New Blog Case Study: Getting Started

Starting a new blog can be quite the challenge, especially when you can be constrained with time. Probably the biggest question you need to ask yourself before you start a new blog is -

Can you devote the time needed for your blog?

Everybody can start a blog, but not everybody can make money from it. Blogging is a fun way to share stuff online, but if you are not trying to make at least some sort of income from it then you really need to get with the program.

Many bloggers use their blogs to leverage their consulting services, design services or even use it as a way to get a better job. Let's face it, we are not running charities here. All this information being pumped out day in and day out needs to have some sort of value attached to it. Sorry for rambling off there, just wanted to set the record straight - That it's OK to make money from blogging.

Time Management For Bloggers

If you are thinking of getting started with a new blog, here are some tips so you don't end up wasting too much time. These will help you NOT make the same mistakes I did when I started out.

• Do not try to compete with bigger blogs - Try instead to compete with yourself. Professional writers/bloggers have been doing it for years, you need to bring yourself up to that level. Pumping out as much content as possible is not going to help. Think quality, quantity is so 2007.
• Make a schedule and stick to it - Don't worry about breaking news stories, unless you really want to report live from all Apple & Tech conferences, people are more interested to know how a new service/announcement can affect or be of use to them. Provide substance, not rehashed press releases.
• Really know your topic - You really want to talk about Making Money Online? Fine. Make sure you provide proof that you know what you're talking about. Otherwise, stamp collecting can be quite interesting too.
• Don't check your stats every five minutes - I get by just fine checking them every 30 minutes Just kidding. I think you should just look at your stats once/twice a day. Period. The same goes for email.
• Check your To Be Paid balance once a week - This way it will look a whole lot more rather than just a little bit at a time. This is something I need to start doing myself. Good tip man.

The above being said, I have thought of a domain name and will proceed to buy it soon. Once I set up the hosting, it will be time to install WordPress and pick a theme for my blog. I'm going to make a separate category for this and file it under "Case Studies", so everything is organized. Further updates coming soon...

Managing your time can truly be the difference in having a successful blog and just another blog.

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