10 Must-Haves Before Starting a Blog in 2019 (Checklist)

Checklist of must haves before starting a new blog

So you want to start a blog and make money online, huh?

Tremendous idea.

Becoming a blogger will open you up to endless opportunities. Not to mention that it can provide you with the freedom most people crave.

But here’s the thing…

Starting a blog is not as simple as writing a few blog posts, publishing them on a blank canvas, and hoping for the best.

Well, at least not if you want to start a blog that actually makes money and gives you the freedom you always wanted.

But don’t be afraid… I am here to prepare you for success.

 

Here’s Your 2019 Blog Prelaunch Checklist:

Don’t skip over anything on this checklist as they are the key to preparing yourself for the launch of your first blog.

And no this is not your typical list about what your blog needs in order to succeed. This list is more about what’s required of yourself in order to properly launch a successful blog.

 

#1. Proper Mindset

Before embarking on a new journey, it’s always important to get in the right state of mind.

Starting a new blog is no exception.

And it’s not because of the doubts that will run through your mind as to whether or not you’ll succeed. It’s because of the lifestyle changes that will be required of you in order to become a successful blogger.

Perhaps you don’t have enough money saved up and need to blog on the side in order to continue paying the bills with the income generated from your regular job.

And even if you do have enough money saved up, think of the lifestyle changes you’ll be forced to undertake by quitting your job and working from home in front of a computer all day.

These aren’t your typical “I found a better job” so I’m leaving kind of changes. This is more of a full 360 kind of thing.

Therefore, in order to succeed, you must prepare mentally for the changes ahead.

You might be enamored with the idea of becoming a full-time blogger, traveling the world, and making thousands of dollars while only working several hours per week just like many bloggers are doing.

However, you must be aware of the fact that what you’re seeing is the final product of that person’s blood, sweat, and tears.

Many ignore mentioning the hardship and sacrifices that they made in order to reach those levels in order to sell you their latest products on how to be like them.

Starting a blog and growing it to the point where you are making a good income from it takes time and crazy amounts of effort.

You must prepare yourself mentally for the road that’s ahead in order to avoid falling flat on your face.

Useful Resources:

 

#2. An Idea and/or Purpose

Once you have an understanding of what it takes to make it as a full-time blogger. The next thing you need before starting a blog is an idea or purpose.

You must know what you want to blog about before touching that keyboard.

Just think of how hard it would be to do something as simple as coming up with a name for your blog if you don’t even know what you’ll be blogging about.

There’s really no point in doing anything until you have an idea of what you want to blog about.

I am certain that you wouldn’t be reading this article if you didn’t already have an idea of what you wish to share with the world.

However, if you’re struggling to settle on a specific topic to blog about try coming up with a purpose for your blog.

This can be anything from teaching people about sharks, to making “X” amount of money to spend with your loved ones.

Having a purpose could be the push you need to settle on a specific niche for your new blog.

Note: The easiest way to come up with ideas on what to blog about is to look within yourself and think of all the stuff you like doing. Make a list and pick out the ones you feel most comfortable talking about.

 

#3. Written Goals

A goal is an idea of the future or desired result you envision, plan, and commit to achieving.

I know, I know… you’re probably tired of hearing all the experts on TV telling you to write down your goals.

I used to think it was corny, but one day I stopped and gave it some serious thought.

…Setting goals and writing them down is something I see on TV, read in books, and hear on the radio.

How can all these people be wrong?

There must be something to it! And at that moment I decided to get out of my own way and start writing down my goals.

I’ve always had “mental” goals, but the moment I started writing them down big changes started to occur.

My goals went from being invisible and only at times being reached, to being alive and conquered one by one a step at a time.

I don’t know what else to say, but I assure you that writing down all your goals will start you on a path for success.

One thing I learned is that just writing down a goal isn’t enough… You should also write down an action that will help you reach your goals.

You might change your action plan as you go along and see better ways to reach your goals, but starting out with one is just as crucial as the goals themselves.

 

Example:

Goal – Get 10,000 monthly visitors from Google within 12 months of starting my new blog.

Action Plan

  1. Write and publish two well-researched articles each week.
  2. Promote those articles to influencers within my niche and on social media.
  3. Searching for potential backlinks for all published articles.
  4. Growing social media following and engaging fans in the promotion of my blog.

As you can see the action plan is like a roadmap that will guide you to your destination.

Now you might take a detour along the way after realizing that you need to spend more time on promotion than writing or vice versa, but at least you didn’t sit there waiting for your goals to accomplish themselves.

Useful Resources:

 

#4. Time

I dare you to tell me of an activity which you can do that requires 0% of your time.

Many bloggers make money during their sleep or as most prefer to call it “Passive Income.”

However, does that mean that they’re magically making all this money without ever having lifted a finger?

I think not!

Below are several quotes from a well known financial advisor, Todd Tresidder, on passive income:

“income that comes in without regard to your time.”

 

Unless the “passive income” comes from a truly passive investment source like a publicly traded stock, bond, or annuity, then there’s no such thing as passive income.

Let’s take that second quote for example. In order for that “passive income” stream to be created somebody must have worked to earn the money to invest in those sources.

In other words, while passive income does exist, but it must be created.

Someone at some point must spend time creating whatever is necessary for that passive income stream to start working.

Starting a blog and making money from it is no different.

You might reach a point where you can pay to outsource everything and spend your valuable time on other things, but in the beginning, it will require a lot of your time.

How much of your time will depend on your goals and whether you’re doing it as a side hustle or on a full-time basis?

 

#5. A Burning Desire to Succeed

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but most bloggers never make a dime from their blogs.

You want to know why?

Because no matter how well-prepared they might be, if they don’t have a burning desire to succeed the end result will not be pleasant.

Starting a blog that actually makes money is nothing like your typical walk in the park.

You’ll run into a lot of roadblocks along the way and if you’re not prepared to crush them at all cost, no amount of preparation going to get you past them.

Even successful bloggers run into challenges that make them contemplate tucking their tails behind their legs.

But you know what?

The best bloggers always persevere because they have a burning desire to succeed.

Sure you could quit and blame Google for not sending your blog enough traffic, but what if instead of accusing Google of conspiring against your blog you decide to take responsibility and analyze why things aren’t going the way you expected them to?

For every problem, there is a solution. It’s your job to find the solutions to every problem you come across.

Don’t lament and give up… face your hurdles and attack them relentlessly until you have moved them out of your way.

Useful Resources:

 

#6. $100

It’s hard to think of a business that you can start by spending $100 per year.

But that’s all you need to start your first blog.

The money would be used to register your domain name (blog name), and to pay for hosting services.

Here’s how it breaks down:

    • Domain Name: $10-15 yearly, depending on where you register it.
    • Hosting Service: $50-$80 yearly, depending on your needs.

We will talk a little more about these things in the following sections.

For now, what you need to know is that blogging isn’t free.

Yes, there are free blogging platforms such as Medium, and Blogger, but you don’t own those platforms and therefore you’re at their mercy for everything.

Not to mention that it’s harder to monetize your blog in those platforms and that your blog could be taken down without notice.

Therefore, it’s crucial that you set aside $100 before starting your new blog to pay for these things.

Any leftover money can be used toward purchasing ebooks, courses, or materials to make your life as a blogger easier.

Note: I am assuming that you own a computer, tablet, or laptop.

 

#7. A Domain Name (Blog Name)

Simply put, you can’t have a blog without a domain name.

You can write content and pay for hosting services if you want. Heck, you could even do a pre-launch promotion campaign if you wish, but there’s no blog without a domain name.

You have to register a domain name in order for your blog to exist.

So, what’s a domain name and where do you get one?

A domain name is an address where users can reach your blog. Bloggingpals.com is the domain name of this blog so if you type that in your browser you’ll reach my home page.

I’ll show you how to get a free domain name for a year later on in this post, but for now, I want us to focus on finding you a domain name that’s available.

Here are a few things to consider when naming your blog:

    • Choose a .com. It’s the most popular and easiest to remember.
    • Three words max. Unfortunately, most single-word domains are taken but two or three is OK.
    • Try to use a keyword that represents what your blog is about. Example: Bloggingpals.com, “blogging” is the keyword that lets you know what the blog is about.
    • For personal brand blogs, use your name if possible.
    • Don’t use numbers or hyphens. They’re difficult to remember.

Ok, so let’s find you a blog name that’s not already taken.

 

Enter Your Blogs Name Below and Click Check

I’ve set the checker to check for .com only so just enter the name you want and click check.

If you get the following results it’s because the domain name you entered is registered to someone else:

Domain Name Availability Checker

Enter different names or variations of your most liked ones until you get the following results:

Domain Name Availability Checker to Start a Blog

Once you find a domain name that’s available, it’s time to register it and find a hosting provider.

 

#8. A Hosting Service

Once you find the perfect domain name for your blog, it’s time to choose to find a reputable web host.

A web host is a company that provides hosting services that allow your blog to be accessed through the internet.

In other words, without a web host, your blog cannot be found online.

I use Bluehost as my hosting provider for Bloggingpals.com and all my other blogs.

Below is why I chose Bluehost:

    • They are the #1 recommended web host provider by wordpress.org.
    • 24/7 USA based customer support… Yes, I have used them and they haven’t failed me yet.
    • Affordable. You can get started for under $4 a month.
    • They offer free registration of your blog name for a year.
    • Free SSL Certificate (This protects your blog from cyber attacks)
    • 30-day Money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied for any reason.
    • They offer free, simple installation of the WordPress blogging software.

Remember how I told you that I’d show you how to get a free domain name?

Well, this is how:

 



 

Register your domain name for free with Bluehost

Take 30 seconds right now to register your domain name and hosting with Bluehost, the largest and most well-known hosting company in the world. Get started for under $4 a month (plus you will get a free domain name).



 

By using Bluehost as your web host, you’ll automatically receive a free domain name for a year. Depending on which of their services you choose you can get started for under $4 per month.

BlueHost web host services for new blogs

Starting out you’ll be fine with their Basic Package

I initially purchased the Choice Plus package because I was looking to host several different websites, but otherwise, I would have gone with the basic package myself.

Useful Resources:

 

#9. Basic Understanding of How Blogs Work

You don’t have to be an expert, a guru, or a content marketing savant but I believe it’s a good idea to do a little research on how blogs work before starting your own blog.

I bet you wouldn’t buy a new car without learning how to drive first, so why would you want to start a blog without knowing the basics?

You can learn a lot about blogging by reading this blog :).

Another simple way to learn how blogs work is to go to Google and do some research.

Just type in “how blogs work” or “what’s the difference between a blog and a website.”

Simple searches like that should provide you with results that will help you attain a basic understanding of how blogs work.

If you found this post, you probably already have an understanding of what a blog is, so just try to dig a little deeper and learn how they actually work.

 

Useful Resources:

 

#10. No Fear

I just had to throw this one in there.

We all have fears and insecurities that we must deal with on a daily basis.

Don’t let those fears and insecurities prevent you from reaching your ultimate goal of becoming a successful blogger.

Having a burning desire to succeed should erase any fear that creeps up during your journey to the top, but I just had to mention this again as I believe this is the reason why most bloggers fail.

They fear not being good enough, but if I can overcome my fears, so can you.

Stash your fears aside and let the rockstar blogger within you come out.

 

Conclusion

Starting a blog in 2019 is easier than ever.

All you really need is a laptop and an internet connection to can start a new blog.

However, before starting a new blog you should prepare to succeed.

Don’t jump blindly into the blogosphere and risk ending up a failure like most people who jump into the blogging universe.

Use this checklist to prepare yourself for the journey ahead.

If you check all the boxes, I assure you that you’ll have a leg up on 99% of new bloggers.

What’s holding you back from starting a new blog?

 

FAQ

Is it worth it to start a blog in 2019?

Yes, starting a blog in 2019 is worth it. Starting a new blog can generate a side income or become a full-time job in the long run. It all depends on how much effort you are willing to put forth.

Do I need money to start a blog?

I recommend that you spend some money to open up your blog on WordPress instead of a free blogging platform such as Blogger so that you can have full control of it.

Should I quit my job to start a blog?

No, you should not quit your job to start a blog. It is best to save your money and do it in your spare time to being with. This way you can decide if it's really what you want to do and figure out how to make money from it.

Do I need specific knowledge to start a blog?

Right now if you know how to use a computer and surf the net, you shouldn't have a problem starting a new blog. It's very easy to do so nowadays.

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