The Best Advice I Can Give New Bloggers

I think we can all agree that there’s a surplus of advice and actionable tips out there for new bloggers.

When I first started nearly three years ago, I can confidently say that googling every topic under the sun usually led me to a niche blog and a few different answers that, sometimes, were a bit too advanced.

As a newbie, I wasn’t concerned with topics like SEO and marketing until much later in the game. My first couple weeks, in fact, was spent researching what I should be focused on in my first month and sadly, believe it or not, I never found a concrete answer.

In this post, I’m giving you the best advice I have for new bloggers and hope, if you’re just starting out, that you can trust in its importance. No, it’s not some grand scheme to get you 100,000 page views in your first couple weeks. It’s the advice I wish I had read much earlier in the game with a few tips that are both necessary and beneficial.

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Disregard the assumption if it doesn’t apply, but many new bloggers are seeking advice to make money before they press the big red ‘launch’ button on their site.

I know what it’s like to want more for yourself and feel like you’re steps ahead because you’ve been secretly paying attention to what others do. Nowadays, I feel like most new bloggers aren’t actually “new.”

As a matter of fact, the online realm has become so enticing, people are spending weeks (if not months) preparing to jump into the world wide web to claim their own corner.

The “go-getter” mentality is great, don’t get me wrong, but I think one’s intentions need to be refocused. I want to see more novice bloggers being real about what it’s like in the beginning, rather than attempting to capitalize off of a desire to catapult into the “riches” that people think is waiting for them.

you can start blogging with an “I want money” mentality, or you can start with an “I’m going to create content that’s worth money” mindset. Your choice. Share on X

(Did you like that tweet-able? Go ahead and share it with your following to start a conversation!)

So, what’s this great advice I’ve been hinting at?

create a business plan / “everything” document

There was a time when I was strictly “researching” and not, actually, working. During this time, ByRegina was my professor and Maya Elious was my successful tough auntie that whipped me into shape.

Even though I wasn’t writing posts or creating content, I was still investing energy into learning about my craft. Then, one day, Regina (who’s also eligible to be another tough auntie) made it a point to stress the importance of creating a business plan.

Now, as a beginner who shamelessly (but regretfully) talked about her feelings in her first couple posts, I wasn’t aware of how serious blogging could become. I knew that Regina sold digital downloads and workbooks to her audience, but I wasn’t yet familiarized with the concept that one has to “cook before they eat,” per say.

as a blogger, you have to “cook before you eat.” So, make that business plan and look ahead before you expect success to fall into your lap. Share on X

If I can be brutally honest, the lack of a detailed business plan for my second website, Blogging Bosses, is why I believe that first launch failed. All I had for that launch was one Word Document and a whole lot of expectations. Again, not the best combination for a new online business.

via GIPHY

I know, I know…

“But Makayla, a business plan sounds really serious when you’re just starting out.”

I get it, 100%.

The purpose of a business plan may not align with what you’re trying to do with your online presence, and that’s okay (if it doesn’t make sense for YOU).

This is why I call beginner plans “everything documents” for those that don’t yet know what they’re trying to do weeks, months, or years after starting.

Now, because I’m not one to claim I have expert-level knowledge on business plans (maybe if I did Blogging Bosses would be live right now—ouch), I CAN direct you to the perfect resource.

Like I mentioned above, my tough auntie/professor, Regina, has an awesome information-packed post breaking down the entire process.

On the other hand, making a simple “everything document” will only take a few hours (if you’re really applying yourself), rather than the couple days that thinking up an ENTIRE business plan can become.

For this document, I always like to start with branding elements.

These questions aren’t always applicable, but they sure do help when it’s time to start applying yourself to reach the goals you may have also written down.

Since this isn’t a full-out business plan (again, we’re talking about “everything documents” for now), it’s best you keep some space to breathe and evolve as you start creating content.

For example, I knew I wanted to eventually help new bloggers once my blog started leaning towards blogging-related topics, but I never thought I would be offering a Blog Audit after writing down tons of future workbook and eBook ideas.

Long story short, reach as far as you feel comfortable with but know that your experience might land you places you didn’t yet plan for.

On another note, if you’re 100% sure your blog will offer services or products, make sure to list those out and continue the theme of “leaving some room the breathe.”

Last, but not least, I would ALWAYS make note of any future budget-related items. If you’re in love with Tailwind Pinterest marketing, write down the $100+ expense that you will have to take into account in the future. Looking into hiring a coach or investing in a course? Again, write it down.

Even if it’s just a few VSCO presets that you want to invest in, don’t be afraid to keep track of EVERYTHING so it becomes second nature for the future.

To finish off your document, take note of any passwords and social media links that you want to note for easy access.

why do I need all of this again?

Believe me when I say that this is something I wish I did in the beginning.

Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t change my journey for the world. I’ve been through thick and thin with this blog and know that each lesson has landed me the chance to confidently teach others how to start something of their own.

I’ll admit, all I ever saw were SEO tips and “how to set up hosting” posts that didn’t apply to me on both ends of the spectrum. One side was a bit too advanced (but still good to read), and the other was a bit too juvenile.

Planning ahead is, to me, what it takes to truly set yourself apart. I’ve always been an advocate of starting to start, rather than taking your time and doubting your ability to succeed, but starting without direction will ultimately get you lost.

Starting to start is great, but moving forward without directions will, inevitably, get you lost. Make a plan / set some goals. Share on X

I hope this post was helpful and inspired you to signup for the revamped #bossnotes newsletter! If you’re new to my site, I launched a second website in January (2018) and decided that it wasn’t yet ready to be seen. Since then, I’ve taken some time to breathe and focus on graduating from college, but the time has come!

The #bossnotes newsletter will be one of my best free resources for future Blogging Bosses readers, and something I believe will truly make a difference in beginning blogger’s lives.

Live Intentionally, my friends,