Most of us remember when blogs were a new medium. Sponsored posts and the arms race that’s become SEO weren’t much of a factor. Now, however, blogging has revolutionized marketing and free expression. It has become hyper competitive and highly commercialized. Today, we’re going to look at some resources to help you start or maintain your blog.
As this medium has evolved, so have consumer expectations. Once relegated to the nerdy set, blogs are a ubiquitous way to reach out to the masses. Everyone, from college students to large enterprises, seems to have one. From these posts, you’ll be able to see the reasons for blogging’s continued popularity.
Did you know that over 4 million blog posts are published daily? That’s not surprising, because blogs provide a very high return on investment. Statistics show that while content is cheap to produce, it’s also a great way to drive website traffic. That’s probably one reason why 75% of corporate websites have a blog section. Also, content marketers say that blogs are so effective that they’re one of the best tools out there, with the result that these are prioritized. People like to share these posts with others, usually to help someone else. Statistics show that long-form posts are the best for SEO, but very few posts are this long. For B2B brands, hearing from experts is especially important, and where better to do this than on a blog. Finally, for best results use list-based posts like this one.
Some people think that blogging is dead, but as Konrad Sanders points out it’s still relevant with changes. For one thing, don’t use that boring repetitive SEO content. Instead, think about quality over quality for your content. People want substance, not fluff. Make your content easy to skim, because people are busy and want to read things that are right to the point. You’ll also want to produce unique content and keep the conversation going. Allow, no, encourage, people to subscribe to emails and blog alerts. Furthermore, include plenty of links to encourage extended website browsing. Finally, give your topics in-depth coverage that encourages people to linger. These posts often have the best results.
Wondering what it really costs to start a blog in 2025?
Here’s the quick math: plan for around $10–15/year for a domain, $5–25/month for hosting, maybe $100–200/year for premium themes and plugins, plus optional spends like freelance writing ($20–500/month), email marketing tools, social media schedulers, and SEO tools.
Bottom line? You can get started for next to nothing — or invest a few hundred bucks to grow faster. Monetize with ads, affiliates, or products to cover your costs.
Just like everything else in marketing, your blog needs a strategy. After all, if you put out random thoughts constantly then your blog will probably not be a go-to place for anyone but friends and family. Once that happens, you can forget about monetizing or becoming an influencer. Here are some resources to help you get started with a comprehensive-and cohesive-blog strategy.
If you’ve never blogged before, starting one can seem like a daunting task. However, this quick guide will leave you less mystified by the process. Before you do anything else, select a topic for your blog. It could be some hobby you have or, for corporate blogs, center around your products and services. Next, decide where you want to start blogging. Options include WordPress, Blogger, and several others. Make sure you understand the limits of each. Then, you’ll need some sort of domain name, which can be purchased through a domain registrar. Web hosting is also critical, because that’s who stores your website data and fields visitor inquiries. Set up a blog platform, which will allow you to edit your new website. Finally, have fun starting to publish content.
One thing we talk a lot about on my blog generally is the importance of having a strategy. However, we also talk about tactics. In this case, it’s the structure of blog posts and the way in which we capture reader attention that is the main focus. Not every writing style or structure is engaging or effective. So, here are some posts that can help the novice and experienced blogger alike.
Want to write blog posts that actually get read?
Here’s my quick breakdown of 15 blog writing tips you should follow before, during, and after you write: know your audience, understand SEO, research the competition, pick smart topics, outline well, write catchy headlines, hook readers fast, get to the point, make it skimmable, use visuals, trim extra words, proofread carefully, link to helpful sources, and always end with a strong CTA. Small improvements add up — and these habits will grow your blog over time.
Want your blog posts to rank for humans and AI?
Here’s how I format every post to help traditional SEO and LLMs: clear headings (H1, H2, H3), short paragraphs, bullet lists, tables, and visuals with keyword-rich alt text. Use plain, natural language, sprinkle in related terms, add schema markup, and stay consistent in tone.
Good formatting is your edge — because AI is reading your content too.
Infographics are hot, and there are several reasons for this. For one thing, they’re easy to share on social media, which also increases readership. Infographics can also be used to enhance brand voice and meet content goals. They should be SEO optimized, just like the rest of the post. Lastly, infographics let you try something new that provides visual interest. With all these benefits, why not give infographics a try?
The days when you could just put something out there and get it discovered is long gone. Instead, you need to promote your blog so people will come and read it. Not only that, but you’ll need significant readership to become a thought leader or influencer. Luckily, we’ve written on this problem as well.
If you’re writing a blog, you want people to read it, right? Here are some ways to do it. Setting goals and collaborating with other bloggers are both highly effective. Develop a personal brand and use email newsletters to expand regular readership. Write regularly but keep a content calendar to stay on track. Use SEO techniques and promote your blog on social media networks. Finally, use both affiliate agreements and banner advertising to generate cash.
One of the best ways to increase traffic is to boost your search engine ranking. First, define your audience and their search intent, and then research your keywords. Once you’ve chosen target keywords, use them wisely and learn from your competitors. Think up an engaging title, and ensure your post is highly readable, as both help with rankings. Be sure to create a meta title and description, because Google indexes them favorably, and don’t forget to optimize your images. Add both internal and external links, and encourage people to comment on your posts.
Here are some more methods for increasing blog traffic. Unique to this post is the suggestion that you post on news aggregator websites. In this case, you’ll use a link to encourage visitors. Another suggestion is to interview thought leaders, which helps by attracting some of their followers to your blog. Syndicating your content by paying for sponsored posts on Facebook or Instagram works well, too. Also, Pinterest and YouTube are places you can post and attract attention for your niche. Finally, creating a community around your blog is a valuable technique.
Guest blogging is advantageous for most bloggers, whether they’re the host blog or the guest. Why? It cross-pollenates readership between writers. It also provides readers with variety and a different point of view. However, there is an art to guest blogging, especially if the purpose is to build your blog with influencer voices.
Post author Dave Schneider offers a solution to those who want to invite influencers to guest blog. His idea is surprisingly simple: pitch them first. Influencers gain readership in part by guest posting on other people’s blogs, and they spend a good bit of time asking people for the opportunity. While you should still be familiar with the influencer first, sometimes it’s as simple as asking. Really.
Growing a successful blog is hard work, especially as it gets bigger. For instance, you’ll need to keep track of analytics information and monitor the comments. For my blog, tool recommendations are focusing on three types: making money, promoting posts, and tracking competitors.
This is one of my mega-lists that talks about anything you need to blog. Some tools listed are native to Google or blog hosting services. Others are multipurpose, like graphic design and other image tools. However, the biggest sections provide hints on what to use when it’s time to monetize your blog. For instance, social media tools help you become an influencer. Improving your analytics is another road to blogging success you’ll want to pursue.
One of the best ways to improve your readership is analyzing competing blogs. This is because you want to know what they are doing right, and where you can improve. So, you need to start by identifying your competitors. See what their strengths and weaknesses are by manual review. Then, call in the analytics tools to determine their overall performance. With this information, you can improve your own blog to be competitive.
While WordPress is just one of many blogging options, it is also very popular. Other places like Blogger don’t have the customization options, and with WordPress you’ll be able to build a full-fledged website. Another reason for its popularity is the overall ease of use. No coding skills are needed, because it’s all done for you. Here, we’ll talk about ways to master the platform.
Speaking of plugins, what should you consider adding to your business blog? This is a long post, so we’ll only gloss it over. For one thing, you’ll need some kind of SEO aid like Yoast. Monetization tools, broken link checkers, share buttons, and many more can be added as your website grows and ages. However, it’s always worth leaving a word of caution: make sure you don’t add too many plugins, or you’ll slow your site down too much.
While most bloggers have their own website, there are other options available. For instance, LinkedIn and Medium offer places to park posts. We would argue that both are strategic areas to consider syndicating your blog content on.
There’s no question that blogging on LinkedIn is a great way to get viewers because of its relative exclusivity. However, there are some other factors you should consider. First off, make sure you understand the Pulse platform and its limits. Then, make sure your audience is an appropriate one for LinkedIn. Understand the importance of both comments and good research on LinkedIn. One of the drawbacks of using this network for blogging is that the wrong content can result in professional embarrassment a lot faster. Finally, understand that this is a professional network, so you need to create appropriate content for business.
Want to turn your website into a real income stream?
Here’s how I’ve helped clients do it: test multiple strategies — ads, sponsored posts, direct ad sales, affiliate offers, digital products, memberships, consulting, or online courses.
Don’t rely on just one. Build predictable traffic, create useful content, track your RPM, and optimize what works.
Smart website monetization is about diversification and continuous improvement — that’s how you generate revenue that scales.
Guest blogging has been a cornerstone of content marketing — and my own blogging journey — since the earliest days of the blogosphere. In fact, this very blog started as a collaborative project of guest bloggers back in 2009. Fast…
You’ve heard that blogging still matters, but with millions of posts published daily, can blog marketing still move the needle for your business? As a Fractional CMO, I’ve helped businesses of all sizes leverage blogs not just for traffic, but…
Bottom Line Up Front: These 15 apps will transform how you create, manage, and grow your blog. From design tools like Canva to writing assistants like Grammarly, each app serves a specific purpose in your blogging toolkit. Blogging in 2025…
Let’s be honest: The Internet is overflowing with generic blogging advice that often feels outdated or too surface-level. After mentoring thousands of marketers and business owners through their digital transformation journeys, I’ve seen firsthand what separates the hobbyist bloggers from…
Looking to improve your WordPress SEO? You’re not alone. Search engine optimization is one of the most critical strategies for driving long-term, organic traffic to your website. Whether you’re running a blog, an eCommerce store, or a service-based site, SEO…
Create the Content Brief and Outline
Blog design is essential for success. It shapes how visitors experience your content and influences their actions. Poor design can drive away potential customers while effective design keeps them engaged and coming back. As someone who provides business value through…
Starting a blog in 2025 is one of the best ways to share your passion, build an audience, and even create a profitable online business. But where do you start in creating a successful blog? In this step-by-step guide, you’ll…
Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular and effective ways to monetize a blog, offering bloggers the chance to earn scalable, passive income while promoting products they love. While it takes time, work, and patience, I can tell you…
Although blogging may not be the newest trend in digital marketing, it remains one of the most powerful ways to build an online presence. In fact, despite what some may say, blogging is far from dead—it’s evolving. If you’re serious…
Selecting the right WordPress hosting provider can make or break your website’s performance, security, and growth. With so many options on the market, it’s essential to choose a host that aligns with your specific needs—whether you’re running a blog, an…
Formatting your blog post goes beyond just creating a visually appealing design. As AI-driven search engines increasingly influence how users find content, blog formatting must cater not only to human readers and traditional search engines, but also to large language…
Creating compelling blog titles is both an art and a science. Titles are your first opportunity to grab your target audience’s attention, entice them to click, and ultimately engage with your content. Without a strong title, even the most well-researched…
I have been blogging since 2008 and started getting serious about my own YouTube channel more recently in 2022, so I often get asked this question of blogging vs vlogging. Both mediums have unique advantages and cater to different audiences,…
The success of your website often begins with selecting the perfect WordPress theme. A well-chosen theme not only enhances user experience but also strengthens your online presence and can positively impact your search engine rankings. By aligning your design with…
I have been running a blog since 2008, so I have plenty of firsthand experience in blogging and recognize how excellent a platform it is for sharing ideas, promoting your business, and engaging with a wider audience. To make sure…
Blogging was once little more than a personal hobby. Over the years, however, it has evolved from that small hobby to a thriving industry, with countless opportunities to generate income. In 2025, the possibilities for making money by blogging are…
If your website is running on WordPress, you know how hard it can be to customize landing pages and the layouts of other important elements of your website. While many still do hire web developers to customize their WordPress installations,…
Have you ever struggled, like I have, to build your own website on WordPress? Of course you have: There is a whole industry dedicated to web development to help businesses like ours. For those looking to develop more of your…
Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine an effective blogging process without the use of artificial intelligence. With high-end AI software, creators can generate text, images, and videos from scratch. Blogging software increases your weekly blog output while also optimizing articles for…
When you think of digital marketing, what do you first imagine? Do you think of shiny social media posts, with a heavy emphasis on social networks like Facebook and Instagram? Or do you think of blog posts, and a company’s…
As Shopify has grown, so have its offerings. While online stores were once only large enough to provide landing pages and product description pages, these platforms have begun to offer the ability to establish your online presence–and Shopify is no…
No matter what business, you should always be on the lookout for something that is new and better. When it comes to digital marketing, this also refers to website designs. If you run your website on WordPress, having the perfect…
Not so long ago, it seemed like blogging was dead. After all, blogging started as a way for people who didn’t have a forum anywhere else to set up a rudimentary website and share their thoughts. Often, these blogs could…
Real estate blog ideas can begin to feel stale extremely quickly. Far too many realtors recycle old ideas, or offer the same stripped-down market analyses that leave very little to compel readers to carry on reading. How, exactly, can real…
If you are familiar with the concept of a blog, then you know that a blog is made to be read. A successful blog is one that is read consistently, and regarded as an authority, or a reliable standby. Unfortunately,…
You already know that WordPress is the biggest, most popular content management system in the world. You should also know that there are many tools that exist specifically to increase its basic functionality that we call plugins. What you might…
Let’s face it: blogging isn’t always easy. In an age of intense competition, making sure your message gets out there is much harder than it used to be. Luckily, there are a whole bunch of blogging tools, both paid and…
If you’re looking to create a new business website, or even if you want to update your current WordPress one, you should definitely consider using a WordPress AI website builder. These programs utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning to hasten…
Blogging platforms are a must-have in this day and age, given that companies need to share their message online to connect with their audiences. Blogging might also provide SEO perks, allowing you to increase web exposure and boost your lead-generation…
I have been regularly sharing my own experiences using WordPress plugins to run this business blog to help you make your own website more social media optimized and SEO friendly. My goal in sharing is also to help you convert…
If blogging is how you go about generating website traffic and leads, do you always have enough compelling blog post ideas that will help you fill your editorial calendar? This article will make it simple for you to complete this…
Whether you are looking to start a new blog or looking for some ideas on what to write your next blog post about, it’s always a great idea to look around and be inspired by some of the great blog…
If you’ve never thought about subscribing to WordPress maintenance services, imagine this true story of what recently happened to me. I was updating one of my blog posts when all of a sudden, I realized that it was saving the…
Are you thinking to start a blog to earn money online? Looking for blog niche ideas that might make you money earlier rather than later? But, what if you choose a blog niche that’s too specific that it gets you…
You hear a lot of talk about SEO, but looking at the stats, one could say that WordPress SEO is extremely important as well. Let’s begin with WordPress’ popularity. Do you know that WordPress powers 43% of all websites? That…
If you’re looking for the blogging statistics to help you improve your content marketing, you’ve come to the right place! Blogs are increasing in popularity with businesses because blogging is increasingly critical to marketing success and it gives your brand…
Whether you want to become an influencer through blogging or launch a blog for your business, I often get asked: How much does it cost to start a blog? You might be surprised to hear this, but you can start…
Blogs are a big business. What were once small corners of the internet to find like-minded users and share content are now multi-million dollar operations. Blogging has become a career choice for many, and there are an increasing numbers of…
Each time you post a photo on Instagram, you add a caption. Creating a caption, small as it is, requires writing. Looking around you today, it may seem as though people are not writing anymore, but most people write on…
With time comes experience, and this translates into knowledge. Today I’d like to share my accumulated knowledge as it relates to blogging, and specifically to my favorite WordPress tips and tricks. It’s one thing to have great ideas, and another…
Some of you might have looked at this title and thought, “Why would a blogger even be considering blog writing services?” If you’re a business you’re probably already outsourcing some or all of your content writing, and if you treat…
There are many bloggers out there and some of them blog full time. While it’s easy to blog passively and generate some income, becoming a full time blogger isn’t something that comes easily. To blog full time means to actively…
We write our blog posts for people, not for search engines. However, if you do not consider SEO optimization, are you sure that people will find your useful content? That is why our comprehensive guide on starting a successful blog…
It’s the question on everyone’s lips… are blogs still relevant in 2025? Is it worth spending time and money on your company blog or creating a blog in the day of social media? In a nutshell: yes. BUT…not if you’re…
Blogging is one of the best ways to showcase your expertise and spread the word about your business. It is a great way to connect with your target audience and engage them in what you do, creating strong relationships with…
With millions of articles being published each day, bloggers need to be extra creative when it comes to their marketing strategy. A modest budget will help you to launch display ad or video marketing campaigns. But for cash-strapped marketers, investing…
They say to always keep your friends close and your enemies closer. That’s an important lesson I learned while building my app, NinjaOutreach. If I wanted to beat the competition, I had to know them well. There’s a lot you…
Before I teach you how to create a Medium account, let me first answer the why. As any business owner should know, the trick from being a small business to a successful empire is simply exposure Online advertisements. Live events.…
Having others guest post on your blog can be extremely powerful for many reasons. Consider the following statements – are they true for you? How many did we get? I’m guessing 3 Which is why today we’re going to share…
Grab a free preview of my new book Digital Threads, the definitive modern marketing playbook for digital-first entrepreneurs and small businesses.
