So, what exactly is a Blog?
Simply put, a blog is a website where the primary focus is on articles, or “blog posts.” While blogs concerning news or celebrities tend to get the most attention, this tutorial will show you that any topic may be the basis for a great blog. At the start of 2023, South Africa had 43.48 million internet users, I am sure you can find an audience with these stats.
Bloggers’ ability to speak candidly and connect with their followers is one of the main draws of the medium. In addition, most blogs allow readers to interact with the blogger through a “comments” section. The relationship between blogger and reader can be strengthened by participation in the comments area.
One of the best features of blogging is the personal interaction it allows the blogger to have with the reader. This link puts you in touch with others who share your interests and perspectives. It’s a great way to gain your readers’ confidence. Having devoted followers makes it possible to monetize your site, a topic I’ll cover in more detail below.
The good news is that internet growth is skyrocketing at the moment. These days, more people than ever before have a web presence. Because of this meteoric rise, there are now more people who could read your site. To sum up, there has never been a better time than the present to launch a blog.
This is my 3rd year running this blog and I will Tell you EVERYTHING I KNOW. Seriousy, no gatekeeping here. ( I will also keep this post as short as possible)
Step 1: How to pick a name for your blog
It can take you months to figure out a name for your site! I do not blame you for wanting to take your time as once you register a blog name, you cannot change it. I would say, select something easy and catchy. Unless you are sure of your niche, keep it flexible. You could be like me though, I went with my name so that my branding is the same across al platforms.
Psst: I did not pay for my domain name, I got it for FREE from Bluehost!
Step 2: Select a Hosting Package
This is truly the only item you should be paying for. I am not technical and I do treat my website as a business so I take the most affordable route always! So, there a lot of hosting options, some accept month to month payments which can be tempting but, I use Bluehost and their annual subscription of $36 a year which is around R700 a year (depending on the exchange rate).
This way, I am not facing a payment monthly and I have given myself ONE YEAR to focus on the project and make a profitable blog in South Africa. Please note that Bluehost works worldwide, so any country works.
What is Hosting
Lynn, wait.. what is hosting? Web hosting is an online service that makes the content of your website available on the internet. When you purchase a hosting plan, you are renting space on a real server to store all of the files and data for your website. If you do not have paid hosting a proper domain (which is part of a paid hosting plan, you cannot make money off of your site)
It’s one of those things, you have to pay something to get something. Monetizing platforms will not accept you into their program if your site is not self hosted. (Do not worry though, you will get that money back within a month or two)
How much does it cost to start a blog in South Africa
Depending on the type of blog you want to start, your blog cost will be around $35.40 to $100 and it will cover your minimum expenses for the first year. I did mention earlier that I went for the cheapest option. $36, which is R700! for an entire year of hosting. I believe they have a sale on again at the moment and I have placed a banner for you below to check out the offer. (It is an affiliate link of mine. If you are serious and want a website or blog but you cannot set up a site, I can set it up for you for FREE if you USE MY LINK TO PAY FOR HOSTING. (email me your proof of payment to lynnfithoremote@gmail.com to start the set-up)
Step 3: Website setup with WordPress
Again, I know there are a lot of companies that offer platforms to write your blog on. I am not technical so I just know the important information. WordPress is FREE. It is an open source platform, no one owns it so… in theory, it can never disappear and you can access thousands of themes, pluggins and widgets to make your site amazing FOR FREE. Also, my site is on wordpress, so that’s what has worked for me. Did I also mention that its FREE forever?
(I can set it up for you for FREE if you have used my BlueHost link to purchase your hosting) A little thank you for making me earn some affiliate coins!
Step 4: Profitable Content for a Website in 2023
Honestly, by now you should have an idea of what you want to blog or have your website be about. I have always been a fan of niching down. To add on, certain niches do pay more than others. At the end of the day, its all up to you. As time goes, I will write a separate post about the best niches to target. However, if you are curious about my website, I tale about job searching, job leads and looking for financial freedom because that is what I know. I am Human Resources professional, so I figured, let me pour my knowledge online to help others and have a side hustle for myself in the process. (If you are consistent and find an audience, any Topic/ niche can make some money)
Step 5: How to Make Real Money On Your Website In South Africa
Yes, you saw that I specified Africa there right? This is because our market is different from overseas. We do not have a good number of companies that have affiliate marketing opportunities. Unless you have A HUGE FOLLOWING, forget about sponsorships. Believe you me, I have tried. But my go-to is running ads on your website. I have two companies that run ads on my site which are Ezoic and Adsense.
The best companies to use to Run ads on your website
Good old Google Adsense is your starting point here. There are loads more options but they take starter blogs and give them a chance.
Where to get Traffic to your site
Google takes a while for your posts to rank on the internet for you to be able to start getting organic views. (At least that has been my experience) However, make use of social media. I personally use TikTok, YouTube and Pinterest to drive views. I have not had musch luck facebook, perhaps my niche is not the best.
Lynn, I need help!
Hey, you did read the entire thing so thank you. Plus, I have been in your position where even with all the information, you still need assistance. I got you! Kindly email me the proof that you have paid for your hosting using my link which you can FIND HERE, and I will SET UP YOUR STARTER SITE (a simple clean website to get you going) AND GUIDE YOU TO MONETIZATION.
EMAIL: lynnfithoremote@gmail.com