Starting a new Blog

I am a bit curious as to how/why people start a new blog.

Do you just jump right in and start posting or do you post an introductory type post to kick it all off?

I have a few blogs, and I find that getting started is the most difficult bit - sometimes it is a simple matter of just making that first post and going from there. Other times, it has been difficult to write a decent first post to kick off with.

What motivates you to start a blog? is it because you are passionate about a subject or because you have heard that having a blog is a good way to build content and promote your main website.

The reason I ask is that I have a couple of unused domains and I am thinking that rather than having them just site there, that putting up a blog with at least a few posts will age them nicely while I decide what to really do with them.

 

Generally I start off on topic with the first post already, except for my personal blog where the first post was more of an introduction to the blog.

 

Well i don't write a post, but in my mind i have a mission and vision statement.

 

I have different motivations for different blogs.

1) An area of expertise:
Spy Review and Directory Spy are examples of blogs that I author due to being interested and knowledgeable in those areas. I earn a small income from adverts/sponsorship. I will be starting a new one soon based on another of my interests. I just enjoy writing and sharing the information.


2) For money:
I have my blog network which I use to earn money to pay for promoting the blogs in 1.


If you have spare domains, I would consider using them, then promoting them and selling the blogs off at a profit later.

 

Peopla and companies also start blogs to promote their products and services and to keep customers updated with new developments. The blog may not be used to directly generate revenue, but more as a communication tool.

 

Because blogging is a fashion.I didn't want to be out of fashion

 

Some great responses here! Yeah, I have a domain that is fairly targetted, I just need to get started on a new blog.

 

Blogging is much more than a trend nowdays. Have a blog or be left out.

 

I just started my first real blog also. It is a stand alone blog at this point...and it seems as with starting a website...you build it and no one comes.

What is the first basic step at getting some hits to a brand new blog?

 

RRWH, I always start off my first post on a new blog with a short explanation of why I'm here and what I plan on accomplishing with this blog. Sort of like a business plan summary.

ebizguy, as for getting hits to a new blog, it's all about marketing it. Sign up for forums where you think your blog will be a hit and post often, so people will notice the link in your siggy. Post comments on other people's blogs (try to aim for the more popular ones). Ping your blog often (I like pingoat.com). And I'm sure there's a ton of advice about this somewhere on this folder.

 

My first post I limit it to a short or brief welcome. Brief as possible up to 2 - 3 paragraphs.

As far as the 2nd post etc. I try and find things that are related to the domain. Or things that peek my interest. Or things I read in the news or forums that really got me going etc. From there it gets easier.

 

Don't worry too much about your first post. Its unlikely that many people will read it. The reason being that most new blogs have little traffic.