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How to Start a Mom Blog in 2021

by Elna | updated Apr 9, 2021 | 660 Comments | shares

How to Start a Mom Blog for the New Beginner | This step-by-step tutorial on starting your blog was the best! Do you want to start a blog? | start a WordPress blog | start a website | start a blog with SiteGround | Beginner guide to starting a blog | If you're not sure how to start a mom blog or chose a reputable web host, this step-by-step tutorial walks you through what you need to know to start a self-hosted blog with WordPress and SiteGround. Even if you use Bluehost or some other host, this will work for you.

Want to start a blog from home, mama?

I’m sure you read a lot of mom blogs, go on Facebook, and hang out on Pinterest when your little one is sleeping.

You see everyone online with their blog, and you want to know how to start a blog.

You want to join this awesome community. I can’t blame you.

I’ve been blogging for almost four years years on this blog and let me tell you, starting a mom blog was the best decision I ever made.

I love blogging so much, and that’s probably why five years ago I decided to become a freelance writer. I blog for a living, and it’s been the best decision I made for my family and me.

You know why? My family has been sick. We’ve all had the flu, stomach flu, icky colds, low-grade fevers and more for over a month!

Because I have a blog, I was able to take care of my twins at home every day, and not have to worry about going back to work, hiring a babysitter or taking them to day care.

I can stay home, make an online income and pick up my twins from school every time. Do you want that mama? I know you do.

You can make money on your blog as long as you’re willing to put in the time and effort to grow your blog. If you’re not sure if you can, just look at these bloggers who started out just like you and grew their blog to thousands a month!

  • Abby from Just A Girl and Her Blog – $40,124 in one month
  • Rosemarie from The Busy Budgeter – $32,469 in one month
  • Lena from What Mommy Does – $9,997 in one month

I’ve had so many moms email me personally telling me their story for wanting to start a blog, but they had no idea what to do or where to go.

If you want to start a mom blog, don’t worry, it’s easy, quick and you don’t need to know any tech stuff. Trust me. I’m tech illiterate, and I was able to start a blog with Bluehost in under 10 minutes!

Okay.

Let’s break this down and start from the beginning!

1. Figure Out Your Niche

One thing you need to think about when starting your blog is what you plan to write about. This can be a challenge for a lot of people. I struggled too.

When I first started Twins Mommy, I decided to write for work-at-home moms with little ones.

But, this soon turned to mom bloggers who wanted to become mompreneurs. And even now, I’m honing my niche to make sure I focus on traffic growth, income growth, and email list growth. I will, of course, talk about my twins and being productive, but it’s not my blog’s focus.

You might be wondering, why do I even need a niche? 

There’s a lot of lifestyle blogs that talk about career, travel, beauty, parenting and DIY.

For your first blog, though, I suggest you find a niche. You know why?

It will help you grow your blog and your following quicker.

People will remember you when they can think of your whole blog and what you stand for.

So, to find your niche, ask these questions:

What am I passionate about?

What’s that one thing that keeps you up at night? Look at your hobbies and find out what you enjoy and can write about it for a long time.

You can also look at previous experience to help you decide your niche.

My background is in education and being a mama, but my online experience is in digital marketing. When I created Twins Mommy I drew from those experiences.

Is there a need for my niche?

This is a little bit more challenging. How do you find out if there’s a need when, on Pinterest, you see like a gazillion blogs that talk about the same thing?

One easy way is to check on Facebook. Go to a few groups you belong to and use their search function.

Just type in your niche or keyword that represents your blog and see if there are lots of questions surrounding that topic. If so, you have a viable niche!

Can you monetize it?

Listen, we all love blogging for fun, but if you really want to stay home with your little one or be able to quit that 9-5 job you hate, you need to find a way to monetize your niche. For some, that’s doing sponsored posts, for others, it’s affiliate marketing, and for others, it’s starting a service (like me!).

Answer those three questions, and that should help you find your niche.

2. Choose a Blogging Platform

This site is a WordPress.org blog and while there are other blogging platforms to choose from – Squarespace for example – for the sake of this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to start a WordPress.org blog.

A WordPress.org blog requires hosting and this post walks you through how to set up your hosting using Bluehost.

I recommend starting a blog with WordPress because:

  • Most sites are WordPress sites (like The New Yorker and even Beyoncé!)
  • You have more options to customize your site with WordPress plugins and thousands of themes to choose from (both free and paid) to make your blog look the way you want it to.
  • There is a lot of support to help you with your WordPress blog. There are YouTube videos, blog posts and WordPress forums – not to mention me! – that can help you with your blog’s theme and site.

3. Choose a Domain Name

This is the fun part, mamas! This is where your creativity comes out of the bag and can play ? It’s time to create your website’s name. What are you going to name your blog? This will be what you type in the address bar – http://yourblogname.com.

It’s probably a good idea to have your niche somewhere in your website name.

But, if you take a look at my blog’s name – Twins Mommy – this doesn’t scream helping moms become mompreneurs!

So, don’t spend days thinking of the perfect name. Make sure, though, to have a couple of names in case the .com is already taken. I also suggest trying to get a .com since that’s the most common and easy to remember ( just make a list for now. Once we get into starting a mom blog, I’ll show you how to get your domain name!).

As a rule, make sure your domain name is simple, short and easy to spell, and relates to your overall brand.

Some of my favorite mom blog names are:

Kids, Cash, Chaos

Crazy Life With Littles

Living For Naptime

Okay! Now it’s time to create a blog.

4. Time to Start a Blog with Bluehost and WordPress

When I first started blogging I wanted to use a secure and reliable web host. Bluehost is one of the best hosting companies out there and a great value too, mamas!

Why Choose Bluehost?

There’s a lot of hosts to choose from, so why choose Bluehost to host your blog? There are four main reasons to start your blog with Bluehost.

1. You Get a Free Domain

Bluehost gives you a completely free domain name for the entire year when you sign up using my special link.

That saves you $15 or more right up front! This is super important if you want to bootstrap your blogging expenses.

Most other web hosting providers don’t offer a free domain to their customers.

2. They Have 24/7 Support For All of Your Questions

If you have a problem or question, you don’t have to wait over an hour for a representative. Bluehost’s fantastic tech support will answer your questions any time of the day or night, and do it quickly.

You can choose phone support or live – online – chat with their tech support team, and their support team is available 24/7.

I use their live chat all the time, but for kicks I picked up the phone and gave them a call one day. Within 2 minutes I had my entire issue resolved. Talk about fast!

Here are what my course students said about Bluehost tech support:

If you’re a mom, I suggest the chat option in case your little one wants to test out their lungs ?

3. Automatically Installs WordPress For You

How great is this mama? No need to maneuverer clicking buttons or typing in cryptic commands to install WordPress anymore! Bluehost does it for you behind the scenes…automatically!

You can start your mom blog in minutes after you sign up to Bluehost.

4. Affordable for New Bloggers

I get you –

When starting a blog, you want to keep your costs down. Making money blogging is a journey so any savings you do up front will help you with blogging for a long time!

Bluehost has made it super affordable for new bloggers with their plans – when you use my special link. You can start a blog for as low as $2.95/month!

Compare that to down the road when your blog is hopefully making you thousands a month!

Starting a blog doesn’t have to be a hard decision for you mama.

As a stay at home mom, it was absolutely the BEST decision I have made. I started blogging when my twins were taking one nap a day.

Now – my twins are in school! I side hustled my blogging to now become a full-time blogger!

And you can do this too mama – with baby in tow!

And one more reason why Bluehost is the most recommended and best blogging host for new bloggers – WordPress has officially recommended Bluehost as one of a very few “best and brightest hosts.”

Let’s get started!

Just click on over to Bluehost and follow along with me! And to help you even more, I have a tutorial video that walks you step-by-step on starting a blog!

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About The Author

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I'm Elna, wife to my college sweetheart and mother to my school-aged twins. Together we are the parent entrepreneurs. I'm also a professional blogger and freelance writer. I help mom bloggers make money blogging so they can stay home with their little ones too! Come join me in the Mom to Mompreneur Facebook group!

Reader Interactions

Comments Cancel reply

  1. Mai Pham

    March 16, 2021 at 12:28 pm

    Hi Elna
    I have been on and off for a few years but have not made money from it. I started a mom blog recently and decided to go with it to the end.
    I published over 50 articles on my blog, but I haven’t had a steady traffic. In fact, my traffic is quite poor (only a few views a day). So I am wondering what I’m doing wrong. What do you suggest about keyword research and SEO? Should I just blog about a big category, then make smaller articles within that category, or just go with keyword?
    What is your suggested approach?
    I also purchased your Pinterest course but I don’t understand the part of keyword in the Pin. Do I need to create different category for each keyword? It means I need to create hundreds, or even more category?
    Thanks a lot Elna

    Reply to Mai
    • Elna

      March 17, 2021 at 3:03 pm

      Hi,

      Since you have a lot of posts I would now focus on SEO. I would pick keywords that align with your topics and not lean towards one category. See what works. For example, for my freelancing site I choose topics related to freelancing like using Upwork vs. Fiverr or how to find clients as a freelancer or being lonely working from home. All of those topics relate to the freelance life. So when you do keywords think like that. Regarding Pinterest, you can search for keywords using Pinterest and then you can use those in your Pin description!

      Reply to Elna
  2. Donna

    March 5, 2021 at 11:22 am

    Hi Elna, thank you for putting this information out here. I’m just starting out, I’ve got my page going, slowly adding posts to it, and now I’ve hit the “what now” stage, and I’ve found you – whoop whoop so much helpful stuff! I’m working on figuring my niche, I think I have a few too many ideas on the go tbh, so shall definitely be reading through as much of your stuff as possible, I started my page as a “something to do whilst homeschooling” and I am already wanting to turn it into something more.

    Reply to Donna
    • Elna

      March 5, 2021 at 2:51 pm

      Hi Donna!

      Congrats on starting a mommy blog! How fun! I think a homeschooling blog is perfect for this time in our lives! More and more people are wanting to stay home and homeschool their children! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  3. Josslin

    March 2, 2021 at 1:22 pm

    Hello! Fellow Mama over here in the beginning stages of starting a blog. Thank you for the great information! I’m curious if you know the best way to go about obtaining privacy policies, disclosures, terms and conditions as well as disclaimers for my blog. In addition to being a mom, I’m also a labor and delivery nurse hoping to share some valuable information to expectant moms but I want to make sure I’m protecting myself against any potential legal issues. Would love any advice. Thank you!

    Reply to Josslin
    • Elna

      March 2, 2021 at 2:25 pm

      Hi Josslin,

      Great question! I do have a privacy policies disclosure on my blog and new bloggers should. One of my students’s is a lawyer and she sells these template here (affiliate link): https://twinsmommy.com/go/legaltemplates

      Reply to Elna
      • Josslin

        March 4, 2021 at 3:54 pm

        Great. Thank you!

        Reply to Josslin
  4. Amanda

    January 28, 2021 at 4:35 am

    Hi there. I have been blogging for 6 months, focusing on SEO and Instagram to promote and failing miserably! Love the sound of your course, i just wondered if this is viable to use in the UK to help mums here? I know my niche and ideas, just struggle with the tech side of blogging/seo and find instagram very challenging! Thank you

    Reply to Amanda
    • Elna

      January 29, 2021 at 1:49 pm

      Hi Amanda,

      Yes, my course is for anyone online in any country that can do blogging! It does cover SEO, Pinterest marketing and Writing for money all in one!

      Reply to Elna
  5. Dawn Field

    January 26, 2021 at 1:24 pm

    Omgoodness, I am realizing that I got ahead of the game and went to WordPress and clicked on bluehost from there! I got my blog started, but now I see if I had clicked through this page you would have gotten credit ($$$) I am so sorry to jump the gun! I’ll try to not jump ahead from now on! I did get the $2.99 price, but I think I circumnavigated you! Please forgive!

    Reply to Dawn
    • Elna

      January 29, 2021 at 1:50 pm

      Hi Dawn,

      That’s okay! Have fun starting a blog!

      Reply to Elna
  6. PHILLIPA VEILLARD

    January 22, 2021 at 7:26 pm

    This artcle was very helpful. I have already gotten a domain name and have set up my website. I want to blog about surviving motherhood and so may ideas are circling through my head with no solid foundation. Its going to be more of a lifestyle type of blog. Do you think this would be a successful niche that will be quick to catch on? any advice is quite welcomed and so needed.

    Reply to PHILLIPA
    • Elna

      January 29, 2021 at 2:01 pm

      Hi!

      That’s fantastic you want to start a blog! I like your ideas, a lifestyle blog will have more than one topic to focus on so one about motherhood and some sub topics like productivity, parenting etc.. can do well on Pinterest. Just make sure to provide highly valuable content that answers your audience’s questions!

      Reply to Elna
  7. Kayla

    January 21, 2021 at 5:40 am

    Hello,
    My name is Kayla and I am a middle aged new to freelancing momma. Let me tell you I was very greatful to find your blog this morning because my mind has been nothing but a utter mess. So I have been studying and learning my butt off to be able to become a Freelance Writer because I due to becoming a single mom suddenly I have to figure ways to make things work for my boys and I in our lives that keeps it all moving with smiles more of the time then tears. We lost their dad unexpectedly so it’s just me I’m everybody and everything to them. 3 boys 12 year and a set of 5 year old twins did k mention ALL BOYS! So as you know it gets chaotic but I’m doing it. I believe I could really help someone with the experiences I’m going through and how I learned to make them work on my own solo parenting household. To mention going through the Pandemic brought me to this mid life crisis of what to do to have a career because I didn’t I had jobs but their dad was breadwinner of our group and how can I be available to my boys and make an income ding ding freelancing! So how do I make an income now that I have been learning left and right even got a certificate in Digital Marketing and I’m currently in some other courses on Shaw Academy for digital marketing and blogging so trying to get those under my belt but I have no network or physical experience to make a portfolio to offer up to land a job. What is next and how? I need help!! Please and thanks so much.
    #changedmomma #mommabo$s

    Reply to Kayla
    • Elna

      January 29, 2021 at 2:09 pm

      Hi Kayla,

      First of all I’m so sorry about your situation! I would think there would be an audience for your situation for sure! This just reminded me of Jane the Virgin as I’m watching this on Netflix and got to the end of season two. It’s still heavy in my heart and I wish you strength! As for freelancing, this is a great avenue for moms and if you don’t know I have a freelance writing blog called elnacain.com that might help you more than my posts on Twins Mommy. I also have a Youtube channel so just search my name on Youtube to get freelance writing advice. Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  8. Anita Gideon

    January 17, 2021 at 7:34 pm

    Hi Elna,
    Happy new year and welcome to 2021!
    I have been watching you for close to 2 years I believe ( Incudes 2020 which was a blur) . I am not a mom but I find you to be one of the most inspirational people when it comes to blogging etc
    I watched a lot of your videos on YouTube , signed on to your course through The write life etc …. Problem is I had so much trepidation.
    I read your testimonial on how you started on medium (hope I got that right) You even posted your first article! that was brave and authentic.
    Each time I get an email from you encouraging me to blog I feel like that child who has not done their homework and go into hiding.
    Finally enter 2021 I decided to stop running.
    Today I signed on to blue host as advice by you, I chose the Choice plus plan and ticked all three boxes (pricey). I told myself since I am new to this and will protect myself to the hilt and also pay for 36months so that I do not have to deal with bills for 3years. I DID
    My intention is to blog and eventually to also set up ecommerce as well.
    Niches Niches Niches: ( I have various interests but need help)
    This is where things are a bit cloudy for a newbie myself
    See questions:
    1.What type is it? Lifestyle, finance, education community etc ( A bit tough)
    2.who are you creating the site for ? myself/a client /a company I work for/someone else ( I believe myself is the correct answer just checking though)

    TAGLINE : I need advise on this too

    Thank you so much for inspiring me , I want to learn and succeed at this

    I haven’t chosen a domain name yet too

    Reply to Anita
    • Elna

      January 29, 2021 at 2:15 pm

      Hi Anita,
      I’m so happy to hear you are no longer hiding and making a go for 2021! As for your niche, a lifestyle blog with finance content should do really well! Have fun with that. As for who are you creating the blog for, the answer is your audience, are they single moms? are they college students? are they freelancers? You need to figure out who you are speaking to when you write your blog content. As for a tagline, it isn’t necessary to have one right away. Mine developed over time! Good luck and thanks for starting a blog with Bluehost!

      Reply to Elna
  9. Cathy

    January 16, 2021 at 3:36 am

    Hi Elna, I’m a girl from China, and by chance I came across your blog, I was inspired and really would like to start a blog. But I also found choosing a niche is difficult.
    I finally came up with the idea of writing something about my hometown, a small city in Guangdong. I found there are not too many blogs with this topic. I’m not sure whether it is a good idea. I hope to hear some comments from you. Thank you very much!

    Reply to Cathy
    • Elna

      January 29, 2021 at 2:17 pm

      Hi Cathy,

      That’s great you want to start a blog! Typically, I do suggest to start a blog that isn’t localized, just for your local city. You won’t grow as much, but your blog may take off in your city and you may get publicized! If you decide to do a local city blog you can also do a YouTube channel on your city. I think location based channels do well. Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  10. Nikki Allen

    January 6, 2021 at 9:43 pm

    Hello! I found you on Pinterest and I have read this particular pin over and over for months. I have not yet started a blog because my fear and desire have yet to reach on a decision. As they debate i’m just wondering through a dark maze waiting on them to make a decision. As a result iv’e gotten lost. Iv’e gotten so lost that I felt like giving up. As it turns out the feeling is worse than rejection. I opened my laptop, found your comment box and just started typing. I did pick a domain name (that of course I fear nobody will like) and then followed your steps. Do I need ONE niche? Does it need to be specific or can it be vague? Then I scroll down to payment and I am wondering what other options I need. Do I need them? I am really trying to sound brave and confident but I am so nervous and if you did have the time I would appreciate your advice. Please email me if you can or even want to. Thank you for at least making it to the end of my plea.
    Nikki

    Reply to Nikki
    • Elna

      January 8, 2021 at 3:34 pm

      Hi Nikki,

      To make it easier you can have more than ONE niche topic. This is a lifestyle or multi-topic blog! And I encourage you to take action! You’re doing good with bypassing your fear! You can do it! As for the extra options, I would personally get Domain privacy (so you don’t get unsolicited marketing calls), and SiteLock security. You don’t have to pay for a WordPress theme – Astra is free to use and easy to set up!

      Reply to Elna
  11. Bailey

    December 9, 2020 at 3:28 pm

    Thank you so much for this!! I’ve been wanting to start a blog for a very long time, but the idea of setting up and not knowing how or what platforms to use has had me procrastinating for way too long. This helped to put my nerves at ease and now I’m taking finally taking the steps to make it happen! 🙂

    Reply to Bailey
    • Elna

      December 9, 2020 at 6:30 pm

      Hey Bailey,

      Thank you so much! I’m happy you are taking the leap to start a mom blog! I’m here if you need more help!

      Reply to Elna
      • Phildia

        January 4, 2021 at 5:05 pm

        I came across your website I’m not a mom As yet but hope to be a mom in the very near future, as we have been trying for several years now. I have been wanting to start a food blog, arts a d craft blog also incorporate my husband renovation into my blogs. I just don’t know where to start. Can you have more than one blogs? I appreciate any feed back.

        Reply to Phildia
        • Elna

          January 4, 2021 at 9:21 pm

          Hi!

          For a brand new blogger, it’s best to focus your efforts on one blog first. This will be your “learning blog.” Once you understand blogging, marketing and promotional strategies to make money your second blog will be much more successful and every blog after that! 🙂

          Reply to Elna
  12. Riley

    November 30, 2020 at 1:24 am

    Hey Elna,
    I’ve toyed with the idea of starting a blog, and You’ve definitely given me a lot of fire to really start seriously. I think I want to

    Reply to Riley
    • Elna

      November 30, 2020 at 4:13 pm

      Hi Riley,

      That’s fantastic to hear! Starting a blog in the New Year is such a great feeling! You are starting something that will grow the entire year!

      Reply to Elna
  13. Angi @ mamamindful.com

    November 25, 2020 at 5:46 pm

    Hi Elna,
    Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with me (us)! I started subscribing to your emails back in October, and you really inspired me. I’ve always wanted to share my passions with others too. Since October I’ve started on my blog, and although it’s not exactly where I want it to be it’s a start and I really want to thank your emails and inspiration! Thank you again, and I can’t wait to learn more from you!

    Reply to Angi
    • Elna

      November 26, 2020 at 2:06 pm

      Hi Angi,

      Thank you so much for your comment! I love helping new bloggers navigate this blogging world! Congrats on starting a blog. It’s a start and you are taking action and that counts!

      Reply to Elna
  14. diane gilmore

    October 27, 2020 at 2:56 pm

    Hello,
    I’ve been looking for Elna all over and I haven’t heard an update on your move. Apparently, I’ve become attached to your helpful tips, on the youtube channel-although we have not met.
    I hope the move went well, and you and your family are well.
    Thanks,
    Diane Gilmore (Newbie 1.5 months ago)

    Reply to diane
    • Elna

      October 28, 2020 at 10:20 am

      Hi Diane!

      Thanks so much! Yes, the mold people finally finished the project and NOW we can start the process of getting the house ready to move (fixing subfloor and dust). Excited and thanks for stopping by!

      Reply to Elna
  15. Mirika

    October 18, 2020 at 6:02 pm

    So iam thinking of starting blogging but iam a bit confused as to how to write your blog what content should go and what shouldn’t and how to engage more traffic so that you get good views about it
    Also would it be like a bice idea to incorporate your daily life in a blog wilhich tells about different aspects of your life like a book review or about my day or something related to my recent travel etc?

    Reply to Mirika
    • Elna

      October 19, 2020 at 10:21 am

      Hi!

      If you want to generate more blog traffic with your blog, then you need to HELP your audience. It’s that simple. If you can help them with a challenge or struggle they are facing, then they will come to your blog to learn!

      Reply to Elna
  16. Rimmel

    October 10, 2020 at 2:49 am

    Hey Elna.
    Is it possible to start blogging without showing my face and my real identity? I think I can create an amaxing content with my blog niche but Since that’s going to affect my job and relationships…I didn’t .com through it… is that’s going to affect my blog?

    Reply to Rimmel
    • Elna

      October 15, 2020 at 3:43 pm

      Hi Rimmel,

      You can, but the blog might be passionless. This means writing a blog for affiliate marketing. An example, might be a coffee blog or a juicer blog. All these posts are about a product and not the blogger!

      Reply to Elna
  17. Venessa knight

    October 9, 2020 at 11:48 am

    love your article, very helpful! I am starting out writing about Mental Health and wellness – I am a Mental Health Practitioner and an educator. The problem with mental health is that there is very little solid evidence and research around diagnosis, even the Diagnostic Statistical Manual used by psychiatrists has no solid science behind it. What would you advise regarding writing about this topic? My perspective is largely driven by people with a lived experience of what works for them. Really interested in your view on this as it is a huge area which needs more clarity. Feel free to check out my site “Landmarkrecovery” I would love to hear your thoughts

    Reply to Venessa
    • Elna

      October 15, 2020 at 3:48 pm

      Hi Vanessa,

      Starting this type of medical blog will be hard. Google only favors huge medical sites like Web Md. So to grow in this niche will take many years. You need to show your credibility by getting on podcasts, doing guest posting, networking and more to connect yourself with influencers in this niche. Of course, if Google ranking isn’t a big thing for you, you can build a strong tribe with a Facebook group and Instagram page. Youtube is also a great platform. I do follow a Kati Morton, a therapist, and love her videos about mental health.

      Reply to Elna
  18. Stacey

    September 21, 2020 at 3:11 pm

    Hi Elna,
    I’ve been toying with starting a blog but I’m not sure I want to put up any money at this point. Is there a free website service I can use and if so is there any reason not to?
    Also, I know you spoke about making sure your blog could bring in money but how exactly do you get to that point? Is there something specific I need to do once starting my blog so that I can either do sponsored posts or affiliate marketing?
    Thanks so much!

    Reply to Stacey
    • Elna

      September 22, 2020 at 10:01 am

      Hi Stacey!

      Have you joined us in the Mom to Mompreneur Facebook group? We talk about this stuff in the group! As for a free blogging platform, there are – WordPress.com is a FREE blogging platform BUT you can’t make money on that blog. In fact, WordPress will put ads on your site and you don’t make money with them and they have the right to your content, it’s not yours. So I strongly suggest having a self-hosted blog. It’s safer and the potential is great! If you don’t have the funds to start NOW, then wait. Get on Medium. This is a blogging platform where you just create a profile and write on that platform. Here is my Medium profile: https://medium.com/@ecainwrites You can sign up to Medium’s Partner program and get paid for views on your writing.

      Reply to Elna
  19. Larisa

    September 21, 2020 at 12:19 am

    Hi!
    I’ve recently just started looking into blogging. I’m still a little confused on how do you get monetized. Also, there’s 3 topics I think I’d like go write on. Would it be possible to have one blog site with 3 sections to it?

    Reply to Larisa
    • Elna

      September 22, 2020 at 10:07 am

      Hi Larissa,

      Having 3 topics on a blog is fine! I have that on this site and my other sites. As for making money blogging there are many ways and Twins Mommy has a lot of content on that subject! The best way is to first create amazing content and build a raving fan base. From there you can do affiliate marketing or sponsored content. Later you can create a product like an eBook, course or printable!

      Reply to Elna
  20. Mariella

    September 12, 2020 at 10:14 pm

    Hi Elna, I somewhat hastily picked a variation of my name as my domain. I already have changed my name so much and dont want to get stuck on this. My name isn’t the most common, its Mariella Olano, so I chose MariellaOlanoxo.com. How much will this affect me. I plan on getting traffic through social media, should I add xo to my social…Im feeling so indecisive.

    Reply to Mariella
    • Elna

      September 15, 2020 at 10:59 am

      Hi Mariella,

      If you build your brand, people will easily find you! Connect with your audience and remind them of your name!

      Reply to Elna
  21. Ejiana

    August 29, 2020 at 8:35 am

    Thank you so much Elna, you’re so real and so encouraging. I spend so much time trying to earn online but nothing seem pulling. There’s so much I can blog about but not knowing how to even start. I really want to.

    Reply to Ejiana
    • Elna

      September 3, 2020 at 3:17 pm

      Hi Ejiana,

      First off, give yourself grace and be glad that you are brimming with ideas! I love when this creation process happens. Have a journal near by to jot down your ideas. If you can’t pinpoint a niche for your blog, then have a lifestyle blog with multiple topics! That’s okay. Focus on your ideal reader and what they want to know about. So if it’s college students what do they want to learn more about or need help with? Or moms? Or painters? First time home buyers?

      Reply to Elna
  22. Natalie Ritchie

    July 31, 2020 at 10:23 pm

    Hi!
    I’m so excited to get started with my blog – something I’ve always wanted to do, but always used the excuse of “in my free time” (with heavy sarcasm). I’m finally diving in and feel motivated by you!

    Here’s my question – when signing up with BlueHost, it asks about things like security and domain protection, and in your screenshot it shows all of those UNchecked. Can you tell me more about that and if I do or do not want to pay for them? I definitely want to be secure and safe.

    Reply to Natalie
    • Elna

      August 5, 2020 at 10:00 am

      Hi Natalie,

      Personally I would check security and domain protection, but if you are budget conscious then you can add that later!

      Reply to Elna
  23. Sandy

    July 8, 2020 at 6:56 pm

    Hi Elna,
    I am very new to blogging and have been reading blogs lately on how to get started. Congratulations and thanks a million, your article about starting a blog has been the most thorough so far!

    I have been an international development professional working for rural communities mainly, for over 20 years. Due to my occupation I have lived in emerging countries. However,about 10 years ago I started to get into traditional medicine and alternative techniques of healing. I have been taking master degrees of herbalism and managed to go to India to study Ayurveda for several months.

    Now, that I have resigned to my job, I have been devoting more time to do ayurvedic therapies, chakra healing techniques and I have been able lately to combine Ayurveda with western herbalism. Due to COVID pandemic I haven’t been able to make therapies in person anymore (Panchakarma, ayurvedic massages and treatments, as well as healing through chakras), but I have done some online therapies for free.

    However, I need to feel myself productive and make a living out of my dream occupation, which is traditional healing. I started with posting photos once in a while on Instagram. However I feel something is missing. Maybe I need more courage, since I feel like doing a parachute jump. I do not know where to start.

    I would much appreciate if you have any tips that resonates with what I would like to do. I still have some questions and would be very grateful to have your advise on:
    1. Collecting a mailing list. Does Bluehost/Word Press have that possibility to collect and send frequent newsletters (bulk emailing)? or I have to pay for a software?
    2. I would like to have followers that speak either Spanish or English. Does Bluehost have the option to the viewer to change the language (language icon) on any page?
    3. Should I start monetising once the blog has achieved traffic? However, what are the best monetising options for brand new blogs? Is still possible?
    4. I don’t live in the US. I would like to know, in case I could monetize the blog from the first beginning, how I could receive money from adds, affiliate marketing, sponsorship, etc, if I don’t have a US bank account. I have a bank account in my home country and credit cards. Would that work to get paid anyway?
    Best and thank you in advance,
    Sandy

    Reply to Sandy
    • Elna

      July 9, 2020 at 9:26 pm

      Hi!

      Here are my answers. Bluehost isn’t an email service but you can set up a your own domain specific email address. To send newlsetters you need something like ConvertKit or Mailerlite. Not sure if Bluehost has a way to change language. Maybe Google how to translate your blog. Once you have traffic and readers, you can monetize it. I have a lot of posts about monetizing your post so make sure to read those. The best is with ads and affiliate marketing. If you’re up to it, offering a service is a quick way to make money! For receiving money you would need a Paypal address!

      Reply to Elna
  24. Lulu

    June 27, 2020 at 10:25 am

    Hi, Elna
    Lulu here, I bumped into your blog and It inspired me to get creative and get into writing, having been furloughed to then a lay off in this crisis had me at a loss of hope.
    I am a single mother with a teenager and it can be hard, growing up I was always told I should be a writer and maybe this is a masked opportunity I should take.

    Thank you for all the information you provided.

    Reply to Lulu
    • Elna

      June 30, 2020 at 10:23 am

      Hi Lulu!

      Now is probably the best time to start a side hustle like blogging or offering a service like freelance writing! Take your time and don’t rush it. Fit blogging into your schedule! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  25. Grace

    June 17, 2020 at 11:56 pm

    Hi Elna, you really inspire me to pursue my writing skills. I have a free blog site in WordPress but haven’t published in a while or for the longest time now. And after reading tons of your articles about writing on a niche I guess I need to redo or edit my WordPress and subscribe through Bluehost first? That way I can monetize the niche I want to blog as you mentioned. I want to enroll as well in your Masterclass! Please advise me if I have to enroll first before subscribing to Bluehost? I’m confused. I want to learn from experts like you. 🙂

    Reply to Grace
    • Elna

      June 30, 2020 at 10:30 am

      Hi Grace,

      Yes you can move your WordPress.com blog to a WordPress.org site using Bluehost. This post walks you through it, but would appreciate if you use my special link for Bluehost when you follow their instructions! Thanks so much! https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-properly-move-your-blog-from-wordpress-com-to-wordpress-org As for the masterclass, that’s on Pinterest so you can enroll any time for that!

      Reply to Elna
  26. Alex

    June 15, 2020 at 1:20 pm

    Hi Elna,
    Thanks for the insight in the great job you did. I really enjoyed it.
    As you mentioned at the beginning of your article, you are blogging for almost four years, and I want to ask do you plan to start a vlog? Which camera would you use and why?
    Thanks,
    Alex

    Reply to Alex
    • Elna

      June 16, 2020 at 11:23 am

      Hi Alex,
      I do have a Youtube channel! My blogging tools are in this post: https://twinsmommy.com/home-office-ideas/

      Reply to Elna
  27. Renee Pellum

    May 18, 2020 at 5:54 am

    I am a single mother and wanted to do something different then I started searching on the web, then your website came across to me and it inspired me a lot.
    you really helped me a lot. and I really like your work, and you know what I have also started my blog after being inspired by you,

    Reply to Renee
    • Elna

      May 19, 2020 at 2:37 pm

      Hi Renee!

      Wow! Thank you so much for your story! It means a lot to me that my content helped you start a blog and get out there! Have fun blogging!

      Reply to Elna
  28. Michelle

    April 30, 2020 at 7:35 pm

    Hi curious about how to attract attention and visitors to one’s blog… I’m not sure how to promote once it’s up and running!

    Reply to Michelle
    • Elna

      May 2, 2020 at 2:53 pm

      Hi Michelle,

      Gaining attention when you start a blog takes a lot of social promotion. Get on Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook and focus your promotion efforts there. As well, when you start a blog you need to fill it with content and not just any content, but highly valuable content for your audience. Talk about their pain points and how your blog can help them with their struggles. From there promote on social media and then start an email list to gain a readership! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  29. CHANDRA

    April 20, 2020 at 1:59 pm

    Hi Elna,
    As I am not a perfect blogger hence started the blogging on blogspot.com. After reading your blog I am planning to move it on wordpress through bluehost. Thanks

    Reply to CHANDRA
    • Elna

      April 23, 2020 at 10:23 pm

      Hi Chandra,

      Kudos for you for taking the step and wanting to have a successful and monetized blog! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  30. Barbara Rosiek

    April 16, 2020 at 2:17 pm

    I started on on blogger but should i switch it over to wordpress

    Reply to Barbara
    • Elna

      April 19, 2020 at 9:56 am

      Hi Barbara,

      Yes, I would recommend you move from Blogger to WordPress.org. This is a self-hosted platform and how you can start monetizing your blog!

      Reply to Elna
  31. Lo

    April 15, 2020 at 9:27 am

    Hello hun
    Your blogs are amazing and they have inspired me to start my own. Although the blogsite has only just begun , would be thrilled if you could give it a view.

    Thank you xx

    Reply to Lo
    • Elna

      April 19, 2020 at 10:01 am

      Hi Lo!

      That’s great you started a blog! I hope you decide in the future to move your blog to a self-hosted plan using WordPress.org and Bluehost so you can start making money blogging!

      Reply to Elna
  32. janine campbell

    April 3, 2020 at 11:24 am

    Hi Elna. i started a blog a while ago and used Wixcom. i see you recommend Bluehost and wordpress. do you know anything about Wixcom and if so, are there any advantages of using Bluehost instead? I am thinking of restarting it on Bluehost.

    Reply to janine
    • Elna

      April 10, 2020 at 9:52 am

      Hi Janine,

      No, I don’t know much about using Wix except that it’s not self-hosted. The best way to start a blog is by using WordPress.org and Bluehost. It’s the cheapest and EASIEST since WordPress sets up your blog for you and you just need to customize it.

      Reply to Elna
  33. Melea

    April 1, 2020 at 5:09 pm

    Hi,
    I am a single mom and have been researching blogging for months. In the midst of the virus crisis, I have been laid off from my 9-5 job (which I hated!). This is going to give me the perfect opportunity to focus on getting my blog set up, organized, and launched! Truly, a blessing in disguise! I started following you and doing your free beginning course. It has lots of helpful information! I want to make the most of this small window of time. It would be great to have you as a personal mentor.
    Thank you!

    Reply to Melea
    • Elna

      April 10, 2020 at 9:53 am

      Hi Melea,

      I’m so sorry for being laid off. A lot of my mom friends IRL are sharing this with me as well. I’m so fortunate that I have secured blogging and making money online to ride out this pandemic. And I’m so happy you FOUND a way too! I’m here for you. If you have ANY questions, don’t hesitate to email me!

      Reply to Elna
  34. Sarina

    April 1, 2020 at 3:15 pm

    Hi Elna,
    I found your blog really interesting, so thank you very much 😊 This may well be a silly question, but does would this be something that I could do, as I live in the uk?
    Many thanks again, Sarina

    Reply to Sarina
    • Elna

      April 10, 2020 at 9:54 am

      Hi Sarina,

      Of course you can start a blog in the UK! Or anywhere in the world! That’s what is so great about blogging 🙂 If you follow the steps in the video you are on your way to starting a blog and if you read more of my content you can find out how to write a blog post and how to monetize your blog! Good luck! Email me if you are stuck!

      Reply to Elna
  35. Kisha Cavette

    March 28, 2020 at 10:14 pm

    Hi, such an awesome post. What is the difference between bluehost and word press?

    Reply to Kisha
    • Elna

      April 10, 2020 at 10:02 am

      Hi Kisha,

      Bluehost is a hosting service where you store your blog files on the Internet. WordPress is the content management system that you use to write your blog posts and show the world your blog. Think of Bluehost as your the land and your blog as the house on the land!

      Reply to Elna
  36. Meagan Jeffery

    March 21, 2020 at 12:39 am

    I have wanted to start a blog for years. Your post was so helpful with easy to follow instructions. Thank You Elna.

    Reply to Meagan
    • Elna

      March 22, 2020 at 1:58 pm

      Hi Meagan,

      That’s awesome to hear! Glad you found my start a blog tutorial helpful to start your blog!

      Reply to Elna
  37. Catherine

    March 12, 2020 at 11:28 am

    Hi Elna,
    Thanks to your incredible detailed post, I was able to successfully complete the steps in setting up a domain name and all however whats blocking me from starting is really the “niche” you mentioned. Is there any tips?

    Reply to Catherine
    • Elna

      March 13, 2020 at 3:21 pm

      Hi Catherine,

      Congrats on starting a blog! So happy to hear that! As for a niche, it’s okay if you don’t have one right off the bat. Just start writing! Figure out categories like big topics like motherhood, party planning, recipes etc.. and then you can create content for each of those categories. Over time, you will which posts take off. Maybe people will really enjoy your party planning posts. Well, now you can narrow down your niche to that and then start making money! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  38. Amie Welch

    March 8, 2020 at 3:57 pm

    I am a mommy if 5 including twins my blog is more of a lifestyle blog it’s new. I have many topics to talk about health meal planning goal setting time management but I dont know if I should just be talking about one thing instead of many but its geared toward moms. I also made the mistake with going to wix I have to wait 60 days to change over.

    Reply to Amie
    • Elna

      March 9, 2020 at 12:09 pm

      Hi Amie,

      Lifestyle blogs can be successful, but mostly with your audience and on social media. Trying to rank a lifestyle blog on Google is a challenge because you have multiple topics. Twins Mommy has multiple topics and it’s been a challenge for sure to rank 🙂 But I still make money with a lot of audience for sure! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  39. Dorothy Kapitan

    March 4, 2020 at 8:54 pm

    I started all this but the fees kept adding up, I just can’t afford
    it unfortunately. I will look this up in the future and hopefully do it.

    Reply to Dorothy
    • Elna

      March 9, 2020 at 12:19 pm

      Hi Dorothy,

      I’m sorry to hear this. In reality, you can get everything said and done for under $200. Use a free theme like Astra and just pay for 3 years of hosting and use free plugins. You can even start a FREE email list with Mailchimp or Mailerlite. That’s all you really need for the beginning! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  40. Laura

    February 28, 2020 at 11:14 am

    Hi Elna, THis is wonderful! I’ve blogged a lot before, nothing still going but have just set up my domain and I’m working on designing my WordPress blog site. All my bipedal kids are grown but I’ll be writing about my 4 legged kids.
    Thanks again.

    Reply to Laura
    • Elna

      March 4, 2020 at 2:30 pm

      Hi Laura!

      Ha! Awesome! pet blogs are awesome 🙂 So happy you want to start a blog!

      Reply to Elna
  41. Mohsin

    February 20, 2020 at 10:15 pm

    I have gone through multiple blog starting post but this is very detailed in easy explanation.

    Reply to Mohsin
    • Elna

      February 24, 2020 at 10:15 am

      Hi Moshin,

      Thanks for letting me know! I want to be open to my audience and help them start a blog 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  42. Frederick

    February 17, 2020 at 2:15 pm

    This is so cool. I love hearing about other’s that do similar things as I hope to achieve. My new blog is mommy-thoughts.com . If you have anything to add to it please feel free to tell me!

    Reply to Frederick
    • Elna

      February 24, 2020 at 10:19 am

      Hi Frederick,

      So happy you started a mom blog! 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  43. Amy Wall

    January 31, 2020 at 2:35 pm

    Hello! I have an old wordpress.com blog that I’ve reactivated. Just wondering if it has to be wordpress.org to go over to Bluehost?

    Reply to Amy
    • Elna

      February 2, 2020 at 2:44 pm

      Hi Amy,

      Yes, what happens is if you go through Bluehost you WILL start a NEW blog with a new URL. Bluehost will automatically install a WordPress.org blog. So you’re good to go to monetize this site and start making money!

      Reply to Elna
  44. Keisha-Gaye Powell-Smith

    January 29, 2020 at 1:50 pm

    Hi Elna I Love your content. I am Keisha-Gaye a mom of a 8yr old girl. I have a wordpress account that I purchase using Site Ground from last year. I wanted to start a mom blog so badly, have a lot of Ideas but now its a new year and I still haven’t start yet. Am clueless and I live into a country with not much activities going on on the island I live on so I don’t know how to make my blog creative and excited. Any tips you can recommend.

    Reply to Keisha-Gaye
    • Elna

      January 31, 2020 at 9:35 am

      Hi Keisha,

      That’s great you went and started a blog. When you start a blog you can start generating blog topics based on the audience you want to read your content. I have blog posts on Twins Mommy about blog topics and blogging ideas so make sure to search for that on my blog! Good luck and have fun blogging!

      Reply to Elna
  45. LeaAnn

    January 26, 2020 at 5:05 pm

    Hello, I am just starting blog and signed up through Word Press Premium. It came with domain name. Do I still need to sign up for hosting? Thanks!

    Reply to LeaAnn
    • Elna

      January 28, 2020 at 4:17 pm

      Hi LeeAnn,

      If you start a blog with WordPress.com and you want to switch to self-hosted blog, then yes you need to follow the video to sign up.

      Reply to Elna
  46. Lucie

    January 24, 2020 at 9:55 am

    Thank you for your post. I am a new twin mommy and am trying to find a way to stay home with them. I would love some feedback – there are only a few posts but I’ve never been so passionate about anything.

    Reply to Lucie
    • Elna

      January 28, 2020 at 4:18 pm

      Hi Lucie!

      Love meeting other twin mom bloggers! Keep on blogging and make sure to provide helpful advice in your niche topic!

      Reply to Elna
  47. MiMi | Modern Momsense

    January 9, 2020 at 5:27 pm

    Hi Elna,
    Thank you so much for ALL of your content! Your website is my go-to blogging resource! I found your site a year or two ago, but finally found the time and courage to launch my website modernmomsense.com. I’m super excited to share my experiences and advice with new mommys.

    I’m so grateful for all of the information that you share with your audience! Your blog provides information that I didn’t even know I needed. Seriously, I’ve yet to come across another post on how to set up your gravatar. I purchased the Ready Set Blog for Traffic course and I’m so excited to learn even more from you. Thanks again!

    Reply to MiMi
    • Elna

      January 23, 2020 at 6:19 pm

      Hi MiMi,

      Wow! Thank you so much for your kind words. Thank you to for enrolling in Ready Set Blog for Traffic! I’m surprised there isn’t another blog post about setting up your Gravatar. For me, this was something I didn’t know early on and I wanted to know why some comments had the people’s faces and others didn’t – including mine! It took me a while to figure that out! So I thought writing the post would help others too and I’m glad it is!

      Reply to Elna
  48. Delsie Burke

    January 6, 2020 at 3:39 pm

    Hey there! Thanks so much for this! I have signed up with BlueHost and am going to start working on my website. I am a mental health social worker by trade and going to be a first time stay at home mom. I plan on writing some candid, hopefully funny and delightfully raw experiences about being pregnant (which is now) and about being a mom when little one comes along using my mental health worker experience. I’m super nervous about this but have always loved writing.

    Prepare for many poop jokes, a wee bit of profanity and a lot of love!

    Reply to Delsie
    • Elna

      January 7, 2020 at 12:49 pm

      Hi Delsie,

      I love your blogging ideas for your mental health mom blog. Sharing raw experiences and inspiring others while still helping them is golden! People want to connect and they want to know about the blogger behind the blog! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply to Elna
  49. motherhood

    December 31, 2019 at 2:01 pm

    I do not even understand how I ended up right here, however
    I assumed this submit was good. I do not know who you’re however certainly you are going to a famous blogger for those who aren’t already.
    Cheers!

    Reply to motherhood
    • Elna

      January 5, 2020 at 3:39 pm

      Hi!

      LOL. Glad you found this post though! Thanks for thinking of me as being a famous blogger 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  50. Ashley

    December 30, 2019 at 9:00 pm

    Hello Elna,
    Thanks for your article. I read it as I was searching how to start a family lifestyle blog but keep privacy a top concern. How do I write about my family and maintain Internet safety? I should note that I am not looking to make an income from blogging at this time. I have a full-time teaching job, a 19mo, and a new babe in two months. I am just looking to be consistent with memories and such but also to do some therapeutic writing of my own, if you will, to share my stories.
    Many thanks if you can help. –Ashley

    Reply to Ashley
    • Elna

      January 5, 2020 at 3:42 pm

      Hi Ashley,

      Yes, privacy is a concern for a lifestyle blog or parenting blog. There are many ways to be discrete. You can use an avatar as your brand like a logo or a profile picture of you or the back of you to show you are a real person. You can use a different name and not use your last name for social media profiles and on your blog. Don’t use pics of your family and don’t share too personal stories but do try to connect with your audience with some stories or relatable stories. For example, I’m a WAHM so I can share a story about having a messy desk without being open about where I live or who my family is. 🙂 Make sense? Good luck and have fun sharing your memories on your blog!

      Reply to Elna
  51. Tracey

    December 29, 2019 at 6:52 pm

    Hey from uk 🇬🇧 please help me I’m so confused with it as I do have sp needs I’m also a mumma two 2 boys with disabilities would love to blog on it all x thank you please help

    Reply to Tracey
    • Elna

      January 5, 2020 at 3:45 pm

      Hi Tracey!

      That’s great you want to help other special needs moms out there with your blog! Follow the instructions and links in this post and then when you’re done you can read this post for more info: https://twinsmommy.com/starting-a-blog/

      Reply to Elna
  52. Jo

    December 27, 2019 at 2:23 pm

    Love these tips! Very helpful, wishing I had gone with BlueHost initially but considering making the switch. If I do, I’ll come back and use your referral.

    Reply to Jo
    • Elna

      January 5, 2020 at 3:52 pm

      Hey Jo,

      Aww! Thanks so much! Yes I love Bluehost for sure 🙂 I do use other hosting plans to see which one is superior and found out that Bluehost is helpful for brand new bloggers!

      Reply to Elna
  53. Adriana

    December 5, 2019 at 11:23 am

    Hi Elna,

    This was so helpful! I just started my own mom blog following your tips!

    Now I just have to make it grow! What do you think is the best way to wiggle my way into the mom blogging community? Facebook pages? Posting comments?

    Thanks!

    Reply to Adriana
    • Elna

      December 6, 2019 at 2:03 pm

      Hey Adriana,

      If you want you can come to my Facebook mom community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/momtomompreneur/

      Reply to Elna
  54. Sheila

    December 4, 2019 at 10:46 pm

    Hi Elna,
    What Word Press theme would you recommend? Paid and unpaid that you have used? Thank you.

    Reply to Sheila
    • Elna

      December 6, 2019 at 2:05 pm

      Hi Sheila,

      I would definitely use free at first! Astra or Unwind are the two free themes I recommend.

      Reply to Elna
  55. Isla

    November 18, 2019 at 7:20 am

    What a great and interesting article to read. I will definitely follow up on the topic and dig a little deeper.

    Reply to Isla
    • Elna

      November 20, 2019 at 11:32 am

      Hi!

      Glad you came over! Glad you liked the post on how to start a blog!

      Reply to Elna
  56. Saman Osmany

    November 16, 2019 at 10:37 am

    Hi Elna, quick question: what if my niche is writing / content, but I also want to sell my freelance writing business? How does that work in one single word press website? Help me out here as this is the only reason I am getting stuck with launching a blog

    Reply to Saman
    • Elna

      November 20, 2019 at 11:33 am

      Hi Saman,

      Not sure what you mean, but you can start a blog and have a Hire me page on your blog OR you can start a service based website and have a blog on that site!

      Reply to Elna
      • Emily Koczur

        January 27, 2020 at 2:19 pm

        I am in the process of doing that now. I am building up my freelance writing website and am planning on how to also start a blog. I was confused as whether to do this separately or within my business website.
        I am so excited to get started! I think I may center my blog around parenting with fibromyalgia.

        Reply to Emily
        • Elna

          January 28, 2020 at 4:13 pm

          Hi Emily!

          Great to hear! Have fun writing and freelance writing!

          Reply to Elna
  57. Sara Lorentzen

    October 24, 2019 at 11:50 am

    When you signing up and your picking you plan. Are you paying the total price and then it charges you the monthly price or is it simply telling you the total price and you’re actually paying the monthly price?

    Reply to Sara
    • Elna

      October 31, 2019 at 11:52 am

      Hi Sara,

      When you pick the plan for the $295/month or $5.45/month to get that deal you need to pick the 36/month plan. That means you won’t PAY hosting for 36 months. The only monthly costs you might incur are the little add-ons and ones that say they bill monthly! I hope this helps.

      Reply to Elna
  58. Meantha

    October 22, 2019 at 5:38 pm

    Hi Elna, love the post very Informative
    I am a new travelmomblogger
    Are you recomending that we use wordpress.org instead of wordpress.com?

    Reply to Meantha
    • Elna

      October 31, 2019 at 11:54 am

      Hi Meantha,

      Yes, I am recommending you use WordPress.org and not .com. You want a self-hosted website where you can customize yourself and make money.

      Reply to Elna
  59. Nkechi Oyegwe

    October 21, 2019 at 3:39 pm

    Reading your post was insightful, interesting and informative at the same time. Pls how do I go about my very first blog. I’m a new mum blogger on parenting. My experiences come as a result of having raised my 3 kids alone. I enjoy being a stay at home, I also want to make blogging on parenting a lifestyle and earn from it. Looking forward to hearing from you.

    Reply to Nkechi
    • Elna

      October 22, 2019 at 9:26 am

      Hi!

      Once you start a blog using Bluehost and WordPress, you can start writing! Log into WordPress and write your first blog post. It can be a welcome blog post or a mistakes blog post (x mistakes parents make when..) and from there you can stat looking at promoting it on social media. But, I suggest you just focus on the writing first!

      Reply to Elna
  60. GIFT

    October 17, 2019 at 4:40 pm

    Hi Elna,
    I am so grateful I found your blog today. I just returned to work today after being on maternity leave and like other moms have said, I have struggled for a long time debating whether or not I should also create a blog. Seeing all your responses to these women and just telling them to go for it while you’ll be here to help out warms my heart. I decided to subscribe to your blog. Hopefully, the lessons I learn from your blog will help grow mine when I decide to have one.

    Reply to GIFT
    • Elna

      October 21, 2019 at 9:32 am

      Hi!

      Thanks for this comment! You made me smile! I love helping moms 🙂 I know how hectic and busy our lives are and I want to help you be successful and not tear your hair out! Thanks for signing up to my list!

      Reply to Elna
      • Dr. Jeanne Sheffield

        November 7, 2019 at 8:29 pm

        Elna,
        I have my own web site: SouthernGracePlaceUSA.com/ a 6 week course with 25 topics teaching etiquette and character development to kids and teens with a home school mom’s corresponding teacher’s guide. I want kids and teens to study this but mainly I want to entice moms to teach it.
        The format is Christian based. I like the title”Polish & Refine” or “Let’s Polish & Refine” for my blog, but maybe it sounds like polishing furniture instead of kids…. would you give me your advice?

        Reply to Dr.
        • Tracy

          December 6, 2019 at 9:53 pm

          Dr. Jeanne,
          I love, LOVE, LOVE everything about your blog already! Please, PLEASE, blog quick, and I’ll be an asiduos reader!

          Reply to Tracy
        • Elna

          November 8, 2019 at 9:31 am

          Hi!

          That’s a great topic but do agree on the name – it does scream furniture polish. Maybe having the word “teach” in it like “teach–learn–polish?” or “Refine–Teen–Teach?” or something like that?

          Reply to Elna
  61. Jessica Jung

    October 15, 2019 at 2:28 pm

    Hi Elna,
    I’m mom of two under 2 and my mat leave is sadly almost over. Been trying to find something to do from home and came across your blog! Going back to work is not an option now with expensive daycare costs. Does blogging still make good money? Is it something doable if I’m not a good writer?

    Reply to Jessica
    • Elna

      October 15, 2019 at 10:25 pm

      Hi Jessica,

      Yes, blogging can help you make more money. You can sign up to affiliate programs to make money blogging or use sponsored posts to make money or even create your own product! There are a lot of ways to make money blogging. My two favorite methods though is offering a service like I do with freelance writing and putting ads on my blog!

      Reply to Elna
  62. Terri

    October 14, 2019 at 6:18 pm

    I wish I had found this article sooner. I’m starting a blog in connection with my home decor online shopping startup. I paid for for first year with Word Press and wish I had known about Blue Host. Is there anyway to get on board after the fact?

    Reply to Terri
    • Elna

      October 15, 2019 at 10:29 pm

      Hi Terri,
      Sorry about that. But you do have a blog now? After you start a blog make sure to read my post on what to do after!

      Reply to Elna
  63. Anasia

    October 13, 2019 at 11:50 am

    Can I post videos to the blog? Is there a package for that?

    Reply to Anasia
    • Elna

      October 14, 2019 at 9:02 am

      Hi Anasia,

      You can embed videos from YouTube. That’s what most bloggers do, including me! You can create a YouTube video and once published grab the link and paste it into your post. Or you can create a Facebook Live and convert that into a YouTube video!

      Reply to Elna
  64. Anasia

    October 13, 2019 at 11:39 am

    Thanks to your blog, I started my own blog accessmommyhood.com and I’m super excited. Thank you for the information and encouragement.

    Reply to Anasia
    • worklifemommyhood

      October 15, 2019 at 3:34 am

      Yes, You are right because this blog helped me some how to create my blog and i created it. It looks similar to your blog.
      here is my blog: https://worklifemommyhood.com

      I share my daily life challenges as a working mom. I want to say thanks to the admin.

      Reply to worklifemommyhood
    • Elna

      October 14, 2019 at 9:02 am

      Hi Anasia,

      That’s awesome! Good luck and have fun starting your blog!

      Reply to Elna
      • worklifemommyhood

        October 21, 2019 at 2:14 am

        Yes i’ll. Thank you very much.

        Reply to worklifemommyhood
  65. Karla Wheaton

    September 15, 2019 at 9:59 am

    I’ve started a blog, karlawheaton.com, but am still having a really hard time finding my niche. Any more advice you could offer on that topic would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

    Reply to Karla
    • Elna

      September 16, 2019 at 9:36 am

      Hey Karla,

      It might take some time to really figure out what to blog about. When you start your blog you don’t know your audience yet, so write blog posts about topics you enjoy but that are also very helpful to others. For example, I’m having a hard time the school drop-off. If you have experience with that you can write about strategies to help moms like me. So think about things you like to talk about and how you can help others with a problem. Over time you will find the right niche for you.

      Reply to Elna
  66. Chauntae Hamilton

    September 13, 2019 at 8:56 am

    I love how detailed this is! Super helpful 😬 Thank You!

    Reply to Chauntae
    • Megan Prince

      January 18, 2020 at 3:30 pm

      Thank you for this post!
      I’ve had little fb blogs before but nothing profitable, wanting to start some type of mommy and me blog. I’m a single momma to a 3 almost 4 year old. I haven’t quite figured out my niche but this has definitely suplied a good place to start.

      Reply to Megan
    • Elna

      September 13, 2019 at 8:57 pm

      Hi Chauntae,

      You’re welcome! I hope you start a blog and tell me about it!

      Reply to Elna
  67. Samantha Mackey

    September 2, 2019 at 9:17 am

    This is one of the most helpful and to the point posts that I’ve ever read. Thank you so much for sharing. I look forward to more of your posts.

    Reply to Samantha
    • Elna

      September 5, 2019 at 1:43 pm

      Hi Samantha! Thank you so much! I know there are so many start a blog posts out there and many of them are highly technical and over 10k words…who wants to read that? Glad you liked this “to-the-point” post! 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  68. Kikie

    September 1, 2019 at 1:10 am

    I love this post, I used it to create my blog about a year ago. Hosts have now increased their rates to almost triple of what I paid last year and I’m only getting this notice four weeks to my expiry date. Please I’d like to know if you can recommend another hosting service?

    Thank you

    Reply to Kikie
    • Elna

      September 1, 2019 at 12:00 pm

      Hey Kikie!

      The other blogging site platform I recommend is Bluehost. People say their customer service is terrible, but I have found them phenomenal! Call them and talk to them and they will help you easily!

      Reply to Elna
  69. Sara

    August 25, 2019 at 10:02 am

    Great post! Thanks for the step by step guide. I’m planning to launch my new site letsgrowmoney.com. Wish me Luck.

    Reply to Sara
    • Elna

      August 26, 2019 at 10:47 am

      Hi Sara!

      How exciting! How to start a blog is more than just picking your hosting plan so make sure to read my next post on this topic on what to do next! Congrats!

      Reply to Elna
  70. Tina Sanchez

    August 19, 2019 at 6:56 pm

    Hi! I was going to use WIX to start my blog. Is this not recommended? I do hope to generate some sort of income at some point, so that’s important to me.

    Reply to Tina
    • Elna

      August 22, 2019 at 9:37 am

      Tina,

      If you want to make money blogging, Wix isn’t the best platform to do this. I’ve heard terrible stories from other bloggers using Wix and having to move to WordPress. WordPress is the best platform for ranking potential and making money!

      Reply to Elna
  71. bree

    August 19, 2019 at 12:16 am

    Hi, I’m a stay at home mom myself and i was thinking of starting a blog as well in hopes of eventually earning some income but I wasn’t aware you had to pay to do it. I was curious if there is a way to start out for free?

    Reply to bree
    • Elna

      August 22, 2019 at 9:46 am

      Hi Bree!

      You can start a blog for free but it’s very limiting and almost impossible to make an income from it. If you want to just get your thoughts out you can use a free blogging platform called Medium. Just sign up and start writing. But, if you truly want to make money blogging, you need a self-hosted blog plan like what I mention in this post and that will get you on the right foot to making money online!

      Reply to Elna
  72. Elena

    August 17, 2019 at 7:49 am

    I’ve been blogging (or at least trying to) since my daughter was born over 15 years ago. My biggest struggle is the creative process, finding my own voice and staying true to myself. I see all these really cool mommy bloggers just chatting it up online and want to be more like them but I get in front of that white screen (blog editor) and freeze up. I know they say just relax and pretend you’re talking to a friend but the words fail me when it comes time to write those friendly posts.

    Reply to Elena
    • Elna

      August 22, 2019 at 9:53 am

      Hi Elena,

      Blogging takes time and finding that right blogging voice is a skill. When I first started Twins Mommy I followed other bloggers with BIG personalities and I started to blog like that…this wasn’t me and over time I toned down my writing and now I write like I truly am! So it’s a learning process for sure!

      Reply to Elna
  73. Robin

    August 7, 2019 at 3:51 pm

    Oh dear lord I need help. I decided to start a mommy blog and I am trying to use the instructions you provided here but the website has been update or changed and nothing is the same as it shows here. I was trying to download the WordPress app but it’s asking me for an installation path which I can’t seem to choose and then it’s making me start an FTP account and I am feeling WAY over my head. Is there some other tutorial you can point me to? Thanks in advance!

    Reply to Robin
    • Elna

      August 10, 2019 at 12:07 pm

      Hi Robin,

      Sorry you having problems. I updated the post with relevant photos. Maybe that will help now?

      Reply to Elna
      • Robin

        August 13, 2019 at 8:53 am

        Yes! Thank you so much for your help!

        Reply to Robin
  74. Amelia

    August 1, 2019 at 8:34 am

    What a great article! Just what I was looking for. Thank you for sharing something so helpful 🙂

    Reply to Amelia
    • Elna

      August 2, 2019 at 9:48 am

      Hi Amelia,

      You’re welcome! Glad you learned how to start a blog the easy way! 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  75. Ian

    July 31, 2019 at 12:52 pm

    Very helpful info in all of your posts! Thank you for setting a path on something that just kinda seemed like a fever dream more than anything! Only thing is I’m not a mom, more of a stay at home husband 😅

    It’s a lot of info to digest at once but you did an amazing job of making it understandable and manageable to actually get started!

    Reply to Ian
  76. Liena

    July 25, 2019 at 2:05 am

    I have no social media platform will I still be able to start a blog?

    Reply to Liena
    • Elna

      July 26, 2019 at 5:19 pm

      Hi Liena,

      Yes you can still start a blog, but it’s best to also get some social media profiles. But, you can do that after you start your blog!

      Reply to Elna
  77. Amanda

    July 16, 2019 at 10:58 pm

    Hi Elna! I’m a stay at home mom, also looking to get in to blogging, hopefully for a bit of fun and income. I had a question that I can’t seem to find an answer to, and was wondering if you could give me a little advice on. I always see articles from bloggers that mention pinterest. I am kind of lame when it comes to the whole social media thing, but I love blogs! Lol. So my question is, in what way would you use pinterest to benefit your blog? Is it actually something that can really help attract more people? I honestly don’t even know what you’re supposed to post on pinterest. So any info you could send my way would be so greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance. Another thank you for all of your super helpful articles you write for us : ) Have a great day! -Amanda

    Reply to Amanda
    • Elna

      July 20, 2019 at 10:50 am

      Hi Amanda!

      So happy you want to start a blog! Pinterest is a great platform to start generating traffic back to your blog. So you create a blog post and create a pin graphic for that blog post and then share that on Pinterest. Using group boards isn’t crucial but I found for new bloggers, it can help get that initial traffic boost. Check out my Pinterest masterclass – this will help you understand Pinterest better! https://twinsmommy.com/course/pinterest-perfection-masterclass/

      Reply to Elna
  78. Aimee

    July 11, 2019 at 5:28 pm

    Hi Elna. I also have twins at home…however, they have two older brothers!! I started my working on my blog about three months ago. I was using the lessons provided from Create and Go. I have WordPress with Bluehost. I have two full blogs completed and on my hard drive. I have these awesome ideas about how I want my site to look and what I want to write about. I just feel stuck sometimes. I want to write about being a mom, cooking/recipes, hobbies, etc. Any advice?? I really want this to be a full time gig. I LOVE to write!! I just have serious writers block.

    Reply to Aimee
    • Elna

      July 13, 2019 at 10:48 am

      Hi Aimee!

      That’s awesome you want to start a blog! The topics you shared are perfect lifestyle topics for a blog. With writer’s block sometimes just stepping away from your blog helps! It does for me! As well as doing something else like video or social media or graphic design instead of writing! I also listen to music! All of those helps with writer’s block and then I’m able to write a blog post! I hope this helps. If you need more guidance on blogging pick up my blog traffic planner and video course! https://twinsmommy.com/blogtrafficplanner/

      Reply to Elna
  79. Ashley

    June 28, 2019 at 6:05 pm

    Hi Elna! I stumbled across your blog looking to get some advice about started a blog and blogging as a mother and I must you I’ve gotten a lot of great info! I just created a site a few days ago https://cordemommy.blog and I’ve written a post. I would love to get some advice from you on how to engage my audience, get traffic glowing and how to begin making money from my mommy blog.

    Reply to Ashley
    • Elna

      July 1, 2019 at 10:38 am

      Hi Ashley!

      Congrats on making a blog! Yay! For your questions, go ahead and sign up to my email list to get some great tips to help you with those questions!

      Reply to Elna
  80. Melissa

    June 14, 2019 at 1:48 pm

    Hi Elna,
    I just found your blog recently and I love it. Thank you for putting your heart out there and inspiring others to do the same!

    Reply to Melissa
    • Elna

      June 18, 2019 at 7:47 pm

      Hi Melissa,

      <3 Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed this post!

      Reply to Elna
  81. Shanaea

    May 19, 2019 at 11:41 am

    Hi Elna, I am taking your awesome RSBT course and I have a few questions on blog topic. I have recently emailed you also.

    Reply to Shanaea
    • Elna | Twins Mommy

      July 7, 2019 at 10:27 pm

      Lacey,
      That’s fantastic to hear! Being a dietitian nutritionist will help gain authority in your niche for sure! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
    • Lacey Wingo

      May 22, 2019 at 11:26 pm

      Such a great article! Just recently started my blog myself! I am a registered dietitian nutritionist and am sharing my tips of motherhood and healthy living. So glad I found your blog hope to find some great advice!

      Reply to Lacey
  82. Supriya

    May 14, 2019 at 2:30 pm

    I know why do I love you and your blog so much. Because you are awesome and I just can’t keep telling other bloggers how brilliant you are.

    Reply to Supriya
    • Elna

      May 15, 2019 at 12:32 pm

      Hi Supriya,

      Aww! Thank you so much! I do my best to help as many moms that want to start a blog! Thank you for your support in helping me tell other moms about TwinsMommy

      Reply to Elna
  83. Cherelle | The Inspired Prairie

    May 8, 2019 at 1:30 pm

    Elna,
    I’m still soaking up all your rich-filled content on your blog. You are so helpful and a blessing to us mommy bloggers. Thanks for all you do to help us succeed!!

    Reply to Cherelle
    • Elna

      May 9, 2019 at 12:41 pm

      Hey Cherelle!

      Thank you so much! Glad you are enjoying my blog posts 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  84. JK Jones

    May 2, 2019 at 3:03 pm

    I just wanted to let you know that I don’t want to be a mommy blogger –my kid is 35 –but I found your information on blogs SO informative and helpful. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I AM in the baby, or infancy, stage of researching if I even want to write a blog to make money… Baby steps! So see? there IS a tie in to babies after all! 🙂

    Reply to JK
    • Elna

      May 5, 2019 at 9:28 pm

      Hey JK!

      Glad you enjoyed this post on how to start a blog! It is for any person not just moms for sure! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  85. Meghan Washington

    April 24, 2019 at 10:19 am

    I have been wanting to start a blog for a while now. Only recently did I find out that you can make money simply from blogging. This idea became more interesting when I had my son 6 months ago. The thought of being able to stay home with him, make money, and do what I love was so exciting. I have finally taken the steps to create my blog and have begun adding content. Your blog has been a huge help and one of my main go to resources for getting some of my questions answered. I’m struggling with how to find more traffic to my blog which will allow me to monetize it. Thanks for all the helpful tips.

    Reply to Meghan
    • Cherelle | The Inspired Prairie

      May 8, 2019 at 1:40 pm

      Meghan,
      I’m in the same boat as well (with the more traffic issue). One thing I found that helps with bringing more traffic and getting to know other bloggers, is by linking up my posts to Link Up Parties. Link up parties is a place where you can place your blog posts and everyone can see them on there. Even better — if one of the party hosts chooses your post as a “featured post”, you get more exposure on their blog and their social media. I hope that helps too! And of course, keep reading Elna’s blog for more tips! She’s awesome!!

      Reply to Cherelle
    • Elna

      April 27, 2019 at 11:02 am

      Hi Meghan,

      That’s wonderful you want to start a blog. I see you started a free blog site but over time you can switch it to a self hosted option for sure! This will help you start making money blogging. As for driving traffic you can check out this post: https://twinsmommy.com/increase-website-traffic/

      Reply to Elna
  86. Amy

    April 22, 2019 at 2:22 pm

    I have been a stay at home more for 15 years. I would love to start a blog and help with our income. As far as my niche, I have a few ideas, one that really sticks in my head. Once I set up my blog how do I go about getting sponsors or whatever I need to start earning money?

    Reply to Amy
    • Elna

      April 23, 2019 at 5:37 pm

      Hey Amy,

      I think the best way to start earning money from blogging is to do either some paid writing or affiliate marketing. After that you can look at doing some sponsored writing as well. For that to happen you can search sponsored brands or go over to Cate Rosales blog and check out this: https://sweetandsimplelife.com/working-with-brands/

      Reply to Elna
  87. LINDSAY CALMEIRA

    April 13, 2019 at 5:21 am

    I love this article !!!! I have always enjoyed writing, I use to write in school, for the newspaper, and always kept a journal so blogging I figured would come easy. once I learned that you could make money from it was such an added bonus. I have been blogging on my blog for a few short months while I find that just setting up my blog to how I want it has been the challenge for me. I would get that done so I can start to monetize it, I have little ones as well I had& to return to work just 3 weeks after having my baby for income to pay rent & bill, my job consumes my life. i miss out on so much! I am trying to do everything the right way so I can once day quit my job, do what I love & be with my family. you are such an inspiration !!!! I will leave my link below. thank you so much for all your tips and post.
    https://www.lindsaycalmeira.com

    Reply to LINDSAY
    • Elna

      April 14, 2019 at 2:26 pm

      Hey Lindsay,

      So glad you started a blog and growing it! Thanks for coming over!

      Reply to Elna
  88. Reshni

    April 10, 2019 at 11:46 pm

    Elna – I’ve been thinking about starting a mom blog since I was pregnant with my daughter — 7yrs ago! I’ve done a ton of a research and now after having our son 6mos. ago, I’ve finally decided to take the leap. I’ve waded through a lot of information and was so excited to come across twinsmommy.com. I’ just use your article to set-up my first blog (!!!). Can’t wait to keep learning about blogging. Thanks for providing such an awesome platform for mom bloggers!

    Reply to Reshni
    • Elna

      April 12, 2019 at 12:52 pm

      Hi Reshni,

      Thanks for coming over to my blog! So happy you want to start a blog right now 🙂 Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  89. Alysea

    April 10, 2019 at 8:38 pm

    Hi! I finally started up my own blog thanks to you! Thank you for all of your help.

    Reply to Alysea
    • Elna

      April 12, 2019 at 12:52 pm

      Hi Alysea,

      Wow! Thanks so much! So happy you are LIVE 🙂 Now it’s time to pump out content and get to know your audience! Have fun!

      Reply to Elna
  90. Vicki

    April 5, 2019 at 11:54 pm

    Thanks for the information. I went with Hostgator as my host for my blog. But, it’s brand new. I know I want to help people. But, I really don’t know my niche yet. I have considered some, thrown away others. But, I’ve learned a lot. I guess I think my personal life is so boring, SURELY, no one would want read about it.

    Reply to Vicki
    • Elna

      April 7, 2019 at 9:34 am

      Hi Vicki,

      That’s great did start a blog! Congrats! As for a niche you can pick certain areas of your life to talk about like parenting tactics, recipes, beauty etc… My life isn’t that exciting either so I don’t talk about my life too much!

      Reply to Elna
  91. Mina

    March 26, 2019 at 3:53 am

    Hi Elna! This is very informative and helpful. I’m thinking of building a mom blog as well, but my son is already in his teens. Will it still be considered as a “mom blog”? (I know that being a mom doesn’t end when the kids get older), but most of mom bloggers out there, like you, for example, your kids are toddlers.
    So I’m just wondering. Or should I focus on other niche?

    Reply to Mina
    • Elna

      March 29, 2019 at 9:56 am

      Hi Mina!

      You can totally rock a mom blog with older kids. My kids are 6 now! I consider mom blogs blogs where the audience are primarily moms. So you will find moms for your blog!

      Reply to Elna
  92. bailey

    March 20, 2019 at 6:13 pm

    okay so maybe im confused but how much monthly does it cost to have a blog? thank you !!

    Reply to bailey
    • Elna

      March 22, 2019 at 10:33 am

      Hi Bailey,

      Most people pay yearly or for multiple years to get the best discount. So you’d average about $120/year maybe more or less depending on plan.

      Reply to Elna
  93. Esther

    March 18, 2019 at 12:26 pm

    Your blog has been so helpful as I start mine! It’s only been 3 weeks, but it’s been so fun to write new content each time. Thank you for sharing this guide to help me get started! Do you have a post about which essential plugins to have on your blog??

    Reply to Esther
    • Elna

      March 18, 2019 at 4:49 pm

      Hi Esther!

      Thank you so much! So happy you were able to start a blog 🙂 My other post on what to do After you start a blog has some plugins I think but in all honesty, you don’t need much more than what Siteground or Bluehost provides for you.

      Reply to Elna
  94. Kendria

    March 13, 2019 at 1:17 am

    Thanks so much! I finally followed your steps and this is day one to starting my Blog! The route was much easier and I’m excited to devote my time to a wonderful world!

    Reply to Kendria
  95. Lisa

    March 12, 2019 at 12:19 pm

    Elna,
    Is it good idea to have a separate email account for your blog. I have seen mail chimp mention. Are there others? I’m ready to start my blog but want to make sure I am doing it right. Thanks!

    Reply to Lisa
    • Elna

      March 13, 2019 at 8:52 pm

      Hi Lisa,

      Sure, you can have a new email account for your blog if you want! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  96. Linda

    March 11, 2019 at 1:24 am

    good evening: Here I go taking the plunge, am excited nervous but with all your information I am looking forward to this new adventure. Thanks

    Reply to Linda
    • Elna

      March 13, 2019 at 8:52 pm

      Hey Linda!

      That’s great! Good luck with your start a blog 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  97. Shaquira Jones

    March 8, 2019 at 9:28 am

    Been writing forever and am interested in starting a blog. Just not sure how to set it up. Not sure if I really worried about making money off of it; but later possibly. Thanks for the insight, it’s going to be interesting to see what comes from the blog, if I move forward.

    Reply to Shaquira
    • Elna

      March 8, 2019 at 10:58 pm

      Hi Shaquira,

      Starting a blog is an amazing journey! It is entirely possible to make money with your blog! It takes time and dedication, but if you set time for it, you will see growth! Good luck and I’m here if you need more help!

      Reply to Elna
      • Erica

        July 20, 2019 at 1:29 am

        Your blog inspired me to create a blog as a SAHM. My only problem is I’m having trouble with creating it and all the coding and how to actually get “links” to work or add content to them! So confused! Do you have a video or any suggestions on how to learn this?

        Reply to Erica
        • Elna

          July 20, 2019 at 10:46 am

          Hi Erica,

          I don’t have a post on that specifically – just how to find a WordPress theme, upload it and customize it…nothing more. This post might help you a bit: https://twinsmommy.com/starting-a-blog/

          Reply to Elna
  98. Trinesha White

    March 4, 2019 at 9:56 pm

    Hi Elna! Im really wanting to start a mom blog and I want to start but my problem is signing up for wordpress which is $80 ( first charge and THEN its low monthly , Then to buy bluehost ( the recommended plan ) is $112 , so were talking about any one that wants to start a blog needs to have $119 up front . That’s a lot of money from say a person like me that def. does not have $119 to just spend in hopes to succeed 🙁

    Reply to Trinesha
    • Elna

      March 5, 2019 at 11:37 am

      Hi Trinesha,

      You don’t need to pay for WordPress. Once you sign up for your hosting plan (Siteground or Bluehost) You get WordPress automatically (with Bluehost you do and Siteground as well). There is no need to pay for WordPress and Bluehost or Siteground.

      Reply to Elna
  99. J

    March 4, 2019 at 6:38 am

    Hey Elna!

    I’ve been procrastinating over the possibility of writing for a living for the past 2 years. I’m also a twin mum, mine are 3 years old and I’d love to be able to make my own money, and have a creative outlet too. Every time I research it, I always end up back on your page!

    I’m a little put off by the idea of making a niche. I can see the sense in it, but I want to write about a variety to topics relating to motherhood and lifestyle. Would this be detrimental to the success of my blog?

    Thank you for your time! J x

    Reply to J
    • Elna

      March 4, 2019 at 11:04 am

      Hi!

      That’s awesome! I love meeting other twin mom bloggers (or soon-to-be blogger)! Yes, your blog niche is something to really think about, but you know what? Even though a niche down blog does well over all, you can start a blog with multiple topics. This is a lifestyle blog and this means you can write about the topics that you enjoy. Over time, you can see what your audience enjoys the most. Maybe it’s your organization hacks that appeal to your audience or it’s your kid craft activities. Whatever it is, lean on that and write more about that topic.

      For Twins Mommy I do write about a lot of different topics. Over the summer I tried writing more about organizing, mompreneur things and productivity. But, that didn’t pan out. So I went back to my roots, which was blog traffic tips! It’s okay to play around and find out your main topic! Have fun!

      Reply to Elna
  100. Tiffany

    March 3, 2019 at 2:45 pm

    Hi,

    I think it’s amazing that you actually respond to everyone who writes you here. Where do you find the time?
    My question for you is, can I start a blog even if I’m not good at writing? Meaning I’m not grammatically inclined, if you know what I mean?
    Writing isn’t a skill I possess. I have a journal and every now and again I write in it. As a mom of two small children I find it’s hard to find the time to sit quietly to write down my thoughts.
    I’m looking to get started blogging as an online journal for myself and to get familiarized with the online community and then if the doors begin to open up sure I’ll look for ways to monetize. But for right now like today, I want to be able to write down my thoughts whenever they come to me and not just when I’m at home and have quiet time to write in my physical journal.

    Also, what is the difference between hosting and WordPress??

    Thanks for posting this guide

    Reply to Tiffany
    • Elna

      March 4, 2019 at 11:12 am

      Hi Tiffany!

      Wow! I love your writing! As long as you can write from the heart in a coherent manner, that’s all that matters. With writing a blog though, you need to write for your audience. You are serving them. So they come to you for advice and help.

      How can your writing help them? So, it’s a journal or a diary of sorts. You have to go beyond that and help an interested reader. For example, if you recently went to Disneyland with your family, you can blog about that. But, to help your audience you have to structure your blog ideas.

      For example, 6 Easy Ways to Enjoy Disneyland With Your Toddler. Or, 10 Toddler Activities You Can Do At Disneyland. Or, How to Plan a Family Trip to Disneyland (and Not be Overwhelmed!).

      These are posts that someone would want to read as it helps THEM through a problem or issue.

      Make sense? You can always email me too if you have more questions!

      Hosting allows you to have a place –the servers and the space – on the internet.
      WordPress.org is the actual content management system where you can write out your blog posts and have your blog.
      So it’s the “look” of your blog and where you create all your content for your blog.

      I hope this makes sense?

      Reply to Elna
      • Tiffany

        March 4, 2019 at 10:48 pm

        Thanks so much! This gave me a guideline of ways to think about my thoughts and how i can turn what I’m feeling into a problem and a solution for my audience.

        Reply to Tiffany
  101. Nikita

    March 2, 2019 at 2:51 pm

    Hello!
    I have scoured Pinterest for all types of ‘Start your own blog’ posts. And I keep coming back to yours! It’s, in my opinion, the most informative, well-constructed, and relatable! And I want to thank you for it! I’ve used your link to establish my site and plan on launching my blog the first of April! (Building content and overcoming my anxieties about it all until then?)
    I will be following you on all platforms in the process!
    Thanks and God bless! ☺️

    Reply to Nikita
    • Elna

      March 2, 2019 at 3:32 pm

      Hey Nikita,

      Thanks so much! So happy my start a blog post helped you start your blog! Awesome! So happy for you 🙂 Have fun blogging!!! And email me any time you need help! I’m here to help out!

      Reply to Elna
  102. Kim

    February 23, 2019 at 6:16 pm

    Hi there! So I am wanting to start a mom blog, after being so encouraged by many friends and teachers at my children’s
    school for my honest (they think I’m being funn) parenting IG and FB posts. I read your article
    above…so do I need to start
    working on my blog on WordPress and then set it up to be hosted or vice versa? Send me ALL the info! #bloggingfordummies

    Reply to Kim
    • Elna

      February 26, 2019 at 11:26 am

      Hey Kim,

      Yes, I would start a blog using the info I have in the post. Then read the post on what to do After you start a blog. This link is at the end of the blog post! There are video tutorials in that post to help you get your WordPress site up!

      Reply to Elna
  103. Dave

    February 23, 2019 at 12:01 am

    Good information. I am starting a blog, similar to mom blogs, but from a Dads point of view. I am not a stay at home dad per se, but I work from home due to a disability from military service. Long story short, I have been reading lots of blogs (Yes mom blogs too) and decided more dads should do it. So about two weeks ago I started one for fun, then it hit me. I should talk about parenting from a dads point of view. Feel Free to check it out, I’m still learning of course (especially on what I want my categories to be named) but thanks again for the great read.

    Oh! my website is http://dadblogged.com/

    Reply to Dave
    • Elna

      February 26, 2019 at 11:29 am

      Hey Dave!

      This is perfect! So happy you started a dad blog! You can carve this niche out on the Internet and gain some good keywords to rank in Google for your topics! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  104. Lindsey

    February 18, 2019 at 5:48 am

    I really enjoyed reading your post, It was one of the first I read when I decided to start my blog. I am also a twin momma so it is nice to find other twin mommas that blog as well. My blog website is http://www.babiesbeautyandmore.com

    Reply to Lindsey
    • Elna

      February 19, 2019 at 2:46 pm

      Hey Lindsey!

      Nice! Another twin mama! So happy you decided to start a blog!

      Reply to Elna
  105. Amber Brock

    February 17, 2019 at 1:23 pm

    I have a question. I want to start blogging, and I eventually want to have 3 separate Web sites, plus one my husband starts, and connect them all together via buttons. I will also talk about each page in descriptions. I have a vlog on YouTube called Brock-Paper-Scissors that is a family lifestyle channel. It’s not doing well yet, so I want to start a blog with a niche as you suggested. I also have a cooking Facebook page called Brockhaven Kitchen. This is where I want to start as far as my blog goes. So my question is: do I name my domain after my Brockhaven kitchen page and eventually do a separate domain for the other pages I want to do? Thanks!

    Reply to Amber
    • Elna

      February 19, 2019 at 2:50 pm

      Hi Amber,

      You can start a blog under the brockhaven name for sure since you have social media profiles. Make sure that when you sign up for hosting, to pick a plan that has unlimited websites like you talked about!

      Reply to Elna
  106. Ivory Walker

    February 14, 2019 at 9:13 am

    Hello Elna! I’m Ivory ?. I’m wondering if you have to use wordpress to start a blog? I have a domain already, but I’m lost far as hosting goes. I’ve read, but I’ll read again incase I missed something. Happy Valentine’s Day as well!! Hope to hear from you soon.

    Reply to Ivory
    • Elna

      February 14, 2019 at 12:11 pm

      Hi Ivory!

      You don’t NEED to use WordPress to start a blog, but it’s much easier to and there is a TON of support online. You can use Squarespace or Wix if you want. Those options may be a tad more expensive though!

      Reply to Elna
  107. Gloria Mondragon

    February 13, 2019 at 12:14 am

    Hi Elna, Gloria here! I want to know how does your FREE 6-day blogging course differentiate from the “set blog for traffic”? Better yet, what is your BEST or recommended program/coaching course that you have for someone that is starting from scratch? Finally decided on a domain & even tho I am having this baby very soon, I am eager to start learning some amazing content. You’re fantastic! Thank you very much (:

    Reply to Gloria
    • Elna

      February 13, 2019 at 12:19 pm

      Hey Gloria!

      The 6-day course is about getting going from scratch. My Ready Set Blog for Traffic course is about generating traffic to an existing blog. My recommendation? With this post, the 6-day course and all of the free info on my blog, it’s plenty to get anyone started out right!

      Reply to Elna
  108. Nikki

    February 12, 2019 at 6:56 am

    Hi Elna,

    This blog post was one of the first ones I came across when I set my blog up. It was so helpful, I wanted to comment straight away! I felt self conscious though, so I saved it for later.
    Now, my blog is still very new, but I feel brave enough to show it to you. 😀

    Thank you very much for all the posts that you’re helping us, beginners with! This blog is still my go to every time I come across something new or something I don’t understand fully. <3

    Reply to Nikki
    • Elna

      February 13, 2019 at 10:21 pm

      Nikki!

      I love your blog! It’s cute and bright and friendly! Great job! And thank you for circling back and commenting on my start a blog post! I love helping newbies get started and love seeing their new blog! Thank you!

      Reply to Elna
  109. Bria

    February 8, 2019 at 3:01 pm

    I couldn’t agree more, when I had my baby, I feel like a gained the part of me that was missing, I definitely don’t feel like I lost a part of me that’s for sure haha. The #1 thing that helped me as a teen mom tho was getting free diapers. It took me 5 minutes to sign up and every time they come in the mail all I can think about is all the money I am saving. I would be mean if I didn’t share my secret so here you go.

    Reply to Bria
    • CJ

      February 20, 2019 at 11:53 pm

      Hi Bria! Congrats and welcome to mommy land. I’d love to know how to get free diapers, with a 6 month old and no consistent funds of my own I need all the help I can get.

      Reply to CJ
    • Elna

      February 9, 2019 at 10:03 am

      Hi Bria,

      That’s great! Yes, starting a mom blog is a wonderful way to connect with other moms and fuel your creativity! Way to go!

      Reply to Elna
  110. Liz

    February 7, 2019 at 3:41 pm

    Great read…now after you’ve gotten all this set-up, how do you monetize from this???

    Reply to Liz
    • Elna

      February 8, 2019 at 11:10 am

      Hey Liz!

      You can check out my guide on making money here: https://twinsmommy.com/how-to-make-money-blogging/

      Reply to Elna
  111. Tavia

    February 3, 2019 at 6:44 pm

    Live this article but very confused on the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com same thing it really two different sites?

    Reply to Tavia
    • Elna

      February 5, 2019 at 12:35 pm

      Hi Tavia!

      Yes they are different. WordPress.com is a free blogging platform like Blogger.com. Your domain would be use a third party domain like tavia.wordpress.com like that! Plus you can start an email list or grow your income with a free site like that! It’s much better to go self-hosted and use WordPress.org!

      Reply to Elna
  112. Tamika

    January 27, 2019 at 10:37 pm

    Someone plzzzzzz help me I neeed help I am struggling single mom of 2 I have my domain and everything but I need some help and guide I already have the website it’s jut blah and needs work and help

    Reply to Tamika
    • Darlene at SugarsBeach.com

      January 29, 2019 at 11:59 am

      Tamika,

      We can’t peek at your site and possibly offer suggestions, if you don’t link to your site. :/

      xo, Darlene at SugarsBeach.com

      Reply to Darlene
    • Elna

      January 28, 2019 at 11:15 am

      Hey Tamika!

      I have a post on what to do After you start a blog that’s at the bottom of this blog post so make sure to check that out. I have videos on how to create a logo and customize your WordPress theme!

      Reply to Elna
  113. Amy Tart

    January 24, 2019 at 9:37 pm

    Thank you for this great info! I’ve been writing for years but just started a blog about 5 months ago. I don’t get a lot of traffic. I feel like people would rather watch videos than read my stories. I’m on WordPress.com not .org. Should I switch?

    Reply to Amy
    • Elna

      January 25, 2019 at 10:07 am

      Hi Amy,

      I think switching to a .org is the best option for you to gain readership, authority and traffic. It’s more professional and doesn’t appear like your blog is a hobby. Of course, this is the direction to help you make money blogging. If that isn’t your end goal, keep your blog on WordPress.com, and work on getting traffic from social media.

      Reply to Elna
  114. Amy

    January 24, 2019 at 8:03 am

    I am all ready to start my blog. Have some previous work saved and ready to post on my blog but one of my stories is 3000 words. What do I do if I have short story like post? Do I consider turning it into an ebook? Or break the post up?
    It is not informational but an actual story.

    Reply to Amy
    • Elna

      January 24, 2019 at 9:11 am

      Hey Amy,

      You can post the entire story on your blog as long as it helps your readers. If it’s a personal story then it might be suited for an eBook and use that as an opt-in to grow your email list. But having a 3,000 word blog post isn’t abnormal and is encouraged!

      Reply to Elna
  115. Jamyla

    January 22, 2019 at 6:22 pm

    Hey I’m planning to start my own blog & ive been designing my website with Wix.com. Can I still use this as a host ? Thank you for this helpful & informative article btw, I really appreciate this.

    Reply to Jamyla
    • Elna

      January 23, 2019 at 10:07 am

      Hi Jamyla,

      I’m afraid not. You can’t use Siteground or Bluehost as a host for a Wix blog. Wix is the hosting option and it’s something some bloggers use instead of WordPress! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  116. Jodie

    January 18, 2019 at 9:37 am

    Hey mama, I love your blog it is so interesting and it is a great read!
    I have literally just started my blog as I am a new mum to my little squishy and just wanted to help young, new mums or expectant mums through the biggest transition in life!
    Just wondering where to go from here as I’ve also created my insta acc: @mummyalways and fb: @mumtosquishy always mummy
    Any tips or advice would be great!

    Reply to Jodie
    • Elna

      January 19, 2019 at 10:00 pm

      Hi Jodie!

      That’s awesome! So happy you started blogging. That’s great you created social media profiles for sure! Try reading this post to get more ideas: https://twinsmommy.com/starting-a-blog/

      Reply to Elna
  117. asma laghari

    January 18, 2019 at 3:46 am

    hi Elna,
    I discovered your blog last week while searching. I m a mom of 2 girls, parenting self-development & relationship coach. I emailed you as well can you please reply thank you

    Reply to asma
  118. Georgette Brown

    January 14, 2019 at 10:41 pm

    Hello Elna,
    I just discovered your blog site.
    I love your page, It is well organized and welcoming.
    I am a mother of seven and out of the seven children I have fraternal twins. I started a blogs a few years back. I am still trying to discover my writing style for blogging. I have just recently started writing again. I wanted to know is blogger a good place to plant and grow a blog? Our should I consider a different place that I could add affiliate links to? I also wanted to know if you have information you can share regarding organizing content on a blog page or blog website? Any other tips, tool or information you can share with me regarding being a blogger I appreciate it.
    Thank you for your expertise and help!

    Reply to Georgette
    • Elna

      January 15, 2019 at 11:44 am

      Hi Georgette!

      Thank you for stopping by! Wow 7 children! Amazing 🙂 I personally feel the best way to start a blog is with WordPress and that it’s self-hosted (not on Blogger). This post helps you see what I mean: https://twinsmommy.com/what-is-a-blog/

      I don’t know if I this post will help you with organizing your content: https://twinsmommy.com/organize-and-plan-blog-posts/

      How your blog content looks is dependant on the theme you are using. So to change that up your theme needs to enable that customization.

      Reply to Elna
  119. Lyndsey

    January 14, 2019 at 2:12 pm

    I’ve been wanting to blog for a long time, but have been having a hard time focusing on one topic! I am hoping to narrow it down to one or two things so that I can get started, it’s one of my 2019 goals.

    Reply to Lyndsey
    • Elna

      January 15, 2019 at 11:45 am

      Hi Lyndsey,
      That’s awesome! Goal setting is huge! https://twinsmommy.com/goal-setting-planner/ It’s helped me with my blogs too! Congrats on starting a blog!!!

      Reply to Elna
  120. Mo

    January 14, 2019 at 11:24 am

    Domain privacy and site protection important for just starting out? And domain registration with the host is instead of using godaddy or something else? Ie. you only need one

    Reply to Mo
    • Elna

      January 15, 2019 at 12:28 pm

      Hi!

      I don’t always add the site protection to my plan. Domain privacy is always good. You can register the domain separately at Godaddy, Namecheap or I like NameSilo they include free privacy too. It’s just sometimes easier for beginners to do it all at one place and much easier to show in a tutorial!

      Reply to Elna
  121. Amber Slacks

    January 12, 2019 at 10:22 pm

    I finally decided to start my mommy blog at the end of last year. I also used wordpress and found it extremely easy. Please take the time to read it

    http://www.theangrypregnantlady.com

    I would love some feedback!

    Reply to Amber
    • Elna

      January 15, 2019 at 12:32 pm

      Hi Amber!

      That’s awesome. I unfortunately don’t do blog reviews! For me to critique it and look it over would take me a lot of time as I want to give you the best advice possible. And so I don’t offer this as a service.

      Reply to Elna
  122. Kayleigh

    January 10, 2019 at 7:25 pm

    OKay this is awesome!!! I need to re-read this again and again!!! I have a blog myself and I have been trying to get it out there more. Make it easier to find on google and get more followers. I Also need to figure out how to make another blog portion within it. I write about my daughter and her medical needs but I want to start on my health journey and fitness too… your words here are awesome so thank you!!! any advice you have throw it at me I would love it.

    Reply to Kayleigh
  123. Tamara

    January 9, 2019 at 9:34 pm

    Hi , I have been reading your guides and I love and appreciate them. I haven’t started my blog yet but I am looking forward to starting soon, the question that I have is would I be able to add affiliate links and/or other methods of monetizing my blog page using WordPress?

    Reply to Tamara
    • Elna

      January 10, 2019 at 9:25 am

      Hi Tamara!

      Yes of course! If you use a self host like Bluehost or Siteground, then you can definitely monetize using affiliate links, ads or selling your own products/services!

      Reply to Elna
  124. crystal Poe

    January 7, 2019 at 11:51 am

    Hello I’m new. I have been wanting to do this for quite sometime now. I just gained the confidence with in myself to start.. I’m really excited!!

    Reply to crystal
    • Elna

      January 9, 2019 at 10:47 am

      Hi Crystal!

      Woo hoo! So happy you want to start a blog! Have fun with it all!

      Reply to Elna
  125. Vanessa

    January 5, 2019 at 7:28 pm

    I have recently started a blog and it was because of you! (And my love of writing!) thank you for your easy to follow blogs on how to do all this and your support!

    Reply to Vanessa
    • Elna

      January 9, 2019 at 10:54 am

      Hi Vanessa!

      That’s awesome! I’m so glad you are a blogger now! Yay!

      Reply to Elna
  126. Christina Saechao

    January 2, 2019 at 8:16 pm

    Hi Elna,
    I am a new blogger and also a mom of twins. I enjoy reading your posts they have been really helpful and informative. I recently signed up with canva when I saw your video. I’m excited to start designing and adding color to my site. Any input or suggestions to help improve my site is much appreciated. Thank you and Happy New Year!

    Reply to Christina
    • Elna

      January 2, 2019 at 8:47 pm

      Hey Christina!

      Glad you enjoyed this post and my blog 🙂 Love meeting other mom bloggers with twins!

      Reply to Elna
  127. Amber Brock

    January 2, 2019 at 4:45 pm

    I want to get started with a blog so bad. I need more time in the day having 3 kids under 5 though… I was an English teacher before staying home with kids. I love to write and I really want to. I started a family video blog before becoming pregnant with my now 2-month-old, but that pregnancy drained my energy completely, so i couldn’t do much for it. I’d like to start a blog and get my video blog back up and running ASAP. I also have a Facebook page all about cooking and recipes, etc., so, even though I’d like my blog to eventually be more of a lifestyle blog, I think my beginning niche will need to center around food and cooking for and with my family. My older daughter loves to help in the kitchen. Any tips for me? I requested join your Facebook page as well.

    Reply to Amber
    • Elna

      January 2, 2019 at 8:48 pm

      Hey Amber!

      I think that’s a great niche to start out with! Do what you enjoy and have a lot of ideas to write about 🙂 Cooking and recipes is awesome and helpful for moms!

      Reply to Elna
  128. Debbie

    December 25, 2018 at 11:17 pm

    Thanks for such a complete how to guide. Now I feel more confident about starting my blog. It looks more affordable than I was expecting. I recently adopted a little boy and plan to stay home with him. It sure would help if I could bring in a little money.

    Reply to Debbie
    • Elna

      December 26, 2018 at 6:01 pm

      Hey Debbie!

      Glad you start a blog and came over here! Great niche and helpful niche for people with adoption!

      Reply to Elna
  129. Carie

    December 11, 2018 at 2:36 pm

    Hi Elna,
    I’m so inspired by your article. My fingers are just burning to start creating my own blog, but I’m stuck by the niche part of this article and need to figure out a great name for my brand.

    Reply to Carie
    • Elna

      December 19, 2018 at 10:40 am

      Hi Carie!

      I tell a lot of new bloggers that your blog name doesn’t have to be some great name that encompasses your entire blog. I mean, look at QuickSprout or Popsugar…they don’t scream what their blog is about! Even Tailwind! So, the name isn’t as important as not starting a blog. Your niche can also evolve over time. So, the sooner you start a blog the sooner Google will index your blog and age it. An aged blog is an asset and a good thing!

      Reply to Elna
  130. Adriana

    December 10, 2018 at 5:38 pm

    Hi, Your post is wonderful, convinced me more about making a blog, tips are so helpful, but I am stucked into the naming… been trying to use my head but my creativity is not really working.. .or a bit rusty.. how can I get over this and actually come up with a name for a new mommy blog, for cooking and sewing? Thank you so much

    Reply to Adriana
    • Elna

      December 19, 2018 at 10:44 am

      Hi Adriana!

      I know a lot of new bloggers get stuck at that blog name! It can be hard I know! I want to start a baby blog and I can’t find a name for that either!!! 🙂 Have you thought of using just your name? You can also use just a mash-up of words for your blog like crafycookingmama or perfecthappymom or things like that? This post has more info on that strategy: https://twinsmommy.com/blog-name-ideas/

      Reply to Elna
  131. Judy

    December 1, 2018 at 10:48 pm

    I love your article and I am interested in starting to blog, the thing I’m confused about is how do you get money from blogging? Thank you

    Reply to Judy
    • Elna

      December 1, 2018 at 11:29 pm

      Hey Judy!

      You can check out my free course on how to start a blog that makes money if you want! https://twinsmommy.com/start-grow-earn-free-course/

      Reply to Elna
  132. Michelle A Evans

    November 29, 2018 at 7:04 pm

    Hey Elna,

    Super informational. I have been toying with the idea of starting a blog. I love to write, but have not had the courage to do so. I am a full time high school Ag teacher, with two young boys and a husband that is gone for work alot. I was thinking of doing a Mom blog, but now after reading this I am wondering if that’s too general. Thoughts?

    Reply to Michelle
    • Elna

      November 29, 2018 at 9:11 pm

      Hi Michelle,

      A mom blog is a great idea but you can decide if you want a mutli-topic mom blog or one that is focussed on a particular time of a mom’s journey like pregnancy, postpartum, new mom, mom to toddler, mom to school aged children etc… You can also just blog about one main topic that appeals to moms like – self-care, organization, budgeting, decluttering etc..

      Reply to Elna
  133. Emma

    November 28, 2018 at 11:07 pm

    Hey Elna,

    This is an awesome post – it’s exactly what I needed to read right now. I’m a little stuck but you’ve given me lots of inspiration and I’m going to finally get started on my blog.

    You’re a star,

    Thank you!

    Reply to Emma
    • Elna

      November 29, 2018 at 10:53 am

      Hey Emma!

      I love hearing this! Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my post on how to start a blog 🙂 I love helping new moms!

      Reply to Elna
  134. Rebecca

    November 25, 2018 at 8:15 am

    I really appreciate the time and effort you utilize to help encourage us to move into our desires. I’m even more excited to get started! Thank you!

    Reply to Rebecca
    • Elna

      November 25, 2018 at 11:16 am

      Hi Rebecca!

      That’s awesome to hear! I can’t wait to hear about your new mom blog!

      Reply to Elna
  135. Sarah

    November 19, 2018 at 4:01 pm

    This was a great, easy to read and inspirational to the new, a bit overwhelmed blogger such as me!

    Thanks

    Reply to Sarah
    • Elna

      November 21, 2018 at 12:34 pm

      Hi Sarah!

      You can do it mama! I know you can! Once you start your blog the fun begins with content and planning your day as a new blogger!

      Reply to Elna
  136. Martha

    November 19, 2018 at 7:14 am

    I love it Elna. I have been desiring to be a blogger and i can see myself becoming one. I will make sure that i follow those steps. Thanks

    Reply to Martha
    • Elna

      November 19, 2018 at 12:50 pm

      Hey Martha!

      So glad you’re here! That’s awesome and I can’t wait to hear about your blog success!

      Reply to Elna
  137. Amber Slacks

    November 14, 2018 at 10:32 pm

    I’ve always loved writing and the thought of starting a blog was always at the back of my mind. Well monday I finally built the courage to do so. Writing for me was a great outlet especially dealing with all of these pregnancy hormones. Please take the time and look at it.

    Reply to Amber
  138. Gigi

    November 12, 2018 at 9:43 pm

    Love your post! I came across your site when I started feeling a little down about blogging, and you helped me feel like I can make this work! Inspired me to get to work on pushing out some more posts!

    Reply to Gigi
    • Elna

      November 13, 2018 at 9:49 am

      That’s awesome to hear Gigi!

      Reply to Elna
  139. Maureen

    November 9, 2018 at 11:33 pm

    Fantastic post with useful information for a new blog writer like myself. Thanks!

    Reply to Maureen
  140. Stephanie

    November 4, 2018 at 1:15 am

    Hi Elna! I followed your post and created my own blog but I’m having an incredibly hard time figuring everything out! I was wondering if there’s some way I can contact you that you can help me figure things out where I’m lost? 🙂

    Reply to Stephanie
    • Elna

      November 8, 2018 at 2:10 pm

      Hey Stephanie!

      Sure you can email me!

      I noticed you only have two blog posts so keep churning out content for sure! Create those pin images and write long-form content! You got this!

      Reply to Elna
  141. Ciara

    November 2, 2018 at 9:16 pm

    Hey Elna!
    I have two boys and expecting in January :). I have been wanting to do a blog for almost a year now and never took off with it. Today I decided to put my fears aside and JUST DO IT ! Thanks for the great information

    Reply to Ciara
    • Elna

      November 3, 2018 at 3:59 pm

      Hi Ciara,

      How awesome! Congrats on your pregnancy! What a great time to start a blog for moms! Good luck on your new blog!

      Reply to Elna
  142. Super

    November 1, 2018 at 3:49 pm

    This is the easiest read ever, thanks…wish me luck as i take the bold step.

    Reply to Super
  143. Xoli

    October 30, 2018 at 1:58 pm

    Hi Elna,

    Thanks for this information, very helpful. I am a mom of two girls and expecting another lady in January. I have been toying with the idea of starting a blog for over a year now, but fear has just gotten in the way.

    Reply to Xoli
    • Elna

      October 30, 2018 at 4:59 pm

      Hey!

      Congrats on your pregnancy! How exciting. Yes, starting a mom blog is thrilling, exciting and wonderful! I hope you take the plunge for the new year!

      Reply to Elna
  144. Caitlin Grant

    October 29, 2018 at 11:01 am

    Hi Elna
    I’m thinking of starting a blog, I have a son who is 6 and is undergoing the fun of being diagnosed and tested for being on the spectrum. I wanted to blog about the process. Also we are trying for another (we just be crazy!) I think we could make it funny and lighthearted, but also be helpful. What do you think?

    Reply to Caitlin
    • Elna

      October 29, 2018 at 11:35 am

      Hi Caitlin,

      Yes, that would be a wonderful and supportive blog to help others through that process as well as how to parent a child on the spectrum! Have fun starting a mom blog!

      Reply to Elna
  145. Romina Gomez

    October 29, 2018 at 9:42 am

    Hi, Elna! I follow all your steps but the page keeps telling me “Your payment could not be processed at the moment.” What should I do? I tried with both of my VISA but it didnt work. Thank you so much for all your advices!!!

    Reply to Romina
    • Elna

      October 29, 2018 at 11:43 am

      Hi Romina,

      I’m sorry, please contact the host for that!

      Reply to Elna
  146. Marija

    October 29, 2018 at 5:39 am

    The excellent guide! Thank you on this useful information!

    Reply to Marija
  147. Christina

    October 26, 2018 at 8:09 pm

    I have wanted to do this for so long but fear has gotten the best of me. I recently have had some health struggles and now unable to drive due to seizures. Perfect time to invest in me. Is possible to do my blog on just life? Life with 8 kids and a blended family? What works and doesn’t work for us. We have an 8 year old all the way to young adult children in our blended family. Now we are Grandparents with my daughter and Granddaughter living at home. Life with health struggles and deciding to get healthy? The good and fails. Life with a First Responder Husband? Is this too much to focus on?

    Reply to Christina
    • Elna

      October 26, 2018 at 9:22 pm

      Hi Christine,

      I’m sorry to hear about your health struggles, but love how you’re turning that into something good! I LOVE your lifestyle blog idea! Yes, you can blog about that as long as your blog is helpful to others and I believe it will be! And you’re right – this is the perfect time to invest in you to start a blog!

      Reply to Elna
  148. Holly

    October 23, 2018 at 11:11 am

    Hi Elna,
    Thank you for this post. I am a Mum of one and have been toying with the idea of starting a Mummy blog but trying to think of my niche. I was thinking of a ‘letters to my daughter’ type style as I have been jotting a few things down since she was born. We we due to relocate in the new year however so not sure whether to focus on that. I would be interested to hear your thoughts

    Reply to Holly
    • Elna

      October 23, 2018 at 1:08 pm

      Hey Holly!
      That’s great you want to start a mommy blog! I like the lifestyle blog you are thinking of. Remember, your blog should help others and not only showcase what’s going on in your life. So relocating/home decor, saving money, moving and topics like that can appeal to a large audience!

      Reply to Elna
  149. jamie scott

    October 20, 2018 at 12:57 am

    Hi awesome what you are doing I am interested in starting my blogs on day to day life of a single mom and coping tips. I only worried once I went to site ground it was more money than I thought. I guess when I get the rest of my money I can get started I hope for my blogs to be helpful and change lives. I noticed anything I find is costly to start blogging and making money! Thanks for the tips I am willing to learn all I can.

    Reply to jamie
    • Elna

      October 20, 2018 at 2:34 pm

      Hey Jamie,

      The best thing you can do is invest in YOU! Your blog is you and when you invest in your blog you take it seriously. 🙂 I hope you start a blog!

      Reply to Elna
  150. Jennifer Rhodes

    October 16, 2018 at 6:07 pm

    Hi Elna, I’m started my blog with WordPress but setting up my actual website has been a little confusing. Do you have any suggestions for me on how to make it easier?

    Reply to Jennifer
    • Elna

      October 17, 2018 at 8:43 am

      Hi Jennifer,

      I do have a WordPress guide if you sign up to my free email course on starting a blog! https://twinsmommy.com/start-grow-earn-free-course/ You can try that!

      Reply to Elna
  151. Kristen Morton

    October 15, 2018 at 6:34 pm

    Thank you for this post! It made setting up my hosting and wordpress so simple. I am just starting out and it was very helpful to have the step-by-step process!

    Reply to Kristen
    • Elna

      October 16, 2018 at 9:56 am

      Hi Kristen,

      You’re welcome! So happy you are starting a blog! Yay!

      Reply to Elna
  152. Reyna Castillo

    October 15, 2018 at 5:58 pm

    Hi Elna.
    My name’s Reyna mom of 3. I was thinking about writing about my experience sleep training my 6month old. I’m in the process of doing it and am having a really good turnout. Do you think it is a good blog topic?

    Reply to Reyna
    • Elna

      October 16, 2018 at 9:57 am

      Hi Reyna,

      That’s a great topic! You can make your whole blog focussed on sleeping tips for babies! Or, you can have a new baby blog and blog about new baby content! There is a lot of play in your ideas for starting a blog!

      Reply to Elna
  153. Nichole Sowers

    October 3, 2018 at 7:29 pm

    I’m Nichole, I am in the process in starting a mom/lifestyle blog. I am a working mom and would love the opportunity to be at least a part-time stay at home momma. Your posts are so helpful and I want to say thank you!

    Reply to Nichole
    • Elna

      October 4, 2018 at 1:47 pm

      Hey Nicole!

      Thanks for coming over and congrats on wanting to start a mom blog!

      Reply to Elna
  154. MCM

    October 1, 2018 at 1:46 pm

    Hi!

    Am I able to use this and WordPress to create a blog with an iPad or do I need a computer?

    Reply to MCM
    • Elna

      October 4, 2018 at 1:52 pm

      I’m sure you can!

      Reply to Elna
  155. Amber

    September 29, 2018 at 7:36 am

    Hi Elna!

    This has been one of the most useful posts I have read on starting a blog. I am inspired, motivated and excited for this. With your help, I just set up my blog in no time! Thanks so much – can’t wait to get writing!

    Reply to Amber
    • Elna

      September 29, 2018 at 2:21 pm

      Hi Amber!

      Thank you so much! So happy this post resonated with you and you were able to start a blog! That’s awesome!

      Reply to Elna
  156. Angelica Gintner

    September 28, 2018 at 1:10 pm

    Hi, thank you for all the information. I recently started a mom blog. Not sure if I like the set up I have or not. I was looking for feedback. I have 10 posts and im working on more.

    Reply to Angelica
    • Elna

      September 29, 2018 at 2:22 pm

      Hi Angelina! Congrats on starting a mom blog! Ten posts is a great number to start with! Good luck.

      Reply to Elna
  157. Jaclyn De Jesus

    September 17, 2018 at 2:07 pm

    I just made my mom blog today! im excited to write about many things !

    Reply to Jaclyn
    • Elna

      September 18, 2018 at 11:42 am

      Hey Jacklyn!

      That’s exciting! Congrats on starting a blog!

      Reply to Elna
  158. Alyssa Kelley

    September 10, 2018 at 1:57 pm

    Thanks for sharing! I created mine!!!

    Reply to Alyssa
    • Elna

      September 11, 2018 at 5:18 pm

      Good to hear!

      Reply to Elna
  159. Susana Palomo

    September 9, 2018 at 5:53 pm

    Hi there, Elna,
    thanks for sharing your tips!
    I am confused about WordPress and the host. Does WordPress also work as a host? It looks like they have plans for $8 a month..but I don’t know if that includes everything? Or would I still need a different host provider?

    Reply to Susana
    • Elna

      September 10, 2018 at 10:44 am

      Hey Susana,

      Hey the free platform that WordPress offers is fine, but it’s not recommended if you want to monetize and grow your blog later on. I’m not sure what the free hosting plan WordPress offers but I do know that they will place ads on your site and if they generate income, you won’t see it. I also know that not all WordPress plugins accommodate to the free platform. But, you can switch over too later one (just might be more techy if you don’t know how to do it yourself).

      Reply to Elna
  160. Amelia

    August 25, 2018 at 3:21 pm

    You made it so easy for me to set up my own blog- and the courage! I feel like a have met a new friend!

    Reply to Amelia
    • Elna

      August 27, 2018 at 8:56 pm

      Hey Amelia!

      You’re welcome! So happy you did and and you went to start a blog! Congrats! Your blog looks great as a beginner and you will only grow from here!

      Reply to Elna
  161. Gracina Cabanog

    August 24, 2018 at 10:17 pm

    I love this tips, wish I knew this when I was starting out. Now I do have three blogs, and my mom blog is what I really enjoyed doing! blogging in wordpress and selfhosting was the best thing
    Gracina,
    https://www.gracinaestrella.com

    Reply to Gracina
    • Elna

      August 27, 2018 at 9:01 pm

      Hey Gracina!

      That’s awesome you have three mom blogs! I have two mom blogs and other blogs in different blog niches! Start a blog is the funnest thing for sure! Enjoy the rest of your week!

      Reply to Elna
  162. Yelena| TwintasticJourney

    August 23, 2018 at 10:45 am

    Hi Elna!
    First, just want to say hi to a fellow twin mom! It’s always nice to know that I am not alone in the double trouble, I mean blessing category.lol 🙂

    Also, thank you for all the hard work you do and for the awesome content you provide. I have recently started my own blog and have referred to your posts quite a lot! Thank you once more and please don’t stop!

    Reply to Yelena
    • Elna

      August 23, 2018 at 6:25 pm

      Hey Yelena!

      What a great blog you have to help mamas with twins!! Thanks for sharing your advice. The first year of having twins was literally a blur. I was a zombie and had NO SLEEP so I barely remember anything that first year…and a bit!! 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  163. TIFFANY

    August 18, 2018 at 3:59 am

    I want to publish my blog next month but I’m leary that the LLC stuff and hosting should all be in place before I publish so things don’t go down fast. Is this true? By the way so grateful for your emails!

    Reply to TIFFANY
    • Elna

      August 18, 2018 at 8:18 pm

      Hey Tiffany,

      I wouldn’t worry to much about the LLC stuff…you can start a blog before you set that up!

      Reply to Elna
  164. Patrice Desch

    August 17, 2018 at 1:56 pm

    I LOVED READING THIS. I literally took down notes along the way. I’m pregnant with my first, so every little thing is new to me & i want to share my journey. I too have wanted to start a blog for a while, but have so many interests and could never really pinpoint a specific topic/niche. After reading about yours, i think i’m going to start a mommy blog about being pregnant and on a budget and incorporate health/fitness, food recipes, and just positive advice. Anyways, will definitely be coming back to your blog!

    Thank you!

    Reply to Patrice
    • Elna

      August 18, 2018 at 8:19 pm

      Hi Patrice!

      So glad to know! Your blog niche ideas sound awesome for starting a blog! My other blog, Smart Mom Ideas has different topics too and it’s fun writing in different niches!

      Reply to Elna
  165. Kristen

    August 15, 2018 at 1:57 pm

    Thank you so much for the detailed instructions! I am hoping to have my mom blog up and running by the end of the week and I don’t think I could have done it without your post!!! I am so excited!

    Coming soon: ArtiesMom.com :D!!!!!

    Reply to Kristen
    • Elna

      August 18, 2018 at 8:23 pm

      Hey Kristen!

      That’s fantastic to see! One thing to do though is switch your theme as that’s the default theme WordPress gives you. There are lots of other free themes that can work better!

      Reply to Elna
      • Kristen

        August 19, 2018 at 8:34 am

        Elna,

        Thanks for the advice! Are there any themes you recommend? I tried a few different ones when I was creating my blog but they didn’t seem like a good fit.

        Thanks!
        Kristen

        Reply to Kristen
        • Elna

          August 19, 2018 at 10:53 pm

          Hey Kristen,

          Yeah! I enjoy this free theme called Unwind: https://siteorigin.com/theme/unwind/ I have a demo site with that theme. I like it because it looks similar to my theme which is customized. https://momtomompreneur.com

          Reply to Elna
          • Kristen

            August 23, 2018 at 12:26 pm

            Thanks! I couldn’t find unwind on WordPress but I did find one I liked and I think it looks much better! Thank you so much for the advice!

            Kristen

  166. Sierra Clark

    August 9, 2018 at 8:12 am

    Hi,
    I love you advice for starting a blog. I’ve considered it for many years. I am considering a pregnancy blog that will turn into a mommy blog. I’ve struggled with miscarriages so health during pregnancy is number one is that even enough to blog about giving advice for what to eat/do for pregnancy? My husband works full time and I will during pregnancy but I want to be able to stay at home with my child and earn income and want to connect with others from online. Thanks

    Reply to Sierra
    • Elna

      August 11, 2018 at 7:38 pm

      Hi Sierra,

      I think that’s a great topic for a new mommy blog! I feel that’s enough topic ideas for a blog for sure! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  167. Christian

    July 17, 2018 at 10:25 am

    Hi
    My name is Christian and I’m a single mom of identical twin girls. And really want to start a blog. But I’m stuck on what to blog about. I mean I know I can blog about raising twins and how to budget with them all day. But is this something even worth it?

    Reply to Christian
    • Elna

      July 17, 2018 at 2:01 pm

      Hi Christian!

      I love meeting other bloggers who are twin mamas like myself! How exciting you want to start a blog. As for your niche, you can totally rock those topics. You can have a lifestyle niche if you want where you talk about multiple topics. This post might help you: https://twinsmommy.com/types-of-blog-niches/

      Reply to Elna
  168. Kristen Bishop

    July 15, 2018 at 10:16 pm

    Hi! My husband & I own & run a small hvac business. He is 40 & works in the Texas heated attics. I feel with his knowledge & experience in hvac & refrigeration blogging could be a great alternative. How do I start the blog with an already existing website? I am currently doing research on blogging, so details are still a but fuzzy.

    Thank you!

    Reply to Kristen
    • Elna

      July 17, 2018 at 2:06 pm

      Hey Kristen,

      If you already have a website you can have a blog on your site. I’m not the tech around here – my hubby is, but you can research how to start a blog page on your website to see what comes up!

      Reply to Elna
  169. Marissa

    July 15, 2018 at 2:09 pm

    Hi I am interested in starting a blog to generate some income as a stay at home mom. I’m wondering how do you get traffic to your blog when first starting out? How do people even find it? Thanks

    Reply to Marissa
    • Elna

      July 17, 2018 at 2:10 pm

      Hi Marissa!

      That’s awesome you are starting a blog as a stay at home mommy! As for getting traffic to your blog, I have a lot of resources on my blog that can help. An easy way is to make sure you are on Pinterest and Facebook. This is where you can promote your blog. In my traffic course, I do walk you through my blog recipe for traffic! https://twinsmommy.com/course/rsb-traffic/

      Reply to Elna
  170. Heleni S

    July 14, 2018 at 9:28 am

    Hey!

    I was wondering if you have any suggestions for us who want to start up a “Mom Blog” but do not have the $50 to start it up? We’ve recently moved and I am a stay at home mom, money is VERY tight (part of why I am wanting to begin blogging) and there just isn’t the extra to pay for a site like that, as wonderful as it looks. Any advice would be amazing, thank you!

    Reply to Heleni
    • Elna

      July 14, 2018 at 5:36 pm

      Hi Heleni,

      Personally I feel if you don’t have the funds to invest in this then to wait and save up until you do. You want to start off on the right foot and that is having a self-hosted blog for sure. You have much more control over your monetization strategy.

      Reply to Elna
  171. Sarah

    July 6, 2018 at 2:52 pm

    Thank you so much for a great post! I’ve blogged for fun previously, but never through WordPress and now I’d like to grow my blog to maybe provide an income!
    Here’s to learning a lot about how to get my blog to the point where I am ready to launch it for real, rather than my ‘soft opening’ whilst I tweak things.

    Reply to Sarah
    • Elna

      July 10, 2018 at 10:01 pm

      Hi Sarah,

      That’s great! So happy you want to start a WordPress blog. I know a lot of bloggers that went a different route and then regret it and end up starting a WordPress blog!

      Reply to Elna
  172. Kate

    July 5, 2018 at 7:06 am

    I’m so glad I’ve found this post – I’ve been blogging for a few years now but have been kind of winging it, with no real plan other than a few blogs for the company I work with… Now I’ve worked out my niche and have a few ideas up my sleeve that I can start putting into action over the next few days while the toddler sleeps lol. Thank you ?

    Reply to Kate
    • Elna

      July 5, 2018 at 10:05 pm

      Hi Kate!

      That’s awesome! So glad you found some niche ideas for your blog. For many new bloggers, figuring out your blog niche is a challenge. Can’t wait to read your new posts!

      Reply to Elna
  173. Heather C

    July 4, 2018 at 2:28 pm

    Elna, your posts are so well presented and obviously full of information. Thank you! But starting a profitable blog is soooo intimidating to those of us who aren’t very tech savvy. I am not tech illiterate but even still…

    I have another blog project I never even published because I found WordPress so tedious and time consuming. Maybe I was doing it wrong. I would just be happy to start a blog and get it running. It is so intimidating to put in all that time to have a blog just fizzle out.

    Reply to Heather
    • Elna

      July 5, 2018 at 10:01 pm

      Hi Heather!

      Thank you so much! So happy you found this tutorial helpful to starting a blog 🙂 Yes, staring a profitable blog is more challenging and can be intimidating if not tech savvy. But you know what? Neither am I! It’s a big learning curve but it’s possible to figure out WordPress! Take the time to learn and enjoy the process!

      Reply to Elna
  174. Jess

    June 30, 2018 at 8:26 am

    Sorry if this has already been asked I want to start a mom blog but I’m really curious about the safety aspect. You always hear about not sharing pictures of your kids online but I see my favorite you tubers do it all the time. I feel like if you are going to blog you’d want to share pictures of your kids. Do you have any advice on this?

    Reply to Jess
    • Elna

      June 30, 2018 at 3:06 pm

      Hi Jess,

      It’s up to you if you want to feature your kids. I know a lot of bloggers that are craft bloggers share their kids doing the crafts. You can do it so that you don’t show their faces or tell their names too. I don’t share my twins’ faces on my blog but have on my FB page. It’s all preference. Blogging can be safe if you use a P.O. box and you don’t tell people the city you live in 🙂 You should be fine!

      Reply to Elna
  175. melissa

    June 21, 2018 at 5:11 pm

    Do you have any recommendations on how to get mom’s interested in working with your brand? or where to post a campaign they will find it? I work with a company that has a program that teaches kids to read and we want to use mom bloggers to expand our outreach and product but we are having a hard time finding bloggers to work with and how to get the to respond. We send emails to their instagram accounts and never hear back.

    Reply to melissa
    • Elna

      June 22, 2018 at 9:22 am

      Hi Melissa!

      Have you tried Facebook groups? There are a lot of mom groups there and even on Pinterest. I believe 8 out of 10 pinners are moms!

      Reply to Elna
  176. Luna

    June 21, 2018 at 1:18 pm

    I just got my domain name called bouncebackbody.me. I will be using the hosting and the plan you suggested. Honestly, I have been told by so many people around me to start my own mom blog. I was a little afraid to do it, but you have given me so much strength to move forward with it. I am a mom of twins as well. Thank you!

    Reply to Luna
    • Elna

      June 22, 2018 at 9:23 am

      Luna!

      Congrats! I wish I could give you a hug right now! I’m so proud of you for taking action and starting your blog. It is a long journey but a fun one too! If you ever need help just email me or ask in the Mom to Mompreneur Facebook group!

      Reply to Elna
  177. Areba

    June 20, 2018 at 3:23 pm

    Hi Elna,
    Do you have training on how to customize your blog once its setup?

    Reply to Areba
    • Elna

      June 21, 2018 at 9:29 am

      Hey Areba,

      I’m updating my traffic course and may include some intro lessons on that! For now if you take my free blogging course, you’ll get WordPress guide to help you! https://twinsmommy.com/start-grow-earn-free-course/

      Reply to Elna
  178. jess

    June 15, 2018 at 5:08 pm

    hello! i’m glad i came across your blog! i’ve been looking for the best way to make an income while staying home with my little one! your blog definatly has me very interested and motivated to start my own blog. i’m wondering though, how long does it usually take for a beginner blogger to start making any money from their blog?

    Reply to jess
    • Elna

      June 16, 2018 at 7:49 pm

      Hey Jess,

      Thanks for coming over and enjoying my blog! For how long it takes to make money as a blogger it’s different for each blogger and for each monetization strategy a blogger use. For me, I started a service and make my first $1k around 3 months later. For affiliate marketing, I tried that with Twins Mommy and it took over 4 months to see any profit, but once I did, I made $200 one month and the next month $2k! If you start creating products then you might make more money than with affiliate marketing or starting a service. Still, there are ads too but you need traffic for that!

      Reply to Elna
  179. Shawna

    May 28, 2018 at 2:55 pm

    Hi Elna,
    I’m designing my blog and about upload some posts. To be honest I have no clue what I’m doing with the design etc. but I did notice that you had some good information on your blog that I will be looking at shortly. I also saw that you offer a course on getting more traffic to your blog. I’m very very new at this and I’m considering purchasing the course but I’m not sure if this will be two advanced for me what do you suggest? There is a lot of courses out there and I’m not sure what to do but yours look different from the others. Also starting out how long does it take for someone to get constant traffic which will result in making a solid income?

    Reply to Shawna
    • Elna

      May 29, 2018 at 10:43 am

      Hi Shawna!

      Thanks so much for your interest in Ready Set Blog for Traffic. This course is geared for new bloggers but bloggers that already have a blog and have been blogging a bit (and wondering why they don’t have traffic). Since this is a self-paced course and you get lifetime access, you can purchase it now and take it when you’re ready if you want? I will be updating the course this year and increasing the price so it’s better to get in now at this price than to wait and pay more!

      Reply to Elna
  180. Francesca Artemus

    May 24, 2018 at 1:34 am

    Hi elna,
    I’m currently a stay at home mom who constantly gets on her “soapbox” full of ideas and experiences that I want to share and have an outlet for. The information you shared has my mind spinning with all sorts of ideas for my blog. You got me excited to get started. I feel so motivated to get started. Thank you

    Reply to Francesca
    • Elna

      May 28, 2018 at 2:09 pm

      Hi Francesca!

      Wow! Thank you for those kind words. I’m so happy to hear you want to start a blog as a beginner. I know your ideas will resonate with an audience. Make sure to write down all your ideas so you don’t forget them and remember to have fun blogging. Email me anytime you need help!

      Reply to Elna
  181. Simran Kaur

    May 19, 2018 at 5:06 am

    Thank you for this helpful and informative content. I follow your Blog since 6 Months really get Inspired and great post 🙂

    Reply to Simran
    • Elna

      May 19, 2018 at 12:47 pm

      Thank you Simran,

      Glad you are finding these posts helpful!

      Reply to Elna
  182. Asfa

    May 13, 2018 at 4:19 pm

    Hi Elna,
    U are always wonderful. One thing that I love about you that you are are always very honest to your readers. You are loved by thousands of people like me.
    Elna I m going to start a blog soon. But now a days I m very confused about web hosting. According to my survey ‘siteground’ is best. But what about their limited number of visits?
    For example the start-up plan is suitable only for 10,000 visits and so. Are you still working with them? Then how do you manage your readers. Because you are a great blogger.
    Secondly plz guide me about a good company for domain name.

    Reply to Asfa
    • Elna

      May 15, 2018 at 8:34 pm

      Hi!

      For hosting at SiteGround, yes there are lower limits on the StartUp plan but if you currently only have a few visitors, it’s pretty high. On the GrowBig plan you can host extra domains for free, and you get access to the SuperCacher that usually lets you exceed the posted limits by a wide margin. These aren’t hard limits, but rough estimates based on their calculation of CPU usage.

      Reply to Elna
  183. Lois | Foxglove Avenue

    May 6, 2018 at 11:18 am

    Hi Elna,

    But…when/how do I install a theme? How do I choose one? Where do I buy one? Can I change my mind?

    So confusing!

    If this is covered by your upcoming course, I’m happy to wait though!!

    (And yes, blogging is addictive!!)

    Thanks for a super helpful post, Elna

    Reply to Lois
    • Elna

      May 6, 2018 at 5:52 pm

      Hey Lois,

      At the moment no new courses for me yet but I have big plans for RSBT. As for installing a theme I’ll show that in the Mom to Mompreneur FB group. We are moving in the next two weeks so I’m pretty busy! But June will be a good time for FB lives!

      Reply to Elna
  184. Autum

    May 3, 2018 at 9:33 pm

    Hello,
    Your content is awesome. Apparently a lot of us have tossed this idea of formulating a mommy blog or other around. So I work in Dermatology, both cosmetic and medical, and I am interested in skin health and anti-aging. Do you think there is a way to monetize this as a “bloggable” service? I am confused about exactly how to monetize this expertise on the web. Are there other site you know if for reference? Thanks a bunch!

    Reply to Autum
    • Elna

      May 3, 2018 at 11:04 pm

      Hi Autum,

      Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the start a blog post 🙂 I think practically any niche can be monetized. Your dermatology niche has a lot of products that you can promote on Amazon or with brands so I don’t see why you can’t do affiliate marketing with that niche. Also, sponsored content may be a way to monetize that niche blog too! And finally, I can see that you can create courses or an eBook with that niche! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  185. Brenda

    May 2, 2018 at 2:02 am

    Hi Elna,

    I recently have been considering starting a blog about motherhood to help others with the journey of returning to work after maternity leave, juggling social life and family life, maybe even recommend certain products I’ve used. Do you think that’s too much for a blog? Also if I use the host and decide to have multiple blogs will it allow me to do that without paying a fee for each blog?

    Reply to Brenda
    • Sara

      May 5, 2018 at 5:56 am

      Hi Brenda,

      Please check my site parenthoodtimes.com. You will love it.

      Reply to Sara
    • Elna

      May 3, 2018 at 12:04 pm

      Hi Brenda!

      Congrats on wanting to start a blog! Your topic ideas are fine for one blog. This would be a lifestyle blog and you would be blogging for a demographic audience (moms with little ones or moms with school aged kids or healthy moms etc…). There are a lot of bloggers that have a lifestyle blog that are doing well with traffic and monetizing that traffic! So go for it!

      As for the other question, I know that the plans above the basic plan offer this feature of having multiple blogs under ONE account. I personally have over 15 blogs and it’s definitely a great feature to have!

      Reply to Elna
      • Brenda

        May 3, 2018 at 3:44 pm

        Thank you so much! This is just What I needed to get started!

        Reply to Brenda
        • Elna

          May 3, 2018 at 11:06 pm

          Hey Brenda!

          Thanks so much! Yay and good luck with starting a blog!!!

          Reply to Elna
          • Brenda

            May 7, 2018 at 11:25 pm

            I did it! I started my blog and even put up my first post! I’m a little nervous on the look of my site and wasn’t really sure on the theme for WordPress but would love it if you could look it up and let me know your thoughts. Thank you.

          • Elna

            May 8, 2018 at 10:30 am

            Hi Brenda!

            That’s fantastic you started and just took action. So many moms start a blog but take months to launch! Way to go! As for your theme, you’re using the default theme WordPress gives you when you start a blog. If you join my Mom to Mompreneur Facebook group, in a few weeks I’m going to do a bit of a series of starting a blog for newbies. I’ll show you a theme that I like called Unwind.

  186. Shawna

    April 30, 2018 at 9:21 pm

    Hi Elna,
    Let me first say that your post is wonderful and very detailed. Thank you for providing such great information. I am in the midst of starting my blog and I’m nervous and questioning my decision wondering if I am doing the right thing and hoping at the same time if my blog is relevant and helpful to others. My question is how come you used Siteground as a hosting site vs another one such as Bluehost? I’ve been doing some research and other bloggers have recommended Bluehost as the go to hosting site.

    Reply to Shawna
    • Elna

      April 30, 2018 at 9:45 pm

      Hi Shawna!

      I know it can be hard but best thing to do is just start without thinking too much. And if you don’t make your domain name too niche, you can always change your topics once you get a feel for your audience.

      There are lots of good hosts out there but I personally have experience with SiteGround and Bluehost. You can’t go wrong with either one and if you run into issues, their live chat support is very helpful.

      Reply to Elna
  187. Ebony

    April 28, 2018 at 1:28 pm

    Hi Elna,

    Thank you so much for this site! I’ve been in the background soaking up all of this information. I just started working on my WordPress site…it’s under construction. One of the things that concerns me is the niche! I want my blog to focus on relationships, kiddos, and finance (specifically credit and budgeting). I don’t know if it’s a bit too much. It’s everythjng that worries us as mothers. Also monetizing my blog (huge concerns)! I have read a ton of information on that topic… From affiliate sponsors to ads! What do you suggest as far as monetizing for beginners starting off? Any insight would help. Thanks again!

    Reply to Ebony
    • Elna

      April 28, 2018 at 10:12 pm

      Hey Ebony,

      I think your niche is fine! You can blog about all those topics and more! As for monetizing, you can either start with affiliate marketing or offering a service. Offering a service is quicker in terms of generating a lot of income, but affiliate marketing can yield a much higher income in the long run!

      Reply to Elna
      • Ebony

        April 28, 2018 at 11:39 pm

        Thank Elna! I just found your Facebook page and watched some of your Facebook lives. Very, very helpful! Thank you for being transparent and insightful!

        Reply to Ebony
        • Elna

          April 30, 2018 at 9:13 pm

          Hi Ebony!

          Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed my Facebook lives. I’m planning to do more but my voice is shot with this cold! Plus we are moving soon!

          Reply to Elna
  188. Monica

    April 27, 2018 at 3:16 am

    Hi Elna, Amazing work, very useful information, I also started my blog this year!
    Thanks for giving me inspiration.

    Reply to Monica
  189. Glennda

    April 25, 2018 at 8:46 pm

    Thank you for this helpful and informative content. I am starting my blog now. Once finished please advise of how it looks, functionality, content, etc.
    Thank You,

    Girl Mom

    Reply to Glennda
    • Elna

      April 26, 2018 at 7:50 am

      Hi Glennda!

      Yay! I can’t wait to check it out! Make sure to share your new blog in the Mom to Mompreneur Facebook group!

      Reply to Elna
  190. Monica delos Reyes

    April 23, 2018 at 12:44 am

    Elna, I am reading through when I have questions I have not been accepted to your Facebook group yet or have had any of my comments accepted yet but before I forget I want to ask the domain name and the blog name do they have to be the same? I have been longer blog name but it’s perfect for what I want to write about but it might be too long as an actual (.com) Thank you for your time.
    Monica

    Reply to Monica
    • Elna

      April 24, 2018 at 7:32 pm

      Hey Monica,

      I’m sorry about the FB group invite. I don’t know if I already accepted you or not? If not, just ask again! The domain name and the site name don’t have to be exactly the same…it’s common to use a shorter .com if your site title is very long.

      For example, American Eagle clothing uses the domain name ae.com

      Reply to Elna
  191. Andrea Shimko

    April 22, 2018 at 11:53 pm

    Hi and thank you so much for all the info I have been wanting to start a blog but I am scared I want to start a blog about helping moms to feel better about themselves, give advice and talk about my experiences about being a mom, I want to post about my DIY ideas, and cooking recipes etc.
    A blog about what I think and what I do.
    I really don’t know how to do a niche about that and how to even name my website, as you can see I am very nervous

    Reply to Andrea
    • Elna

      April 24, 2018 at 7:31 pm

      Hey Andrea!

      You can totally start a blog like that! It’s called a lifestyle blog! Start a blog like that and after a while you will see which topic your readers are interested in! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  192. CJ Saves

    April 21, 2018 at 6:51 pm

    What do you think about blogger? I started my blog two years ago “Saving Money with CJ”. I am still trying to find my voice. I want to help people save money on their everyday living expenses. I would welcome any advice you could share with me. My goal is to become a better blogger and hopefully monetize my blog. Thank you for your help!

    Reply to CJ
    • Elna

      April 24, 2018 at 7:41 pm

      Hi!

      I don’t know much about that platform but blogging on a third party source just means all that content you have on your blog belongs to blogger. So, if they shut down, your blog is gone. Also, I don’t think you can monetize on a blogger blog? You have to make sure you can first!

      Reply to Elna
  193. Jacqueline S.

    April 15, 2018 at 12:45 am

    Hi. I have had my blog up for a couple months now, but I am still so lost. I feel like my blog does not look good and it isn’t getting a lot of traffic. HELP!

    Reply to Jacqueline
    • Elna

      April 16, 2018 at 12:25 pm

      Hi Jacqueline,

      A brand new blog needs a lot of focus to get it up and running! I’m creating a start a blog post to help you soon! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  194. Rhyan Bredlau

    April 14, 2018 at 12:58 pm

    I will admit, aside from the benefits when it come to audience growth, finding a niche made blogging itself a whole lot easier. I originally wanted to write about writing itself, and science, tech, health, language…pretty much everything. Pretty soon I realized that it was hurting my ability to blog as much as my ability to gain a following – I never knew *what* the next post would be, and I couldn’t narrow it down because there were just too many options.
    Now I only blog about writing advice, and suddenly I have an idea each time I want to make a post – and better yet, I know where I can look to find one if I don’t.

    Reply to Rhyan
    • Elna

      April 14, 2018 at 3:53 pm

      Hey!

      Saw your blog and you are doing great! Great position to help your audience as soon as they land on your blog! Many new bloggers miss that critical point in their copy. Great job!

      Reply to Elna
      • Rhyanna Bredlau

        April 14, 2018 at 3:54 pm

        Thank you, Elna. That’s really comforting to hear.

        Reply to Rhyanna
  195. LaDonna

    April 14, 2018 at 3:05 am

    I’m starting my blog set up now thanks to your wonderful step by step!! Thank you so much for this!! My question is, how to make it profitable? How do I get sponsored adds and such? I would really love to be able to stay home with our little!

    Reply to LaDonna
    • Elna

      April 14, 2018 at 3:56 pm

      Hi LaDonna,

      Thanks so much and I can’t wait to see your new blog!!! As for monetizing it, I don’t know much about sponsored posts. For me, after a few months, brands came to me to write sponsored posts. What you can do to start making money is to first write some posts that attract the right audience and give you some traffic and a tribe. Then from there find the products that your tribe wants. Like for me, my audience wants to start a blog so I promote hosting as an affiliate product. I also promote ConvertKit too. Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  196. Iris

    April 11, 2018 at 10:06 pm

    Hi , I’m a stay home mom of three wonderful kids and im very interested on opening my mom blog so that I could make an extra income for home. I don’t have any experience yet how to start. I don’t know if I should do a mom blog or the family blog about my daily life with the kids and family . I have lots of ideas what to write about.

    Reply to Iris
    • Elna

      April 13, 2018 at 12:47 pm

      Hi Iris,

      Those are all great ideas. You can start a lifestyle blog and blog about being a mom, parent and your family and kids. There are a lot of blogs like that that are popular on Pinterest. And yes, there’s room for your blog!

      Email me if you need more help!

      Reply to Elna
  197. Alenka

    April 8, 2018 at 9:44 am

    Hi Elna
    Thank you for this amazing, informative post! I’ve started my blog a month ago. Right now just concentrating on writing content, learning about, well…about everything blog… And, as of next week, the plan is to get on with starting my email list. Social media soon after that. All a bit overwhelming at the moment, but hopefully, in a year or so, I’ll have a little business that will keep my toddler twins (a girl and a boy!) in, at least, lots of nice toys. I am a single mom and would so love for my blog to be my main and reliable source of income. You are a great inspiration in all this – thank you! Best, Alenka

    Reply to Alenka
    • Elna

      April 9, 2018 at 3:03 pm

      Hey twin mama!

      Yes, I saw your blog and you have a lot of potential for sure to monetize your new blog. There is a lot to learn when you start a blog. Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  198. shirley

    April 5, 2018 at 6:39 pm

    So I started a blog on WordPress and I barely get any eyes on it and I barely make it to the top of the Reader since my blog is competing against all the old school bloggers. WordPress has no easy way of connecting to other bloggers, no way to connect to facebook/twitter/instagram friends who blog. It’s extremely manual. For instance, why can I not follow you with my WordPress account? Any recommendations of what to try next? who to follow (on twitter/instagram/etc.)? who to nudge? Not looking to make money; I really just want to share my experiences and help others.

    Let me know if you think my content is interesting.

    Reply to shirley
    • Elna

      April 5, 2018 at 9:46 pm

      Hi Shirley,

      WordPress is only your content management system. It holds your pages, posts and content. You have to add plugins – aspects that optimize your blog – to enable sharing. For example social sharing buttons plugins help readers share your blog posts. Social media profile plugins enable you to link to your social media profiles for people to click on them and follow you. That’s how you connect with other bloggers. I do see, though, that you have a free WordPress account and with a free account, it’s highly limiting. So maybe that’s where your frustration lies?

      Look for information on converting your free WP account to a self-hosted one!

      You can also connect on Facebook, which is what most bloggers do. I find that I get the most engagement from Facebook readers than anywhere else! So start a Facebook page and Like other bloggers and then join Facebook groups and introduce yourself and your blog!

      Reply to Elna
  199. Brianna Guzman

    April 3, 2018 at 7:13 pm

    Hi! Im interested in starting a mom blog. But I wanted others to join in and share their stories too. Kind of like “Motherly”, a hodgepodge of mom blogs. I don’t know where to start. Do I need a full fledged website or do I start with my own blog?

    Reply to Brianna
    • Elna

      April 4, 2018 at 10:39 pm

      Hi Brianna!

      That’s an amazing idea! Yes, you can start a blog and then open that up to contributors! Add a “write for us” page and reach out to other moms and have them guest blog on your site!

      Reply to Elna
  200. Jaclyn T

    April 3, 2018 at 12:37 pm

    Hi Elna!

    I LOVE your step by step on how to start a blog! I started mines yesterday and was wondering if you can take a look and provide any insight so I can be as successful as you! Thank you in advance!

    – Panda Mom

    Reply to Jaclyn
    • Elna

      April 3, 2018 at 2:07 pm

      Hi Jaclyn,

      Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed the start a blog steps for new bloggers 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  201. Emily

    April 3, 2018 at 11:46 am

    Hey Elna I am trying to start a blog that focuses on home design and designing on a budget. Thanks for your post! Getting started is a lot harder that I originally thought it would be!

    Reply to Emily
    • Elna

      April 3, 2018 at 2:07 pm

      Hey Emily,

      What a great blog niche! Home designing on a budget will BLAST on Pinterest for sure and bring you some ah-mah-zing traffic 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  202. latoya

    March 31, 2018 at 12:11 am

    A great easy step-by-step simple “How to Start a Blog” tutorial. I wish someone would have made it this simple when I first start.

    Reply to latoya
    • Elna

      March 31, 2018 at 5:31 pm

      Hi Latoya,

      Thanks so much!

      Reply to Elna
  203. Shawna

    March 26, 2018 at 6:46 pm

    I want to start a parenting/mom blog by sharing hacks, diy stuff, possibly depression, milestones of babies/kids but so unsure how to do it!?

    Reply to Shawna
    • Elna

      March 28, 2018 at 8:05 pm

      Hi Shawna,

      That’s fantastic! That’s a lifestyle blog with multiple topics and it should do well!

      Reply to Elna
  204. Mary Bernsen

    March 25, 2018 at 1:08 pm

    Thanks so much for this <3 I've been blogging for a while, but I just started a "mom blog" and this has been super helpful!

    Reply to Mary
    • Elna

      March 26, 2018 at 11:16 am

      Hi Mary!

      I’m so happy and glad! I can’t wait to see your new self-hosted WordPress blog!

      Reply to Elna
  205. Kelly

    March 24, 2018 at 10:25 pm

    Thank goodness I came across your blog. It so helpful… finally started mine, though its complicated and I’m still trying to figure everything out. Took me about a week for what I have no 😀

    Reply to Kelly
    • Elna

      March 26, 2018 at 11:17 am

      Hey Kelly!

      That’s great and YES, it can be a challenge getting this up and all! Congrats on doing it!

      Reply to Elna
  206. Luna

    March 24, 2018 at 11:26 am

    Hello! I just launched my blog yesterday! I am forever grateful for your tips! I am still trying things out, but I would love it if you could stop by and give me your honest opinion. Am I off to a good start?

    Reply to Luna
    • Elna

      March 26, 2018 at 11:19 am

      Hi Luna!

      It’s a start and congrats! Try adding images to your blog posts so you can share them on Pinterest!

      Reply to Elna
  207. Nancico

    March 23, 2018 at 5:19 am

    Hi Elna …I am a mother of two adorable children …I love to read a lot about parenting and love to tell everyone about it …and I love to encourage people and moms of course ..bec I know I have been there ..above all I love and adore kids …
    I was planning to make a Facebook page or group about parenting advices ( quick ones ) parenting quotes —share hacks for moms – recipes and activities …I guess all can be niche right ?
    My question is …what is the difference between creating a page and a blog ?
    And 2 nd question ( do u think it will work out …?
    Thank you

    Reply to Nancico
    • Elna

      March 23, 2018 at 11:13 am

      Hi!

      That sounds alike a great idea! I know a lot of moms would love your quick advice to help them! As for your question, creating a page is a page on your site. So you can have a Contact Page or an About page. Your blog are blog posts that you can comment on and share. While you can enable comments and sharing, it’s not typical and you wouldn’t want to share your About page for example 🙂 I hope this makes sense!

      Reply to Elna
  208. Elizabeth

    March 22, 2018 at 10:02 am

    Hi Elna,
    I’ve had a free WordPress blog for seven years and am ready to take the next step. Is there a way to follow your steps and integrate my existing WordPress? Please note that I am not very computer literate. I’m so excited and motivated. Thank you!

    Reply to Elizabeth
    • Elna

      March 22, 2018 at 3:26 pm

      Hi Elizabeth!

      Yes you can export your existing blog content and then import it into your new WordPress blog. Might need a few manual fixups if you used internal links in your posts, but usually works well. If you want to automatically redirect all people going to your old URL, to your new URL, you’ll also need to pay http://Wordpress.com $15/yr they call it “Site Redirect.” Or for free you can just add a new post on your old blog saying “I’ve moved here” but that won’t salvage your search engine and social traffic.

      Reply to Elna
  209. Karina

    March 15, 2018 at 3:25 pm

    Thank you so much for this how to! I just launched yesterday 🙂 So far so good. i’m at mommightloseit.wordpress.com for now. I wanted to start a free page just to see how I do first. 70 people have read it so far but no comments or anything yet. My Facebook page got 12 likes in the first day. i’m working on it all. Your help was perfect for getting started!

    Reply to Karina
    • Elna

      March 16, 2018 at 8:31 pm

      Hi Karina!

      That’s great you started blogging! Congrats on your success so far!

      Reply to Elna
  210. Mariecar Gutierrez

    March 14, 2018 at 12:00 am

    Hi Elna! Your blog is very informative for first time bloggers like me. I just started blogging 2 months ago for “the introvert mom blogger”. I am using the free plan in wordpress. Do you think it’s the reason why I don’t get much traffic? Or maybe the content of my blog? If you have time, you can check my site and kindly let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

    Reply to Mariecar
    • Elna

      March 14, 2018 at 9:37 am

      Hi Mariecar,

      Your site looks great! I wouldn’t worry too much about traffic since you only have two posts! I did not get any traffic on my first few posts. It takes time! So publish more posts and make sure to share them! I don’t know if being on a free hosting is impacting your traffic? It will impact your monetization strategy and maybe your user experience since you can’t use WordPress plugins and things like that. Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
      • Mariecar Gutierrez

        March 14, 2018 at 12:09 pm

        Thanks Elna. I really needed that encouragement… 🙂

        Reply to Mariecar
  211. Monica

    March 12, 2018 at 9:02 am

    Hello Elna!
    I have read about a hundred blogs about starting a blog and have always been tempted to but have never really motivated me as much as you have. Honestly, I am a very shy and introverted person but I love helping others find the right path to a career. Also, I am a stay at home mom and have always wanted to share struggles and achievements I have had with my kids. Do you think I may be able to use that as my niche? Once again thank you so much for the inspiration and keep making a difference! Sorry for the long comment!

    Reply to Monica
    • Elna

      March 12, 2018 at 11:48 pm

      Monica!

      Thank you so much! We are so alike! I am introverted myself and shy, but that’s why I actually LOVE blogging. I’m in my own world listening to music as I write and connect with others! It’s amazing! I love your ideas about your niche! Your topics will resonate with readers for sure! These “worldly” topics mean that a big part of the population can resonate with your content, leading to growing your traffic and income! Way to go mama! I’m here for you if you need help. Just email me, [email protected] Thanks! <3

      Reply to Elna
  212. Britany

    March 11, 2018 at 5:00 pm

    Hi Elna,
    I’m 22 weeks pregnant with my miracle baby after getting major abdominal surgery and a stage four endometriosis diagnosis last year (possibly a blog post topic? Lol)
    I am so excited to be a mommy but living in Southern California, we can’t afford to be a one income family. I have always wanted to start a blog and develop a social media presence but have zero idea how. This post has given me so much insight and reading through your comments and replies have me so much more!
    Question: Before I set up the sight hosting and buy my domain, should I try to develop an Instagram/Pinterest presence? I also have zero real ideas for posts or how to start (maybe our nursery design/renovation, my battle with endo which led to severe panic disorder, being pregnant without living parents for support: ie how to find mom support away from family?) those are my only ideas!! Should I think of more before paying and starting? Should I have a few written? How often should I post?

    (I’m so sorry for this huge comment!)

    Reply to Britany
    • Elna

      March 11, 2018 at 9:19 pm

      Hi Britany!

      Congrats on your miracle baby. You’ve been through a lot and I know you can touch a lot of other moms to be with your stories and tips! I used to Live in SoCal! (San Clemente!!). You can set up your social media presence BEFORE you start a blog, but it’s not that important. Do what’s comfortable for you! The ideas you mention for your new blog is perfect! Start a mom or parenting type of blog or mom hacks and you should get some great readers!!! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
      • Britany

        March 11, 2018 at 10:01 pm

        WHAT!? I just moved to Ladera Ranch from Dana Point! San Clemente is so close to me. Thanks for your response and the links. I’ll check them out!

        Reply to Britany
        • Elna

          March 12, 2018 at 11:51 pm

          What!!!!!! Really!

          Wow!!! Small world! Yes, I worked at the Dominoes in Dana Point in HS! 🙂

          Reply to Elna
  213. Shakira

    March 9, 2018 at 10:27 pm

    Hi! Thank you for writing this blog.

    When you spoke about finding your niche, this is where I struggle at. Maybe writing is not for me because, nothing keeps me up at night (except for when I am scheduled to work) I do not know what I could talk about forever.

    I created my blog (well only bought the domain, I have not even started making my page pretty) but now i’m stuck.

    so stressful :/

    Reply to Shakira
    • Elna

      March 10, 2018 at 8:32 pm

      Hi Skakira,

      Don’t worry too much about your niche RIGHT now. Blog about your passion and what you want to blog about. From there you can figure out what your audience wants to know more about!

      Reply to Elna
  214. Alex Maland

    March 7, 2018 at 1:48 pm

    Wow, excellent tutorial Elna! Thank you so much for making this available – just set up my first “personal” site, and feeling excited 🙂 Now onto content creating!

    Reply to Alex
    • Elna

      March 9, 2018 at 8:24 pm

      Hey Alex!

      Congrats! How exciting. If you enroll in my free emailing course https://twinsmommy.com/start-grow-earn-free-course/ I’ll give you a free WordPress guide to get you started!

      Reply to Elna
  215. Taylor Calix

    March 5, 2018 at 3:19 pm

    Elna, great blog post! I’m taking your WriteTo1k! Course right now and this info was also extremely helpful! Thank you for having a passion for helping other moms become mompreneurs, too!!!

    Reply to Taylor
    • Elna

      March 5, 2018 at 3:40 pm

      Hi Taylor!

      That’s great! I’m glad you are enjoying Write Your Way to Your First $1k! https://writeto1k.com Thanks again for coming to Twins Mommy and wanting to start a blog!

      Reply to Elna
  216. Emily Shandrew

    February 28, 2018 at 5:32 pm

    Hi there,
    so I signed up at WordPress.com with the premium package do I also need to sign up at site ground?
    -emily Shandrew

    Reply to Emily
    • Elna

      March 1, 2018 at 12:44 pm

      Hi!

      WordPress.com can’t be self-hosted. You need to make the switch to WordPress.Org. But, I suggest you sign up to hosting first, and the sign up process will install WordPress for free!!!

      Reply to Elna
      • Vanessa

        May 7, 2018 at 3:07 am

        Thank you, Elna, for awesomely detailed instructions on how to make this happen! I did exactly that – then made my Gravatar as you suggested – and it was easy-peasy! Woot woot!
        Quick question: it seems like Gravatar wants me to create a blog there? Did I get derailed somehow?
        As a side note, I had fantasized about starting a blog about 6 years ago… it literally never got off the ground. I made more progress in one day then I did that very first time with your tutorial. I look forward to sharing your recipes for success down the road, especially since as I continue to research how-to-blog I keep coming back! What would I need to do to share YOU?

        Reply to Vanessa
        • Elna

          May 7, 2018 at 8:51 pm

          Hi Vanessa!

          That’s great to hear! Good for you 🙂 Gravatar is tied with WordPress but no, they don’t want you do start anything. To share my blog, just click on the sharing buttons 😉

          Reply to Elna
  217. Crystal

    February 21, 2018 at 6:50 pm

    This is a great post. Do you set up your WordPress.com account and blog first and then set up the hosting site? Would you use WordPress.org first or does WordPress.com work fine to start? Thanks in advance.

    Reply to Crystal
    • Elna

      February 22, 2018 at 9:07 pm

      Hi Crystal,

      I suggest you use a self-hosted plan and that’s on WordPress.org You first sign up to the hosting and then you can ask them to install WordPress for you!

      Reply to Elna
  218. Lenny

    February 18, 2018 at 12:23 am

    This is a great tutorial….
    I’d make a blog before read this, but does not work ?.
    But, after i read your tutorial, i get my passion to improve my blog again.
    Thank you elna, now i followed you. Can you look my blog, then tell me why my blog does not work.

    Reply to Lenny
    • Elna

      February 18, 2018 at 9:01 am

      Thank you so much!

      I know you’ll do well! Build your audience and traffic and you can start monetizing your blog!

      Reply to Elna
  219. Faith Stewart

    February 14, 2018 at 4:36 pm

    Great post! Thanks for the step by step…who doesn’t want to to start a mom blog? lol

    Reply to Faith
    • Elna

      February 15, 2018 at 12:08 pm

      Hi Faith!

      Ha! You made my day! Yes, who doesn’t want to start a mom blog after reading how great it is???!!!!

      Reply to Elna
  220. Marielis

    February 12, 2018 at 11:34 pm

    Wow, what an awesome & helpful tutorial! I’m so glad I stumbled across your blog. I am looking to start blogging as I am now a SAHM due to moving to a new military base with limited job opportunities in the area. I don’t quite know what my niche is at this moment but I was thinking of blogging about the military spouse lifestyle & experiences, my family and my new hobby which is decorating on a budget for base housing…Do you think their is a need for military spouse blogs? Any tips? TIA

    Reply to Marielis
    • Elna

      February 13, 2018 at 9:38 am

      Hi Marielis,

      Yes! That’s a great niche. I think if you blog about once type of niche you will get a following. So military life and being mom is a great topic! A successful in this niche is this one https://themilitarywifeandmom.com/ use it for inspiration and see what your blog could end up being! Psst…don’t feel like it will be too hard – blog for YOU and blog to HELP!!!

      Reply to Elna
  221. Kratina Champaigne

    February 12, 2018 at 12:04 pm

    So once you make the site ground you then have to pay for the wordpress too?

    Reply to Kratina
    • Elna

      February 12, 2018 at 3:41 pm

      Hi Kratina,

      No, you don’t have to pay for WordPress. A host like Bluehost can set up your WordPress for you (just ask them in Live Chat). You can PAY for a WordPress theme (this is what your blog LOOKS like), but there are thousands of FREE themes that you can start with! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  222. Jane Meir

    February 12, 2018 at 10:48 am

    Hi Elna,

    Thank you so much for your posts. I found really valuable information; I am your new follower now.

    I re-started my blog on health/wellness/weight loss in 2018. I put my heart into it and I feel it is literally going nowhere, as I am blogging to the audience of zero.

    I am going to sign up for your course and hope to find my ‘right’ audience.

    Once again, thank you for the inspiration.

    Jane

    Reply to Jane
    • Elna

      February 12, 2018 at 3:39 pm

      Hi Jane!

      Thanks so much! I hope you like Start. Grow. Earn – my free 6 day email course!

      Reply to Elna
  223. Carla

    February 11, 2018 at 1:00 pm

    Thanks for this! I’ve been thinking about switching to WordPress but because I was already familiar with Squarespace I went there first. But this is good info. I think I may make the switch! Thoughts?!

    I’ll add my site in the info form 🙂

    Reply to Carla
    • Elna

      February 11, 2018 at 5:40 pm

      Hey Carla,

      I never used SquareSpace so don’t know how different it is to WordPress. I LOVE WordPress and it’s the biggest platform for blogs to!

      Reply to Elna
  224. Felicia

    February 10, 2018 at 10:36 pm

    I’m SO confused! hehe Help! 🙂 I followed your directions for setting up and then following the cpanel for WordPress. I had a domain from godaddy I was using and once I clicked install it came up with an error where I didn’t choose the correct https://. Once I changed this it said it already existed. I was very confused. Now I don’t see where the username and password I created for WordPress is the same or an option to even log in! I clearly do not know what I’m doing and could use some guidance! Thank you! <3

    Reply to Felicia
    • Elna

      February 10, 2018 at 10:44 pm

      Hi Felicia,

      I think I kinda did the same thing before! Installed it as http but changed my mind right away and wanted https. I just ended up deleting the WordPress install and starting over. But…the greatest thing is their live chat. Just hop on and they will either get you all straightened out, or they will do the WP install for you!

      Reply to Elna
  225. Quinncere

    February 8, 2018 at 2:56 pm

    Naming my domain is the hardest part for me – really it’s renaming my domain.

    When I started it was with the intent to follow health/wellness issues, but my focus changed. I see so many awesome domain names and all of my ideas come out wrong.

    But I’m really glad I came across this post (though I have a feeling I read it previously), because it’s helped me think about a few things.

    I thought in order to have a mom blog, I’d have to be an expert in a specific area but I realized I a have a lot of knowledge at being a mom.

    Thanks again for the information. As always, I find your articles very useful 🙂

    Reply to Quinncere
    • Elna

      February 9, 2018 at 2:10 pm

      Hi Quinncere,

      Thanks for being a follower! I’m glad you are pivoting to something you have passion for. Deciding on your blog name is hard. Twins Mommy was chosen because it was available and had a nice ring to it. I thought I would blog about my twins and working from home. But, it changed and I had to brand Twins Mommy for blogging. It’s not ideal, but people will eventually know that Twins Mommy isn’t about twins!!!! It’s about growing your blog traffic, list and income!!!

      Reply to Elna
  226. Kendra

    February 7, 2018 at 12:49 pm

    Your post was the inspiration and information I needed to do something I have been wanting to do for a long time. I have a wonderful son named Dean who has some health challenges and working from 7-3:30 ( I am a teacher) has been really hard with all his doctors’ visits and hospitalizations. I started DIYforDean.com so parents who have children with health issues can come and build a community, as well as find some fun crafting ideas to do with their kids (kinda random combo, but it is what I really love). I would love to know more about next steps. How much content should I be producing each week? How do I keep people coming back? Thanks again!!

    Reply to Kendra
    • Elna

      February 9, 2018 at 2:24 pm

      Hi Kendra!

      Thanks so much for stopping by! I love your blog idea and blog name! You can be the voice for parents with health issues. You have some great questions! I do have a course for that next step to blogging called Ready Set Blog for Traffic. https://twinsmommy.com/course/rsb-traffic/ You can try that! You can also Like my Facebook page to get some Facebook Live trainings! https://facebook.com/twinsmommyblog!

      Reply to Elna
  227. Caitlin

    February 6, 2018 at 1:46 pm

    Thanks for this really helpful intro! What’s your opinion on using your name as your domain name? I’ve seen this growing in popularity, and it seems advantageous because as your niche grows or changes you don’t have to change your domain.

    Reply to Caitlin
    • Elna

      February 6, 2018 at 2:40 pm

      Hi Caitlin,

      I think it’s a great idea! I do it myself (elnacain.com) and you’re totally right about niche it leaves the door wide open.

      Reply to Elna
  228. Ana

    January 30, 2018 at 11:49 am

    I loved everything you wrote. It’s so nice to have people like you motivating mamas to become free of the 9-5 jobs. I just became a mom myself and I work as a nanny for a living. I just decides to start my own blog – http://www.motherlyeverafter.com – and hopefully soon I will be able to quit my job and be a work from home mom!

    Reply to Ana
    • Elna

      January 30, 2018 at 4:07 pm

      Hi Ana,

      Thank you so much! I LOVE helping other moms realize how wonderful blogging is and how you can create an income from blogging! That’s great you started your blog! Have fun!

      Reply to Elna
  229. Megan

    January 24, 2018 at 12:35 am

    hi elna,
    I love your writing style and great job on your blog! I would like to blog and have the same roadblock as many others considering a niche. I am passionate about self care—- but i am wondering if this is too broad and how to tell….

    Reply to Megan
    • Elna

      January 24, 2018 at 9:12 am

      Hi Megan,
      It’s best to go broad with your niche and write under the self-care umbrella. From there you can see what is resonating with your audience!

      Reply to Elna
  230. Erin Dobson

    January 21, 2018 at 11:26 am

    Hi Elna! I just started my own mom blog, eventually I want to make it a job. I just have no idea how to get there. I hear all the time about mom’s who can do it. I have a really hard time thinking about what my niche would be. I’ve started off with it being a forum for advice and personal opinions on baby products and caring for baby. Whether or not I make a living from it, I have so much fun writing for other mama’s to see. You can find my blog, Livin’ With River here – https://livinwithriver.wordpress.com . Thanks for sharing this post with us!!
    -Erin

    Reply to Erin
    • Elna

      January 21, 2018 at 2:20 pm

      Hi Erin!

      That’s awesome! As for your niche, that is something that can come to you as you blog. See what resonates with your audience and what YOU like to blog about!

      Reply to Elna
  231. Faith Stewart

    January 18, 2018 at 2:51 pm

    Awesome comprehensive yet simple post. This is very easy to follow! I always get stuck on the title, lol… here’s to another try.

    Reply to Faith
    • Elna

      January 18, 2018 at 4:26 pm

      Hi Faith!

      I’m so happy to hear that! I love breaking things down into easy to read posts!

      Reply to Elna
  232. Kelli

    January 17, 2018 at 12:08 pm

    Hey!! I just started my blog (literally) and I am having trouble customizing it! My colors won’t change… And several other things! Do you have any tips on how to customize? Also I added my email for people to email by clicking on the envelope but when I click on it, nothing happens! Help! #brandnewblogger

    Reply to Kelli
    • Elna

      January 17, 2018 at 10:14 pm

      Hi Keli,

      Maybe try searching your theme on YouTube and see how to customize it? For simple things like adding a logo just go into WordPress and the customize menu option and you can from there!

      Reply to Elna
  233. Krystalynn Polm

    January 5, 2018 at 1:48 am

    Do you have any good recommendations on where to find WordPress.org tutorials? I’ve started my blog but am overwhelmed with all the content on wordpress that I don’t understand. Or don’t know how to share correctly on my social media.
    Thank you!

    Reply to Krystalynn
    • Elna

      January 5, 2018 at 12:42 pm

      Hi Krystalynn,
      Have you tried putting social sharing buttons? I have a video on my YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeyG1oWVGKY

      Reply to Elna
  234. Danielle

    January 3, 2018 at 10:50 am

    Love this idea! I am going to use my maternity leave time to get myself started. My question is, how are you making money from blog?

    Reply to Danielle
    • Elna

      January 3, 2018 at 1:40 pm

      Hi Danielle,

      I use affiliate marketing and creating courses for this blog. For my other blog I have a service, affiliate marketing and course! Check out my newest blog on how I make money blogging: https://twinsmommy.com/my-blogs/

      Reply to Elna
  235. claire Hall

    January 3, 2018 at 6:07 am

    Hello Elna!
    Can I just say a huge thank you for your post, Thanks to this post I have just created my first ever blog although I used wix instead of word press I just really struggled with it. I love how your blog looks, how you write and your topic. I am also a mum to twins, 2 sets of twins so I can relate to your blog, I have a long way to go yet but I cannot seem to get my Gravatar on my blog? xx

    Reply to claire
    • Elna

      January 3, 2018 at 8:32 am

      Hi Claire,

      LOVE LOVE LOVE your site. I just left a comment. It’s very inviting and makes me want to learn more about you! I don’t know about Gravatar and Wix. Maybe search for that on Google? I see you installed Facebook comments which is good too! You’ll probably get more comments that way! Make sure to join my Mom to Mompreneur Facebook group to share your posts!https://www.facebook.com/groups/momtomompreneur/

      Reply to Elna
      • claire Hall

        January 11, 2018 at 4:29 am

        I have joined your group and I love it. Your site is awesome and your emails are still helping me! alos your youtube vids too! your an inspiration to us newbies xx

        Reply to claire
        • Elna

          January 11, 2018 at 9:58 am

          Hey Claire!

          Thanks so much! So glad my videos are helping you with growing your blog!!! Yay!

          Reply to Elna
  236. Molly Hoyt

    January 1, 2018 at 6:14 pm

    I am interested in starting my own blog soon. How do you access your blog and edit and add new posts once I’m set up?

    Reply to Molly
    • Elna

      January 1, 2018 at 9:23 pm

      Hi Molly,

      Once you get your WordPress up you can try me free ecourse that has a WordPress guide to help you figure that out! https://twinsmommy.com/start-grow-earn-free-course/

      Reply to Elna
  237. Rose

    December 1, 2017 at 2:56 pm

    Hi Elna ,
    First off I want to thank you for all the information you have put together here ! It has made me that much more excited about starting my own blog . I am a stay at home mom of three ( soon to be four ) under 5 years old . Life is hectic and lovely and everything in-between. My question when it comes to blogging is as follows… I love the idea of sharing my thoughts, experiences etc.. but I am also incredibly private. I don’t post pictures/ stories of my children or myself on Facebook or any social media. Is it possible to become a popular blogger while keeping anonymity ? Thanks in advance !

    Reply to Rose
    • Elna

      December 1, 2017 at 10:15 pm

      Hi Rose,

      That’s amazing! Congrats on your growing family 🙂 Twins is enough for me!!! 🙂 That’s great you want to start a blog. It is possible to be popular if you still want to be private. You can create an avatar or stick with one brand picture. I want you to look up ChasingFoxes https://www.chasingfoxes.com/ Check out their Pinterest profile too and see how they display their picture and story. They don’t show their faces very much (if at all) and they are making a living as bloggers. So yes, it is possible!

      Reply to Elna
  238. Brianne S.

    November 22, 2017 at 2:40 pm

    Very informative tutorial! Appreciate the time and effort you took to answer all the questions. I am excited to begin this new chapter and earn some extra income- being a singe mom to two kids who are in several sports takes a toll. I do have a question on how we work to get paid, and how often are we paid for blogging? Just curious if this is a good choice, or if it would be a waste of time. Thanks! 🙂

    Reply to Brianne
    • Elna

      November 25, 2017 at 9:57 am

      Hi Brianne,

      Monetizing your blog is a long process but you can start making an income within 3 months. I’m putting together a guide to making your first $2k in 3 months as a blogger.

      Reply to Elna
  239. Laura B.

    November 14, 2017 at 1:58 pm

    What if my niche is already to saturated? How do I find out that information?
    Thanks! I enjoy reading all of your advice.

    Reply to Laura
    • Elna

      November 14, 2017 at 2:32 pm

      Hey Laura,

      That’s okay if it’s over saturated. I started Twins Mommy in an over-saturated niche and I was able to grow my audience and list and income!

      Reply to Elna
  240. Lastasia Bateman

    November 13, 2017 at 8:46 am

    Hello,

    I am so glad i found your article to help me get started. I was just looking into getting srarted as mommy blogger and making an income from home. I didn’t know i could do two in one. This was very helpful. About how long did it take for you to start receiving income from blogging? If you dont mind me asking. Thank you so much!

    Reply to Lastasia
    • Elna

      November 13, 2017 at 4:16 pm

      Hey Latasia,

      For this blog, I started affiliate marketing around 6 months after I started the blog, but I didn’t have a good strategy. Once I did I went from $20 to $200 to $2000+!

      Reply to Elna
  241. Rebekah W

    November 8, 2017 at 1:47 pm

    WOW! you have me motivated! My husband loved the idea before I saw this but now I have something concrete to show him so I can start it up!
    My topics will include first time mom stuff along with homeschooling and crafts for children and parents along with things like baby sign and since I am a artist I thought I would though some art stuff in it since I need to do something for me as well as for the family. I was considering my walk with being very depressed but until I feel I am in a good place with myself I think that topic will stay in my back pocket!

    Reply to Rebekah
    • Elna

      November 8, 2017 at 8:38 pm

      Hey Rebekah!

      That’s fantastic news! And thanks so much! Love love love your topics! You’ll smash it on Pinterest with those niche topics 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  242. Dina

    November 5, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    Must say it was refreshing to read such a down to earth post. Even though I’ve read tons this was comment worthy. Thank you for making it that simple to follow. I have about 5 tabs open from your website, so I must go and get my read on! Thanks again! xoxo, I hope to finally Launch my website and not get so caught up on perfection. My niche is my journey through the recovery of depression and anxiety and how I learn to become a better listener and teacher for my children. Plus DIY projects and my photography enjoyment. Looking forward to the possibilities!!!

    Reply to Dina
    • Elna

      November 5, 2017 at 7:29 pm

      Hi Dina,

      Thank you so much! Your blog topic sounds amazing! Love it!

      Reply to Elna
  243. Ali

    November 1, 2017 at 6:13 pm

    I just started my first blog! I am an artist, mom, wife and a million other things lol. I wanted to start a blog with my already current website which is through wix. I posted my first blog last night and I am very excited yet very nervous. I mean do people really care? Anyways, is it ok that I am through wix and not wordpress?

    Thanks for your time!!!

    Reply to Ali
    • Elna

      November 1, 2017 at 8:41 pm

      Hey Ali,

      I haven’t used Wix so not sure. I LOVE LOVE LOVE WordPress so I’m a bit biased 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  244. Jen Thriving

    October 30, 2017 at 1:03 pm

    I have been doing a ton of research on starting my blog and your by far is the most down to earth and easiest to follow! THANK YOU! I am on the site right now and ready to get this going but wondering if I sign up initially with the basic plan if I can upgrade to one of the others once I get my blog really going and if it will still be at the discounted rate? The reason I am asking is that based on my blog topic (I’m building a shipping container home) I won’t really be posting about MY personal experience until that process starts happening (which hopefully will really have content to grab attention and followers), in the meantime I plan to just post my research and experiences thus far in this crazy process so not nearly as active as I plan to be once the actual build process starts. I also would likely choose the 2 or 3 year plan options to save some $ and since I am already aware that my home building process will take between 2-3 years once I purchase my land. Thoughts?

    Reply to Jen
    • Elna

      October 30, 2017 at 9:32 pm

      Hi Jen!

      Thanks for the kind words. That’s taking the tiny home concept to a whole new level hope it’s got insulation! For the hosting, tough call because the discounted rate is only available at sign up. If you upgrade mid-term it’s at standard rate (as far as I know).

      Reply to Elna
  245. Heather

    October 19, 2017 at 11:42 pm

    I’m a sahm of 4! My oldest is almost 10 and my youngest is 10 months I’m now 30 years old and love helping other moms with pregnancy, fertility, and motherhood advice. I want to start a blog since I helped so many ladies over the years. I honestly don’t have much cash to start and looking for the least expensive route

    Reply to Heather
    • Elna

      October 20, 2017 at 9:02 pm

      Hey Heather,

      Starting a blog is one of the cheapest things you can do as a way to start a business. Think of your mom. Back when she lived, she would’ve had to rent a place somewhere, buy business cards, buy a business license and so much more to start a business.

      But, for less than $100 you can start a blog and within a few months make that and much much more back!!! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  246. Erin Cotter

    October 13, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    I like that you recommended WordPress dot org. I always used WordPress dot com and was ALWAYS frustrated because there are awesome plug-ins I would love to use to help grow my traffic, but they won’t work with the dot com version. Boo… Especially this awesome one I recently found on a fellow bloggers site, which hovers a preview of your Pinterest account so people can directly click to your Pinterest so you grow your Pinterest and at the same time. I was in love with the service and subscribed and paid for my first month then found out it is only available with WordPress dot org… So I found out WordPress dot org has free plug-ins – and I’ve paid all this money and can’t do anything… Haha. :-/ well I found you can use a free service to switch your blog over from dot org to dot com but I’ve recently launched my blog on Amazon Kindle and am worried the RSS feed won’t match if I let the service switch me :-/ so many micro issues with blogging I’m glad there are people writing posts to help other bloggers!! Thanks for your writing!!

    Reply to Erin
    • Elna

      October 14, 2017 at 9:17 am

      Erin,

      What a story! I’m so glad you figured it out. But, you’re right – the first few months of blogging can be crazy! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply to Elna
  247. Meg

    October 11, 2017 at 1:19 pm

    This for sure couldn’t be more straight forward and easy for a beginner! I wish this post existed when I was starting up! Honestly couldn’t be more easy than what you laid out above! WordPress for life!!

    Reply to Meg
    • Elna

      October 13, 2017 at 11:11 am

      Thank you Meg!

      Glad you found it helpful…after the fact..oh well!

      Reply to Elna
  248. April

    October 9, 2017 at 3:43 pm

    Hi! I have been coming back to your site over and over in the last few days and the more I read the more I feel this is a good idea! I’ve been a nurse for over 11 years and would like to begin the stay at home mom blogging career my kids and I badly need! I’m two months away from my third girl and unpaid maternity leave. Two months of limited income is less of stress than continuing a 8-430 job 4 days a week with up to 800 a month in daycare and limited valuable time with my little ones. Anyways better save it for my Blog. I have a few questions like should I create a new email address to dedicate solely to this if so is there one server you recommend more than others? Also any tips on personal opinions to stay clear from or are your personal opinions more beneficial? I know in nursing for a fact religion and politics are big no no subjects. Can make you the odd man out in nanoseconds! Sorry for the paragraph i’m kind of excited!

    Reply to April
    • Elna

      October 9, 2017 at 8:15 pm

      Hi April,

      Thanks so much for commenting! I love hearing my readers’ stories. I think having a mom blog is perfect for you! Even with your newborn, you can make this happen! As for your questions, you can have a domain email address (like [email protected]) that can be provided by your hosting. You can have your domain email address redirected to your own personal one. So you just have to check your personal email and get emails from your subscribers and readers! As for personal opinions, it’s your blog! Say what you want. 🙂 Stirring up the pot can help you get your blog noticed quicker!

      Reply to Elna
  249. Carolyn

    October 7, 2017 at 9:33 am

    Elna, I have to admit that as I am trying to figure out the process to start my own blog (exciting and scary!), yours is the first blog I come to. I love your blog, your writing voice, and your enthusiasm for helping beginners follow their passions and start their blogs. Thank you!

    Reply to Carolyn
    • Elna

      October 7, 2017 at 9:36 pm

      Carolyn,

      Wow! You made my day and week! I showed your comment to my husband. He’s been a big help with the web development side of things. I’m so happy to hear you are starting your blog and yes, it IS exciting and scary too! But, I know you can do it! 🙂 Love your URL name!!!

      Reply to Elna
  250. Riya Singh

    October 1, 2017 at 3:00 am

    Hi Elna,
    Really helpful article for beginner! Thank you for sharing such informative article.

    Reply to Riya
    • Elna

      October 1, 2017 at 3:10 pm

      Hi Riya!

      You’re welcome. Glad you found this post helpful to starting a blog!

      Reply to Elna
  251. Carrie

    September 26, 2017 at 11:30 pm

    Hello Elna,

    Thank you for the tutorial and all the information. This was very helpful.. quick question though as I was confused..do we need to get our blog established first before getting hosting or is that what the hosting will do? Just want to clarify.

    Thank you,

    Reply to Carrie
    • Elna

      September 27, 2017 at 11:18 pm

      Hey Carrie,

      No, you get hosting FIRST and then set up your blog. They can do that for you too!

      Reply to Elna
  252. Regina

    September 25, 2017 at 5:28 pm

    Thanks for this tutorial, I can’t wait to start up my blog, am not sure what to write about between travel, history which I enjoy and Listicles (how tos) about anything since i enjoy researching but am sure am just yet to figure it out. Thanks, I have enjoyed every guide you have provided to words online businesses.

    Reply to Regina
  253. Emily

    September 23, 2017 at 2:52 pm

    Hi,
    Thank you so much for the detailed info on starting a blog! Best info I’ve found so far online. I have found a niche and am ready to dive into blogging. But can you advise me on how you turn blogging into income?
    Thanks,
    Emily

    Reply to Emily
    • Elna

      September 24, 2017 at 9:10 pm

      Hey Emily!

      I have a lot of posts on Twins Mommy on how to make money on your blog. I suggest you take the free course at the end of this post or check out how I make money blogging! https://twinsmommy.com/stay-at-home-mom-make-money-blog/

      Reply to Elna
  254. Rene

    September 16, 2017 at 5:20 am

    Hi, do you have any advice for me? I would like to start a blog on showing people step by step using pictures on how to make crafty things. Thanks Rene from Canada

    Reply to Rene
    • Elna

      September 16, 2017 at 12:20 pm

      Hi Rene!

      Thanks for stopping by! There are many wonderful blogs about crafting. You can totally do this and share it on Pinterest since it’s very visual! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  255. Peggy Miller

    September 13, 2017 at 6:05 pm

    Elna, thank you for this information! I am confused (I am not techie). I tried WP and I had 48 hours of well you can guess. Why did you suggest wp.org? The one thing I am really confused about is the email. Do I have to use the email created by the host or WP?

    Reply to Peggy
    • Elna

      September 14, 2017 at 8:42 am

      Hi Peggy!

      Yes, I would suggest self-hosted, which is WordPress.org. I know, it’s totally confusing and doesn’t make sense eh? As for your email, you can set it up with your hosting provider, but most people don’t. They use an email service provider like MailChimp to start their email list. What you want from your provider is a domain email address. This is your site’s email address. So, for example, [email protected] (my blog). If you need help, a host like SiteGround or Bluehost can do it for you!

      Reply to Elna
  256. chocmel

    September 12, 2017 at 9:58 am

    Hi Elna,
    Thank you posting these insightful tips. Although I’m not yet a mom, I wish to start blogging soon. However, about the sites you can use to blog, what do you think about wix? Because with wix you don’t have to pay anything except if you want to buy your domain name. Can I drive traffic to my blog through wix? Because you mentioned other websites and I was wondering if I can have all the advantages the other sites offer if I use wix since I’m broke. And will I be able to get some money through wix again? or? whats your take on this. Thank you

    Reply to chocmel
    • Elna

      September 13, 2017 at 8:18 am

      Hi!

      Sorry, I don’t know much about wix. All I know is that WordPress is the most popular content service platform. Maybe someone else can help?

      Reply to Elna
  257. Ashley

    September 10, 2017 at 4:40 am

    I loved your step by step guide on how to set up a blog! I’ve heard about blogging and it sounded really difficult as far as set up went but you made it really easy to understand. After reading your post I thought long and hard if I would have anything to offer in a blog; then I remembered I’ve been looking for a way to educate and tell people about my experience using essential oils and herbs in every day mommy life. I have a 2 year old little girl, husband, family and friends that know to come to me with questions on EO or herbs for ailments but I have been itching to share with more people. I think that blogging is the way to go and with your tutorial it gave me the last push I needed. I will post my website soon for you to check out and look forward to following your blog as well for tips and tricks. Thanks again 🙂

    Reply to Ashley
    • Elna

      September 10, 2017 at 1:34 pm

      Hi Ashley!

      Thanks a bunch mama! <3 I think that niche would be good for your blog!

      Reply to Elna
  258. Mary

    September 8, 2017 at 2:44 pm

    Passion is SO important to this recipe, especially in 2017! There are so many blogs out there now that even if yours is successful, it will probably take a little time to get traction. The easiest way to keep going through that initial growth period is to write about something you love and want to educate people about. It can be a slow grind, but if I’ve learned anything it’s that people can recognize passion and are drawn to it. Just keep putting it out there, and followers will come!

    Reply to Mary
  259. Ashna

    August 28, 2017 at 8:22 am

    Hi Elna,

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful information. I just started my own blog and this information was very helpful! Thank you.

    Reply to Ashna
    • Elna

      August 29, 2017 at 9:02 am

      Congrats Ashna!

      I can’t wait to read your first post!

      Reply to Elna
  260. yesenia de la rosa

    August 21, 2017 at 1:34 pm

    Hi Elna,
    A friend of mine has been suggesting that I start a blog for quite a bit of time now . I’m actually thinking of it. Your post was super informative. It looks a bit overwhelming as a first timer. I wouldn’t even know wherected to start. I’m a mom in brooklyn raising a 3 1/2 yr old girl , my girl who’s 7 months , my 8yr old pitbull and of course my husband so I have 4 kids, lol. And we are vegan.

    Reply to yesenia
    • Elna

      August 22, 2017 at 3:51 pm

      Hi Yesenia!

      I totally suggest you take the email course. It’s more guided and takes it a bitter slowly since it breaks up the tasks!

      Reply to Elna
  261. Lorna Williams

    August 19, 2017 at 11:55 pm

    this is fantastic, ive always wanted to have my own business at home, but can i choose some other niche like a product to sell from a big company like Amazon and still use your process same steps, thank you.

    Reply to Lorna
  262. Anna

    August 17, 2017 at 3:57 pm

    I am so excited to start my blog but I am curious how do you initially get traffic to your blog? When someone googles a topic that is close to your blog post does it pop up? What would be some examples?

    Reply to Anna
    • Elna

      August 17, 2017 at 5:19 pm

      Hey Anna,

      Google is the primary platform to search for topics but it can be hard to be ranked in Google as a brand new blogger. Instead, I would focus your keyword strategy on Pinterest! Check out my free traffic accelerator course that will walk you through the steps you need to put in place for major traffic growth! https://twinsmommy.com/traffic-accelerator-challenge/

      Reply to Elna
  263. Sara Lillestol

    August 16, 2017 at 10:06 am

    Every question I had about starting a blog led me to one of your posts. Thank you so much for making it so simple to get so much valuable information in one place! I’ll be following you on every form of media to stay up to date and have all the information at my fingertips! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

    Reply to Sara
    • Elna

      August 16, 2017 at 1:29 pm

      You’re welcome Sara!

      So happy you found some answers to your questions. Starting a blog has a lot of information and can be overwhelming!

      Reply to Elna
    • Elna

      August 16, 2017 at 1:29 pm

      You’re welcome Sara!

      So happy you found some answers to your questions. Starting a blog has a lot of information and can be overwhelming!

      Reply to Elna
  264. Jamie Rockers

    August 4, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    Hello,
    I have started blogging myself. I am trying to find out the basic problems that my blog is having and looking for solutions. Also, I’m searching for some basic things like themes and other stuff.
    I have read your whole article, I am looking forward to getting a positive result after performing this myself.
    Can you suggest me any basic idea that I might need in the future as a new blogger?
    Thank you

    Reply to Jamie
    • Elna

      August 4, 2017 at 10:22 pm

      Hey Jamie,

      Congrats on starting your blog already! As a new blogger, maybe you need Tailwind or an email service provider like MailChimp or ConvertKit?

      Reply to Elna
  265. audley barnes

    August 1, 2017 at 3:40 am

    This is not a comment, but an inquiry.
    In one of the courses you’re offering READY SET BLOG for TRAFFIC, one of the question is if the course work for international bloggers? and you said it’s geared for English speaking audience.
    Now, when I am out of Canada, and is in Jamaica where I spend some time it the winter months will I be able to access the course?

    Reply to audley
    • Elna

      August 1, 2017 at 10:38 am

      Hi Audley,

      This course is geared for any blogger with a blog online 🙂 I say English Speaking as I’m teaching in English. But you can use those tactics in your native language. As for accessing the course, yes you can access it in Jamaica as long as you have internet connection and the URL of the course.

      Reply to Elna
  266. carla Valenzuela

    July 29, 2017 at 9:28 am

    Hi Elna, I’m a stay at home mom, but to a 17 yr. Old and a husband lol! That’s like another kid!! I really want my own blog I have so much time on my hands now that my son is older and my husband is a major loner! I’m just really intimidated by all the writing cause I need to brush up on my writing skills. And I learn best if someone tells me how to do thing verbally. when I read here how to do it I get overwhelmed because I’m frightened I will not understand clearly. Please help!! Thank you, Carla

    Reply to carla
    • Elna

      July 29, 2017 at 12:56 pm

      Hey Carla,

      Thanks so much and YES, a hubby can be another child (I should know) 🙂 If you need help setting everything up go ahead and join the free blogging course at the bottom of this post. It will walk you through step-by-step and give you a lot of freebie guides and things. I even give you a WordPress guide so you can have your site up and running in no time.

      Reply to Elna
  267. Andrea

    July 28, 2017 at 2:09 pm

    Hi Elna! I loved your article. My case is maybe similar to some other moms. I’m a mom of 3, working now, barely have time to spend with them because of my job?, but if I don’t work, no money gets in. I would love to start a blog, but I’m still really unsure if I’m gonna be good at it.
    I think I could share tips when traveling, budgeting, kids, school, everything all moms talk about, but I think I’m not getting my niche like that right? Is it too wide open topics to share ? Should I think on one or two topics max?

    Reply to Andrea
    • Elna

      July 29, 2017 at 1:01 pm

      Hi Andrea,

      Congrats on your three kids! Cherish those moments for sure! I think starting a blog is a great idea for you. As for your topics you can be a lifestyle mom with all of those topics. Then in a couple of months you can see which topic is most popular and then write mostly in that niche! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  268. Eva

    July 24, 2017 at 9:35 pm

    Hi Elna! Really enjoyed reading your post – so informative yet easy to understand.

    I’m a mama of 8 (ages ranging from 6 months to 10 years!) As you can imagine my days will range from “Awwwww” to “Aarrrgghh” in a matter of seconds. Besides keeping my kids, my husband and myself (almost barely haha) alive – I am passionate about my faith as a Christian. I also took up a network marketing business which I do struggle with as I’m a bit of an introvert so the outside world tends to intimidate me (just a tad). However, the challenge of building a network marketing business is the “circle” outside my everyday Mummy/Wifey “square” – meanwhile my church duties as a piano player and choir director are also in the mix there somewhere somehow.

    I havea passion for putting my thoughts onto paper (although I may need to brush up on grammar haha). Should I focus on just one angle of my collage of a lifestyle or is there a way I can create a niche by combining my interests/duties/lifestyle into the one blog? Which by the way I’ve never attempted to write one before, causing my Facebook friends to have no choice but read my overly long statuses on their newsfeeds instead ??

    Any input would be tremendously appreciated!

    Reply to Eva
    • Elna

      July 24, 2017 at 9:38 pm

      Hi Eva!

      What a nice story! Wow, eight kids…congrats and let me give you a hug. My twins are such a big challenge I can’t imagine throwing in a few more! 🙂 Blogging is a great way to get your creativity out and have some fun.

      As for a niche, you can do a lifestyle type of blog. Blog about different topics and see which topics are attracting more traffic. From there you can focus your blog in that vein! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  269. Mag

    July 24, 2017 at 6:01 am

    Hi ! We just started our blog too! We will read your others post ‘Blogging Basics series’. We will add personal stories soon. Thank you! http://www.newmommag.com/

    Reply to Mag
    • Elna

      July 24, 2017 at 12:21 pm

      Mag,

      How great! I can see this being a big blog for a lot of moms. Can’t wait to see it evolve.

      Reply to Elna
  270. Evamarie

    July 23, 2017 at 4:14 pm

    Hi:

    Thank for the tips on how to create a blog! I am new to this “world” and I have so much to learn. There is a bunch of new terminology that I need to understand, but there I go! I just publish my first post!!!! It is pretty excited! Thank You!

    Reply to Evamarie
    • Elna

      July 24, 2017 at 12:20 pm

      Evamarie,

      Congrats! So happy for you! Enjoy blogging.

      Reply to Elna
  271. Tinicia Burns

    July 22, 2017 at 9:42 pm

    I just started my mom blog last month ! It’s been great to connect with other moms!

    https://dailydoseofmotherhood.com

    Reply to Tinicia
    • Elna

      July 24, 2017 at 12:19 pm

      Hi Tinicia,

      That’s fantastic! So happy you took the plunge and started a blog!

      Reply to Elna
  272. Inna | The Little Big Spender

    July 14, 2017 at 10:11 am

    Hey Elna!

    My name is Inna and I’m thrilled to be a mom. I only have 3 months to go and I am joining the bandwagon of amazing women on this world. However, I am not a newbie in the blogging world. I’ve been blogging since I was in grade school but stopped during college. Now I am back again, and hopefully you can check my blog out. Please let me know what I can improve.

    Reply to Inna
    • Elna

      July 14, 2017 at 2:05 pm

      Congrats Inna on your expected little one!

      Your blog is cute and refreshing. It’s clean and easy to navigate! So glad you took blogging up again! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  273. Janice Hylton

    July 13, 2017 at 5:45 pm

    Love, love, love, this. Just started my mom blog!

    Reply to Janice
    • Elna

      July 13, 2017 at 9:16 pm

      Hey Janice!

      Oh yea! You go mama!

      Reply to Elna
  274. Poovanesh

    July 11, 2017 at 1:25 pm

    Hi Elna
    Brilliant actionable advice.

    I only have a tablet ATM. Can I set up my website using my tablet ? Hard at
    work saving up for a laptop.

    I’m very keen to set up my website. So I’m eagerly awaiting your response.

    Reply to Poovanesh
    • Elna

      July 11, 2017 at 8:52 pm

      Hey!

      Yup you can start a blog on your tablet!

      Reply to Elna
  275. Melanie Jones

    July 3, 2017 at 5:16 pm

    Hello Elna
    Let me first start off saying Thank You for your clear and concise instruction on starting a blog, I found it quite informative. I was employed for 14 plus years with the gov’t and lost my job 2 wks before Christmas behind being a nursing mother in the workforce and a strong female. I am now a mother of a 2 yr old and a 3 mnth old and a full time homemaker to them and my truck driver husband. The daily challenges that come with our dynamic life style demanded learning on the fly and relying on social media sites and support groups to maintain a successful and proficient household. I am finding it a chore to narrow down my niche for my passion of starting my blog. Any suggestions that you may have I thank you in advance.

    Reply to Melanie
    • Elna

      July 3, 2017 at 10:23 pm

      Hi Melanie!

      Congrats on persevering! Yes, my life is crazy too with twins that are 4 years old. I have to hold my tongue a lot!!! 🙂 As for a niche, what you can do is create a lifestyle blog at first. Blog your heart out and figure out what you like to blog about. Also, find out if it’s profitable. Are there services or products in that niche? I hope that helps!

      Reply to Elna
  276. Lisa

    July 1, 2017 at 8:40 am

    Thanks for your clear instructions on how to get started with a blog. Many people think it will be difficult but you showed how simple it really is to get going.
    The most challenging part is usually choosing a niche market and figuring out a great domain name!
    Thanks again!
    Lisa

    Reply to Lisa
    • Elna

      July 1, 2017 at 10:46 am

      Hi Lisa,

      Yes, finding a niche is difficult, but I find just blogging about topics that interest you first helps. From there you will realize what you really like to blog about, OR what type of people are coming to your blog and engaging with you. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply to Elna
  277. Shah Khalid

    June 26, 2017 at 5:17 am

    Hi, Just stumbled upon your blog from Pinterest and believe me I am loving each post of yours. So I am certainly going to stay here for long and read your posts. I have also recently started my blog and that’s why I am pretty excited.

    Reply to Shah
  278. Olamide

    June 24, 2017 at 9:06 am

    Hi Elna,
    I really enjoyed your write-up. I am a Nigerian and I’ve been looking forward to starting a blog. How do I monetize my blog? I have a 6 months old daughter and would love to make income working from home. I am comfortable with the prices. Am I eligible to starting a blog from your link?

    Reply to Olamide
    • Elna

      June 24, 2017 at 10:06 am

      Hi!

      Yes, monetizing your blog is a great strategy for new bloggers. You can do affiliate marketing or offer a service. I started by offering a service and then moved on to affiliate marketing.

      Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  279. Nido

    June 20, 2017 at 7:00 pm

    Hi elna i must say and admire thst your an amazing writer, i am from Italy and stay home mom of 5 months old dolly Angel. I need to know few things i am not clear about is their any fee to pay to WordPress to or its only hosting as i am a little confuse here another question does the hosting work with the same accuracy to European countries like Italy. I am interested in an yearly plan using your link.
    Your post is really helpful

    Reply to Nido
    • Elna

      June 20, 2017 at 10:12 pm

      Hi Nido,

      I’m sure you’ll be able to use SiteGround or Bluehost as your web hosting in Italy! Try it out and see!

      Reply to Elna
  280. Andrea Tointon

    June 11, 2017 at 10:15 am

    Hi Elna,
    You really know your stuff. The prices do seem very reasonable. I wondered if it possible to use in the U.K.? Sometimes when you have to add the zip code or postcode in U.K it can cause problems in that it stops you setting the account up, therefore, you then cannot carry on at all.
    I have tried creating websites before as an affiliate. But it didn’t work out for me because of a very tight budget at the time. I learned a lot and now I see it as a positive thing.
    I have been toying with the idea of doing another blog and found yours on Pinterest where you are indeed pinned for easy access for me.
    You have given me a renewed feeling of confidence.

    Reply to Andrea
  281. Amy

    June 7, 2017 at 10:37 pm

    Hello Elna,

    Thank you for sharing such informative article.
    Starting a blog is a great way to share your story as a mother.

    Keep sharing 🙂

    Reply to Amy
  282. Dolly

    June 7, 2017 at 10:46 am

    Hi Elna,
    I am a mother of a 16 month old boy and i found that during my pregnancy and now raising a child i have become very knowledgable when it comes to mommy hood. i find that a lot of my friends ask me many questions that vary from different topics and with great delight i answer them or find an answer for them. I am very passionate about it and think that running a blog is definitely a part of my calling. I am also very religious and cultural and i wonder how i can incorporate all that into a blog !

    Reply to Dolly
    • Elna

      June 8, 2017 at 12:37 pm

      Hi Dolly!

      Those are great topics to do for your blog. Christian lifestyle blogs are great! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  283. Brandi Edwards

    June 5, 2017 at 11:22 pm

    Very great read. I’m so excited to start my new blog and this post helped me so much.. I was stuck on finding a web hosting and now I’m definitely going to use Site Ground thanks to you. I’m still in the process of making profile pics and details for my social media sites but I’m getting closer and closer. Thank you for this post! 🙂

    Reply to Brandi
    • Elna

      June 8, 2017 at 12:34 pm

      Hi Brandi!

      Hooray! So happy you found a good hosting for your blog!

      Reply to Elna
  284. Andena

    May 20, 2017 at 4:36 pm

    Hi Elna,
    I am so enthused by everything that I am learning so far. I must admit that I am a total newbie at blogging but have always been interested in it.
    My question is this. Can I be successful at blogging while living in the Caribbean? I just keep second guessing myself and wondering whether or not this can work. I believe it will. I guess I am just hunting for reassurance.
    I am a primary school teacher and mother of a six (soon to be seven) year old and an eighteen month old. Both of whom are very hyperactive. I also have a brother who is autistic and being the eldest of three, I help to care for him. How do I harness this into a blog from my island home and make it work? Or should I blog about my island home as a great vacation destination.
    I want this to be fun, easy to read and easy to follow but bottom line: profitable. Any suggestions?

    Andena

    Reply to Andena
    • Elna

      May 21, 2017 at 8:26 am

      Hi Andrea!

      Thanks so much. You have a lot of rich experience to start a blog. It’s up to you where you want your focus. If you want to blog about your family like and ways to help other moms cope or inspire than that’s a great niche. You’ll be able to join related FB groups and Pinterest groups.

      You can also blog about travel and cater to those interested in travel (varied demographic niche). Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  285. Anna S

    May 17, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    I have been wanting to start a blog for a long time now but I think I have too many topics!
    I am a holistic nutritionist, crossfitter, trainer, soon to be mom (2 weeks left), home remedy queen and love to bake and cook. Would you suggest narrowing down topics or are they similar enough to fall under one blog?

    Any suggestions would be great! Thank you!

    Reply to Anna
    • Elna

      May 17, 2017 at 8:55 pm

      Hi Anna!

      Well that is a lot of interests! You can do a demographic niche if you want? That means picking one type of demographic readers like young moms, moms with school-aged kids or toddlers or newborns etc….and then cater to them with the topics on your blog. That’s what I’m doing with TwinsMommy. I blog for mom bloggers that want to move to being a mompreneur.

      Reply to Elna
  286. Carolyn Barnett

    May 11, 2017 at 8:28 am

    Hi Elna! I loved reading this as I have been thinking about starting a blog. The thing is, I’m not sure if it’s a niche, or a novelty? I want it to be a niche, though, so I can write about it! I have 2 biological boys, one on the autism spectrum, 1 was born with albinism (albino). Then that led us to go adopt 2 girls (diff times) from China with albinism. Our story is so crazy though, and how we managed to survive it and continue to walk it out-that’s what I want to blog about. I feel that with all of our issues I could surely help someone? I’m pursuing a degree in Human Services and feel I have a gift for encouragement. I would appreciate your thoughts on this. Thank you!

    Reply to Carolyn
    • Elna

      May 11, 2017 at 8:53 am

      Hi Carolyn,
      I think you have the perfect story to share with the world. Just remember, though, that if you want to eventually monetize your blog, you should be helping your readers cope and be educated in those topics.

      So, if you do open up your story on your blog, instead of making it a diary, make it helpful. For example, you have a child with autism, you can create posts Melt-down activities to combat tantrums, or how to use social stories to facilitate self-help skills and things like that. You can, of course, create posts that are more inspirational. I do that with my twins posts. It’s your blog after all. 🙂 Have fun!

      Reply to Elna
  287. Haley Stapley

    May 9, 2017 at 3:19 pm

    Great post, thank you! What do you think is the best way to narrow down what to blog about? I have no kids yet, but that phase of life is coming fast, and I want to get an author/book website going. I also want to dabble in the art community with freelance writing. There is so much I want to do. Is there a way to mix these things together?

    Reply to Haley
    • Elna

      May 11, 2017 at 8:46 am

      Hi Haley,

      That’ sounds awesome! As for narrowing down your niche, you could open up a service-based website and talk about the behind the scenes of that and incorporate your topics? Finding your niche will evolve and it will reveal itself eventually 🙂 It did for me!

      Reply to Elna
  288. David

    May 7, 2017 at 12:51 pm

    Great post! We run an adventure travel blog and I think the most important thing we tell people is to travel with a purpose, Do not just wander around the world aimlessly. (Like ours is to experience and document the Top 100 Travel Adventures) So many travel blogs do not really have a purpose or a niche. Niche is key and many miss out on that because they want to cover and do it all. Do not just start a blog because you think you will get rich quick and be able to travel the world. It takes a lot of work and lots of time.

    Reply to David
  289. Kindrid

    May 7, 2017 at 8:15 am

    Hi Elna,

    Amazing blog! started my blog in 2014, but failed to grow it due to not putting in the proper efforts and because of working. I’m now laid off and I am ready to grow my blog. I get so overwhelmed with all of the aspects of growing the blog (affiliate marketing, pins, traffic…). I will begin to take it one day at a time. I’m about to revamp my website as I see that it’s a complete mess. I wanted to know which theme are you using? My website is kindridwestsuccess.com where I help to build success in health, finance, and personal development as I am an accountant, personal trainer, and self-help enthusiast. Thank you for the advise.

    Reply to Kindrid
    • Elna

      May 8, 2017 at 10:47 am

      Hi Kindrid,

      It happens to all of us eh? Life gets in the way or you move on. I’m glad you have refocused on blogging! As for my theme, it’s actually a customized theme that my husband and I created 🙂 Thanks!

      Reply to Elna
      • Kindrid

        May 8, 2017 at 11:25 am

        Thanks Elna for your response. Keep up the great work!?

        Reply to Kindrid
  290. Melody

    May 6, 2017 at 10:38 pm

    Hello again Elna! I think I am going to go ahead and take the leap with beginning a 2nd blog and have it be a little bit about everything that I do. My kids especially, my crafting and when I figuore out what I’m doing, my blogging. 🙂 Wish me luck! Thanks so much for your previous advice. I love your blog and I have to say I got a lot of my ideas from reading some of your blog. Your my “twin” twin mommy. 😉 Keep a look out for my blog in a while. I don’t know what the name of it will be yet though. 🙂 Have a good day!

    Reply to Melody
    • Elna

      May 8, 2017 at 10:45 am

      Hi Melody!

      Thanks so much 🙂 That’s fantastic that you want to go ahead and create a second blog! I know a lot of bloggers are doing that. I LOVE blogging and it’s really addictive 🙂 Ha! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  291. Lydia

    May 5, 2017 at 11:03 pm

    Hey! Amazing tips! My blog has now been up and running for a couple of weeks – yay! Blogging about family travel and life in Saudi Arabia mostly ??
    @ourdreamsincolour

    Reply to Lydia
    • Elna

      May 6, 2017 at 11:16 am

      That’s great!! Enjoy blogging!!

      Reply to Elna
  292. Arti Das

    April 28, 2017 at 3:08 am

    Hey Elna!
    I simply love your blogs. I, too, wanna start blogging and I will, sooner or later. I am in the learning phase and your blogs are just giving me all the information needed. Thanks a lot.☺

    Reply to Arti
    • Elna

      April 28, 2017 at 10:26 pm

      Thanks a bunch!
      Good luck on starting your blog 🙂 Make sure to share it with me!

      Reply to Elna
  293. Karen

    April 27, 2017 at 4:19 pm

    I really want to start a blog. I want a blog that will make me money. My biggest hesitation is being able to get the traffic to my blog. Getting traffic to any business or blog is the biggest challenge. Do you have any words of wisdom or help that you can give me.

    Thank You, Karen

    Reply to Karen
    • Elna

      April 27, 2017 at 10:12 pm

      Hey Karen!

      That sounds good to start blog. I am starting a product to help with traffic, so keep on the lookout for that by joining my newsletter!

      Reply to Elna
  294. deb osorio

    April 25, 2017 at 10:12 pm

    Am I still a Mompreneur if my kids are grown (barely)?

    Reply to deb
    • Elna

      April 27, 2017 at 11:53 am

      Hey mama!

      Of course. If you’re a mom and have a biz you’re a mompreneur 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  295. Elise

    April 21, 2017 at 10:09 am

    Hi Elna!
    I love your articles, you’re my go to resource for all things blogging!

    My blog is in its infancy and I want to get it right. I started it with the idea I would give advice to new twin moms so my website is twoplustwins.com. I just don’t feel like it’s going to workout for consistent content. I love how you incorporate cute twin posts into your blog but its not the actual focus of your blog.
    I have recently decided to try and niche down on what I’m more passionate which is my weight loss journey, healthy tips, chronic disease prevention, etc. I’ve given myself a year to get into shape and hope to grow a motivational blog from that journey. I know the weight loss area is saturated but I’ve read one should go big when blogging.
    My questions are:
    1. Should I start over with a new domain name that is related to weight loss?
    2. Are affiliate links only for established blogs?
    3. I’m really struggling with the niching down part. Do you think a blog about plus size twin moms is too limiting? I noticed there were no Facebook groups related to twin moms who were plus sized so I’m not sure if it’s a dead zone or if there’s potential there.
    I would appreciate any advice you have!

    Reply to Elise
    • Elna

      April 21, 2017 at 8:56 pm

      Hi Elise!

      Thank you for your comment! I LOVE learning about new blogs and people. And hey! You’re a twin mama!! I stayed in the house the first year 🙂 No outings…only doctor visits and stroller walks. Nothing else. They didn’t go to a play group until they were almost 2 years old. Yes…I fear going out alone with them. They are four and I am more confident now. But, my husband works from home also, so I don’t have to work on that. Anyways, I digress.

      As you can tell, I took a looky-loo at your blog and I like the content. One quick pro tip: please separate your paragraphs into smaller paragraphs. It’s hard to read your post when you have big blocks of text. Also, play around with subheadings as this breaks up your post even more, making it easier to read!

      For your question, you don’t have to create a new blog for your weight loss journey. You can still use twoplustwins. I mean, I mostly blog about growing your blog and my site’s name is Twins Mommy 🙂 Go figure.

      As for affiliate links, some programs may want a mature site, but many don’t. Sign up and see what happens. You can also sign up to be an affiliate for digital courses.

      As for niching down, you can brand yourself as the twin mom weight loss blog?

      Reply to Elna
      • Elise

        April 22, 2017 at 1:01 pm

        Thanks for looking at my blog Elna! I really appreciate it and will definitely take your advice in cleaning it up. I needed that boost of encouragement.
        Congratulations on making it through the baby years!
        Twin mom power! ??

        Reply to Elise
  296. Kelly

    April 13, 2017 at 4:36 pm

    Hello, I just followed your instructions to set up a blog and got as far as signing into the admin page but the connection isn’t secure. It states that logins here could be compromised. Any idea of how to make the connection secure so I can sign in? Thank you!

    Reply to Kelly
    • Kelly

      April 13, 2017 at 4:53 pm

      I figured it out! So never mind. 🙂

      Reply to Kelly
      • Elna

        April 13, 2017 at 10:13 pm

        Phew! Good to know 🙂

        Reply to Elna
  297. Tonia

    April 13, 2017 at 9:58 am

    Can you pay by the month with this service or are you billed for the whole year?

    Reply to Tonia
    • Elna

      April 13, 2017 at 12:58 pm

      To get the best savings, it’s recommended you pay for the year (or more!) up front.

      Reply to Elna
  298. Crystal

    April 13, 2017 at 1:29 am

    Thank you, Elna for this post. I have talked about starting a blog for a few years now even going as far as setting up free blogs but never truly committing. Your posts have inspired me on a deeper level that makes me believe that I can and WILL commit this time!

    I actually set up a hosted blog today AND took your advice on setting up my gravitar (this is my test to see if I did it right! *fingers crossed*) Now, with tomorrow being day 2, I hope I can do better figuring out how to run my new blog. Wish me luck and keep up the good work!

    Reply to Crystal
    • Elna

      April 13, 2017 at 9:49 am

      Hi Crystal,
      Thanks so much! I’m so happy to hear you are giving blogging a second chance! Blogging is such a great outlet for moms and so happy you are starting again!

      Reply to Elna
  299. bemissity

    April 9, 2017 at 9:53 pm

    Great tips! Setting up my blog now.

    Reply to bemissity
    • Elna

      April 10, 2017 at 11:33 am

      Thanks!

      Reply to Elna
  300. domino

    April 3, 2017 at 12:40 pm

    I became recommended your blog by our cousin.. domino We’re no longer favourable when it put up can be created by method of the pup as nobody else realize these kinds of particular close to my own trouble. You might be awesome! Thank you!

    Reply to domino
    • Elna

      April 3, 2017 at 1:37 pm

      Thanks for coming over!

      Reply to Elna
  301. Cara

    April 1, 2017 at 5:23 pm

    Hi Elna! I just published my first blog post today! I would not have been able to do it without your blog. I appreciate all of your practical and easy to read and follow tips. Thank you so much!

    Reply to Cara
    • Elna

      April 2, 2017 at 9:18 pm

      Hey Cara!

      So happy you have your blog 🙂 Yay!! Make sure to join us in the Mom to Mompreneur Facebook so you can promote your new blog post 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  302. Kristi Page

    March 20, 2017 at 2:59 pm

    This is an amazing tutorial. Elna is my hero for providing her Write Your Way to Your First $1k course. I am a newbie to blogging and freelance writing and almost have my site and blog ready to roll. Thank you Elna!

    Reply to Kristi
    • Elna

      March 20, 2017 at 9:58 pm

      Hey mama!

      Thank you so much and glad you are enjoying the course! Make sure to say hi in the private Facebook group!

      Reply to Elna
  303. Lacy Mercer

    March 16, 2017 at 9:33 pm

    Lots of great information! I have been wanting to start a blog for YEARS and am finally diving in this adventure! Siteground no longer has a free domain name though. :/ I will be looking forward to your posts in the future! If you do guest blogging, I’d love to have you!

    Reply to Lacy
  304. Alan adlari

    March 9, 2017 at 2:28 am

    thank you very much for all this information! I already have a blog through Word Press, so I was wondering if I could transfer all my info from Word Press to the new domain or I would have to start all over again?

    Reply to Alan
    • Elna

      March 9, 2017 at 9:03 pm

      Hi Alan,

      Yes you can. There are tutorials on all that 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  305. Vanessa

    February 27, 2017 at 7:48 pm

    This is an amazingly helpful tutorial! I’ve been blogging for a long time, but on Blogger. Recently I have decided to start an additional site, but have been hesitant to make the jump to WordPress. It all seems so foreign, but this tutorial has me thinking I may just go for it.

    Reply to Vanessa
    • Elna

      February 27, 2017 at 7:54 pm

      Hey Vanessa!

      Thanks so much 🙂 Happy to hear you have the blogging itch…as I so much do! I have four sites! Well one is my freelance writing service site so that’s static. But this one, ElnaCain.com and FreelancerFAQs.com 🙂 I’m pretty busy but I love it. Make sure to tell me about your new site when it’s live!

      Reply to Elna
  306. Christine

    February 23, 2017 at 11:02 pm

    Elna,

    Some great advice and simple – thanks! I started my niche years ago before kids came on the scene (http://equus-blog.com – equine careers and education), but now that I’m home with 2 under 3, I am working to turn it into a viable income earner! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply to Christine
    • Elna

      February 24, 2017 at 8:16 pm

      Hi Christine,

      Thanks so much and yes! You can totally turn your blog around to a new niche! Good luck!

      Reply to Elna
  307. Molly

    February 22, 2017 at 4:02 pm

    Hi Elna, I just stumbled upon this post (metaphorically, not using the website lol), and it’s a great help! I’m just starting off on my own blogging journey, so I’m positive I’ll be coming back to reference this guide in the future.
    Thanks again for your clarity & insight!

    Reply to Molly
    • Elna

      February 22, 2017 at 4:05 pm

      Hey Molly!

      Nice website name 🙂 ha..That’s great you are out there blogging away. Thanks so much for wanting to reference this when you want a self-hosted blog 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  308. Ana Willis at TheyCallMeBlessed.org

    February 18, 2017 at 10:41 pm

    Awesome tutorial!! Smashing as usual!!! 😉

    Reply to Ana
    • Elna

      February 19, 2017 at 1:32 pm

      Hi Ana!

      Aww thanks so much 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  309. Maria

    February 14, 2017 at 4:50 pm

    Hello Elna,
    May I ask what plugin do you use for that image and button (click to download)?
    Your tutorial is great by the way! I recently switched from WordPress.com to WordPress.org and it is really much better)

    Reply to Maria
    • Elna

      February 14, 2017 at 5:01 pm

      Hi Maria,

      The image is something I made in Photoshop (but you can make it in Canva). I then linked it to OptinMonster 🙂

      Reply to Elna
  310. Priya Srivastav

    February 8, 2017 at 3:17 am

    Hi Elna,
    Really helpful article. With all the inspiration from here I have started my food blog. Hope I could be a successful blogger.
    Do visit my page.
    Here’s link to my site:
    https://cookwithdesitadka.wordpress.com/

    Reply to Priya
    • Elna

      February 8, 2017 at 10:37 am

      Hi Priya,

      That’s great. Good luck with your cooking blog and if you’re ready for self-hosting, go for it!

      Reply to Elna
  311. Andrew

    February 2, 2017 at 2:37 am

    Really helpful tutorial for a beginner ! My wife want to make a blog and want to earn online money, she wanted from me a good resources/tutorial for learning blog promotion. I think this post will be definitely helpful for her. I will gift your posts link to my wife 🙂 . Great tutorial step by step. Get it up.
    Thanks !

    Reply to Andrew
    • Elna

      February 2, 2017 at 9:17 am

      Hi Andrew! That’s great. Make sure she shares her new blog with me!

      Reply to Elna
  312. Katie

    February 2, 2017 at 12:21 am

    So I have a blog on WordPress.com but what exactly is SiteGround? Is it like WordPress or what exactly? I would love to switch to SiteGround or do whatever it is I need to do. If you could email me and maybe help me I would appreciate it so much.

    Reply to Katie
    • Elna

      February 2, 2017 at 12:24 am

      Hi Katie,

      A place like Bluehost or SiteGround is a hosting service for your website on WordPress.org (not .com). If you follow my step-by-step tutorial you can set up your new WordPres blog. Why switch? Well with a WordPress.com your URL has .wordpress.com in it rather than just a URL with http://yourblogname.com Doesn’t that look a bit more professional?

      I’ll be sure to email you soon!

      Reply to Elna
  313. Lauren R.

    January 28, 2017 at 6:47 pm

    Really great tips! I’ve been thinking of starting a blog for a few months now, but it seems a bit overwhelming. So far I