Are you looking for a quick and simple guide to start a blog in 2022?
If you’ve got 30 minutes and even the most minimal amount of computer skills, this step-by-step guide will teach you how to start a blog in 2022.
Once you’ve finished reading this guide, you’ll have your very own gorgeous blog with unlimited earning potential.
This step-by-step guide on How to Start a Blog in 2022 is created specifically for beginner bloggers like you!
Welcome, I’m Shay and I’ll be helping you get started blogging today. Since 2015 I’ve been designing and building websites and blogs. I’ve also helped plenty of others do the same.
I know from experience that starting a blog can be stressful. There’s a jumble of information out there and it can quickly become overwhelming. You might even think that starting a blog is hard and just outside your abilities.
Truth is, you don’t need to be a computer expert to start a blog. This step-by-step guide is specifically for people just starting their blogging journey. It’s easy to understand and follow along with lots of pictures to help you.
When I started my first (now defunct) blog, I made so many mistakes. However, I also learned a lot during the process. Everything I learned I’m sharing with you now to help you get started without all the bumps in the road.
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL LEARN TODAY
- What a blog is
- Choose a blog name
- Get hosting
- Write and publish Posts
- How to promote your blog
- How to earn money
What is a blog?
Simply put, a blog is a type of website with a strong focus on written content aka blog posts.
Most bloggers write from their own unique perspective about topics that help them connect with and serve their readers. Believe it or not, there’s a vast range of topics that people blog about but, choosing a topic (or niche) you are knowledgeable in or enjoy is important. There are successful blogs in every niche. The key is having updated, relevant information and continuing communication with your readers and visitors through comments or an email list.
Should You Start a Blog in 2022
Absolutely!
New blogs are going up every single day and earning money. Whether you want to blog as a hobby or a way to earn extra money, it’s without a doubt one of the best things you can do for yourself. Although, it takes a little hard work and a lot of learning, starting a blog in 2022 can change your life tremendously. Plus, it’s a really fun and creative way to express yourself.
Don’t worry about how many other people are already blogging. No one can blog like you! Your unique style, perspective and approach to blogging with help you stand out.
Choose a blog name
How to choose a blog name
While there aren’t any set rules to choosing a blog name, I do have some tips to picking the right one.
First, you want your blog name to accurately reflect your blog. Many people opt for using their own names or incorporating them somehow (Hence, Shay Thomas Blogs). While others choose unique names that reflect their topic/niche. The Blonde Abroad is a popular blog that you can tell immediately by the name is about travel.
Another tip is to check for availability on other social media platforms. This is especially important if you plan to draw in your audience from other social media sites like Pinterest, Instagram or Twitter.
There’s no wrong way to name your blog. Just know that once you purchase your domain, it’s yours.
Blog name vs Domain Name – How to start a blog in 2022
If you’ve been doing research on picking and purchasing blog names, you’ve probably seen “blog name” and “domain name” used interchangeable. Which may be confusing since they are different. However, they’re essentially the same. Your blog name is the title of your site which you can change on WordPress whenever you feel like it. Your domain name is the web address people type in to get to your blog.
Think of www.yourblognamehere.com as your domain. Then imagine once you arrive YOUR BLOG NAME HERE appear across the screen. That’s the blog name/site title. However, the next day you type www.yourblognamehere.com again but BLOG NAME BUILDER appears on the screen. The site owner changed the blog name, not the domain name.
This happens because some bloggers are set on having a specific blog name but, the domain isn’t available. It’s a simple method to have the blog name you want and is easily changed cost-free.
How to purchase a domain name
The first way, which I’ve always gone with is purchasing a domain name through my hosting provider. It allows me to keep everything under one roof and is hassle-free.
The second way to purchase a domain from a domain provider like namecheap.com and connecting it to your host.
My suggestion to you is to purchase your domain name through your hosting provider.
Some quick rules and tips about domain names
- You cannot use spaces or punctuation other than dashes
- If the domain you want is unavailable try adding other words. For instance, since Shay Thomas wasn’t available I could and did add blogs.
- Or try a different extension like .net oppose to .com.
- You can even utilize those dashes shay-thomas-blogs.com
Start Your Blog
There are two things you absolutely need to start a blog. The first is a hosting provider (web hosting) and the second is software. While this may sound like a lot it’s not. Most hosting providers provide the software at no additional charge and it’s very simple to set up yourself.
What’s a hosting provider?
A hosting provider is a business that stores all your blogs files on their personal servers and makes sure that when someone visits your domain your blog appears. You cannot have a blog with a host. While there are a lot of choices of hosting providers on the internet, for this tutorial I’ll be showing you how to get started with Lyrical Host.
Lyrical Host is an amazing hosting provider with quick and friendly customer service. Plus, they have a great affiliate program and lots of resources to help you earn money.
What is blogging software
Blogging software is a program that allows you to create, manage and publish content on the internet. The world’s most popular program for this is WordPress. WordPress powers almost 40% of all the websites on the internet. It also includes a large library of plugins to further customize your website and help it run efficiently.
Most hosting providers bundle blogging software in with their services and it’s extremely easy to set up and get started.
Are you ready to officially start a blog in 2022?
If you’ve got your blog name/domain name picked out, including some variations just in case let’s get started by going to Lyricalhost.com
Head to https://hub.lyricalhost.com
- In the top navigation, choose Order Domains/Hosting > Buy WordPress Hosting
Click the “Order Now” button next to the “Tiny” hosting package. This one will give you plenty of room to start a new site!
Next you’ll see a Domain Name options screen.
If you don’t already have a website name you want to use, enter your preferred name option in the box and click “Check” to see if it’s available to register. Once you’ve found an available name you’re happy with, click “Continue.”
The next step is to choose your preferred billing cycle from the drop down menu. You can choose monthly, six monthly, or yearly billing. Once you’ve made your choice, click “Continue.”
- Check your order and add your promo code in the box. My affiliate code, SHAYTHOMASBLOGS, will get you 10% off your first hosting payment.
- Click “Check Out,” and enter your address and billing information. Check the box to agree to the terms, and then choose “Complete Order.”
- You’ll get a bunch of emails to confirm everything. The most important one is your Welcome email, which includes a link to all the getting started information you need. If you registered a new domain, you may also get a third party email asking you to confirm your ownership and point you at the right settings to hide your contact information from being displayed in a public directory.
Now that you officially have your domain name and hosting it’s time to get your blogging software, WordPress up and running!
First you’ll need to select the language you’ll be using on your brand new blog. Once you’ve choosen your language you’ll move onto the second screen. This screen is where you will enter your site title (blog name) which as we discussed earlier can be changed.
You’ll also choose your username and password to log into WordPress.
Make sure all your information is accurate.
After your done completing this step it’s official. You’ll be redirected to the WordPress dashboard where you can start designing your blog and writing and publishing posts.
Write and Publish Posts – How to start a blog in 2022
On the left side menu there is a section titled posts. Click this button and you’ll see you already have a post titled Hello World! available. This is a sample post by WordPress. Since this is a sample post you can move it to trash.
This area is where all your blog posts will live. You can create, edit or trash blog posts from this section.
When you’re ready to write your first post, click Add New. Write your post and then hit Publish. You’ll immediately see it available to read and enjoy on your brand-new blog.
If you need content ideas to get started, I’ve got a social media calendar here that you can take ideas from.
How to promote your blog
Social Media
There is a multitude of ways you can start promoting your blog. First you’ll want to let your friends and family know you’ve officially launched. You can do that by sharing your first posts on your social media pages likes Facebook.
Pinterest is another amazing way to get your blog in front of readers. Plus, you can use your Instagram bio to link directly to your blog.
Comment on Other Blogs
Another great way to promote your blog is to leave meaningful comments on other blogs. Lots of bloggers respond to those who comment. Plus, sometimes you’ll even be prompted to leave your web address. If you are, don’t skip that step it’s free traffic.
Create an Email List
Creating an email list is an essential part of blogging. From the start you’ll want to encourage readers to join your email list. You can do this with pop-ups or on page signup forms.
How to earn money from your blog
As a new blogger earning money may take time. You’ll depend heavily on your traffic and your readers to trust your suggestions or products. There are several ways to start earning money from day one and as you grow more options to earn money from your blog become available.
Ways to earn money as a blogger
- Affiliate links
- Ad revenue
- Digital products/services
- Sponsored posts
Keep in mind, options like sponsored posts take time to acquire. Sponsors are looking for bloggers with a certain amount of traffic and engaged audience.
However, options like digital products or services such as e-books or web design are ways you can immediately start earning if you have the knowledge and skills to produce these.
The easiest way for new bloggers to earn money is through ad revenue and affiliate links. As I mentioned before, Lyrical Host has an amazing program for affiliate marketers. Now that you’re enjoying Lyrical Host as your hosting provider take advantage of their affiliate program as well. You can also sign up for Amazon Affiliates. However, keep in mind that this requires a minimum number of sales within a certain time period to qualify.
As for ad revenue, there are lots of companies to apply for. Think Adsense from google or check out this article to pick a company that suits you best.
