It is challenging to start something when you do not know where to begin, when, how, and what you need to commence a project or an idea.
This challenge is especially real with creating your blog or website.
First and foremost, you will need to know the step-by-step instructions on how to build it. Second, you will need to find out WHAT tools and platforms you need to develop it efficiently and effectively.
In my experience, it took me a few years to create my website because I didn’t know where and how to begin. Then, I came across Pat Flynn of Smart Passive Income, and he explained everything in detail. I watched his tutorial on how to create a blog, and as he taught the step-by-step action, he also mentioned the many tools and platforms needed in the beginning stages of creating a website.
And, because I learned so much from Pat Flynn and other bloggers, I would also like to share and pass on the knowledge to those aspiring to begin their blogs.
Here are the marketing tools and platforms you will need according to priority:
E-Courses from established and credible bloggers
For me, this is the very first thing you should do. If possible, get into free e-courses about blogging. If you have to pay, look for the most inexpensive course. Whether it is a free course, cheap or expensive ones, you will get a lot of information from these e-courses which will help you understand how to begin, where to start, and what you will need to start.
Domain Search Tools
Domain search tool is a website where you can search for the availability of your web name or web address. It is your URL, your .com, .net, or .org. Some of the popular domain search tools or generators are Instant Domain Search, Lean Domain Search, or Panabee.
Bluehost
WordPress
WordPress is the software that you can download (which is free if you purchase Bluehost) which will help you build your website. I use WordPress, and I like it very much because it is user-friendly. So far, I have not had any issues using it. (Note: WordPress.com is different from WordPress.org. WordPress.org is a self-hosting website while WordPress.com, hosts the site for you). I use WordPress.org.
SEO or Search Engine Optimization
Per moz.com, “SEO is the practice of increasing the quantity and quality of traffic to your website through organic search engine results.”There is a lot to learn about SEO, and I will not attempt to begin here. It is a whole different topic that needs a lot of attention. But, basically, it is all about how “searchable” your website is and the kind of traffic that you draw into your site. One of the most popular SEO and the one I use is Yoast SEO.
Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a tool where it measures your website’s advertising ROI, track your Flash, video, and social networking sites and applications. This tool gives you a clear picture of how your traffic is converting into sales.
Email Service Provider (ESP)
ESP is a company that offers email marketing services. Unlike regular emails such as Gmail or Outlook or AOL, ESP can handle a large volume of emails, and it has a lot of other features that enable the user to utilize it better for his/her marketing efforts or campaigns.
Some of the best ESPs are Convertkit, MailChimp, and Constant Contact. I use Convertkit.
Google Drive or Windows Word
You will need a tool to create your actual content for your blog or website. You can use either Google Drive or Windows Word. If you use Google Drive, you will be able to access it in any computer while if you use Word, you can only access your file in your PC. Use whatever works for you.
WordPress Theme
This is the unique graphical design of a website. Every website has a different theme that sets them apart from others. It is according to one’s taste, personality, and of course, the niche topic of the website.
There are free downloadable WordPress themes, and there are ones that are paid. Whatever you choose, choose the one that will best describe your niche.
Research and Monitoring Tool
Buzzsumo, Quora, and Answerthepublic.com are some of the research and monitoring tools in creating content for your website. When you begin writing your content, you first need to find out what type of content is most searchable online. You will need to search what topics people are interested in, what they are talking about and what they want to read. Once you identify those type of content, then you create your own to publish on your website.
Grammarly
Grammarly is a writing application feature which helps writers compose clear and concise articles or blog posts. Grammarly has many features when upgraded to paid application. It will help with proper use of grammar, correct spelling, and suggests different ways of writing sentences and paragraphs.
Graphic and Art Tools
Once you begin creating your blog posts, you will need to feature an image or two. Graphics and other art illustrations are beneficial in enticing your audience to read your blog post. To do this, there are several graphic and art applications that you can use. There is Canva, Picmonkey, or Creative Market. I use all these three to create my graphics.
Photographs
Besides graphics and art, you will also need to use pictures. But, you cannot use just any photo you see online. You can only use either the pictures you took or royalty-free photos. Most of the time, I use pictures from a website called Unsplash. Their photos are royalty-free. You do not even have to credit the photographer, but I think it is a good practice to credit them. By giving them credit, photographers will be motivated to share more of their photos for free online.
Google Adsense
If you are thinking of monetizing your blog and earn passive income, then you will need to enroll with Google Adsense.
Google Adsense is a platform for website owners to earn money by using their website space for advertisers to promote their products or services.
Affiliate Marketing Platforms
Again, if you are planning to monetize your blog, you will want to enroll in some of the affiliate marketing platforms.
Per Neil Patel of neilpatel.com, “Affiliate marketing is the process of earning a commission by promoting other people’s (or company’s) products. You find a product you like, promote it to others, and earn a piece of the profit for each sale that you make.”
There are many affiliate marketing companies. Some of them are the following:
- Amazon Associates
- Rakuten Marketing
- Commission Junction
- Clickbank
- Share A Sale
Social Media Platforms
Most likely, you are already a part of one or two social media platforms. These platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are essential in advertising your blog or website. So, if you are not a member of any of these social media platform, you will need to start getting into them.
Social Share Buttons
Do you notice those social media buttons on the websites you visit? Beside these buttons, it says, “SHARE,” or “FOLLOW.” These are the social share buttons. You will need this on your website to help you drive traffic.
Social Media Scheduling Tools
So far, the only social media scheduling tool I use is Tailwind. Tailwind is an automatic scheduler of your pinned images or content that you share from your website to Pinterest or Instagram. It helps you pin as many photos or content without doing it every single day.
READY TO CREATE YOUR BLOG
Now that you know what you need to begin your blog creation, you will no longer second guess yourself. What you have to do now, is to clear your mind and sit in front of your computer. Use the checklist you downloaded (DOWNLOAD IT NOW IF YOU HAVE NOT), and start with the very first priority on our list! I am so sure; once you do, you will have your blog up and running in no time!
Disclosure: This website contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase from these affiliates, I will earn a commission with no additional cost to you.
