So you wanna know what a personal blog is, do ya’? Well, gather ‘round and listen to young Sammy break it down for—this’ll be a blog you won’t forget.
(I mean, it’s not actually that dramatic, but I got your attention, right?)
So What’s a Personal Blog Exactly?
A personal blog is… well, pretty self-explanatory, really. It’s a blog that’s personal. To you.
Confusing, right?
But it’s not, because a personal blog is your own slice of the internet pie. It’s a space for you to talk about whatever you want, in whatever style you want. You can write about your day, your thoughts on the news, your latest hobby—anything, really.
The important part is that it’s all coming from you. A personal blog is a platform for sharing your ideas, voice, and life with the world.
It’s a way to connect with people who might share your interests, and it’s a way to build an audience for whatever it is you want to share.
Why Start a Personal Blog?
Now that we know what a personal blog is, you might be wondering why you should start one. After all, there are already a lot of blogs out there—what could you possibly add to the conversation?
The answer is simple: you have something unique to say. You have a unique perspective and a unique voice, and there’s no one else out there quite like you.
You should share your voice with the world. Everyone has something unique to say, and a personal blog is a great platform to share your unique take on things.
So whether you’re looking to connect with like-minded individuals or to build a platform for your writing, a personal blog puts you on the fast track to either.
How to Start a Personal Blog
Now that we know what a personal blog is and why you should start one, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of how to start a blog.
The good news is that starting a personal blog is easy, and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
You can start a blog for as little as $3 per month, and you can have your blog up and running in less than an hour. (Seriously, it’s that easy.)
If you’re ready to start your personal blog, here’s what you need to do:
1. Choose a blogging platform
There are a lot of different blogging platforms out there, but I recommend WordPress (.org, not .com).
WordPress is easy to use, it’s flexible, and it’s free. Plus, there are a ton of resources available to help you learn how to use it.
2. Choose a domain name
Your domain name is your blog’s address on the internet. It’s what people will type into their browsers to find your blog.
For example, my domain name is SamSzu.com. It’s my real name, which let me develop my personal brand as I developed my blog.
I recommend using Namecheap for your domain registrar. Most of the others are dogwater, comparatively speaking.
3. Use CloudWays for Hosting
For hosting, I recommend CloudWays. Hosting is what allows your blog to exist on the internet, and CloudWays is one of the top three options for WordPress users.
CloudWays is easy to use, has great customer support, and is extremely affordable for what it is Plus, they offer a free trial, so you can try them out before you commit to anything.
4. Use an Astra WordPress theme
For your WordPress theme, I recommend using Astra. It’s a lightweight WordPress theme that’s designed for speed and flexibility.
Astra is also easy to use and has a ton of customization options, so you can make your blog look however you want it to. Plus, it’s free (except for premium themes).
5. Use WPRocket for fast loading times
Speed is important for SEO and user experience, so you want your blog to load quickly. I recommend using WPRocket to cache your pages and speed up your load times.
WPRocket is a premium WordPress plugin, but it’s worth the price. It’s easy to use, and it’s helped me speed up my blog significantly.
6. Use RankMath for SEO
SEO (search engine optimization) is how you get your blog to appear in Google searches.
I recommend using RankMath to make your site SEO-friendly.
RankMath is a free WordPress plugin that’s designed to help you optimize your blog for Google. It lets you configure your URL structure and creates the sitemap Google needs to understand your site content.
7. Post 3-4 times per month (at least)
For your blog to be successful, you need to post regularly. I recommend posting 3-4 times per month, but you can post more or less depending on your schedule.
The important thing is to be consistent. Your readers will appreciate it, and it will help you build a following.
8. Experiment and have fun!
The most important thing is to experiment and have fun. Blogging should be enjoyable, so don’t try to force anything.
Find your voice, find your style, and let your personality shine through. Your readers will appreciate it, and it will make your blog more successful in the long run.
Real-Life Personal Blogs to Imitate
Here are some top-performing blogs to give you strong inspiration:
1. The Everygirl
The Everygirl is a lifestyle blog for “the modern girl.” It covers everything from fashion and beauty to career and finance.
2. Cupcakes and Cashmere
Cupcakes and Cashmere is a fashion and lifestyle blog founded by Emily Schuman. She covers fashion, beauty, food, and travel.
3. A Beautiful Mess
Sisters Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman run the awesome A Beautiful Mess blog. It covers a wide range of topics, from DIY and crafts to food and travel.
4. Damsel in Dior
Damsel in Dior is a fashion blog founded by Jacey Duprie. Damsel discusses fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.
5. Into the Gloss
Into the Gloss is a beauty blog founded by Emily Weiss. She discusses all things beauty, from skincare and makeup to hair and nails.
6. Let’s Eat Cake
Let’s Eat Cake is a food blog founded by Aimee Song. She provides excellent discussion about food, recipes, top restaurants, and other culinary exploits.
Get Out There!
Now that you know how to start a personal blog, it’s time to start—no hesitating!
Use the tips in this post to help you choose a platform, a domain name, and a hosting provider. Then, get started on your first post!
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and experiment. There are no rules, so let your unique voice shine through.
If you need help at any point, please reach out to me in the comments—or connect with me on LinkedIn! I’d be happy to help you get started on your blogging journey.
