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Are You Thinking About Starting a Niche Blogging Business? Then Read This Before You Go

By VJ
When I created my blog, I jump-started into it first. I didn’t think what I wanted to do. That’s behind the failure of first two blogs I had. The first one on technologies, reviews, movie reviews, etc., and the second on cooking recipes. Later on 12th March, 2008, when I started this blog, I had a view in mind. I had planned and chosen my goals thoughtfully, and that is behind the long-term success of this blog. Here are the things you need to know about blogging before you get into it.

1. Choose Your Niche

As we always say, choose the niche, in which your passion lies. Choose that niche which you can dedicate full time to. When I chose creative writing and blogging as the niche for this blog, I knew that it would keep me going forever.

2. Choose a Name Wisely

Having a great name for your blog is very important. You need to sort out as to whether you should have a chic fantasy name, a long-term regal name, or a niche-keyword name: Difference between: Dosh Dosh, CopyBlogger, and Search Engine Land. You should also look for branding with your blog name: John Chow Vs. John Cow. But don't make a name too similar to any popular blog or company. That may cause trade mark issues later.

My suggestion is that you choose a name that is unique, represents your mood pretty well, and contains a related keyword.

3. Free or Self Hosted?

If you have a budget to get going, I suggest you host your blog. A free blog is only for those who don’t have funds enough to register a domain and hosting package.

For free blogs, Blogger is a great option. It also can be tweaked like any other professional blog, and can make money for you.

4. The Content Management System (CMS)

When I started my blog in Blogger, a friend of mine also started his blog on WordPress (free). Now, with a lot of link building, I am at PR4, and he, with fewer links, is at PR5. That itself shows the importance of WordPress CMS. In search engine optimization, there is no competition for WordPress. So, choose it for your blog.

5. The Hosting Plan

If you are self-hosting a blog, I recommend you go for any package that offers unlimited bandwidth and high storage space. Choosing the best hosting plan can be a pain in the head. Maybe, I will post a sponsored review of some hosting packages out there.

6. Posting Frequency

You should be prepared for long-term posting. A blog may not make you enough money right away. It can take you months and perhaps years to get your first check. So, keep posting content and building links.

Conclusion

The passion for blogging should not be passion for making money. It should be for exploring new things on your niche, and updating your knowledge, while educating your readers.

Related Entries:

Professional Blogging I: Characteristics
Lifestyle of a Blogger
Professional Blogging III: How to Do Social Networking

Copyright © Lenin Nair 2008
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