How to start a blog • Avenue Laurel

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It was about this time last year that I started this little blog, and I sometimes get questions about how I got started, and the best way to start a blog. While I will tell you up front that I am not an expert on blogging, I wanted to give those who were interested some tools and resources that you can use to get started that have absolutely worked for me. I’ve added a “blogging” page to the top menu, so please check it out for the resources and tools that I can’t blog without!

Today, though, I wanted to share my #1 resource for how to start a blog, and the resource that I give all the praise hands to for helping me get started!

*Affiliate links included.

How to start a blog-the absolute best way to get started!

When I decided that I wanted to start a blog, I knew I would need a lot of help. Lots of help= hand holding and step-by-step guidance, especially for the technical side of blogging. That’s exactly what I got with Building a Framework by Abby Lawson of Just a Girl and her Blog.

Building a Framework is more than just an eBook or email course. It’s 9 video modules that walk you through each step of getting started (great for those of us who are visual and hands on learners!) Here’s what’s covered:

Tech stuff

Worried about the techy side like I was? Don’t know the difference between hosting, a blogging platform, or a theme? Does the thought of coding put the fear in you? No worries. Building a Framework explains each of those, step-by-step, and then actually guides you through how to get set up. I will tell you, I absolutely could not have figured this out myself. But the stuff that I learned in Abby’s class gave me the confidence to not only get started, but also push the envelope a bit with coding on my site. If you are really worried about figuring out the tech stuff, please don’t let that be a barrier to you getting started. Building a Framework will give you the tools you need to build your blog from the ground up!

Content and brand building

This is a little more subtle part of blogging that a lot of people don’t think about when they get started (bloggers have tons to say, right? ;-)) but the fact is that thoughtfully planning and organizing your content, plus deciding your blog’s brand and focus, are crucial to a good blog. Not just to capture your reader’s attention, but also to making your site relevant in a Google search.

Building a Framework helps you figure this all out, plus discusses ways to help build your content. Ways you might not have thought about, like offering printables and resource guides (and then walks you through how to do this, step-by-step). You’ll also learn how building relationships with other bloggers can help strengthen your content and brand.

Making money blogging

Blogging can be a lucrative side-hustle and for some, even a full-time money making job. Building a Framework has an entire module on how to make money blogging, from adding ads to your blog, working with brands, and affiliate links.

(For me, this has not been a big focus (you’ll notice my site is ad-free) because I’ve chosen to focus on content before really trying to monetize my blog. I do use affiliate links for products that I use, love, and really believe in, and for products that I think my readers will really love and find helpful- like this course!)

All of the extras

What I really loved about Building a Framework is that there were so many extras to help me get started, and keep going strong!

An eBook with all the details from the videos (I still reference mine!)
A private Facebook group that Abby herself answers tons of questions on
Access to the “Video Vault”- a series of archived videos on different blog topics
A step-by-step tutorial on how to create printables.

Soooo….what’s next?

If you want to start a blog but aren’t sure how to get started, or just want to make sure that you get the best start possible, I wholeheartedly recommend Building a Framework-it’s well worth the cost. But if you aren’t sure that you want to jump in just yet, I’d start with the 10 Day Blogging QuickStart. It’s free, and it will help you learn some basics for getting your blog set up.