If you have been pondering over the idea of starting a blog, then there is no time better than your student years. Your campus life is packed with new adventures, experiences, and life lessons that are valid for not only your peers but also for any future students.
With a little help from essay writing service, you can sort your academic assignments and set aside time for blogging easily. Now, what you need is an elaborate, step by step guide on how to find success as a student blogger.
You would be amazed at how simple it is to build a blog and drive it. When you are done, you will experience a sense of accomplishment and a new hobby that will soon become your passion.
Step 1: Picking Your Niche
As a student blogger, you are most likely to choose topics related to your campus life. However, you would already be aware that there are tons of other student blogs on the web. Do not let that discourage you. Every year, campuses are evolving, and so are student experiences.
Moreover, what you have to say is probably different from what other students feel. Furthermore, you can always stay relevant by voicing your opinion on current issues or focusing on a secondary niche within your student audiences. For instance, you can begin a blog on how to stay sustainable as a student, a sub-niche within yours.
Remember that there is no such thing as a perfect blog. So, do not feel the pressure to pick a perfect topic. Instead, stay original with what you have to say rather than the subject. If a lot of other blogs are discussing the same issue, it means that the topic is gaining attention, and people want to listen to you.
Step 2: Choosing Your Domain Name
It‘s impossible to overstate how crucial your domain name is, as it is going to be your brand. You want something unique that your readers can quickly relate to you. Here are some points to remember:
- Easy to read, write and spell;
- Avoid special characters and numbers;
- Make sure it is original.
If you are unable to find a name yourself, you can use domain name generators with your ideas to land the one that best represents you.
Step 3: Choose Your WordPress
If you are not already aware, WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems available. Today, WordPress powers over one-third of the top sites on the internet. The system has made it incredibly easy for anyone to start their blog. All you need are:
- A domain name;
- A WordPress account.
Before you proceed further, it is essential to know that WordPress.com and WordPress.org are two different sites. As a self-hosted platform, WordPress.org is recommended for bloggers. It gives you complete control over your content, with no constraints, and can earn from advertisements placed on your site.
Step 4: Choose Your Hosting Provider
If you go with WordPress.org, then the first step towards your blog creation is picking your hosting provider. The role of a hosting provider is to ensure server space for your site. Web hosting is what allows your users to find you on the internet.
WordPress has a list of recommended hosting providers, from which you can choose. You will be required to select a plan, enter your domain name, and add your account information. Once completed, you will receive an email with full details regarding your web hosting, managing, and receiving support.
Step 5: Install WordPress
Popular hosting providers will directly link you to WordPress installation, or provide a guide on installing WordPress. Alternatively, you can download the file from WordPress.org, and proceed with the installation.
Once the setup is complete, it is time to customize your site’s appearance.
Step 6: Pick Your WordPress Theme
WordPress themes are what controls the visual appearance of your blog. The CMS offers a myriad of free and paid themes, along with further customization options. You can see previews of the themes while selecting them, giving you an idea of how it would look. However, bear in mind that your blog might look different when you personalize it later.
While choosing a theme, ensure that it has good reviews and responsiveness on all mobile devices. Once you have found your theme, you can install it by clicking the Activate button. You can change the themes by going to Appearance -> Themes later.
Step 7: Set Up your Blog
Though you have everything ready to start posting, it is better to get a few details polished to make it look more appealing to the audience.
7.1 Permalinks
Permalinks are the URLs of your posts, pages, or categories of your WordPress site. You Can change the permalink structure to include your post name, making it easier for your users. You can do this at:
Settings -> Permalink
Here, you can choose whether you want to include the post name, date, and other attributes in your link.
7.2 Comments
If you want to filter the comments appearing on your posts, you can edit it in settings. Go to:
Settings -> Discussion
Here you can select the option for comments to be manually approved, so you can decide which comments are visible to the public.
7.3 Set up About Me
Before you start posting, it‘s a good idea to tell the readers who you are. It will be a great way to introduce yourself and let the audience know that you are speaking from a student’s perspective.
You can do this by adding a New Page and entering a short biography about yourself. Make sure to include your picture as well. About me is one of the most viewed pages in a blog, and it would do you good to have it ready from the beginning.
Step 8: Create your First Post
By now, you have a fully operational WordPress site ready to begin publishing. To write a new post, go to your WordPress dashboard, and click on:
Posts -> Add New
You will be redirected to WordPress editor, where you can edit your post. You can also add images and links to the content. Proceed to click Publish on the top right corner to post your first entry.
Step 9: Celebrate your Blog
Congratulations! You have successfully created your first blog. Now, use your social network to share the good news, and spread the word. Make sure that you regularly post, and keep your content optimized.
WordPress also has hundreds of plugins available for you to change any aspect of your blog. As you get ahead with your posts, you can track your blogs, target your audience, and analyze your competitors. Most importantly, remember to have fun with your blog. Most students look up to fellow bloggers to share their experiences and insight on their campus life. With good content quality and a pleasant voice, you can build your blogging empire in no time.
