This post was most recently updated on February 12th, 2024
[A collaboration post – all thoughts are my own.]
When you decide to start a blog, I’m sure one keyword that you search on Google for is “how to start a blog,” right?
You will come across a ton of guides on how to start a blog and do this and that, but those posts rarely mention the things you should be aware of before starting a blog.
Well, you need to know that blogging is not a dream job that everyone could do and succeed at in a day. You shouldn’t just expect good things to come in a month. There are so many things you have to know before starting a blog so that you won’t end up quitting it a few weeks later.
So, keep reading to find out what you should know before starting your blogging career.
Blogging doesn’t guarantee you make money online
I would tell you that blogging is the most difficult way to make money online.
You get a regular paycheck while you work in the office, and I get paid on time as a freelance translator. I started making money after 8 months of launching Merry of August. And it’s not easy money. I need to be patient, work late, keep publishing valuable content, engage with the community, pitch to brands, and do a lot of work that you wouldn’t want to imagine.
Engaging with the community, whether through social media or emails, is still difficult for me after two years of blogging. Because of the time difference, I have to push myself to stay up late or I will be late replying to client messages, comments, or emails. However, in order to keep healthy while working from home, and because I love myself, I try not to feel bad about responding late to any messages.
Being a blogger is a lonely job that some people around you won’t understand. You don’t just write great posts and expect people to come; you have to focus your efforts on getting the word out about your blog. Your content is not enough; your promotion matters too!
Many people believe blogging is a really simple way to make money online; all they need to do is set up a blog and begin making money online. In fact, blogging is a very difficult way to make money online. Before you can even think of making money online, you have to build a great audience, drive serious traffic to your blog, and grow your domain authority.
Blogging niche isn’t your only choice
I’m bad at cooking, I’m not fashionable, my makeup skills are so-so, and I never travel outside my country. So before starting a blog, blogging was my only option, and it is a niche in which I enjoy writing, at least at first. Now, I write about topics that interest me and are based on my life experiences.
I started with the blogging niche because I knew I was good at it. MOA might be my first official blog with a proper creation process, and it’s the one that I’m really serious about. But years ago, I created 3–4 personal blogs as a hobby.
One thing I have discovered is that most blogging beginners don’t know anything about blogging yet they start a blog in this niche, why?
They think the blogging niche is the most profitable niche. Personally, the blogging niche is not the most profitable niche, and it is always better to write about a topic that you have a passion for and enjoy exploring, right?
If you’re a freelancer looking to expand your client base, you can start by writing about your freelance experience on your blog. Any tips you have for new freelancers on how to find work, pitch clients, or make money as a freelancer. Additionally, you can also provide services such as translation, interpreting, web design, and financial consulting.
By picking the right niche for your blog, you will most likely become a successful and happy blogger. When you’re happy and comfortable with what you do, you’ll be able to solve whatever problem comes your way.
Google won’t understand your content
A lot of beginner bloggers think all they need is to write content, and Google will start sending traffic their way. Well, you are right that people who are more likely to read your blog will find it via a search engine like Google.
However, you need to help the search engine understand more about your blog and content so that they could rank you well. Invest your time to write SEO-friendly content and you will drive organic traffic soon.
There are several things you must know before starting a blog, and the above are very important things everyone planning to start a blog must know.
What do you think every blogging beginner should know before starting a blog?
