How to Start a Blog - A Complete Checklist

How to Start A Blog - A Complete Checklist

 I blog because I have something to say. So do you!

I have been blogging for years, but never seriously. I have an idea for over 1,000 blog topics, which will take me FOREVER!

As I thought about blogging more seriously and actually making some residual income from blogging, I wanted to make sure I did everything I could to make the blog successful.

I am sharing my list with you below. If you would like to know more about any of the steps, as a seasoned blogger and a Virtual Assistant I am at your service.

This list is as complete as it can be. The things that need to be done are in order, or at least the order in which they make sense to me.

1. Plan Blog Topic
2. Research
3. Outline
4. References & Citations 
5. Check Facts
6. Compelling Title (Include Keywords, 40-65 Characters)
7. Summary (Top of Blog Post for Quick Overview)
8. Image(s) with Image Alt Tags
9. Insert Auto Player for Podcast of Blog
10. Introduction – A Strong Lead
11. Definition
12. Scriptures with External Links
13. Quote
14. Sub-Headers
15. Text 3-6 Paragraphs 
16. Use White Space
17. Bullet Point or Numbered Lists 
18. Internal Links to other blogs or pages on your website
19. External Links to another website
20. Conclusion
21. Author Bio with Image and Alt Text and Links
22. Blog Disclaimer(s)
23. Call to Action
24. RSS Feed
25. Opt-in Form
26. Comments
27. Social Media Sharing Options
28. Categories and Tags
29. Search Engine Optimization 
30. Web Page Title
31. Meta Description
32. Heading (h1, h2 etc)
33. URL Structure
34. Edit and Proof – Get Friend to Read
35. Check blog display on browsers and mobiles
36. Share on Social Media
37. Record your Blog as a Podcast and Share both
38. Use your Blog for the Podcast Description
39. Check on your Blog
40. Respond to Comments
41. Share on Social Media Weekly

If you find more steps to creating a successful blog I would love to hear from you!

I know you have probably found some things I missed from the list or maybe you have some that you use that you find helpful. Please share them with us in the comments below.

Thank you for taking the time to read my checklist. Happy & Successful Blogging! 

BIO: Cindy Hyde, MA is a published author, blogger, counselor, media personality, professional life coach, and CEO and founder of The East Texas Healing Center. Over the course of her career, Cindy has become known as a trusted partner among those who are serious about living a productive and successful life. Cindy holds a Master’s Degree in Education, Bachelor’s in Communication, and an Associate’s in Information Technology - Visual Communication. She currently lives in Nacogdoches, TX with her doting and patient husband Michael. She is passionate about writing and helping others become published authors and Authorpreneurs through her Workbook and her Writing Workshops, graphic design. Connect with Cindy cindyhyde.com, fb.me/cindyhyde, @cindyhyde, linkedin/in/cindyhyde, and her Author Site.