Since the pandemic more and more people have started to rethink their career path and have begun to look at ways to make money and have the freedom and flexibility to travel while doing it. There are lots of ways you can make money either as a side hustle or a full time gig. There are a lot of online job listings out there where you can find tons of opportunities. Or maybe you want to start a blog. Well, you have come to the right place! On this page you will find the resources you need to get started, classes I myself have taken, conferences, worthy websites, and more. But a strong foundation begins with a clear plan, including creating a wireframe for your website to organize ideas effectively.
How to Get Started
As you build your blog and your following, questions come up, you need to learn new skills but have no idea where to go. I had no idea how to create a blog, or a pin, or a newsletter and so had to read lots and lots of articles just to get there.
Finding you name
The name you pick should emulate your personality and be in line with the type of blog you want to start. There is a lot of competition out there so you need to find a way to stand out. Think seriously about the audience you wish to attract. What are their demographics?
I think of blogging as a marathon, not a sprint. Are you in this for the long haul? If so, keep this in mind as you pick you name. You don’t want to have a name like, “Traveling in your 50s” because you are not always going to be in your 50s. Then what?
You want it to stand out, but you also want it to be easy to remember. I know, I know, my name isn’t exactly the easiest to remember but it makes you ask the question, what does that mean? It peaks people’s interest.
Make sure that domain name is available as well as in social media. You don’t want to have settled on a name only to find out you can’t use it.
Choosing your name and your niche is probably the most difficult part of the whole process. You want a name that stands out and you want to pick a topic that speaks to you and isn’t too general, otherwise you will get lost in the ether.
You can blog about travel but if you just tell stories about all the places you are going with no general theme to them you likelihood of success is much lower. Instead try to find an area that interests you and become the expert in it. Examples of niches include budget travel, LBGTQ travel, adventure travel, and gluten free foodie traveling.
Setting up hosting
One of the first things you need to consider is hosting. When I first started blogging let’s face it, I had no idea what I was doing. I am after all a veterinarian. In no way shape or form was I trained in computer software programs. Hosting was the first thing I paid for. I was scared and thrilled all at the same time.
Turns out signing up for hosting is super easy! I chose Bluehost based on recommendations from other bloggers and it was good value for my money. I am extremely happy with them and have been with them since my blogs inception. You can get your first year free and then it’s only $3.95 a month.
Install WordPress
Once you have hosting squared away, you will be asked to install WordPress. It’s extremely easy. You pick a user name and password. From there Bluehost will ask you to pick a theme. Don’t spend a lot of time on this, you can change it later. After that you are ready to get started!
Download an eye-catching theme
There are lots of options out there for themes, from free themes to paid themes to subscriptions. I originally subscribed to Elegant themes for $89 a year, never used it, started with a free theme that didn’t have enough versatility and then bought the theme I am using now. In my opinion, and that of other bloggers, paying $40-60 for a theme is a no-brainer and a necessity.
Install some essential plugins
Askimet: This plugin helps control spammy comments coming in to your site. Using this plugin means you don’t have to see them or worry about taking your valuable time to deal with them.
Yoast SEO: As you build your site and read and learn about becoming a successful blogger you quickly learn the importance of SEO. It’s what helps you get ranked in Google. This plugin in is great for pointing out ways to improve so you can rank higher.
As you grow and take various courses (see below) you will discover other plugins that may be useful to you. For example, I use Social Pug so people can share my posts through the various social media platforms and ThirstyAffiliates for affiliate marketing. As you develop your site and your identity your needs will determine the plugins you choose.
Other details to help you grow
Writing
One of the best things I have done for my blog was getting RankIQ. It has helped me write posts with the best keywords, without having to do all the searching on my own. It also helps me craft the best titles for my posts and gives me suggested topics within my niche. I have seen huge growth in my traffic since starting with RankIQ and I cannot recommend it enough.
Courses
Travel Writing Overdrive
I took this course as the next step in my travel writing journey. I also read Tim’s book at the same time as a kind of supplement to the course. It gives you perspective on how to be productive, how to create multiple income streams, and some tips and tricks on how to generate more followers and get your name out there. He is very real about the time and effort required to achieve success, no sugar coating necessary.
I was able to refocus some of my efforts on pitching to other blogs, magazines, and potential tour companies, as well as focus on the aspects of blogging that are more productive. Social media not being one of them. Links, guest posting and email subscribers being the key.
Depending on the package you go for you also get monthly Skype sessions with Tim to discuss the course modules and address any questions you may have. There is also a Facebook group for this course as well for any questions you may have.
For Pinterest
A Complete Guide to Pinterest for Travel Bloggers
Pinterest for Bloggers 2019: How to Grow Your Traffic With Pinterest
I use Tailwind for all my Pinterest and Instagram scheduling. It makes my life so much easier by spending an hour or two scheduling Pins and photos for a week to several weeks in advance.
For Newsletters and Subscribers
I recommend starting out with MailChimp. It’s pretty user friendly and you can use it for free until you reach around 1,000 subscribers and then you need to pay a fee. If you are cool with paying a fee, then I really like AWeber. They have great customer service support, it’s user friendly, and there are a lot of cool integration options.
Conferences
There are so many options out there when it comes to conferences. There are niche specific conferences, woman only conferences, conferences held in various countries. All provide the opportunity to learn and grow and network. Below are just a select few.
As their website says “TBEX is the largest conference and networking event for travel bloggers, online travel journalists, new media content creators, travel brands and industry professionals. Each year, TBEX partners with fantastic host destinations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific to bring the travel industry’s most creative minds together to learn, network and do business.” What more could you ask for?
A conference for women who love travel. “A transformative event that launches careers, connects new friends, and has sent hundreds of women across the world.”
For something little more unconventional Travel Shows asks you to “discover world class destinations, learn from the best local travel experts, meet your favorite celebrity travel personalities, explore cultural entertainment from around the world and plan your next vacation in one day, under one roof.”
Tips and Advice
- Don’t give up – you are not going to be a success overnight. It takes time, patience and perseverance to become a known influencer and blogger. Just keep working at it, whether it’s part-time or full-time. If you want it, keep at it.
- SEO is extremely important – Writing well and knowing how to say things that rank well without sounding like a robot is an art form. Practice, practice, practice. Just keep writing. Read lots of articles and books on SEO and you will improve.
- Read lots of books and articles – I learned my way around this blogging world by doing lots of reading, not only will it make you a better writer, but you will learn how to make your website more attractive, what you should spend money on and what you shouldn’t, how to write a great pitch, and so much more.
