Top Tips for Starting a Blog in 2025

This is a collaborative post.

Starting a blog can seem like a big challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you are looking to share your passion, make extra income, or build an online business, 2025 is a great time to get started. Blogging has evolved a lot over the years, and with the right tools and strategies, you can create a successful blog that stands out.

My guide will take you step by step through everything you need for starting a blog, even if you’re a beginner.

Start With a Strong Foundation

Choosing a Niche

Before you go about starting a blog, ask yourself what your blog will be about. Finding the right niche is key to attracting readers. A niche is simply a specific topic or theme your blog focuses on.

Here’s how to pick your niche:

• Write about your passion: What’s something you could talk about for hours? Whether it’s food, fitness, travel, or gadgets, go with what excites you.
• Find a gap in the market: Research other blogs within your potential niche. Look for areas that are covered less, where you can provide unique content.
• Consider your audience: Who do you want your readers to be? Tailor your niche to their needs and interests.

The more focused your niche, the easier it’ll be to appeal to your target audience. For instance, instead of starting a blog that is a broad “food blog,” consider narrowing it down to something like “easy vegan recipes for busy parents.”

Picking the Perfect Name

Your blog name isn’t just a name; it’s your brand. It’s something readers will remember long after they’ve left your site. Here are some tips to get it right:

• Keep it memorable: Aim for something catchy and easy to spell.
• Relate it to your niche: Your name should give people a hint about what your blog is about. Mine doesn’t, but I have other blogs that do!
• Check availability: Before you fall in love with a name, make sure the domain name (e.g., www.yourblogname.com) and social media handles are available.

Once you’ve picked a name, register your domain as soon as possible. Popular domain registrars like GoDaddy and Namecheap make it easy, but there are many registrars to choose from.

Setting Up Your Blog

Choosing the Right Platform

You’ll need a blogging platform to get started. Platforms are like the base of your blog where all your content will live. Here are two of the most popular options:

• WordPress.org (Highly Recommended): Offers complete control, thousands of customisation options, and scalability. Perfect for serious bloggers who want to grow.
• Blogger: Simple and free, but limited in terms of design and features. Good for hobbyists but not always ideal for long-term growth. That said, you can always switch if you choose.

Using a Theme or Hiring a Designer

Your blog’s design matters. A clean, visually appealing design helps keep visitors on your site for longer and makes it easier for them to find what they are looking for.

Pre-made themes: If you’re starting a blog on a budget, install a professional pre-designed theme. Sites like ThemeForest and Divi offer beautiful and responsive options for WordPress users.

Hiring a web designer: For a truly custom look, hire a professional to create a design tailored to your brand. While this costs more, it’s worth the investment if you want your blog to stand out. There are a number of web developers around but always read their reviews and be sure you like their style. Some brands focus on Websites Built BY Women FOR Women, brands that focus on shop websites and all sorts of other specialists.

Write Content That Gets Noticed

SEO Basics

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is how you get your blog noticed on search engines like Google. Learning some basic SEO will help your site rank higher and attract more readers.

Start with these simple SEO strategies both when starting a blog and making them habit moving forwards:

• Use keywords wisely: Research keywords like “start a blog” or “blogging tips” and include them naturally in your content.
• Write meta descriptions: This short text appears under your blog link in search results. Make it compelling so readers want to click.
• Optimise images: Compress your images to speed up your site, and use descriptive filenames and alt tags (e.g., “homemade-vegan-chocolate-cake.jpg”).
• Create high-quality content: Providing value to your readers is still the single best thing you can do for SEO.
• Use a responsive and quick website: the speed of your website can make a huge difference to how you rank on search engines. If you are having your site built for you, ask your developer (eg Websites Built By Women For Women) to ensure they focus on speed when setting things up for you.

Use Social Media to Drive Traffic

Social media is one of the best ways to share your content and connect with your audience. Create accounts on platforms that align with your niche, such as Instagram for lifestyle blogs or LinkedIn for professional advice.

Here are some tips to get noticed:

• Post consistently and engage with your followers.
• Share behind-the-scenes looks to build connection.
• Use hashtags and join niche-specific communities to reach more people.
• Repurpose your blog posts into bite-sized, shareable content.

Social media can also be a great way to collaborate with other bloggers and grow your network, especially when you are just starting a blog.

Add Visuals

Photography and Stock Photos

Strong visuals are essential for keeping readers engaged. If possible, take your own photos to add a personal touch. For beginners starting a blog:

• Use free tools like Canva to edit your photos.
• Experiment with lighting and angles to make your shots look professional.

If photography isn’t your thing, there’s no shame in turning to stock photo websites. Just make sure you’re using high-quality images that fit your blog’s theme.

Don’t Forget to Be Yourself

The blogging world is crowded, but the one thing that makes your blog truly unique is you. That said, starting a blog doesn’t have to be hard. Share your personality, tell your story, and use your voice to connect with your audience.

Authenticity is what keeps readers coming back. Be real, be relatable, and don’t hesitate to show your quirks. A personal, authentic touch makes for a loyal following.

Build Your Blog Today

Starting a blog in 2025 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these steps, you’ll have everything you need to create a blog that’s both fun and successful. And remember, the key is to take it one step at a time.

Pick your niche, choose an engaging name, and get started on setting up your site. There’s an exciting blogging world waiting for your unique voice.

Have any questions or need help along the way? Leave a comment below or share this guide with someone else who is considering starting a blog!