57+ Blogging FAQs: All Your Silly Blogging Questions Answered
Blogging FAQs can be a lifeline for new and seasoned bloggers navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape.
You may have many blogging FAQs that need answering, and you’re not alone in wanting to start, grow, and profit from a blog.
If you do it correctly and keep at it, there is a lot of money in blogging.
Many of us have these questions, and I’m here to provide the answers.
I’ve been blogging for 10+ years and only had success once I learned SEO strategies, including off-page SEO and technical SEO.
I asked many blogging questions while I struggled to build my first three blogs; after building several more, I now feel qualified to answer blogging questions.
These are blogging FAQs that I have asked myself and now get asked again and again.
Let’s dive in so you can have your questions answered:
Blogging for Beginners FAQs
Blogging can be exciting and overwhelming, but it’s worth the struggle.
Here are the strategies and tools you need to start your blogging journey.
How do I start a blog?
Setting up a blog is cheaper and easier than you might think. You can set up a blog in just a few steps.
- Register a domain name (your blog’s name)
- Secure web hosting like SiteGround, Lyrical Host, or BigScoots
- Install WordPress.org (it’s usually a one-click process when you get one of the three web hosting platforms recommended in step two)
- Choose a customizable WordPress theme to create a unique user experience
Start writing and share your content.
If your goal is to monetize a blog use the blogging platform WordPress.org for its ease of use and control over design and functionality.
For most of my blogs, I use the Kadence theme; trust me, it’s free and super fast.
💻 I recommend setting up your blog with Lyrical Host. Lyrical Host offers fast site speed.
What is the difference between a blog and a website?
The terms “blog” and “website” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different types of online platforms.
A blog is a type of website with regularly updated content.
A website is more static and can include various pages that are not necessarily related to timely content.
However, many websites have a blog section containing articles closely related to their business that are updated regularly with content.
Is blogging dead?
“Is blogging dead?” seems to be a hot topic since Google rolled out its “Helpful Content Update” in September 2023, which put many blogs out of business.
The truth is that Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is constantly evolving.
While specific SEO strategies have worked really well for the last decade and created a whole cottage industry of SEO experts and people selling courses on SEO, things change and do, and we, as bloggers, need to evolve with those changes.
No, blogging is not dead. I’m blogging right now 😜 and making money at it!
You can, too.
How do I choose a niche?
Answers to this question usually involve the word “passion” when picking a niche.
But the truth is, if you want to be successful in blogging and writing, write what you know; it takes passion, yes, but more importantly, it takes strategy and planning.
Identify what aligns with your expertise.
Instead of thinking of it as a passion — I have a passion for chocolate and Wordle; I don’t want to write about those things — think about it in terms of what topics you could write five books on.
Instead, ask yourself these questions:
- What topic do I consistently want to discuss with friends and family, even when they don’t want to?
- What do people in my circle come to me for advice?
- What could I read and research endlessly?
- What topic do I have endless reserves of ideas?
- What topic would I research even if I weren’t paid to do so?
Conduct market research to determine if there’s an audience for your chosen niche.
One blogger does really well blogging about bike locks.
Yes, every topic under the sun about locks for a bike!
One of my blogs is in the travel niche.
I wish the course I bought about travel blogging didn’t start with the first step being,
“Where do you want to write about?”
That is not productive because it’s not strategic.
If you want a successful travel blog, your niche is largely determined by where you’ve been and have a ton of images from.
Like any niche, travel blogging requires a lot of sitting in front of the computer and not traveling.
If you’re getting into blogging for an income, pick a niche with profit potential.
Travel blogging can be very profitable because of affiliate potential from hotel and tour reviews. So can beauty, home decor, and food.
Is it ok if I have more than one niche?
Yes, it’s okay to have multiple niches if you can effectively manage and create content for each without compromising quality.
Your niche kind of finds you.
Let me explain.
I recommend starting with just two, especially if you aren’t hiring writers and are writing all of the content yourself.
One thing I wish I had known before I started blogging is that blogging is not linear.
What your audience responds to is what you end up writing. When a post takes off, write more on that topic.
For instance, I didn’t pick the niche solo travel, but the few posts I wrote about solo travel did well.
The success of those few solo travel posts dictated what I wrote more about. I wrote more about the same location but with a bent toward solo travel.
A successful blogger pays attention to what her audience responds to.
Your niche finds you.
— lazy girl
Trial and error equals wisdom.
Even though I was highly strategic when I started my first travel blog and why I was able to get over 10K pageviews in six months, I cast too broad a net and was writing about world travel, Europe, and the States.
When I niched down to one state, things took off.
You can’t write about every country and find success blogging anymore.
You could have gotten away with that ten years ago and found success, but because there are so many successful blogs and businesses with an online presence, you need to find a niche where you can be an authority and niche down!
And then niche down again.
Write more of the posts that are ranking.
Write less on the posts that aren’t.
When you find success, rinse and repeat.
Niching down is true of any topic you decide to write about.
Remember, once you find success and are on your blogging way, you can always branch out to more topics.
Keep it simple in the beginning. Best SEO practices work better with a well-defined niche.
How much time do I need to commit to my blog every week?
The time commitment can vary, but you should be prepared to spend at least 5-10 hours per week writing content, marketing, and maintaining your blog.
The more time you put into blogging, the faster you’ll be successful.
I worked 7 to 12 hours a day, six to seven days a week, and I monetized a blog in six months.
I made my first $1,000 in eight months, which isn’t a lot, but that is fast for making affilate income with a brand new blog. It’s kind of downhill after you make your first $1,000.
You know what you’re doing and how to monetize further.
You keep doubling down on what is working and expanding your reach.
What you put into blogging is what you get out of blogging.
So, “how much time do I need to commit to my blog each week” depends on what you want out of it, how fast you want it, and what else is happening in my life.
You’ll have less time to work on your blog if you have a full-time job and two kids.
If you’re in this situation, you could dedicate five hours on the weekend and still have success, albeit at a slower pace.
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
— eleanor roosevelt
Domain FAQs
It’s all in a name.
What should I name my blog?
Choosing the right domain for your blog sets the foundation for your online identity.
It’s essential for branding, attracting visitors, and maintaining a professional presence on the internet.
Here are some tips about picking a blog name:
- Don’t use your actual given name unless you have no intention of selling your blog.
- If you are writing about travel, try to include the destination in your blog name, like “www.californiagirltravels.com.” You can probably surmise this site is about travel-related topics.
- The same goes for any other niche; make one of the words in the name reflect your blog’s topic.
- Keep it short, under 15 characters. Under ten is better.
Having said all of that, it doesn’t really matter what your blog name is.
It just helps to give the audience and everyone else an idea of what your blog is about.
Pick a name and get started.
In blogging and in life, perfect is the enemy of the good. Sometimes, getting hung up on these details prevents people from starting.
Just start.
Perfect is the enemy of the good.
— Voltaire
What is a domain name and why do I need one?
A domain name is your website’s address on the internet, allowing users to access your blog.
It’s like the address of your house.
It tells people where to go and what they will see when they get there.
The domain name of this site is “www.lazygirlsguidetoseo.com.”
It represents your brand and provides a professional appearance. It’s your launchpad for building credibility and catapulting your blog’s visibility into the stratosphere of search results.
A domain name costs around $15 per year.
Make sure you put it on auto-renew so you don’t need to think about buying it every year.
💻 I recommend Namecheap to find and buy a domain name!
Which domain suffix should I buy?
Choose a domain suffix, or top-level domain (TLD), that fits your blog’s purpose.
Common options include .com for commercial, .org for organizations, or country-specific TLDs like .uk for the United Kingdom or .ca for Canada.
For a broader reach, .com is usually recommended.
Where do I buy a domain name?
Purchase your domain from reputable registrars like GoDaddy, Bluehost, or Namecheap.
💻 I recommend Namecheap to find and buy a domain name!
These registrars often offer additional services like hosting and support.
Consider registrars that provide value-added features such as privacy protection and easy DNS management.
How do I connect my domain name to my blog?
After purchasing your domain, point it to your blog by updating the DNS settings.
If your hosting provider differs from your domain registrar, you’ll need to set the nameservers provided by your hosting provider.
This is much easier than it sounds.
I use Lycial Host.
I just send them a support ticket and ask them to do this for me. They set up the nameservers in less than 24 hours because their customer support is amazing! Here is a review of Lyrical Host if you’d like to know more about this amazing company.
Most hosts offer guidance or automatic tools to help you through this process.
💻 Lyrical Host has amazing customer service and connects your domain name to your blog for you! You can also purchase your domain name through Lyrical.
Hosting FAQs
What is the best blogging platform?
WordPress.org is renowned for its extensive customizability and control, making it a blogger favorite.
Coupled with the right SEO strategies and keyword usage, it provides a strong foundation for your blog’s potential to rank well.
If you only take one piece of advice from this article, take this one, use WordPress.org.
There is a difference in functionality between self-hosted and not self-hosted platforms.
WordPress.org is a self-hosted platform, not to be confused with WordPress.com.
WordPress.org can be integrated with any host, like Lyrical, SiteGround, and BigScoots.
It’s popular with bloggers because it provides you with full control over your blog, enabling you to make any design or functionality changes you want.
💻 When you choose Lyrical Host for your hosting it comes with WordPress.org for free.
Should I use WordPress.com, Blogger, Wix, or Squarespace?
No, you will change to Wordpress.org as soon as you learn more about SEO and blogging, which will be a huge hassle.
Do not start with any of the above mentioned platforms; just start with WordPress.org if you want success in blogging.
The problem with platforms like WordPress.com is that they’re not self-hosted, which means you can’t run ads.
You want the option to run ads so you can monetize through ad networks, which means you need a self-hosted blog.
With the others comes limited functionality; they’re not user-friendly, and you don’t own your own content with Squarespace!
If you want to make money, the only platform you should use is WordPress.org.
What is a blog host and why do I need one?
A blog host is a service that stores your blog’s data and makes it accessible online.
You can’t run a blog without one.
Think of it as the digital equivalence of a physical store’s space—one that you must have to ensure your blog is live and reachable by your audience.
I recommend Lyrical for your blog hosting needs.
They are popular and affordable, and while more expensive than Bluehost, you’ll save on developer costs, technical support, and essential plugins.
For instance, Lyrical comes with a caching plugin, so you don’t need to spend money on WP Rocket.
With Lyrical, you’ll also make more in the long run because they offer fast site speed.
I won’t go into all of it now, but fast site speed fits into the category of technical SEO, which helps you rank on Google.
Trust me, you want fast site speed, and Lyrical excels in this area.
💻 I recommend setting up your blog with Lyrical Host. Lyrical Host offers fast site speed.
Can I host a blog for free?
Yes, you can host a blog for free.
But, I wouldn’t recommend hosting a blog for free.
Platforms like WordPress.com and Blogger provide free hosting, but with limitations.
These constraints can affect SEO and the ability to use custom keywords, which may hinder your blog’s growth and visibility.
They also own your content, meaning they can delete your blog at any time without your input.
If you’re serious about blogging, invest in your own hosting and domain name. It’s affordable (less than $100 per year) and gives you much greater blog control.
See Blogging for Beginners FAQs.
When should I switch from my free blog to a self-hosted one?
You should consider moving to a self-hosted platform when you’re ready to invest in your blog’s branding, functionality, and SEO strategy.
This shift typically occurs when you want more control, plan to monetize, or aim for higher search engine optimization performance.
How to Set Up a Blog FAQs
Starting a blog requires careful attention to its look and functionality.
Let’s focus on your blog efficiently, with an emphasis on WordPress, a leading platform for bloggers looking to build their business and create a robust online presence.
How do I make my blog look good?
To make your blog visually appealing:
- Focus on a clean layout, cohesive color scheme, and high-quality images.
- Ensure your design aligns with your brand and enhances user experience.
- Utilize WordPress’s customization options to adjust fonts, colors, and layout without needing to code.
When you use WordPress.org, you have total control over the above suggestions.
You want control of your blog’s look and feel, reflecting your personality.
Start with a simple theme.
I use Kadence for all my blogs because it’s free, fast, and easy to use.
I’ve purchased themes in the past, but they aren’t worth the money when there are so many free themes available.
A theme is a template you can manipulate to reflect your brand and identity.
There are thousands of free and paid themes, just like there are thousands of free and paid plugins.
A plugin is a software add-on that enhances a blog’s functionality and features.
It allows users to customize and extend their blog’s capabilities without needing to modify the core code.
Plugins can add various features like SEO tools, social media integration, or security enhancements.
To find themes, you can search the WordPress theme directory or purchase from third-party sites like ThemeForest.
For plugins, search the WordPress plugin directory or buy from third-party sites like Creative Market.
When choosing a theme or plugin, make sure that it’s compatible with the latest version of WordPress and that it has good reviews.
Installing a theme or plugin is simple.
From the WordPress admin panel, go to Appearance > Themes or Plugins > Add New.
You can upload the theme/plugin file from your computer or install it directly from the WordPress directory.
Once installed, click the “activate” button and start using it immediately.
That’s it!
What is a WordPress theme?
A WordPress theme is a collection of files that dictate the visual appearance of your blog.
It’s a designed template you can change and make your own.
The theme includes elements like the layout, typography, and color schemes.
It is the foundation that shapes how your site looks and feels to visitors.
You can search the WordPress theme directory for thousands of free and paid themes or go to a third-party site like Creative Market and search for a theme.
What are the best free WordPress themes?
To be transparent, I only use the Kadence theme for all three of my blogs.
In my early days of blogging, a decade ago, I spent so much time searching through themes.
I even bought a theme that was so simple it was stupid to pay for it.
It wasn’t cheap because it was promoted by a well-known writer, and I love his website.
Good technical SEO means fast loading times, so it’s wise to start with a free, fast, and easy-to-use theme like Kadence.
It’s also the one thing you don’t have to pay for.
There is a paid version of Kadence, but you don’t need it to start. The free version is exceptional.
Do I need to pay for a theme?
No, paying for a theme is not necessary.
When you start blogging, paying for as little as possible is a good rule.
While there are plenty of blogging must-haves you’ll eventually want when you start making money, the only thing you need to pay for is a domain name and a hosting platform.
You can start blogging for under $60 for the whole year.
There are so many free themes included with WordPress.
Once you have WordPress installed, look at the themes and choose a free one.
Often, paid themes can slow down your site.
Bonus: Kadence is free, easy to navigate, and fast.
Those are the qualities of a good theme.
Sometimes, you can tell what theme your favorite blogger uses by checking the footer. Some themes include credit in the footer.
Look for text like “Powered by [Theme Name]” or “Theme by [Developer Name]” at the bottom of the page.
What are plugins?
Plugins are software components that add specific features to your WordPress site, making your front end customizable.
They can enhance functionality, improve performance, and integrate with other platforms or services, like Yoast, Rank Math, and WPRocket.
Plugins are essential for optimizing your blog and can range from SEO tools to social media integration.
You can search the WordPress plugin directory to find plugins.
Which plugins should I install on my blog?
Below are the essential plugins to install when building a blog.
Plugins can way down a site and slow site speed, so be cautious when adding plugins. Go slow.
Here are the three must have plugins.
- Rank Math: is the #1 content optimization tool for bloggers looking to rank on the first page of Google.
- Short Pixel: compresses and optimizes your images for fast load times.
- WP Rocket: caches your pages by creating static HTML files making them easily available for future visitors, allowing for faster sitespeed.
Here is a list of blogging tools I recommend.
Growing Traffic FAQs
When focusing on expanding your blog’s reach and readership, it’s crucial to consider promotion strategies, content quality, and consistency.
Understanding the tools and methods for growth will better position your blog for success.
What are the best ways to promote a blog post?
Understanding the tools and methods for growth will better position your blog for success.
I mostly promote my blogs on Google using the best SEO practices, ranking factors, and keywords to reach organic traffic.
Relying on one platform to get traffic is a mistake because algorithms change and are at the whims of tech giants who couldn’t care less about the lone blogger.
Promoting your blog can begin with sharing your content across social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Flipboard, LinkedIn, and Medium.
Leverage SEO strategies to enhance visibility and reach on Google.
Engage in community discussions and include links to relevant blog posts.
Email newsletters can also be an effective method of notifying subscribers of new content and building a tribe of loyal fans.
One only needs 1,000 loyal fans to build an empire through a healthy list.
Social is to grow; email is to profit.
—lazy girl
How do I get pageviews?
First off, write a lot of high-quality content or hire someone to.
To increase page views, focus on creating compelling content that provides value and is likely to be shared.
Use SEO techniques to improve search engine rankings and promote your content on different platforms, including social media and forums.
Networking with other bloggers and guest posting can also help drive traffic to your blog.
One of the best ways to promote a blog and increase pageviews is through backlinks.
A backlink is like a vote of confidence from another blogger, a website, or an influencer. They physically add a link (a URL from your site, a post) to their website.
One of the best ways to get an excellent backlink is to guest on a popular Podcast in your niche.
Your blog will grow exponentially after something like this, and you’ll receive a ton of healthy backlinks.
How can I check my blog traffic for free?
Using a reliable analytics tool is the most accurate way to check your blog traffic. The most accurate one is Google Analytics.
Google Analytics is a comprehensive tool that offers insights into user behavior, traffic sources, and engagement.
Setting up Google Analytics on your blog will give you access to a wealth of data that can inform your content strategy and growth efforts.
Google Analytics:
- Google Analytics is the most widely used and comprehensive tool for tracking blog traffic. It provides detailed insights into pageviews, user demographics, traffic sources, and user behavior on your site.
- To use it, you must sign up for a Google Analytics account, add your website, and integrate the tracking code into your blog.
Backlink Strategy FAQs
What are backlinks?
Backlinks, or inbound links, are links from other websites that lead to your blog.
They act as endorsements, signaling to search engines like Google that others find your content valuable, which can improve your blog’s visibility on blogging platforms.
How do I get backlinks?
After I plunked down way too much money for a travel blogging course, I found out what a backlink was.
Ugh. If I had known.
I wrote about 20 high-quality posts. Then the course creator casually said, “Just get a couple of backlinks and you’ll rank.”
HUH?
For travel blogging, this entails:
- Writing a few high-quality posts for OTHER bloggers OR
- Paying around $2,500 for ONE backlink
- Go on a podcast in your niche like Niche Pursuits
WHAT?
My first thought was,
I didn’t get into this to write content for other people.
Had I known I would have to write *three* more posts for every one of my own blog posts, I’m not sure I would have started blogging.
I’m telling you this upfront, in case you want to back out now.
Blogging is a ton of work unless you have money to throw around. And most of us with money to throw around don’t get into blogging.
A backlink is a link from another website to your site. They increase your domain authority and domain rating.
They are horrible but necessary.
Can you have a successful blog by getting backlinks organically without chasing or buying them?
Yes, it will take a while, though. If you write high-quality content that other sites organically link to, that is a backlink.
Backlinks may become less important since the September Helpful Content Update.
This may be wishful thinking on my part.
We will see. I’ll keep you posted.
What is a no-follow vs. a do-follow link?
A no-follow link is a hyperlink that has a rel="nofollow" attribute.
This attribute tells search engines not to follow the link or pass any SEO value to the linked site.
A do-follow link is a standard hyperlink that search engines follow to index and rank the linked website.
It passes SEO value (“link juice”) from the referring site to the destination site.
All links are technically do-follow unless a rel=”nofollow” tag is added to them.
- No-follow links include an HTML attribute that tells search engines not to follow the link, meaning they typically don’t contribute to SEO.
- Do-follow links are the default and allow search engines to follow the link back to your blog, contributing to your SEO ranking.
Marketing a Blog FAQs
What social media platforms do I need for my blog?
I grew my blog to well over 10k pageviews with no social media.
Having said that, you should have some other platform to share your content.
I can’t stand social media platforms. More specifically their owners.
The one platform I thoroughly enjoy is Flipboard.
It’s been around for over a decade, and it’s very effective for sharing long-form content.
I suggest focusing on one social media platform and concentrating the rest of your time on writing quality content and building your email list.
Do I need an email list for my blog?
Yes. Do yourself a favor after you write five posts, sign up for an email service provider like MailerLite, Convertkit, or Active Campaign.
Algorithms help you grow your audience.
But the real income is in your list.
You want a huge, engaged list of your most loyal fans.
Not only can you share content with your email subscribers, but emails are the best way to make affiliate sales.
I’ve used all three of these email service providers.
MailerLite is by far the cheapest.
However, Active Campain is my favorite and the easiest for me to wrap my brain around. All use different dashboards. Convertkit and MailerLite still confuse me.
Blogging with SEO FAQs
Let’s talk about my favorite thing, SEO.
Search Engine Optimization.
What is the best way to get free website traffic?
The best way to get free website traffic is through effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
By optimizing your website content with relevant keywords, improving site structure, and earning quality backlinks, you can increase your site’s visibility on search engines.
Higher rankings in search results lead to more organic traffic, as users are more likely to click on top-listed sites.
What is SEO?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) enhances a website to improve its visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs).
It involves optimizing content, using relevant keywords, improving site architecture, interlinking, acquiring quality backlinks, and having a fast website.
SEO aims to increase organic (non-paid) traffic by ranking higher in search engine results.
Effective SEO helps attract more visitors, boosting the site’s engagement and conversions.
I love SEO because it gets you FREE organic traffic.
It works too!
Why isn’t my blog on Google?
There are several reasons why your blog might not be appearing on Google:
- Not Indexed: Google may not have indexed your blog yet. You can check this by searching for “site.com” in Google. You may need to submit your sitemap to Google Search Console if your site doesn’t appear.
- Poor SEO: Your blog might need proper SEO practices, such as using relevant keywords, optimizing meta tags, and having quality backlinks. This can prevent your blog from ranking well in search results.
- Technical Issues: Technical issues like slow loading times, mobile unfriendliness, or blocked search engine crawlers (via robots.txt) can prevent Google from indexing your blog.
- New Blog: If your blog is new, it may take some time for Google to discover and index it. Be patient and continue to build quality content and backlinks.
What is “user intent” and why is it important?
User intent refers to the reasoning behind a searcher’s query.
Understanding it is important because fulfilling user intent can improve your blog’s search ranking and relevance.
Address user queries directly and create content that aligns closely with their intent.
Think about the last time you went to Google. You were probably searching for an answer to a question you had.
Like, “What does the orange light mean on my Keurig coffee maker?”
From this I can surmise it’s the morning. You’re in your kitchen about to make coffee and an orange light you have never seen is on your machine.
You pull out your phone and go to Google.
You want an answer.
If the first site doesn’t answer your query and makes you wade through paragraph after paragraph of information, like where to buy a Keurig, the price, and its specs, that site isn’t satisfying user intent, and you will bounce to the next site.
It is essential to satisfy user intent or search queries.
Understanding it is important because fulfilling user intent can improve your blog’s search ranking and relevance.
Address user queries directly and create content that aligns closely with their needs.
How can I improve my site’s SEO?
- Optimize Keywords: Research and integrate relevant keywords into your content.
- Create Quality Content: Produce high-quality, original, and engaging content regularly.
- Improve Site Speed: Enhance your site’s loading speed by optimizing images and leveraging browser caching.
- Use Meta Tags: Ensure all pages have unique and descriptive meta titles and meta descriptions.
- Build Backlinks: Acquire high-quality backlinks from reputable websites.
- Optimize for Mobile: Make sure your site is mobile-friendly and responsive.
- Use Alt Text for Images: Add descriptive alt text to all images.
- Improve Internal Linking: Use internal links to connect relevant content within your site.
- Submit Sitemap: Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console for better indexing.
- Monitor Analytics: Regularly check your website’s performance using tools like Google Analytics and Search Console.
Pageviews vs. sessions: what’s the difference?
Pageviews:
- Definition: Pageviews represent the total number of times any page on your website is viewed. This metric counts each instance a page is loaded or reloaded.
- Example: If a user visits your homepage, navigates to an article, and then returns to the homepage, that counts as three page views.
Sessions:
- Definition: A session is a group of interactions a user has with your website within a given time frame. A single session can include multiple page views, events, social interactions, and e-commerce transactions.
- Example: If a user visits your site, browses several pages, and leaves, that counts as one session. If they return after 30 minutes of inactivity, a new session begins.
How can I check my site speed?
Check your site speed using tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights.
Enter your URL, and it will assess your site’s loading time and performance on mobile and desktop platforms, providing valuable insights into how you can improve.
How can I speed up my site?
First, start blogging with a good host, like Lyrical Host.
Traffic is affected by having a slow-loading site because people bounce.
We don’t want people to bounce off our blogs!
Lyrical Host is different. Not only will your blog load quickly, but they also have the fastest customer service I have ever experienced!
💻 I recommend setting up your blog with Lyrical Host. Lyrical Host offers fast site speed.
Other things to consider are:
Optimize your images.
Blogging means a lot of pictures on your site. Use this plugin to optimize your images so you don’t inadvertently slow down your site.
Make sure to choose a theme that is light enough. I use the free Kadence theme that comes with WordPress.org. It’s fast, easy, and free.
Be cautious about adding too many plugins. Only add plugins you absolutely need.
What is DA? How do I check it?
Domain Authority (DA) is a metric developed by Moz that predicts how well a website will rank on search engine result pages (SERPs).
It is scored on a scale from 1 to 100, with higher scores indicating a greater ability to rank.
DA is calculated based on various factors, including the number and quality of inbound links, the domain’s age, and overall SEO performance.
To check your site’s DA go here ⍈.
What is a long tail keyword?
A long tail keyword is a more specific, often lengthier search query that is less competitive but highly targeted.
An example of a long tail keyword is:
“best hotels in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower”
It contrasts with broad, generic keywords and can more effectively draw quality traffic to your blog.
Is writing for SEO hard? Can you write a blog for fun?
It is your blog.
You can write blog posts just for fun, but they will most likely not rank on Google.
SEO is not hard to learn; it’s actually quite easy.
Once you learn the steps, it’s easy to follow them.
If you just write what you want for fun, you will likely not rank, and it won’t be easy to monetize.
Monetize a Blog FAQs
Monetizing your blog effectively hinges on understanding the various strategies and tools at your disposal.
From harnessing the power of affiliate links to selecting the most suitable ad network, each aspect contributes to turning your platform into a profitable business.
How do you make money with a blog?
To make money with a blog, you primarily have multiple avenues:
- You can display ads through networks like Mediavine and Raptive.
- Leverage affiliate marketing by promoting products and earning commissions.
- Create and sell your digital products like e-books or courses.
- Offer consulting or freelance services.
- Generate income through sponsored content and partnerships.
- Build successful blogs and sell them as digital properties.
Here are more ways to monetize a blog and an in-depth look at each.
What is the difference between an affiliate link and a normal link?
An affiliate link includes a unique identifier allowing companies to track the source of traffic or sales.
For instance, if a reader clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you receive a commission.
In contrast, a normal link directs readers to another page without the tracking or monetary component.
Ad Networks FAQs
What are blog ad networks?
Blog ad networks are intermediaries that connect bloggers with advertisers.
They facilitate the placement of ads on your blog and manage the technical aspects, such as targeting and delivery.
Examples include:
What is sponsored content?
Sponsored content is a form of advertising where you create content that specifically features a product or service provided by a sponsor.
The post typically discusses a product or service provided by the advertiser and includes a link back to their website from your blog.
They typically start at $300 and increase based on traffic, deliverables, and site notoriety.
It’s typically marked explicitly as sponsored to maintain transparency with your audience.
Should I join Google AdSense?
You may consider joining Google AdSense if you’re looking for an accessible way to monetize your blog, as it’s widely used on many blogging platforms.
However, Google AdSense will slow down your site, and the payout is terrible, so it may not be worth it.
Fast site speed is more critical for monetization. There are better ad networks to reach for, like Mediavine.
A better alternative to Google AdSense is Ezoic (you need 10K pageviews minimum to qualify).
Which ad network is best?
There’s no single “best” ad network; it depends on your niche, traffic, and personal preferences.
Popular options include Raptive and Mediavine.
Mediavine is praised for its excellent page speed, customer service, and high RPMs for better income.
Learn how to join Mediavine here ⍈.
Content FAQs
Here are some more blogging FAQs you may have regarding content creation and ideation.
How long should blog posts be?
Blog post length can vary, but the best practice is to aim for at least 1,500 words.
For more in-depth coverage, posts that are about 2,000 to 4,000 words tend to perform well in search engines.
Ensure that the length adds value and covers the topic thoroughly without filler content.
This may seem like a lot, but both Google and readers love long-form content.
Longer posts provide more opportunities to rank in search engines and help build trust with your readers.
However, if the keyword you are going after is “Can you put bleach in a washing machine’s fabric softener dispenser?” answer the question at the top of the post.
When someone searches for this keyword, they are likely standing in their laundry room, wanting to know the answer quickly.
If you want to write a longer post about this topic, go for it.
Just please make sure you satisfy user intent at the top of the post so your reader doesn’t bounce.
Keep the reader in mind.
Remember that nearly every search on Google is a query.
Someone wants to know the answer to a question they have, and that is why they came to Google.
Answer it straight away.
How often should I post on my blog?
The frequency of your blog posts can depend on your niche and your audience’s expectations.
As a rule of thumb, aim to publish at least one quality post weekly.
It also depends on how much time you devote to your business.
I published every day for one month with regular, consistent publishing for six months and reached over 10K pageviews.
That’s fast, but anyone can do that by publishing high-quality content.
Consistent posting signals to search engines that your blog is active can help improve your site’s ranking.
To start seeing traffic, aim for 100,000 words on your site.
Depending on the post length, you need 150 to 300 blog posts to reach the traffic required for acceptance into an ad network like Mediavine.
How do I come up with content ideas for blog posts?
Ideation is a big part of blogging, but to be a successful blogger, you have to focus on keywords that will rank and have low competition.
You won’t be able to write what you want at first.
The best way to figure out what you will write about in your niche is via SEO and keyword research.
Start with competitive analysis and keywords that are easy to rank for. These are usually long-tail keywords.
What is a collab post?
A collab post is a collaboration between you and another blogger or several bloggers.
This can include guest posting on each other’s blogs, co-creating content, or promoting each other’s work.
A collab usually means each blogger contributes a section, usually around 300 words, in exchange for a do-follow backlink.
Do-follow backlinks grow your DA and increase your reach.
Collab posts benefit from reaching a wider audience and can help both parties build their businesses and extend their networks.
Random Blogging FAQs
Here are some more random blogging FAQs you still may have.
Do I need a degree to blog successfully?
No, you don’t need a degree to be a successful blogger.
I don’t use either of my degrees to blog.
What you do need is a willingness to learn, patience, tenacity, and a topic you can write endlessly about.
Knowledge in a specific subject, consistency in publishing, and desire to learn are critical for success in running a blog.
The only consistency about blogging and SEO is that they’re constantly evolving, so you need to be OK with adapting.
To succeed at blogging, learn SEO strategies and pick a topic you can write about ad nauseam.
How do I find confidence to blog?
Confidence comes with practice and sharing publicly.
The more you share your work, thoughts, and words in a public space, the easier it becomes.
Trust me. I started blogging on Medium year ago. Hitting publish that first time was terrifying.
Now, after ten years of sharing my ideas, I don’t think twice about it.
Start writing on topics you are knowledgeable about. The more you write, the more confident you’ll become.
Remember, writing takes practice.
It’s not easy at first, but like any other muscle, the more you flex your writing chops, the stronger it gets, and the stronger your voice gets.
Don’t let the fear of what others might say hold you back.
If you want to blog, do it!
Do I need to know how to code to start a blog?
No, you don’t need to know how to code to start a blog.
No coding knowledge is required.
Platforms like WordPress offer themes like Kadence, which are pre-designed templates that provide a drag-and-drop interface for designing your blog without coding.
These themes determine the overall look and feel of your blog, allowing you to customize it to your liking.
IT’S SO EASY
I don’t like computers and fight technology, but I can now add code to my site, but it’s not required.
Don’t be scared of code; it’s just another language, like learning French (probably easier than learning French).
But you won’t need to know how to code to start a blog.
How do I stop spam comments on my blog posts?
To reduce spam comments:
- Enable comment moderation so you can review comments before they go live.
- Use spam filtering plugins, like Akismet, or tools offered by your blogging platform.
You don’t need comments turned on. On all my blogs comments are turned off. Just ask your audience to email you instead.
I haven’t updated my blog in a while, can I restart it?
Yes, you can definitely restart.
Refresh your blog by:
- Updating old posts with new information.
- Restarting your posting schedule slowly and consistently.
- Engaging with your audience through comments and social media.
You can also email your list to let them know that you’re back and what you’ve been up to.
It’s your blog!
My traffic isn’t growing, what am I doing wrong?
If your traffic is stagnant, consider:
- Go into Google Search Console to see which posts are getting traffic.
- Write more content similar to what is working.
- Figure out which posts are not getting traffic and improve these posts.
- Take detailed notes in a spreadsheet regarding your changes in case traffic improves on those posts you change or if they sink lower in search results.
- Reviewing and improving your SEO practices.
- Ensuring you’re creating content that resonates with your target audience.
- Increasing your promotion on social media.
- Building high-quality backlinks to improve discoverability.
And don’t give up.
People often give up right before growth and success happen.
It takes six months to a year to see a lot of traffic.
People keep emailing me about backlinks, guest posts, and SEO/web optimization on my site. What do I do?
This is spam.
Ignore, block, or turn off comments, put unsolicited advice in spam folders, and report it as junk when they call and text you.
Outreach companies often attempt to exploit bloggers by paying for backlinks or guest posts with do-follow links, violating Google’s policies.
Some people will contact you, claiming issues with your site that they can fix.
These are usually unsolicited emails from individuals seeking clients without genuinely reviewing your site.
I ignore everyone, put my head down, and write good content.
Pay attention to your email list, though, people who subscribe to your list and like your content.
Wrap-Up: 57+ Blogging FAQ
Blogging is a great way to share ideas and express creativity, from writing to formatting to building a blog on WordPress.org.
I’m grateful I stuck with it and learned the many blogging skills I now possess.
There are also countless opportunities to turn your passion for blogging into a lucrative venture, while also sharing your ideas with the audience you cultivate.
I truly hope you start and have learned from the answers to all your blogging questions in this extensive blogging guide.
Understanding the essentials of blogging, from SEO strategies and content creation to choosing the right ad networks and analyzing your site’s performance, can significantly enhance your blog’s success.
By leveraging these insights and tools, you can effectively grow your audience, improve your online presence, and achieve your blogging goals.
Keep exploring, stay updated with the latest trends, and continue refining your approach for sustained growth and engagement.
Read More of My SEO Tips:
- Lyrical Host Review & Coupon Code
- How Do Bloggers Actually Make Money
- 7+ Ways to Monetize a Blog Without Ads
- 31 Exciting Reasons to Start a Blog
- The Ideal blog Post Title Length for SEO
- The Advantages and Disadvantages of Blogging
- What is a Travel Blog and How to Start One
- Blogging Essentials to Streamline the Process
The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Blogging
Lyrical Host — The fastest hosting platform with the best customer service. I use Lyrical for all three of my blogs. The customer service is amazing and responds within the hour. They never leave me hanging.
Keysearch — This is the best and cheapest Keyword Research Tool. I use it every single day. I would be lost without it. Keysearch may be the number one essential blogging tool.
Link Whisper — interlinking is an essential part of blogging. Link Whisper streamlines this very important but time-consuming practice.
Interact Quiz — the money is in the list. Creating quizzes for your blog is one of the fastest way to grow your email list.
Active Campaign — this is one of the best email marketing platform. I’ve also used Convertkit, but I find Active Campaign more intuitive when creating and sending email campaigns.
Short Pixel — This is a plugin that compresses your images at increasing site speed and load times, essential for ranking.
RankIQ — RankIQ helps bloggers and content creators optimize their posts for search engines by providing AI-driven keyword research and content analysis tools.
Jasper.ai — Increase your content output with AI. I use it every day. It streamlines my blogging process and allows me to create content for three sites.
WP Rocket — Use this caching plugin to speed up your site. If you have Lyrical, you don’t need it. Lyrical provides a free caching plugin with one of their three plans.
