Promote Your Business with a Blog: 5 Simple Steps
Starting a blog to promote your business doesn’t have to be complex and costly. As a matter of fact, lots of people start their own blogs every day. The cost is minimal, and the entire process should only take you an hour or less.
We’ll talk here about setting up a blog on WordPress, which is the most popular blogging platform. If you want, though, you can shop around for others.
If you’ve never started a blog before, you might be feeling overwhelmed at first. If you are, click here for details.
But if you’re in a hurry, here’s the shortened version:
Step 1 – Choose a Domain Name and a Web Host
Before you start blogging, you’ll need a couple of things first:
- A domain name. Make a list of domain names that are unique and accurately describe what your business is about.
Make the names on your list as descriptive as you can, while still keeping them short and sweet. You want your readers to easily recognize what your blog—and your business—are all about.Some bloggers use their own name as their blog name. That way, they prevent other people from registering their given name.You can try to do the same with your business, and register the name of your business before anyone else does. This will be easier to do if your business has a one-of-a-kind name.We’ll talk a little more about domain names a little further on. - A web host. Your web host will store your blog’s files and deliver them to your readers when they type your domain name.When it comes to webhosting, you’ve got lots of choices. The top 5, according to PC Magazine, are HostGator, 1&1, InMotion, DreamHost, and GoDaddy.But if you’re operating on a shoestring budget, you might want to look at free webhosting. You’ve got your choices there, too. Take a look at Wix, 000webhost, x10Hosting, Weebly, and AwardSpace.
Look for a web host that offers free, simple-to-install blogging tools and around-the-clock customer service. The best ones even offer a money-back guarantee.
Step 2 – Set Up Your Blog
Start by typing the first name on your list into the search box on your webhost site.
Don’t lose heart if you find that someone else is already using that name. Your web host will offer similar names for you to choose from.
Try to find one that is similar to the one you had your heart set on, but if you can’t, move on down your list, and try the next one.
Use your imagination. Get those creative juices flowing and find a domain name that’s right for your business.
Remember that if things go well, you’re going to have to live with this domain name for a long, long time.
Next, you’ll need to choose a domain extension, such as .com, .net or .org.
After you’ve chosen your domain name and extension, you will be directed to a registration page and asked to give your billing details. Here is where you’ll choose from among the various hosting packages and options.
Once you’ve set up your account, you can log in by going to the web host homepage and clicking the login tab.
The next thing you should see is a control panel for installing WordPress. Click on the “install” option and get started.
Step 3 – Time to Blog
Now, you’re really on your way. It’s time to start blogging.
In the visual editor section, you will write your thoughts and ideas.
A menu gives you choices about whether and when to publish what you’ve written.
If you want to add pictures to your blog post, click “add media” and browse to upload images from your computer.
Step 4 – Pick a Theme
You’ll want to pick a theme for your blog, but WordPress makes it easy. For detailed instructions click here.
Step 5 – Promote Your Blog
Tell people all about your blog via email, online forums, social networks, links to other blogs, and guest posting on other people’s blogs.
The most important thing you can do to promote your blog, though, is to post amazing content frequently.
Do that, and readers will come back to your blog again and again.