How To Start a Blog

WHAT EXACTLY IS "DOCUMENTING"?

Some of you may look to the dictionary on what the definition is — record (something) in written, photographic, or other form. You're not wrong to look to this for purposes of understanding the word itself. But, it's not intended to be taken as literal as it's definition.

Documenting is far more important than just recording whatever it is that you are trying to do. It needs to express meaning. It needs to correspond with something that will impact you and future readers/viewers how you intended it to. That's where understanding your niche will be vital.

Your niche should involve your deepest passion(s). What you truly look forward to doing a deep dive into and understanding every aspect of. When you're able to explain something out of pure passion and know-how, as opposed to an obligation to do so, then you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.

It's one thing documenting to appeal to an audience, it's another documenting the things that you're truly interested in and then gaining an audience. Don't work backwards. Your impact on your audience will come from people relating to what you are passionate about.

Documenting is the key towards creating a track record of credibility. This credibility will be applicable to you personally or your passion. It will provide the basis for what you're all about and what you represent. From there, like-minded people with the same interests will naturally follow. Your following will be tailored towards people that either have a peak interest in what you are documenting or people that are curious about the subject. Regardless, you are now on the journey of establishing yourself as the "Go-To" person for your niche.

AUTHENTICITY = KEY TO SUCCESS

People have a natural ability to read through people's bulls*** (for lack of a better word). It's called intuition — the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning. It's not rocket science. You just have to be as genuine and REAL as possible. Be yourself.

Eventually, you'll reach a point where it's natural to just be you. It may seem odd to read what I just stated. "Natural to just be you" — so many people get caught up on social pressure. Trying to be someone that they are not. They lose touch of who they are and what makes them unique. It's that same unique aspect about yourself that allows one to express different ideas and attract the right energy — AUTHENTICITY.

Documenting requires authenticity. It's going to make people WANT to read/view what you post rather than dismiss whatever you have to say about any given subject.

FORM OF CONTENT

How will you grasp the attention of the viewer? WITH QUALITY CONTENT.

Now begs the question, what is QUALITY CONTENT? Without taking the literal definition into consideration, think of a more contextual definition. The following are subjective definitions on QUALITY forms of content:

QUALITY BLOG — a written form of content that allows a reader to visualize and get lost in the idea of how one could relate to the situation.

QUALITY VLOG — a video form content that allows the viewer to feel emersed in the vloggers idea of what something ought to be.

QUALITY PODCAST — someone who provides great insight on a topic or topics that you would likely not have discovered had you not listened to that person.

Whether you'll be doing a podcast, vlog, blog, etc. you'll need to remember that each one requires certain levels of comfortability. Of course, comfortability is purely subjective, so if you're feeling bold enough to go forward with it — go for it.

STARTING THE BLOG

Now that we've established what it is that you need to be able to do to carry out the message. It's time to start.

This section should be the easiest to comprehend. It requires just a three-word explanation. Nike says it best — JUST DO IT. This phrase is simple and doesn't require any overthinking. The hardest part about doing anything is starting.

Understanding that starting doesn't have to be overcomplicated is essential. So many people get caught up in the idea of what can go wrong, they forget to focus on everything that can go right.

Now, what should you blog? Well, that's for you to decide. Just be sure to be involved in something that you are truly passionate about.