How to Start a Blog: Cultivating Content

When you first start blogging (or are even just begin to consider it), it can feel extremely overwhelming. Where do I start? What do I talk about? Will anyone even listen to me?

You can relax a bit. With time, I promise it gets easier and demystified as you go. After blogging like a mad woman, we are talking 100+ beefy posts at this point in time, I would say I have a pretty good hand on what has and hasn’t worked for me.

The key to getting a running start is to begin cultivating content!

The Brain Dump

Since you already decided to or are in the process of wanting to blog, my guess is you have an idea of what you want to talk about. It is the specifics that cause you to swarm in a pool of overwhelm. Calm the waves by starting to outline your ideas and main points. Ask your self some thoughtful and profound questions to really get at the grit of what you want to say. 

Pro Tip: Here is my favorite exercise and 20 Ways to Find Your Best Content in 30-Minutes or Less!

The List

Keep a running list of all your blog topic ideas. Including captivating post titles, insane opt-in offers, fun downloads and dreamy inspiration. Generally, I always carry a notebook to jot down any idea that comes to mind. To keep everything neatly organized, I use Wunderlist to keep a running master list of all my favorite blog post ideas. Here is a little intro into how I utilize Wunderlist.

The Outline

When it is finally time to sit down and write a post, I always start with an outline! I jot down all the main points and add a bit of detail below. Not only does this help keep my article flowing, but it helps me make sure I never miss a beat. 

Pro Tip: The main points on your outline are generally fabulous section headers. (Most readers like to skim, so give them easy stopping points to know where the good dirt is!)

The Post

Now that you have the outline it is easy as pie to fill in the blanks. It is like a game of mad-libs where you are just their to fill in the blanks. Don’t be afraid to make it beefy! Long posts not only give your reader a long time on your page, but prove to them you are here with valuable content. Your readers often will come begging for more!

Pro Tip: Use Google Analytics to track which pages people linger on the most. You can also find amazingly detailed information about your audience by using this how-to tutorial!

The Schedule

Keeping readers engaged and coming back for more can be difficult. If you develop a consistent schedule it helps not only keep you accountable, but also gives your readers the clockwork they are begging for. When I first started blogging I had new content 5 days a week. Blog posts went live at 5 a.m. everyday Monday through Friday. I recently switched to 4 days a week, which has given me time to focus on other ways to grow my business.

Pro Tip: Schedule your posts in advance so they always go live at the same time. Squarespace makes this super easy! Just change publish to scheduled, and pick the exact day and time you would like it posted. Be mindful of your audience, where they are in the world and when is the best time for them to be engaged. Use the same time every day you post. 

The Promo

I have preached it before and I will preach it again. You can’t just build it and expect people to come. Just like you would invite someone to your house for a party, you have to invite readers to your blog!

Pro Tip: Social Media has been key to my continued growth. In fact for the first three months of blogging I was able to double my blog traffic month over month. Here is how I gained exponential growth and the secret sauce to all my favorite social media platforms! 

The Analysis

I can’t tell you how many people blog who don’t bother with this step. To continue to see success, you have to see what works and what doesn’t. Sometimes what you think is your best idea performs poorly. Perhaps you slacked on your social media efforts that day, or the headline wasn’t enticing enough. You have to keep track of what is and isn’t working. 

Get Started!! 

Nothing is holding you back. You have all the tools in front of you to get started right now!! Whether you want to blog for business or pleasure, the time has never been better.