by Vilie Farah

Created on: October 04, 2010

The term blog actually combines two words: “web” and “log.” This term was initially used in 1997 to become excessively popular today. By the end of 2009, the number of blogs worldwide reached 126 million according to statistics published online.

Why has blogging become so popular? What does it actually mean to maintain a blog? Is it really that addictive and can a blogger earn money apart from having fun? A blog is a website or a part of a website that a single person maintains.

Just like any other website, a blog can be general or thematic. Many bloggers focus on their favorite topics like their own life, their professional field or their hobbies. Some people blog about travel while others focus on their preferred movie genre.

Are you interested in starting a blog? You need to learn several simple basics in order to get started. Blogging can be fun, though the initial steps may seem somehow confusing. Once you get started, you will know how to adjust your behavior and which of your initial strategies and practices are effective.

FIND YOUR FOCUS
Before you start blogging, you need to determine what you want to blog about.

Finding the focus of your blog is the first step that you need to undertake. Many people have the best intentions but seem to be clueless about the themes to write about.

Think of your favorite topics and about the ones you are knowledgeable in. Your blog will gain popularity only if you write about items that interest you.

SET UP YOUR BLOG
Once you know what you want to do, you need to create your blog. This task has become relatively simple because of the numerous blog platforms available today.

Wordpress and Blogspot are probably two of the most popular platforms that can be used to host your newly created blog. No programming is involved – all you need to do is come up with a blog name and select a design template that corresponds best to your aesthetic preferences.

Blog platforms will also let you add widgets and other functionalities that will make the experience for blog visitors even more pleasurable. The administrative panel of your blog will let you upload articles, images and videos effortlessly. Try the platform and its functions until you feel comfortable enough and satisfied with the result.

LEARN THE BASICS OF WEB WRITING AND SEO
Blogging involves a writing style that differs from the one popular in print publications. If you want to be a successful blogger, you have to learn the basics of internet writing.

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