How to Create a Free Blog That Drives Real Agency Leads

These days, it feels like everyone and their dog has a blog. But don’t let that discourage you. Creating a free blog is still a fantastic way to share your thoughts, expertise, or creative work with the world. Plus, it can even help you to earn some income on the side.

Maybe you’re unsure where to begin or worried that it’ll be too technical. This guide will simplify the process of how to start blogging.

How to Create a Blog for Free

Every founder, entrepreneur, and business owner has a unique story to share — a passion that fuels their journey. Here at BrandWell, we’re committed to helping you tell that story through impactful long-form content marketing.

But where should you start? The answer is straightforward: launch a free blog.

Blogging is still one of the most effective tools in a digital marketing strategy, offering a powerful way to share knowledge, establish brand authority, and connect with your audience on a personal level.

Thanks to modern technology, starting a blog has never been easier or more accessible.

Here’s my step-by-step guide to help you create a free blog.

Step 1: Pick a Blog Name

Your blog name is a crucial part of your brand identity. It’s how your audience will find you online and what they’ll come to associate with your content. A well-chosen name can attract readers and enhance your brand’s memorability.

Brainstorming Your Blog Name

Start by considering your target audience and the overall message you want to convey. What are their interests, and what kind of tone do you want to set for your blog? Once you have a clear understanding of your niche and brand personality, you can start brainstorming names that reflect these elements.

Checking for Availability

Before settling on a name, make sure it’s available as a domain name and on social media platforms. You can use a domain registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap to see if your desired domain name is available. Remember to check for similar names and variations to avoid potential trademark issues.

Tips for Choosing a Memorable Blog Name

• Keep it concise and easy to remember. Avoid using complex words or lengthy phrases that might be difficult for readers to recall.
• Use keywords relevant to your niche. This will make it easier for people searching for content like yours to find you online.
• Consider the sound and flow of the name. A name that rolls off the tongue is more likely to stick in people’s minds.
• Be creative and original. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and come up with a unique name that sets you apart from the competition.

Step 2: Choose Your Blogging Platform

The next step to creating a free blog is choosing a blogging platform to host your content.

Two main types of blogging platforms exist: free and self-hosted.

Free platforms like Wix and Blogger offer user-friendly interfaces and require no upfront investment. However, these come with limitations in customization and monetization options. Self-hosted platforms, like WordPress.org, give you complete control over your blog but need a bit more technical know-how.

Free Blogging Platforms

Free blogging platforms are great for beginners. If you want to dip your toes into the blogging world without spending money, here are a few popular options:

Wix

Known for its drag-and-drop interface and stunning templates, Wix allows you to build a visually appealing blog effortlessly. This platform lets you easily integrate your blog with other Wix features like eCommerce or appointment scheduling. Wix’s free plan provides basic features to get you started.

Blogger

Backed by Google, Blogger has been a blogging staple for years. It’s easy to use and offers a reliable platform for publishing your content. You can choose from several free templates or customize them with basic HTML and CSS. Blogger also lets you monetize your blog with Google AdSense.

Medium

Medium rose to popularity back in 2012 as a platform for writers to easily publish their work and connect with a large audience. While you can publish directly on Medium without creating a standalone blog, their Partner Program lets you earn money based on reader engagement with your stories.

Substack

Substack provides a simple way to send out email newsletters and grow a loyal audience. In addition to traditional blog posts, there’s also a podcasting option and a chat feature. With two million paid subscribers as of February 2023, Substack is a platform that caters well to readers who are hungry for quality content.

Self-hosted Platform: WordPress.org

While platforms like Wix and Blogger cater to bloggers who want ease of use, self-hosting with WordPress.org gives you ultimate flexibility in terms of design and functionality. You can easily add plugins, switch themes, and scale your website as your audience grows. However, self-hosting means you’ll need to find your own web hosting, manage your website’s security, and be a bit more tech-savvy.

Step 3: Get a Domain

Every brand needs a home, and in the digital age, that home is your domain name. When it comes to establishing your brand’s online presence, think of your domain name as the street address of your brand. It’s how customers find you, remember you, and tell others about you.

While free blogging platforms can be a great starting point, a custom domain instantly boosts your brand’s credibility and makes it easier for potential customers and clients to find you. Instead of “yourbrandname.blogspot.com”, you could have “yourbrandname.com”. Which one sounds more professional and trustworthy?

There are many reputable domain registrars where you can purchase a domain name at a reasonable cost. Here are a few popular options:

• GoDaddy
• Namecheap
• Google Domains

When choosing your domain name, keep these tips in mind:

• Keep it short, memorable, and easy to spell.
• Reflect your brand name or industry.
• Consider using keywords that your target audience might search for.
• Opt for a .com extension if possible, as it’s the most common and trusted.

Investing in a custom domain is a small price to pay for the brand authority and online visibility it brings. It’s a crucial step in building a strong and recognizable brand presence that attracts customers and drives long-term growth.

Learn how to choose a domain name that rocks in this comprehensive guide.

Step 4: Craft Your Brand’s Digital Storefront

Your blog isn’t just a place to post updates – it’s your brand’s digital storefront. It’s the first impression, the handshake, the welcoming atmosphere that invites your audience in and encourages them to stay awhile. And just like any good storefront, your blog’s design needs to capture attention, build trust, and reflect your brand’s unique personality.

The design template you select establishes the tone of your blog both now and in the future, so take your time with this decision. Consider which colors reflect your personality or the atmosphere you want to create — whether that’s relaxed, professional, or playful.

This choice goes beyond just visuals; it’s about providing your audience with an engaging and enjoyable experience.

Click here for more blog templates from Canva

But it doesn’t stop there. You can further tailor your blog’s design with:

• Flexible Layouts: Experiment with different content arrangements to highlight your best work and guide visitors through your site.
• Background Images: Choose from hundreds of high-quality images or upload your own to create a visually captivating experience.
• Customizable Fonts and Colors: Ensure every element aligns perfectly with your brand guidelines for a cohesive and professional look.

Step 5: Write Your First Blog Post

So you have a platform and a shiny new blog. Now what? It’s time to create your first blog post. To get you started on the right foot, think about the following:

Write For Your Audience

Who are you trying to reach with your blog? What problems do they face, and how can you help solve them through your writing? Knowing your target audience inside and out will help you craft content that is valuable and resonates with them.

Headline Writing

Think of your headline as a catchy storefront sign. It needs to grab attention and entice people to step inside and read more. Headlines like “How To…” and listicles (e.g. “10 Best…”) are a sure-fire way to engage with people scrolling on the internet.

Structure Your Content

Imagine trying to read a novel without paragraphs. No one has time for a wall of text. Break your content up with headings and short paragraphs (no more than 2 to 3 sentences.) to improve the readability.

Using bullets, numbered lists, or even embedding relevant Tweets when relevant will keep people glued to the page. The easier it is to read your content, the more likely people are to stick around.

SEO Basics

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, may seem intimidating. But simply put, it’s the process of improving your content so it shows up in search engine results. You’ve likely landed on blog posts while searching for information on Google.

Using relevant keywords within your content helps to create free blog posts that get noticed. Beyond incorporating keywords naturally into your post, ensure that each post provides valuable, well-researched information.

For example, citing industry reports with accurate data points, similar to HubSpot’s Annual Diversity Report, enhances your authority on a topic. The key is to write for humans first and optimize for search engines second.

Here are some tips for writing a standout blog post:

• Discover Your Voice: Authenticity draws readers in. Write as though you’re having a direct conversation with your ideal audience.
• Thorough Research: Support your claims with data from credible sources, such as industry reports or case studies. This not only adds depth to your content but also enhances SEO through effective external linking.
• Provide Value: Always strive to leave your readers with something valuable, whether it’s practical advice or fresh insights they can use.

Videos and images are powerful tools for breaking up large blocks of text and keeping readers interested. By incorporating video content, you’re not just telling a story — you’re visually demonstrating it. This strategy can greatly increase the time visitors spend on your blog, which is key to fostering a strong online community.

Multimedia elements do more than capture attention; they also improve understanding. Some concepts are easier to grasp with visual aids than through text alone.

Including visuals boosts both readability and shareability — essential for organically growing your online presence over time.

Click here for a full tutorial on how to add visual elements to your blog posts.

Step 6: Drive Traffic to Your New Blog

Building an audience for your blog takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not seeing millions of hits overnight.

There are a variety of blogging tools and marketing features that can be utilized to organically grow your blog. Focus on providing quality content and marketing your blog posts, and the readers will follow.

Social Sharing

Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn each have different audiences and ways to present content. Tailoring content that is unique to each social platform and appeals to that audience can help to drive traffic to your website.

Consider creating a social media posting schedule to stay organized. Sharing your blog posts on your social media is a great way to drive free blog traffic.

Engaging With Online Communities

Participating in online discussions and groups related to your niche is a fantastic way to get the word out. Answering questions on platforms like Quora, actively contributing to forums, and sharing links to your blog content (only where relevant) are organic ways to attract readers.

Collaborating with Other Bloggers

It’s tempting to see other blogs as competition, but there is plenty of room for everyone. Reaching out to bloggers with a similar audience can mutually benefit each party through sharing content, guest-posting, or participating in online summits.

Email Marketing

Building a strong email list may be an “older” concept, but it’s one of the most effective strategies to keep your audience engaged. Tools such as pop-up boxes or offering something valuable (such as an eBook or free guide) can convert site visitors into loyal readers.

Think about sending weekly or monthly email blasts to share links to recent blog posts or website updates. Having an email list is also a great way to monetize your blog down the line if you decide to launch your own products or services.

Step 7: Create a Blogging Schedule

Creating a publishing schedule for your blog is essential for several reasons.

First, it helps you stay organized and consistent, which fosters trust and loyalty with your audience.

Additionally, it gives your readers something to anticipate and helps attract new visitors who know when to expect fresh content.

To establish a blogging schedule, decide how often you want to post—whether that’s daily, weekly, or monthly. Then, plan your content in advance, using tools like editorial calendars or simple spreadsheets to track topics, deadlines, and publishing dates.

To get started with your editorial calendar, open Excel or Google Sheets. These tools become highly effective when tailored to your blogging strategy. Key columns should include:

• Publishing Date: When will this post go live? Timing is especially important for certain topics, like seasonal posts.
• Blog Title: What’s the working title? Having it outlined helps maintain focus.
• Main Keywords: Which SEO keywords are you targeting? Keep them handy for easy reference as you write.
• Status: Is the post in draft, under review, or ready to publish?
• Comments: Include notes or ideas that need consideration during the writing or editing stages.

If you’re already using BrandWell for content creation, you can also create a schedule for your blog posts right inside the app.

As shown in the screenshot below, you can assign keywords, blog titles, and team members to each of your daily writing tasks. The content calendar seamlessly integrates with the content planner, allowing you to generate hundreds of blog posts with just a few clicks.

Deciding how often to publish is crucial, but it varies greatly from blog to blog. While posting more frequently can lead to higher traffic, quality should always come before quantity.

Start with a schedule that feels manageable, whether that’s weekly or bi-weekly, and make adjustments based on performance data and audience feedback.

Keep in mind that flexibility is important — be prepared to adapt your schedule as needed to handle changes or unforeseen events.

Step 8: Make Money from Your Blog

You’ve poured your heart and soul into creating compelling blog content and promoting your blog; now it’s time to reap the rewards. Monetizing your blog is a significant step towards generating passive income and building a sustainable business. But remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

While blogs have the potential to be incredibly lucrative, don’t expect to start raking in the big bucks overnight. It takes time to build a loyal audience and establish your blog as an authority in your niche. It’s a marathon, not a sprint! However, with consistent effort and a strategic approach, you can transform your blog into a profitable venture.

Explore Diverse Monetization Avenues

Once your blog gains traction and attracts a steady stream of engaged readers, a world of monetization opportunities opens up. Here are a few proven methods to explore:

• Display Advertising: This is a great way to generate passive income. By partnering with an ad network like Google AdSense, you can display targeted ads on your blog and earn revenue based on impressions or clicks.
• Affiliate Marketing: Become an affiliate for products or services that align with your niche and audience. You’ll earn a commission for every sale made through your unique referral link.
• Sell Products or Services: Leverage your blog as a platform to promote and sell your own products or services. This could include physical goods, digital products (e-books, courses, templates), or even consulting services.
• Membership Sites: Create exclusive content and offer premium memberships to your most loyal readers. This could include access to webinars, online communities, or personalized support.

It’s Not Yet Too Late to Start Blogging

While the blogosphere might seem daunting at first, learning how to create a free blog can be a really fun and rewarding experience.

With a little planning and effort, you can easily start a blog today for free.

You never know — your blog might turn into something that helps others, generates an income, or leads you down a different path.