog" was coined by Peter Merholz, and blogging as we know it today started to take shape.
As the internet evolved, so did blogging. In the early 2000s, blogs became a popular platform for sharing opinions, news, and commentary. Blogging also became a way for people to connect with others who shared their interests, and blogging communities began to form around specific topics and niches.
Today, blogging is a massive industry, with millions of blogs covering every topic imaginable. From fashion to food, politics to parenting, there's a blog out there for everyone. And many bloggers have turned their hobby into a full-time career, earning a living through sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and product sales.
So, how can you start a blog as a side hustle? Here's a step-by-step guide:
Choose a niche: The first step in starting a blog is to choose a niche. This should be a topic that you're passionate about and knowledgeable in. Think about what you want to write about and who your ideal reader is. Are you an expert in cooking, or do you love to travel? Maybe you're a parent with a lot of advice to share. Whatever your niche, make sure it's something that you're truly interested in, because you'll be spending a lot of time writing about it.
Choose a blogging platform: There are many blogging platforms available, including WordPress, Blogger, Medium, and Substack. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, so do your research to find the one that's right for you. WordPress is great for customization and control, while Medium is more focused on content and community.
Choose a domain name: Your domain name is your blog's web address, so it's important to choose one that's catchy and memorable. Brainstorm a list of potential names and then check to see if they're available. You can use a domain registrar like Namecheap or GoDaddy to purchase your domain.
Set up hosting: Hosting is what allows your blog to be accessible on the internet. You can either choose a free hosting option (like WordPress.com or Blogger) or pay for a hosting service (like Bluehost or SiteGround). Paid hosting generally gives you more control and flexibility, but free hosting is a good option if you're just starting out.
Customize your blog: This is where you get to show off your design skills (or lack thereof). Choose a theme that reflects your niche and brand, and make sure your site is easy to navigate. And don't forget to include your logo and branding elements throughout your site.
Start creating content: This is the meat and potatoes of your blog. Write posts that are informative, entertaining, and engaging. And don't forget to include images and other media to break up the text. Aim to post consistently (once a week is a good starting point) and promote your content on social media.
Promote your blog: You can't just sit back and wait for readers to find you. Share your posts on social media, join online communities related to your niche, and reach out to other bloggers to build relationships and collaborations. And don't forget to engage with your readers by responding to comments and emails.
Monetize your blog: If you're looking to make some money from your blog, there are a few different options. One popular way to monetize your blog is through ads. You can sign up for an ad network like Google AdSense or Mediavine and get paid for displaying ads on your site. Just be aware that you'll need a decent amount of traffic to make any significant money from ads.
Another way to make money from your blog is through affiliate marketing. This is where you promote other people's products or services and earn a commission for any sales made through your unique affiliate link. Many companies have affiliate programs, so find ones that are a good fit for your niche and audience.
You can also offer sponsored posts, where a company pays you to write a post about their product or service. Just be sure to disclose any sponsored content to your readers.
Finally, you can sell products or services related to your niche, such as e-books, courses, or coaching. This can be a great way to earn passive income and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
To sum up, starting a blog as a side hustle can be a fun and rewarding way to share your passions, connect with others, and even make some extra money. Remember to choose a niche you're passionate about, choose the right platform and hosting, create quality content, and promote and monetize your blog effectively. With time and dedication, your blog can become a successful side hustle and even a full-time career. And always remember, blogging is not just a hobby, it's a serious business – or at least, that's what we'll tell ourselves to justify all those hours spent writing and promoting our posts.
