Mila Joshua Yona
Are you thinking of starting a blog? There are two odds here, you’re either a newbie blogger or someone just tired of sleeping on their writing talent and wants to explore opportunities through blogging.
People who often love to write choose to blog while those who want to promote brand, start a website.
Whichever the case, I compiled some of the top requirements you need to start blogging in South Sudan.
1. Blog name
A blog name is the name of your blog. It is usually short, unique, and memorable and contains your main keywords (for example the blog name for this blog is: Milasona)
The blog’s main keyword is the primary topic for your entire website. This makes it easy for people interested in that topic to discover your blog.
2. Domain name
Domain refers to the address of your website. In most cases, it’s commonly known as the URL (Uniform Resource Locator). People type it in the browser URL bar to visit your website/blog (for example, https://milasona.com is the domain for our blog)
3. Web host
A Webhosting service is a type of internet hosting service that allows your website/blog to be accessible through the World Wide Web (www)
Companies that offer Webhosting include;
- Bluehost
- A2 Hosting
- Siteground
- Godaddy etc.
4. Blog niche / topic
A blog niche is a specific topic you plan to write or create other content about on your blog. Choosing the right niche for your blog makes it easy to create engaging content and even make money online.
Listed are some of the common blog niches;
- Health and Fitness
- Personal Finance
- Fashion
- Lifestyle
- Business and Marketing
- Technology and Gaming
- Travel
5. Premium theme
Premium theme simply means a theme that costs money. Free ones do exist however if you’re using WordPress, I recommend that you purchase a premium theme because it gives you so much flexibility in terms of design and makes your website easily stand out.
It also allows you to create so many variations that by the time you’re done fixing your website, you cannot tell if you’re using the same theme used by other people.
Most good WordPress themes start at $12 and above.
4. Laptop or computer
This is a necessity because it’s very difficult to blog using a smartphone. Blogging requires too much writing and pulling resources here and there which a smartphone can’t help so much.
The core (i core 3, 5, 7) of the laptop doesn’t really matter as long as it’s in good condition and has access to the internet and Microsoft word.
5. Solid internet connection service
You heard it right. Solid internet connection service that will allow you to work both online and offline. Bloggers need the internet to engage in research and upload their content to their blogs.
With internet connectivity, so many problems are solved in a twinkle of an eye.
6. Basic knowledge of the internet
You need to have basic knowledge of the internet. For example, how to use search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing to do research and so much more.
This will make your blogging experience very convenient
7. Basic Internet marketing skills
You will need to know how to market your content to reach more people online. Skills required include Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Social Media Optimization (SMO), and Digital Marketing Skills.
With all these skills put together, your blog can grow robustly.
8. Passion and existing knowledge in the topic you want to write about
You need to have passion for the topic you want to write about and also have prior knowledge about it, it doesn’t matter if it’s from experience.
Where you’re passionate about the topic but have little knowledge about it, do a lot of research before starting to write about it.
9. Money to finance all the above
Blogging requires investment. Mostly it’s a long-term investment. You can decide to start on free platforms like wordpress.com but it won’t do much. In order to monetize your blog, you will need paid hosting service for your website.
It doesn’t stop there, you may need to take additional courses to equip yourself with skills. So you see, you will need money to finance everything we just talked about.
Note:
Smartphones/Tablets and Cameras are optional since everything can be done on the laptop.
I hope these tips will help you get kick-started with your planning and budgeting for your new blog. Keep coming back for more.
We love you!
