Blogging initially started with the idea of having an online diary. But unlike a diary, a blog is open and free for all—from criticisms and positive comments to suggestions and queries that may lead to another informative post from the author.
Today, blogging has become a platform not only to share and propagate information but also to market products, raise awareness, and support charities and advocacies worldwide.
Blogs can also be turned into businesses. A simple dog community blog can turn into an advertising platform for dog accessories and clothing with the proper marketing skills and sufficient content!
Here are basic steps on how you can convert your blog into an online business.
Have Sufficient, Unique, and Informative Content
Blogs that excel are made up of helpful articles that offer help, pieces of advice, and useful information in the niche that they are intended for. To be considered as an “authority” in the blog niche that you are working on, you should have unique and reliable content posted on your blog.
There are thousands of blogs about dogs online. To be able to stand out and to land on the first page of Google, you should offer a unique and distinct content compared to others. So instead of blogging about tips on how to take care of your dog, focusing on how to take care of a visually impaired dog would be different than other blogs about dogs.
Aim for a Product Related to Your Niche
Blogging about gardening opens you to opportunities like selling gardening tools, flower seeds, and garden sheds. You can also end up launching a book focused on flowers and gardening.
It would be wise to build a community via your blog related to gardening problems, gardening breakthroughs, and gardening tips before launching your gardening products. A blog with a sufficient number of followers would be ideal for your business, but first, you have to earn your way into it.
Content is still king. Share valuable content on your website related to the products you intend to promote or sell and build a sufficient amount of traffic before launching it as an ecommerce website.
Familiarize Yourself with Your Tools
Aside from securing yourself one of those reliable and stable broadband plans to help you work efficiently online, having a professional domain name, business registrations, and a reliable hosting and server are essential in running a business online. Building your blog is not the only thing you have to set your mind to before converting it into a business. Authority and trustworthiness also count in launching a business online.
Having a professional domain is essential. Although some businesses are still running under the Blogger or WordPress free platforms, having your own .com site helps in creating your brand. Get a set of logos and templates ready to run to build your brand online. Consult a professional web developer or designer for your website template, logos, and branding. Or you can do it yourself with the help of several how-to videos available online.
Business permits and receipts are also necessary for your business. Be sure to complete your registrations before going full blast to avoid problems when you’re running your business.
A simple blog can turn into a multi-million dollar company. This is true. But it should be backed up with hard work, discipline, knowledge-gathering, and enthusiasm. Turn your blog into a business and become your own boss!
About the Author
Joie Gahum of Living Life at Thirty is a graduate of Civil Engineering but a writer by heart, which was the main reason why she figured out that the corporate life was not for her. Luckily, she managed to break free from the corporate world after seven grueling years. Although she learned a lot both personally and professionally from her office job, she can’t see herself turning back after being able to achieve her dream of being at home and working online.
I’d just like to mention that you can always start on the wordpress.com or blogspot.com domains and then move over to a domain of your own later if your blog starts taking off. It’s nice to not get so monetarily invested if it’s not something you’re really sure about 🙂