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Simply Sona

Simply Sona

August 30, 2015

How to Start a Blog

Lifestyle
blogger los angeles

If you were to sit with almost any blogger, they’d tell you that everything started from a passion that they wanted to share with people. With this post, I want to share what I’ve learned in my journey as a blogger and hope to inspire you to follow your dreams. Maybe you’ve been thinking about what it’d be like to start writing about something that you love and publishing it on a blog, but you’re worried that your website will get lost in the midst of the thousands of blogs that are already established. Take it from a girl who started blogging for fun and found overwhelming support and success; all it takes is that drive and a few little tips to start!

how to start a blog

Blogging Platforms and How To Start a Blog:

Being a blogger may seem glamorous but it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be a successful blogger. One misconception about starting a blog is that you need to be a website designer, or hire one, in order to build a nice website. That is so not true! Thankfully there are so many host platforms that can help you build a website fast and with little technical know-how. Personally, I like WordPress because it’s the easiest platform to work with and you can find some gorgeous templates. When I thought about how to start a blog, I found that WordPress was so user-friendly, but there are also great forums that are accessible through a quick Google search to learn everything you need to know. You can use WordPress for free, but if you spend a little bit of money, you can establish your own domain name and get a nicer layout. There’s always room to move to a paid membership once your blog gets more attention, so it’s not absolutely necessary to pay if you’re unsure about whether or not you want to dive into blogging full force. Some other popular platforms to start blogs or websites on include Wix and Blogger– these make building a customized blogging site so simple and quick. If you’re not tech-savvy like me, consider hiring someone to build your website for you. That way, you can customize your layout and make your vision come to life.

Vision:

Once you’ve decided what your blog is going to look like, it’s time to refine your vision. What is it that you want to be known for? How can you turn something that you love into words and put your own unique spin on it to capture readers? What’s different and unique about your blog? Don’t rush into writing your first post until you answer these questions for yourself. What’s fun about blogging too is that you don’t have to be Shakespeare to write; what people are looking for is a personal touch and perspective on things they already care about. That being said, you do want to be careful about your spelling and grammar, as well as keeping your opinions unbiased.

How To Name A Blog:

Naming your blog can be hard because it’s the one constant thing that will represent your brand, so be careful and think hard before you come up with a name. I learned from my mistake of naming my blog something I didn’t really care for, and I decided to rebrand and change the name of my blog. It can be a risky move, but thankfully it worked out well for me.

how to start a blog

Be Social:

You really have to put yourself out there and represent yourself as a brand in order to gain a steady and loyal following. That means engaging in popular social media platforms with your followers, fellow bloggers, and the media. Don’t be afraid to share your content and share it often. Ask your family and friends to share your posts on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media site because this is how people can discover you. You also never know who your friends are friends with

Consistency:

You also want to ensure that once you’ve created a focus for your content, you’re consistently posting however many times works with your schedule. You don’t have to post every day, but if you begin by posting every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, you need to keep it up.

One trick with WordPress: you can schedule your posts to publish on certain days if you have them written ahead of time. Readers will stick around if you’re posting well-written, consistent, and interesting posts, and be sure to share them on social media as much as possible with engaging photos and summaries. Make a commitment to yourself and your readers, and stick with it. They are going to help make you successful. That being said, don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to build up a readership; that’s how it is with everyone when they’re starting out!

Camera/Equipment:

If you’re going to be blogging about something that’s strong on visuals; say, fashion, beauty, hair, etc, be sure to invest in a good camera. Your images are one of the easiest ways to get noticed, and they can also make you look unprofessional if they are not great quality. I use the Canon G7X when I’m on the road or traveling, but I use the 70D or the 5D otherwise.
If you have a good camera, you may even want to start vlogging! It’s another great way to connect with your readers or subscribers and give them an intimate glimpse into your daily routines. I find it so rewarding and it’s the best part for me. I also have a YouTube channel that drives some traffic to my blog, and sometimes my content works with the videos I post. On each platform, you can find unique things and so it helps me share more information with more than one medium!

how to start a blog

My Goal As A Blogger: 

For me personally it’s important to connect with my readers. I truly consider my subscribers my  friends and I love love love it when my readers comment because then it becomes more of a conversation as I always do my best to comment back. For me it was important to create a platform and build a community where we can all have a place to share our ideas, opinions etc.. that’s why I suggest thinking hard about what your goals are and what you want to get out of blogging before you start so that you’ll have a clear vision as to where the blog is going

Advice On Blogging:
One of the most important pieces of advice I can give you, aside from all these logistical and social aspects, is to do this for YOU. Don’t do it to become famous, don’t do it to become popular, and don’t do it because everyone else is. Readers will be able to see through it, and they would much prefer to see your passion and your enthusiasm shine through your blog. I started my blog because I love the artistic and creative aspects of beauty and fashion, and I wanted to share my opinions, tips and tricks as a professional makeup artist and also have fun with fashion and lifestyle posts. I am so grateful for the way I’ve been supported by you guys, and I fall in love with what I do everyday even more. Believe in yourself and your message, and you never know where it might take you!

Good Luck Loves!

sona

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40 Comments

  • ReplySéverineAugust 26, 2015 at 4:32 pm

    Hi Sona! this post is what I was looking for! I love your work as a make up artist and blogger as well, I follow you for a long time now. I ´ m actually thinking of starting a blog too, so this post is just right on time for me! You are inspiring! Thank you for sharing your own experience ! I send you a lot of love from France!

    • ReplySonaAugust 26, 2015 at 5:27 pm

      Thanks so much for the love and good luck with your blog!! Hope to visit France soon!! Kisses!

    • ReplyPatriciaMFebruary 5, 2016 at 3:43 am

      Hey Sonia, thanks so much for sharing your experience on starting a blog. This is something I have been thinking of doing for a while and a few of my close friends have told me to do as well, which gives me more encouragement to follow this goal. I’ve spent a long time doughting myself, always overthinking how many other people out there blog on a daily basis and what would make mine special. Thanks for giving your feelings on starting a blog I really appreciate it.

  • ReplyAni TorossianAugust 26, 2015 at 5:23 pm

    Great post, Sona!

    • ReplySonaAugust 26, 2015 at 5:26 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it!

  • ReplyYulissaAugust 26, 2015 at 5:42 pm

    Thank you for this. I have been debating the past few months on starting a blog. This was definitely the push in the right direction. I absolutely LOVE your videos <3

  • ReplyLianaAugust 26, 2015 at 6:35 pm

    Thank you so much for this! I recently started my own blog but since it is fairly new all your tips are greatly appreciated. Love Love Love it!

    • ReplySonaAugust 27, 2015 at 6:33 am

      I’m glad you found this post inspiring!! Good luck on starting a new blog! :)

  • ReplyLianaAugust 26, 2015 at 6:35 pm

    btw do you use wordpress.com or do you use wordpress.org and selfhost?

    • ReplySonaAugust 27, 2015 at 6:35 am

      I use WordPress.org and I self host. :)

  • ReplyAyuAugust 27, 2015 at 2:41 am

    Ahh thank you so much for this post, Sona! And talking bout vlogging, I’ve always wanted to but I’m kinda shy to be on camera and film what I do. I mean that is the idea of vlogging. But why I want to vlog is because I think it’s fun and it’s like bringing your friends-to-be that you make on social media, with you! Is there any one or two tips you can give on how to be brave to start vlogging? Love you!

    • ReplySonaAugust 27, 2015 at 6:54 am

      To achieve your goals, you have to put your fears aside and if you want others to believe in you, you have to believe in yourself first. I say take a chance and go for it!! You never know what can come out of it.

      • ReplyAyuAugust 27, 2015 at 2:10 pm

        That’s true. Alright then..thanks so much for the tip, Sona!

  • ReplyMYRIAMAugust 27, 2015 at 8:48 am

    Thank you so much for there advices and for this post, you’re an inspiration Song. I want to start a blog but it’s so hard for me to find the perfect article to start with. Anyway I hope you the best, and I send you lot of love from France !

  • ReplySarahAugust 27, 2015 at 7:18 pm

    Hey Sona! Thanks for sharing your tips on starting a blog! It’s given me some inspiration to start my blog!

  • ReplyMonicaAugust 27, 2015 at 8:09 pm

    Such a great post! Thanks for the advice Sona! I hope to start a blog soon with my husband and maybe get into the YouTube realm as well. I’ve been watching your videos since 2013. Hope to meet you some day!

  • ReplyOliviaAugust 28, 2015 at 5:48 am

    Loved this post! I’ve been thinking of starting a blog and as I’m asking God for a sign, a notification comes up on my phone about your new post! Long and behold it’s a bout starting a blog! Could my answer be more obvious? hehe Thanks for the inspiration! Look forward to more of your posts :)

  • ReplyNehaAugust 28, 2015 at 7:35 pm

    This post is so great! I recently relaunched my blog again, which I first started in 2009! Posts like this are so helpful to keep me going now that it’s the “beginning” again. I’ve watched your videos since the very start! I found you from Teni’s videos and I just adore you! Wish I knew you personally, but I kinda feel like I do :-)

  • ReplyAdaletaAugust 28, 2015 at 7:43 pm

    What a lovely encouraging post! Thanks so much for sharing! xx, adaatude.com

  • ReplySamSeptember 2, 2015 at 3:51 pm

    Hi Sona ! Thanks for this post, lately some sad things happened in my life and I was thinking of starting a blog, I think it can be a space where I can express what’s on my mind but I’m always afraid of being ridiculous ! You’re my inspiration and your post give me confidence to start, and I hope one day you will visit my blog !
    Xoxo <3

    • ReplySonaSeptember 2, 2015 at 8:06 pm

      Sending you hugs!! You’re not ridiculous!! Just like you found this blog helpful, someone may find your blog helpful and inspiring! Go for it and good luck!! Kisses!

  • ReplyGPSeptember 4, 2015 at 11:06 pm

    Hello Sona, thank you for the article.

    I have a question that I have not been able to find the answer to after having reading at least 10 articles on “how to name your blog”.

    My question is, when coming up with a blog name, is it better to use a word or words that a search engine will actually pick up, so that your blog is indexed higher?

    I’ve had my blog for a year and a half and it is about beauty and makeup. Last night I came to the dismaying realization that I have to change the name. The original name is Visage Maquillage. When I created I liked it because in French, the words rhyme and flow beautifully. I chose these words because I thought that most people would at least know that the word visage means face, as it also does in French. I also thought that most makeup enthusiasts would know that the word maquillage means makeup in French. After careful consideration I have concluded that my name is too long, hard to spell, and unpronounceable and not understood by the vast majority of people. It does seem kind of obvious, but I was overestimating the savvy of my audience.

    Now I am having a problem creating a new name because I’m thinking about using a name that has the word “beauty” or “makeup” in it. Problem is that such a huge percentage of bloggers in general are beauty bloggers and the market is really saturated. I would say 80% of beauty blogs have the word “makeup” or “beauty” in them.

    There are some incredibly successful beauty bloggers out there that have entirely made-up names, such as Temptalia and Pixiwoo. I’ve also noticed that you yourself have a very simple name that is your actual name. However, I have read that making up a word like that can make it a lot harder when it comes to seo, etc. I have read that it requires much more work and money to market yourself and get yourself known.

    So, should I include keywords in my domain name even though that might make it more commonplace? Or should I go for something entirely creative?

    I really appreciate any help you can give on this matter.

    Thank you,

    G

  • ReplyTaraSeptember 5, 2015 at 1:20 pm

    Hi Sona

    thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience you’re truly amazing and very inspiring! I am thinking about investing in a good camera do take close ups of my make up so I have one question for you: “I use the Canon G7X when I’m on the road or traveling, but I use the 70D or the 5D otherwise.” When do you use the 70D or the 5D? And how do you take your close-ups of your lovely make up? With a ring light and one of those cameras? I’d be so excited if you’d answer me I’ve been following you for more than a year, watch all of your videos and I just really adore your work!

    Kisses
    Tara

  • ReplyEuniceSeptember 17, 2015 at 7:03 am

    Hi Sona,

    This is so informative and thank you for sharing tips and advice. I just started a blog not long ago and it’s mainly just a place for me to write down what I’ve tried and what’s work for me. It ended up become my own dictionary or notebook. I am trying to add more pictures to make it look more lively. I still have so much to learn and thank god you are here! Your blog is my inspiration. Your post also look so clean, clear and on point! Thank you so much for sharing!
    Hugs
    Eunice

  • ReplyBerlinSeptember 21, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    Hi Sona,
    Just found you on youtube and love it so much <3

  • ReplyNedellSeptember 24, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    Thanks Sonia we loved this post! We’ve been feeling a little flounderish but love writing so this totally inspired us all over again. Thanks you

  • ReplyChereenOctober 11, 2015 at 10:28 pm

    I’ve just stumbled upon your blog via your YouTube channel (I’m also a new subscriber), and I absolutely LOVE your posts! This post, in particular, was so inspiring, and a breath of fresh air. So many bloggers are doing ‘how to start a blog’ type posts lately, but yours is the first post that I’ve read that offers interesting, relevant tips and an honest look at what blogging is all about. Thank you! Looking forward to many more posts (and videos!) in future!

    Love from South Africa!
    Chereen
    http://www.forthebeautyofit.co.za

  • ReplyWan Nur AishahNovember 1, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    Hi Sona. I’m a new viewer of your vlog & blog. I’m an amateur in skincare & make up. I started to blog again after being depressed for a long time. I felt so vulnerable because I do not have a flawless skin, I feel super isolated because I am always awkward around people. In terms of character, I do feel that I can motivate others into thinking the best about themselves. But when it comes to me, I just think about how disgusted people may feel about me, how ugly I actually look like & how repulsive I am. I still carry on with my daily routines like I’m used to. I look cheerful, outgoing, motivated & always positive but deep down, I’m a huge mess.

    I know talking about how depressed I am won’t make things any better.

    But guess what. Watching videos by you & other make up experts make me feel better. I just love how you carry yourself by talking passionately about things you love.

    I’m still looking for what I want to do with my life. I want to empower myself with positivity so that I can empower people, especially women.

    Sona if you’re reading this, I hope you know that you do make a difference by making videos and posts like this.

    I wish one day I will have the courage to do things that you do, inspiring others.

    Thank you for existing. I hope you have a nice day :)

    Love,
    Wan

  • ReplyAna IhmelsNovember 7, 2015 at 7:25 am

    Hallo Sona! Im sooo happy i found you on you tube! I love your make up, they all look so natural!!!!
    :)
    KISSES

  • ReplyIonicaNovember 28, 2015 at 11:10 pm

    Hi, you are a special person.
    We are grateful for your advice.XOXO
    Love from România

  • ReplyAna MaggieDecember 10, 2015 at 4:17 pm

    thanks so much for this! i found it super helpful, i have a blog but it has been unsuccessful but i’m going to take your tips into consideration.

  • ReplyJennifer VegaApril 1, 2016 at 1:12 pm

    Thanks so much for this post. I have being thinking about creating a blog, but I didn’t know how to or with what to start with. This is very helpful! ❤

  • Replyg2 test canadaMay 18, 2016 at 9:09 pm

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your weblog.
    You have some really great posts and I believe I would be a good asset.
    If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to
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  • Replyelsa abedianSeptember 2, 2016 at 2:35 pm

    you’re so inspiring to me in every way possible and i hope to grow up and be just like you. btw i’m only 15 so i got a long way to go!!(: love you sona

  • ReplyALINAOctober 25, 2016 at 7:52 am

    This post is so helpful. I recently started a blog because I’m passionated about makeup and fashion and I wanted to share my passion with others. I’m exited. Thank you for this post!

    http://www.chiceveryday.com

  • ReplyAmiraFebruary 23, 2017 at 10:35 am

    This was a great read! I enjoyed it very much. I started my blog not too long ago, and I constantly feel like i’m not going to be able to make it because (I know I’m not trying as hard as I should be) I don’t see feedback or able to catch attention.

    I’m glad I got to read this, thank you! Love you and love your work <3

  • ReplyAidaMarch 7, 2017 at 5:19 am

    Sona jan thanks a lot for this post! I’m one of your followers for a long time and it will be a piece of advice from you. I really wish to start my own blog, but it is difficult in Armenia. Sometimes I can’t find much braveness in me to start it. But I think soon I can manage what I really wish.
    Thank you again. Keep on going and inspiring people. Love you!

    Good luck and my kindest regards

  • ReplyPattyMarch 13, 2017 at 6:45 am

    Sona this is great! but how do I know what is the correct website to even start!
    thanks! :) -xo

  • ReplyRileyJanuary 14, 2018 at 12:51 pm

    The three questions that you asked under the “vision” portion really made me stop and think. Thanks for sharing your wonderful advice!

  • ReplyAna Karina CahueFebruary 26, 2019 at 9:35 am

    I love that this old post is coming up again. I’ve always wanted to start a blog but I feel like I won’t be interesting enough and people will not want to read or engage. Thanks for this post!

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