I have been blogging since 2009. My first blog was born solely out of passion as it talks about my favorite Football Manager game. Findmyblogway is a blog that is more business orientated and one of my aims is to create an income out of it. Though I still yet to create any revenue but I am definitely not consider a newbie blogger anymore.
For anyone who is reading this blog and you are interested in blogging, I have prepared several questions for you before you jump right into the blogging ship. This will give you an idea what to expect and help you to understand the demands of blogging. To be very frank, I didn’t ask myself some of the questions below when i started Findmyblogway and I feel that’s a bad mistake. Do not cultivate the mentality of taking things as they come. Sometimes you need to have a plan.
Here are the questions:
Do you have any idea what blogging takes? – You like to follow the trend as blogging is the “in” thing right now. Most likely, you have seen bloggers making five or six figures. You must be thinking, if they can, why can’t you. You are only seeing the results or fruits of success on the front. What about the hard work, commitment and time dedicated to their blogging success, you have no idea at all.
Do you know your goals? – Why are you blogging? What are your goals? Is it for passion or making money? You need to ask yourself these questions before you jump into the blogging ship. If you don’t know what you are trying to achieve here, you will get lost without any direction and destination
Do you do any research? – If you are serious in making an income with blogging, you need to do some research on your niche. How much competition are you facing? Is your niche profitable? What investment do you have to make? Researching is very important when you start as you would know what to expect out of blogging.
Do you intend to spend any money? – This will determine whether you want to use a hosted or self-hosted platform. There are also free themes and premium themes that you can use. Do you want to invest on a premium theme or stick to a free theme? You need to judge according to your budget.
Are you willing to commit your time? – Blogging needs a lot of commitment from you. You must understand the demands of blogging that will possibly sacrifice your personal and family time. You need your family to understand your intentions beforehand to prevent any misunderstandings in future.
Are you willing to network with other bloggers? – Blogging is definitely not one man’s business. You need to do some networking and establish relationships with other bloggers. You need to read other blogs to keep up with latest trend and communicate with other bloggers. Are you sociable enough to do that?
Are you a technical person? – If you intend to use a self-hosted platform, most likely you need to get your hands on to upload themes, plugins and files. You need to have some technical ability to do that. You probably need to tweak your themes layout so you need a little knowledge on HTML and CSS. Be prepare to do a bit of technical stuff when you blog.
Are you comfortable to be in the spotlight? – Blogging requires some transparency from you. People like to know you as a person. You need to use your name and show your picture in your blog. Are you willing to put yourself under the spotlight? If you are not comfortable about it, people will find it hard to trust you. There are certain exceptions but not too many.
Are you determined to see success with your blog? – Everyone likes to see his blog turns out to be successful but some will give up halfway through. Are you determined to see success on your blog while working on it? That’s why you need to work extremely hard and work smart. Blogging is like a marathon, some will reach the destination faster while some are walking in a much slower pace. As long as you move your feet, you will reach your destination one day.
Are you taking action? – If you have the answers to the questions above and it is all positive, are you taking action now? Get up and start working. What are you waiting for? Fruits of success will not drop from the trees automatically. Start taking action now.
There are plenty of other questions but I believe the questions above are enough for you to make a decision. If there are too many questions, you will just get discourage and procrastination will overtake your mind. If you decided to take action now, that’s good for you. I welcome you to the blogosphere and wish you success.
Do you have any important points that new blogger need to know? Please leave a comment behind to share it with us.
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Well, the first question is most important and most overlooked one. Many people simply do not think about what blogging takes and see only the benefits. In fact, we all have done that at some point. However, it is important to analyze it truly and then start.
Good questions for beginners.
Ishan recently posted..Please! Stop Beating Dead Horses
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Ishan,
Indeed that is, that’s why i put it as the first question. We really need to have some idea about blogging before we even get started.
Thanks for commenting.
Lye
Hi Lye,
You’ve hit on more than a few fundamental questions that a blogger needs to ask before saddling up in the cyber-world, thanks for sharing.
I had zero direction when I began blogging, I wanted to advertise my home based opportunity but had no clue how to do so. The transition toward running a well-read blog increased in speed as I began to hone my talents. I knew I could inspire people and I knew that personal development plays a giant role in becoming a successful home based entrepreneur so I started writing posts, inspirational quotes and shooting self-help videos to upload to my blog.
Whatever the theme of your blog, identify your talents first. Try to link your talents to your niche and your readership can grow over time.
If you talents are not relevant to your niche it’s time to find a new blogging niche
Have a powerful day Lye!
RB
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..6 Disgusting Ways to Pitch Your Home Based Opportunity
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Ryan,
Awesome comments, you have pointed out a direction for us regarding how to utilize our talents in association with our blog. Good point.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Lye
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Ryan Biddulph, Findmyblogway. Findmyblogway said: 10 Blogging Questions that Newbie Bloggers Need to Answer http://bit.ly/g97mah [...]
Hey Lye,
Great questions mate! I’m totally with you that every blogger, willing to achieve something should ask himself all 10. The second however is especially important in my opinion. Knowing your goals and how to reach them is the best way of keeping yourself motivated. These days many people start a blog without a clear reason in mind. It is not worth it spending time and efforts just because someone told it is cool to have a blog.
Research is a crucial element if you want to make money. Finding a profitable niche is very that you have both passion and knowledge about can make a big difference. That was probably my biggest setback when starting out with my blog.
The ‘take action’ part is 100% valid as well. Waiting for the traffic to start rolling in without any efforts on your side is foolish. So beginners should take their time and put some efforts.
Great work buddy! Liked the flow.
Daniel Sharkov recently posted..How to Stay Focused and Keep Writing in 4 Steps
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Daniel,
We have gone through the newbie stage and we definitely understand more what blogging demands of us. Hopefully this post can help people interested in blogging to get started with some idea.
Thanks for dropping by and comments.
Lye
i did read a lot of posts about this topic exactely , but you know whay attracted me the most and made me enjoying and want to read the next point evry time ? it was how you put very interesting points , how good you took care of some question people need to ask before any step !! “Are you willing to commit your time” is one of my best from your list , i do agree and believe time is very important for sure !
Well done friend !
Very Goog post
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Rahul,
Glad you enjoy the post. I just recap what i need to do start blogging and ask the same questions to myself.
Thanks for the comments.
Lye
You touched on a number of important points, but personally, the time factor is critical. I never feel like I have enough time to do all of the things I want to do. I try and remind myself that it’s a marathon, and not a sprint. I definitely also enjoy networking with other bloggers, both in and out of my niche. That, too me, has been the biggest fringe benefit of the lifestyle. As for the technical stuff, I try to outsource whenever possible, using sites like fiverr.com. Just my .02…
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Dean,
I fully understand your point as i have a full time job and family. We just need to prioritize the things that we need to do. Focus on things that will provide us results if we are having time constraint.
Thanks for commenting.
Lye
Twitter: stevescott1
These are great questions a new or potential blogger should ask themselves. I would even go as far as to say that most answer should be at least a tentative YES. I am not sure if technical skill is needed, but being willing to LEARN the technical skills as you progress is.
Being willing to pay for hosting is something that may seem like an option too, but in my mind it is not; for anyone who wants to make real money (even far down the road). You can try a free one to get your “feet wet”, but ultimately hosting is cheap and easy enough that it will be the ultimate goal of most blogs.
Everything else: taking action, having direction, researching niche, networking, time and energy investments are really not “optional” they should be “yes” or in the blogger will simply be wasting their time in the long run.
Great post and perfect list of questions for a new blogger.!
Steve recently posted..How to Research an Internet Marketing Niche- THE Ultimate Blueprint
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Steve,
You are right about learning as we progress. Just wanted to remind new bloggers as some may be scared of anything related to computer and technology stuff. But it doesn’t seem as difficult as people may think.
I agree if there is a “no” for any of the questions above, then one should seriously consider whether to start blogging.
Thanks for the awesome comments. Talk soon.
Lye
Hi Lye,
planning should be the first stage of preparing to have a blog. Lot of people do it vice verse they start to write something, then realize they have no clue what are they doing and that blogging is also about something else than just writing.
Then they start to look for the answer how to get traffic and so on. Or simply shot down the blog.
Well these questions will definitely help anyone to think about its blog to set basic goals and hopefully create some strategy.
Thanks for valuable sharing!
Adam recently posted..Google Traffic vs Engaging Traffic – Which One Will Build Your Blog
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Adam,
Planning is indeed important. They don’t do any planning simply because they do not know what they want out of blogging. It’s totally fine to learn when you hit something but time will be wasted and just imagine how much we can achieve if we plan properly.
Great point Adam. Thanks for drooping by and commenting.
Lye
I would actually say that knowing your goals should be the very first question to answer. Then it would be do you know what it takes to achieve your goals. And are you prepared to put in the time and effort to achieve your goals.
Richard recently posted..Increasing Conversions is Easier Than Increasing Traffic
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Richard,
That is the most important step. It will decide the subsequent steps that we need to take.
Thanks for dropping by.
Lye
Twitter: AdamPaudyal
Hey Lye,
Great questions. You really hit the home run (O:
Having goals is important to stay focused and motivated on what needs to be done. Planning and researching are equally important but taking action part is the most important one. There is no doubt.
Many bloggers do not even have a clue to what blogging really takes. But it is all about learning and enjoying the experience; everyday. Many bloggers burn out before they find a way to excel if they don’t enjoy blogging.
Awesome post Lye.
Thanks.
Adam Paudyal recently posted..Social Media Marketing- The Basics
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Adam,
Great point. If we can’t enjoy what we are doing, then we will get burn out easily. The reason why many bloggers don’t have a clue about blogging is probably they aren’t doing any research beforehand.
Thanks for sharing brother. Talk soon.
Lye
Hi Lye
Firstly congratulations on the mention over on Michele’s blog. Well done and well deserved. With this post you have covered the facts related to starting a blog very well. The one I struggle with is the techie side of things. Have techie friends who help me out with that one. The rest I am comfortable with.
Definitely need to research the chosen niche thoroughly and accept it will take time to achieve success. To me it’s worth it. Moving forward to reach that place where success is achieved.
Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia recently posted..So Little Time- So Much To Do
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Pat,
Thanks, credit to Michele for involving me. It’s good to have techie friends who can help you out.
You are definitely on the right track Pat. Seeing how popular your blog is, i am happy for you.
Thanks for the comments.
Lye
Yes, these are the perfect list of answer a blooger need to seek. Even when I was newbie in the blogging field, I have to learn a lot and study each aspect of blogging.
There are lots of hard work for a new blogger to do and know what it takes for making a successful blog.
Its a well written post.
Pritam recently posted..TheAdMatrix – After Speak Asia Online and RCM Business
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Pritam,
Thanks for the support. Glad to see you enjoying the post.
Lye
Awesome questions Lye. Yeah, a newbie must be willing to dedicate his or her time and also he or she must have the networking skill. Awesome questions once again. Thanks for sharin. Have fun.
Samuel recently posted..4 Cool Ways To Stay Motivated As An Entrepreneur
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Samuel,
Thanks for dropping by to show your support. Much appreciated.
Lye
Hi Lye,
All those are very pertinent questions to ask yourself as a blogger but not taking action ( your last point) is the worse. I think people who talk a lot without taking any action can hardly be trusted. These days with so many bloggers online, those who stand out are those who’ve actually proven what they’ve said works e.g by providing examples of their work.
You can probably create an ebook out of this, Lye for all those who’ve just started blogging.
Bryan recently posted..9 Reasons Why You Might Have A Business and A Day Job
Hi Lye,
All those are very pertinent questions to ask yourself as a blogger but not taking action ( your last point) is the worst. I think people who talk a lot without taking any action can hardly be trusted. These days with so many bloggers online, those who stand out are those who’ve actually proven what they’ve said works e.g by providing examples of their work.
You can probably create an ebook out of this, Lye for all those who’ve just started blogging.
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Bryan,
I agree. Especially when one bought some ebooks and courses but never follow and take action. That should be the worst case.
Thanks for the suggestion regarding the ebook. I hope to come out with my own ebook in 2011.
Lye
Twitter: fungiftidea
Committment, investment and goal. I consider that these three are the most important things that every newbie bloggers must bear in their mind. Blogging is a serious task, no one can succeed if they are not willing to commit or invest their time in blogging. Simply wanting to earn money is not enough in order to succeed.
Cole Stan recently posted..5 Cool Christmas Gifts For Boys
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Cole Stan,
All three are indeed important and they are link. Earning money should not be the only motivation factor.
Thanks for commenting.
Lye
Yet another interseting post which would come in handy for the newbies that contact me daily. I’ve tweeted and shared this with my facebook fans
Udegbunam Chukwudi recently posted..How To Fund Your LimeExchange Payoneer MasterCard
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Udegbunam,
Much appreciated for the retweets and supports. Hopefully this will help your readers to get a head start.
Thanks for the support and comments.
Lye
Great and helpful stuff for newbie!
What I wanted to tell that for newbie, visiting related forums and blogs would also teach them lots of thing to do their further work.
Sorry, I can’t edit my first post!
What I forgot is:
understanding internet communities is main here as you have to interact with international communities also.
Mike Ramsey recently posted..Tips On How To Stop Excessive Sweating
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Mike,
Thanks for adding on. Those are the things which newbie bloggers can take note.
Lye
Hello Lye, congratulations for the great article. Really great article, a lot of high-quality information, perfect for the targeted newbie bloggers. Suggestions for newbie bloggers: while surfing the web, especially on other blogs – be attentive, look and try to understand “why is that there”, “why isn’t that there” and start learning from others’ blogs. See what they have and what you don’t have, compare and adjust. Great article, Lye, keep on writing this kind of articles for newbie bloggers, they will sure be grateful for them. Have a great day, Maria.
Maria Pavel recently posted..Choosing A Career As A Certified Nursing Assistant
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Maria,
Glad you find this post helpful. Every blogger have been through the stage of newbie. I am just sharing my experience and hopefully new bloggers will not be overwhelmed by blogging.
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your view.
Lye
According to me the questions are good but there are some useful question should be included in this list. like How blogs does help our businesses?, its benefit etc..
Jimmy wills recently posted..Android Application Development – Bring Revolution in Mobile Industry
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Jimmy,
Even though we should treat our blog as business but we normally start a blog out of passion. Not everyone start a blog for their business.
Thanks for sharing your comment.
Lye
I think having a reasonable expectation of time that will need to be spent to make your blog successful is key. No one without a hollywood name just starts up a blog to huge fanfare and rakes in the advertising cash right away.
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Jill,
Patience and hard work are the keys for a successful blog. We will get nowhere if we are not spending time on our blog.
Thanks for the added point and comments.
Lye
These are great questions for new bloggers or even for those ones who have lost all hope in the blogging world. Starting up a blog is not an easy thing. If you ask yourself these questions and you practice perseverance then you will be able to understand what blogging is all about.
Caesar Parisi recently posted..Rob Siemens Joins "The Champagne & Parisi Team" of Lang Realty
Twitter: Findmyblogway
Hi Caesar,
Perseverance is an essential mindset we need to have if we still want to continue blogging. These are practical questions that i have gone through and it’s important for newbie to ask themselves before digging into blogging.
Thanks for the comments.
Lye