If you are here reading this post, I can safely conclude that you are quite serious about becoming a writer. Therefore, without much ado, I will guide you through the second step in this process. Once the habits have been revamped and a routine has been set, the next step will encompass practise. Hence, it is imperative that you choose a writing platform and begin writing. There are two ways to write- either to write in a notebook or to write online. The former is not completely useless. But the latter gives you an opportunity to present your content before an audience and get feedback. This leads to improvisation of content and language. It also helps in channelizing the thoughts in the right direction.
In this step, I will explain the following:
What is Blogging?
WordPress or Blogger?
Should you buy a domain?
How to develop a niche?
How frequently should you post?
What is the ideal word count for every post?
What’s next?
What is Blogging?
Writing about something is called blogging. It is the act of posting new content on a blog. To begin writing, it is important to start a blog and write regularly on it. Initially, if you are sceptical, you can set the privacy settings to private so that no one can read your content. Once you are confident enough, you can change the setting and share your blog link with others.
WordPress or Blogger?
If you are planning to make a blog only for the sole purpose of writing, Blogger is the right choice for you. However, if you are aiming for making money, branding yourself and building authority, you might not want to use Blogger because of its limited features.
WordPress is great when you want to commercialize your blog and begin earning. Again, you cannot expect returns right after you begin your blog. It is a gradual process and strictly depends upon the quality of the content you post.
Starting WordPress requires a bit more effort than starting Blogger because you need to watch plenty of videos to get a better understanding of how it works. Blogger, on the other hand, is simple. It follows select, click and done methodology. If you are a beginner, I would recommend you to use Blogger because you would not like to distract yourself by having to learn strategies to optimise your blog.
Should you buy a domain?
No, not yet. You need to be patient. I bought my domain after five years of blogging and establishing a niche. It is important to work on your content after receiving enough feedback. As a domain owner, the responsibility to ensure that your website is healthy is immense. Only when you are sure that you can do it, only after you have experienced enough criticism and only when you can spare enough time for your website, you should buy your domain.
How to develop a niche?
Filter the options of topics on which you want to write. The more unique the topic is, the more readership it will invite. It seems like the blogging area has copious travel, cookery and book bloggers. If you still want to try these areas, think about how you can make your content different from what is already available. It can be your writing style, it can be a vlog (video blogging) or it can be interactive live sessions- whatever suits your interest.
How frequently should you post?
Initially, three posts per week are fine. Gradually, you will have to increase or decrease the number depending upon the readership.
What is the ideal word count for every post?
The ideal word count is less than 700.
What’s next?
Once your blog is good to go, the next step is to write. The next post of mine will enlist the factors that will help you write better.
Till then, stay tuned.
How to become a writer? Part I
How to Become a Writer? Part III