Starting A Blog With Blogger

Starting a Blog Using Blogger

December 6, 2020
Created and Compiled by April Jackson

Getting Started

Tip: Always remember to save as you go!

1. Create Content: Start by planning and creating the posts you want to share.

2. Design Your Logo: Use tools like PosterMyWall to easily create graphics, posters, and a logo for your blog.

3. Set Up Email: Create a Gmail account that matches the title of your blog.

4. Purchase a Domain: Use Google Domains or another domain provider to buy a custom domain name that matches your blog title.

5. Choose a Platform: Blogger is free and beginner-friendly, but you can also consider Squarespace, WordPress, Google Sites, or Wix. Each offers different features and pricing.

Note: I started with Blogger but eventually moved to Google Sites for more layout options and a professional look. Blogger gave me the basics and confidence to branch out.

Setting Up Blogger

• Create a Blogger account using your new Gmail email.

• Explore settings, especially:

  • Comment Moderation

  • Favicon (use favicon.io to create one)

• Write your first post and preview it.

• Add gadgets in layout such as blog stats, contact forms, and subscribe buttons.

• Sign up for Google Analytics to track your traffic.

Important: Blogger originally used “UA-” IDs for Google Analytics, but now uses “G-” IDs for Google Analytics 4. Some features may not work the same, so check Google’s help pages for setup instructions.

Protecting Yourself and Your Blog

Before publishing, read up on protecting your content and personal information.

Making Income From Your Blog

There are many ways to earn money once your blog is live:

1. Google AdSense: Place ads on your site and earn money from impressions and clicks.

2. Amazon Associates: Earn a commission when readers purchase products through your links.

3. Pay-Per-Download (PPD) Sites: Host files on PPD platforms (like CPAGrip or Upload.io) and earn each time they’re downloaded.

4. Affiliate Marketing: Promote downloads (like apps, ebooks, or software) through affiliate networks such as CJ Affiliate, Impact, or ShareASale.

5. Sell Your Own Digital Products: Create and sell ebooks, templates, or music through Gumroad, Payhip, or Shopify.

6. Membership or Subscription Models: Offer a members-only section of your site where readers pay monthly for access to downloads. Tools like Patreon or MemberPress make this easy.

⚠️ Reminder: Only share files you have the rights to. Copyright violations can get you banned from ad networks or worse.

Getting More Visitors

• Create Social Media Pages: Set up Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube pages connected to your blog.

• Use Ads to Drive Traffic: Run Facebook or TikTok ads if you want to invest in reaching more people.

• Add Social Media Icons: Place them on your blog to make it easy for readers to follow you.

Final Thoughts

Starting a blog is exciting and rewarding. Begin with Blogger to learn the basics, then grow into other platforms as your confidence builds. Focus on creating content, protecting your work, and exploring different ways to earn income—whether through ads, affiliates, downloads, or your own products. With consistency, your blog can become both a passion project and a source of income.