In our last blog the part III from the series you learned quite a bit about blogs qualities, blog dissection, thinking like a blogger and so on.  This is one of the most important blog in this series. In this article we move even deeper in the blogging world and try to understand a couple of things that are essential for good blogging. It includes creating your first blog and understanding permalinks

CONTENT

How important are the writing skills

Does language matter?

Creating & posting your first blog

Step 1: Choose a Domain and Hosting Provider

Step 2: Install WordPress

Step 3: Customize Your Blog’s Appearance

Step 4: Install Essential Plugins

Step 5: Create Essential Pages

Step 6: Set Up Permalinks and Site Settings

Understanding Permalink Structure Options:

Setting Up Permalinks:

Customizing Permalinks for Individual Posts or Pages:

Benefits of Using Permalinks:

Step 7: Create Categories and Tags

Step 8: Write and Publish Your First Blog Post

Step 9: Customize Sidebar and Widgets

Step 10: Promote and Share Your Blog

How important are the writing skills

Writing skills are integral to various aspects of life, enabling effective communication, self-expression, and the conveyance of ideas. A strong command of writing allows individuals to articulate their thoughts, opinions, and information in a clear, coherent, and engaging manner. Moreover, writing skills contribute to critical thinking, organizational abilities, and the development of persuasive arguments. In academic settings, writing skills play a pivotal role in achieving success. Whether it’s crafting essays, research papers, or reports, the ability to structure ideas, present arguments, and support claims with evidence is crucial. Proficient writing skills empower students to convey their understanding of complex concepts, engage with course material, and express their unique perspectives effectively.  In the professional world, writing skills are highly valued. They enable professionals to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Well-crafted business correspondence, reports, and presentations demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail, and the ability to convey ideas persuasively. Writing skills are particularly vital in fields such as marketing, public relations, journalism, and content creation, where effective communication is paramount for success.

Writing skills also serve as a means of personal expression and creativity. Whether through creative writing, journaling, or blogging, individuals can use writing as an outlet for self-reflection, exploration, and emotional expression. Writing allows individuals to convey their unique perspectives, experiences, and stories, fostering personal growth and self-discovery. Furthermore, writing skills contribute to critical thinking and analytical abilities. The process of organizing thoughts, conducting research, and constructing coherent arguments enhances cognitive skills and the ability to analyze information critically. Writing effectively requires individuals to evaluate evidence, consider different perspectives, and present well-structured and logical arguments.

In the digital age, writing skills have gained even more significance. With the prevalence of online communication, social media platforms, and content creation, the ability to write concisely, persuasively, and engagingly is essential. Writing skills enable individuals to craft impactful social media posts, blog articles, website content, and online profiles that effectively convey messages and engage with a wider audience.

Therefore, writing skills are integral to academic, professional, and personal success. The ability to communicate effectively through writing is paramount in various areas of life, including education, career advancement, personal growth, and online engagement. Cultivating and refining writing skills empowers individuals to express themselves clearly, think critically, and engage with others in a meaningful and influential way.

Writing skills are of paramount importance in various aspects of life, including professional, academic, and personal domains. Effective writing skills play a crucial role in communication, expression of ideas, and conveying messages clearly and persuasively. Here is a discussion on the importance of writing skills:

1. Effective Communication: Writing skills are essential for effective communication, as they allow individuals to express their thoughts, opinions, and information in a clear and organized manner. Strong writing skills enable individuals to articulate their ideas coherently, engage readers, and convey messages with precision. Whether it’s writing emails, reports, articles, or blog posts, the ability to communicate effectively through writing is highly valued.

• Professional Advancement: Writing skills are highly sought after in the professional world. A strong command of writing allows individuals to create compelling resumes, cover letters, and job applications that make a positive impression on potential employers. Additionally, in the workplace, effective writing skills enable professionals to draft concise and persuasive business correspondence, reports, and presentations, which can contribute to career advancement and success.

• Academic Success: Writing skills are crucial for academic success across various disciplines. Students with strong writing skills are better able to express their ideas, arguments, and analyses in essays, research papers, and assignments. Clear and coherent writing helps students convey their understanding of subject matter and demonstrate critical thinking skills. Additionally, effective writing skills facilitate effective note-taking, organization of ideas, and engagement with course materials.

• Personal Expression and Creativity: Writing provides an outlet for personal expression and creativity. Whether it’s through journaling, poetry, fiction, or blogging, writing skills allow individuals to convey their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Writing can be a form of self-reflection, self-discovery, and catharsis, enabling individuals to explore their creativity and develop their unique voice.

• Influence and Persuasion: Writing skills are essential for persuasive communication. The ability to present logical arguments, support claims with evidence, and construct compelling narratives empowers individuals to influence and persuade others. Whether it’s writing persuasive essays, opinion pieces, or marketing copy, strong writing skills enable individuals to engage readers, convey credibility, and make a convincing case.

• Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: Writing requires critical thinking and analytical skills. The process of organizing thoughts, conducting research, and constructing coherent arguments enhances cognitive abilities. Writing effectively requires individuals to analyze information, evaluate its relevance and credibility, and present well-supported conclusions. These critical thinking and analytical skills developed through writing can be applied in various areas of life.

• Digital Communication and Online Presence: In the digital age, writing skills have become even more important. With the rise of social media, blogging, and online communication platforms, the ability to write clearly and concisely is crucial for effective digital communication. Well-written social media posts, blog articles, website content, and online profiles contribute to building a strong online presence and engaging with a wider audience.

In a nut-shell, writing skills are vital for effective communication, professional advancement, academic success, personal expression, critical thinking, influence, and online presence. Developing and honing writing skills can have a profound impact on various aspects of life and open up opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Does language matter?

Yes, the choice of writing language does matter in blogging. Now in 2023, the language has become a secondary matter. Most people write frivolous blogs in any language but they do leave significant impact on the audience, their readers.  With that said, the language used in a blog plays a crucial role in effectively communicating with the target audience, conveying the intended message, and engaging readers. Here are some reasons why writing language is important in blogging:

• Audience Relevance: The language used in a blog should be tailored to the target audience. Consider factors such as their age, education level, cultural background, and language proficiency. Using language that resonates with the audience helps create a connection, builds trust, and encourages readership.

• Clarity and Comprehension: Writing in clear and concise language enhances the readability and understanding of the blog content. Avoid jargon, complex terminology, or excessive technicalities unless the target audience specifically requires it. Instead, aim for a writing style that is easily comprehensible and accessible to the majority of readers.

• Tone and Voice: The language used in a blog helps establish the tone and voice of the content. Depending on the blog’s purpose and subject matter, the language can be conversational, authoritative, friendly, or informative. The choice of language contributes to the overall tone and sets the expectations for readers regarding the style and personality of the blog.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Language carries cultural connotations and nuances. It’s important to be aware of cultural sensitivities when selecting the language for a blog. Consider the diverse cultural backgrounds of the target audience and ensure that the language used respects and reflects cultural differences appropriately.

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Language also plays a role in search engine optimization. By incorporating relevant keywords and phrases that align with the blog’s topic and audience’s search intent, the blog becomes more discoverable to search engines. Optimizing the language helps improve the blog’s visibility and attracts organic traffic.

• Branding and Identity: The language used in a blog contributes to the overall branding and identity of the blogger or the blog itself. Consistency in language helps establish a recognizable style and personality, reinforcing the blog’s unique identity. This consistent language usage contributes to brand building and helps differentiate the blog from others in the same niche.

• Engagement and Connection: The language used in a blog can impact reader engagement and connection. Well-crafted language can evoke emotions, spark interest, and encourage readers to actively participate in discussions or share their thoughts. It helps create a sense of connection between the blogger and the readers, fostering a loyal and engaged community.

In summary, the choice of writing language in blogging is crucial for effectively communicating with the target audience, ensuring clarity and comprehension, establishing the blog’s tone and voice, being culturally sensitive, optimizing for search engines, building branding and identity, and fostering reader engagement and connection. Careful consideration of language usage enhances the overall effectiveness and impact of the blog.

Creating & posting your first blog

So, we are going to use the worlds favourite blogging software WordPress. This is a fantastic application written in PHP and serves the purpose completely. As of writing this article the current stable version of WordPress is 6.2.2.

Here are some of the steps to create your first blog – While they might seem intimidating at first, trust me they are pretty straightforward.

Creating your first WordPress blog involves a series of steps that will guide you from the initial setup to publishing your content. Here is a detailed walkthrough of the process:

Step 1: Choose a Domain and Hosting Provider

– Begin by selecting a domain name that represents your blog’s identity and is easy for readers to remember. I recommend Hostinger as your initial hosting provider. Its fast, secure (comes with SSL) and very convenient. Has great upgrade options aswell.

– Next, choose a reliable hosting provider that offers suitable plans and resources for your website’s needs.

– Sign up for a hosting plan and register your chosen domain.

Step 2: Install WordPress

– Most hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation. Access your hosting account’s control panel and locate the WordPress installation option.

– Follow the provided instructions to install WordPress on your domain. Set up an admin username and password to access your WordPress dashboard.

Step 3: Customize Your Blog’s Appearance

– Log in to your WordPress dashboard using your admin credentials.

– Explore the available themes and choose one that aligns with your blog’s style and objectives. Install and activate the selected theme.

– Customize the theme’s settings, such as colors, fonts, and layouts, to create a unique and visually appealing blog design.

There are several excellent free WordPress themes available for blogging. Here are some popular options that offer a clean design, customization options, and user-friendly interfaces:

• Astra: Astra is a lightweight and highly customizable theme that works well for blogs. It offers various pre-designed templates, multiple layout options, and compatibility with popular page builders.

• OceanWP: OceanWP is a feature-rich theme that provides a range of customization options. It has a clean design, supports WooCommerce integration, and offers a responsive layout suitable for different devices.

• GeneratePress: GeneratePress is a lightweight and fast-loading theme that is ideal for bloggers. It offers a range of customization options, supports page builders, and is SEO-friendly.

• Neve: Neve is a modern and lightweight theme designed for speed and flexibility. It comes with a range of customization options, pre-built templates, and is compatible with popular page builders.

• Hestia: Hestia is a stylish and user-friendly theme suitable for blogging and business websites. It offers a clean design, integration with popular page builders, and is compatible with WooCommerce.

• ColorMag: ColorMag is a magazine-style theme that works well for content-rich blogs. It provides multiple widget areas, customizable layouts, and supports various post formats.

• Baskerville: Baskerville is a minimalist theme with a focus on typography and readability. It offers a clean and elegant design, customizable header images, and a responsive layout.

• Ashe: Ashe is a modern and elegant theme designed for bloggers. It features a clean and responsive layout, customizable header, multiple blog layouts, and supports WooCommerce integration.

• Hemingway: Hemingway is a classic and clean theme that provides a simple and elegant design. It offers a responsive layout, customizable colors, and supports custom headers and backgrounds.

• Writee: Writee is a free WordPress theme designed specifically for bloggers. It features a clean and spacious layout, multiple blog styles, and supports custom widgets.

These are just a few examples of the best free WordPress themes for blogging. When choosing a theme, consider factors such as design preferences, customization options, responsiveness, and compatibility with plugins and page builders. Take your time to explore different themes and select the one that best suits your blog’s needs and aesthetic vision.

Step 4: Install Essential Plugins

– Plugins add additional functionality to your WordPress site. Install and activate essential plugins to enhance your blog’s performance and features.

– Examples of essential plugins include Yoast SEO for search engine optimization, Akismet for spam protection, and Jetpack for site analytics and security.

– Browse the WordPress plugin repository or reputable third-party sources to discover plugins that best suit your specific needs.

WordPress offers a variety of SEO plugins that can help enhance the search engine optimization of your website. Here are some popular SEO plugins widely used by WordPress users:

• Yoast SEO: Yoast SEO is a highly popular and comprehensive SEO plugin. It offers an array of features, including on-page analysis, XML sitemap generation, meta tag optimization, readability analysis, and content insights. Yoast SEO provides a user-friendly interface and is suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

• All in One SEO Pack: Another well-known SEO plugin is the All in One SEO Pack. It provides various optimization features such as XML sitemap support, meta tag optimization, social media integration, Google Analytics support, and advanced options for controlling SEO settings. The plugin is easy to set up and offers robust functionality.

• Rank Math: Rank Math is a powerful SEO plugin that combines a user-friendly interface with advanced features. It includes XML sitemap generation, keyword optimization, Google Search Console integration, rich snippet support, and comprehensive content analysis. Rank Math is known for its intuitive setup process and extensive SEO capabilities.

• SEOPress: SEOPress is a feature-rich SEO plugin that offers a wide range of optimization tools. It includes features such as XML sitemap generation, meta tag optimization, social media integration, schema markup, redirection management, and content analysis. SEOPress is known for its ease of use and ability to handle complex SEO requirements.

• The SEO Framework: The SEO Framework is a lightweight and fast SEO plugin that focuses on simplicity. It offers features such as meta tag optimization, schema markup, XML sitemap support, social media integration, and automatic optimization for improved search engine visibility. The plugin is known for its user-friendly approach and minimal configuration requirements.

• Squirrly SEO: Squirrly SEO is an all-in-one SEO plugin that caters to both beginners and advanced users. It offers features such as keyword research, content optimization, site auditing, social media integration, and advanced analytics for tracking SEO performance. Squirrly SEO provides actionable insights to help improve your website’s visibility in search engines.

These SEO plugins provide a range of features to optimize your WordPress website for search engines. It’s important to consider your specific SEO needs, the complexity of your website, and the user-friendliness of the plugin when choosing the most suitable SEO plugin for your WordPress site.

Step 5: Create Essential Pages

– Start by creating essential pages that provide key information to your readers. Common pages include an About page, Contact page, and Privacy Policy.

– Customize each page with relevant content that showcases your blog’s purpose, introduces yourself or your team, and provides clear contact information.

– Make sure these pages are easily accessible from your blog’s navigation menu for visitors to find and explore.

When creating a blog, certain essential pages are important to include to provide key information and enhance the user experience. Here is a list of essential pages commonly found in a blog:

• Home Page: The home page is the main landing page of your blog, where visitors can get an overview of your content and navigate to other sections.

• About Page: The about page introduces you, the blogger, or your brand. It provides information about your background, expertise, and the purpose of your blog. This page helps establish credibility and build a connection with your readers.

• Contact Page: The contact page enables visitors to get in touch with you. It typically includes a contact form, along with your email address, social media links, and any other relevant contact information. This page facilitates communication with your audience, allowing them to ask questions or provide feedback.

• Blog Page: The blog page serves as the central hub for your blog posts. It displays your most recent or featured blog posts in a reverse chronological order. This page allows readers to easily navigate and access your content.

• Categories or Topics Page: If your blog covers a range of topics, it’s helpful to have a page that organizes your content into categories or topics. This page provides an overview of the different categories or topics you cover, making it easier for readers to find specific content they are interested in.

• Archives Page: The archives page lists all your blog posts in a chronological order or by month and year. It allows readers to explore your older content and discover posts they may have missed.

• Privacy Policy Page: A privacy policy page is crucial for transparency and compliance with data protection regulations. It outlines how you collect, use, and protect user data on your blog. If you use analytics or third-party services, you should include information about these as well.

• Terms and Conditions Page: If applicable, a terms and conditions page outlines the rules and guidelines that govern the use of your blog. It covers aspects such as copyright, intellectual property, and user responsibilities.

• Disclaimer Page: A disclaimer page clarifies any potential liabilities or risks associated with the information provided on your blog. It’s particularly important if you offer advice, share personal opinions, or promote products or services.

• Subscribe or Newsletter Page: A subscribe or newsletter page encourages visitors to subscribe to your blog updates or newsletter. It allows you to build a mailing list and keep your audience informed about new content, promotions, or special offers.

Remember, the content and structure of these pages may vary based on your blog’s niche, goals, and audience. Customize each page to reflect your unique brand and provide valuable information to your readers.

Step 6: Set Up Permalinks and Site Settings

– Permalinks determine the structure of your blog post URLs. To optimize them for search engines and readability, access the Permalink settings and select a format that includes the post name.

– Configure general site settings such as the site title, tagline, timezone, and language. These settings can be found in the General Settings section of your WordPress dashboard.

Permalinks is a topic in itself. In WordPress are the permanent URLs assigned to individual posts, pages, or other content on your website. They serve as the web addresses that visitors and search engines use to access specific content on your site. Permalinks play a crucial role in website navigation, search engine optimization (SEO), and user experience. Here’s a breakdown of how to effectively use permalinks:

Understanding Permalink Structure Options:

WordPress provides different options for permalink structures, which determine the format of your post URLs. To access these options, go to Settings -> Permalinks in your WordPress dashboard. Here are the common permalink structure options:

• Plain: This option uses a basic URL structure with query parameters, such as yourdomain.com/?p=123. It is not recommended for SEO purposes or user-friendly URLs.

• Day and Name: This structure includes the day, month, year, and post name in the URL, like yourdomain.com/2022/01/01/sample-post/. It provides a clear and informative URL structure.

• Month and Name: Similar to the Day and Name structure, this option includes the month, year, and post name, such as yourdomain.com/2022/01/sample-post/.

• Numeric: This structure assigns a unique ID number to each post, resulting in URLs like yourdomain.com/archives/123.

• Post Name: This option uses only the post name in the URL, such as yourdomain.com/sample-post/. It is considered the most user-friendly and recommended structure for SEO.

Setting Up Permalinks:

To set up permalinks in WordPress, follow these steps:

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
• Go to Settings -> Permalinks.
• Choose the desired permalink structure option (e.g., Post Name).
• Click the “Save Changes” button to update the permalink structure for your website.

Customizing Permalinks for Individual Posts or Pages:

WordPress allows you to customize permalinks for individual posts or pages to create more descriptive and SEO-friendly URLs. Here’s how:

• Create a new post or edit an existing one.
• In the right-hand sidebar, find the “Permalink” field.
• Click on the “Edit” button next to the permalink field.
• Modify the URL slug to reflect the keywords or relevant information related to the post or page.
• Click the “OK” button to save the customized permalink.

Benefits of Using Permalinks:

Using descriptive and SEO-friendly permalinks offers several advantages:

1. Improved SEO: Clear and keyword-rich URLs help search engines understand the context of your content, potentially enhancing your website’s visibility in search results.

• User-Friendly URLs: Permalinks that reflect the post or page title make it easier for users to remember, share, and navigate to specific content on your site.

• Link Consistency: Permalinks provide a consistent link structure that remains intact even if you change the post or page title. This ensures that links shared externally or internally will not break.

• Better Click-Through Rates: User-friendly and informative URLs can entice users to click on your links in search engine results pages (SERPs) or shared content.

When choosing a permalink structure, consider your website’s goals, SEO strategy, and user experience. Opt for concise, relevant, and readable permalinks to maximize their benefits and improve the overall accessibility and visibility of your content.

Step 7: Create Categories and Tags

– Organize your blog content by creating relevant categories and tags. Categories represent broad topics or sections of your blog, while tags are more specific keywords.

– Assign appropriate categories and tags to your blog posts to improve navigation, help readers find related content, and enhance SEO.

Step 8: Write and Publish Your First Blog Post

– Click on “Posts” -> “Add New” in your WordPress dashboard to create a new blog post.

– Give your post an engaging title and start writing your content in the visual editor, utilizing the formatting options available to structure your text.

– Incorporate media such as images or videos to enhance your post’s visual appeal and support your message.

– Preview your post, make any necessary edits, and when you are satisfied with the content, click “Publish” to make it live on your blog.

Step 9: Customize Sidebar and Widgets

– WordPress provides a range of widgets that can be added to your blog’s sidebar or other widget areas to enhance functionality and engagement.

– Navigate to “Appearance” -> “Widgets” in your WordPress dashboard to access the available widget options.

– Drag and drop desired widgets into the sidebar or widget areas to display elements such as search bars, social media icons, or recent posts.

Step 10: Promote and Share Your Blog

– Once your blog is live, start promoting and sharing your content to attract readers and build an audience.

– Utilize social media platforms to share your blog posts, engage with relevant communities, and connect with potential readers.

– Interact with your audience by responding to comments, encouraging discussion, and fostering a sense of community.

– Consider implementing strategies such as email marketing to grow your subscriber base and regularly update your readers with new content.

Its essential to remember, building a successful blog takes time and effort. Continuously refine your content, engage with your audience, and adapt to their needs and preferences to create a valuable and thriving blog.

If you haven’t read it already,

Here are the quick links to previous articles if you haven’t read them yet. These are comprehensive and huge source of good information.

Part I , Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI