So you want to start (or already have) a blog? Great!

So many people try and fail to reach their blogging goals… not to be a downer, but it’s true. However, we at LadyBossBlogger want to see you reach your full potential so we have compiled the answers to 100 common blogger questions in order to help you have the most successful blogging experience!

We will cover the following topics;

1. Technical
2. Traffic
3. Content
4. Niche
5. Money

If we have left off anything else that you’d like covered, comment below with your questions!

The following questions were written by current LadyBossBlogger interns Octavia Powell, Bethany Peterson, and Mercy Barrial and answered by Elaine Rau founder of LadyBossBlogger.

If you don’t have a blog yet (or have one but aren’t making money from it), sign upi for my free 7-day course below before you read this post!

100 Most-Asked Blogging Questions Answered

Technical

1. Which blogging platform is best suited for my content?

It doesn’t matter what type of content you produce, having a WordPress.org blog is the best way to go. WordPress is by far the most mature platform out there with extensive SEO capabilities.

If your goal is to hit Google’s front page, then WordPress is your best bet. It also has the best-designed themes and plugins compared to all other platforms.

Note: WordPress.com is free, WordPress.org is not.

2. Should I pay for a blogging site or should I use a free service?

I would always suggest paying for a blog. When you pay for stuff, you’re automatically more serious about it because you’re investing AND invested in it (which may just be the kick in the butt you need)!

The most reliable sites to buy your website domain name are GoDaddy and BlueHost.

If you don’t buy your domain and instead opt for a free WordPress.com site, you may produce content on your site but you don’t own any of it. If WordPress were to decide to shut your site down, they could.

Additionally, most bloggers start blogging because they ultimately want to monetize their efforts, with a free site, you won’t be able to do that. However, you can change your site from free to paid whenever you want, it’s just a little bit of a hassle but it’s totally doable.

If you want to test blogging out and don’t want to spend any money on it, I would suggest starting your blog on Medium.com and not creating your own site just yet, this way you won’t have to worry about any of the technical difficulties as you hone your craft – your content.

Medium has a built-in audience for you already that they take from your social media followers to help market your blog posts! This is a great foundation to test out your writing which ultimately will be why people visit your site.

Then take the most popular posts from your medium account and use them as your first blog posts when you decide to start your own blog.

3. What does it mean to “self-host” and is it the right option for me?

When you’re self-hosted that means that your website is the only site hosted on the server. With shared hosting, the amount of disk space and bandwidth you’re allotted is limited because there are others sharing the server.

However, you won’t need to self-host your blog until it gets really big and you’re bringing in bucket loads of traffic, for now, “shared hosting” is totally fine.

4. Are there any good websites to help with a blog layout design?

A solid theme for you to use when you’re just starting out is Divi, once you get more advanced upgrade to Genesis.

You can also choose a free one that comes with your WordPress site, they just usually aren’t as user-friendly or customizable.

5. Which color schemes catch the eye more?

This depends on the audience your blog is intended for. Are they male? Female? Teenagers? Adults?

Take a poll on social media asking for people’s opinions, only regard the responses of people who fit your target audience’s profile.

Learn the psychology of color in branding.

6. Which fonts are the easiest to read online?

San serif fonts are best.

7. How can I make my blog layout as reader-friendly as possible?

Choose a theme that is mobile friendly.

8. How can I make a mobile-friendly website layout?

Before selecting a theme, make sure there is a mobile version of it.

9. How many types of media should I use (photos, video, audio)?

Photos are a must and should always compliment your text. Use Canva or PicMonkey to create branded images (include your logo or website on the image) so when people save them or re-share them other people know where the image came from.

Video and audio are optional but can greatly enhance your content. It helps to get your content out to more people – those that prefer to look and/or listen versus reading.

A good way to incorporate video if you don’t have any yet is by reading your blog posts and recording them so people can see the WHO behind the blog. You can also create little tutorials and other visual aids to help enhance your text.

To easily convert your blog post into audio posts without you having to do anything, check out Play.ht to have a robot read your text.

10. How do I make my blog show up on search engines?

Download the Yoast Plugin to help you see how “SEO ready” your post is.

Make sure to include alt tags in your photos, this tells the computer what your pictures are about. You can find the alt tag when you upload your image before you post it make sure that section is filled out.

Also, make sure to change your meta description, you can do this using Yoast. The point of changing your meta descriptions is to fill it with keywords that you want your post to be associated with so when people search for those topics, your post comes up.

Get on Pinterest ASAP. Pinterest will boost your searchability because it’s a visual search engine, not a social media platform and helps with your blog’s rank. Youtube is another channel that boosts your SEO.

11. How do I choose a domain name that works for my site?

Here are some steps to help you generate the best blog name which you can then purchase at GoDaddy and BlueHost.

1. Create a list of words associated with your niche.
2. Run those words through thesaurus.com to come up with more words.
3. Think of some slang, made up words, and phrases.
4. Include your name + description of what you do.
5. Put the words together in different ways.

12. Should I create a logo, and if so, how?

I personally didn’t, instead, I created a badge for people to put on their site after they were featured on mine. However, as I am getting into speaking engagements now, a lot more people are asking for my logo so it may be a good time to design one.

If you struggle with design or want to create a preliminary logo in 5 mins, check out DesignEvo.

Or get an inspiring logo by running a contest. Find out how to start your contest here.

13. Do I need a legal statement on my blog and how do I write one?

You only need this once you start making money.

A blog disclaimer basically tells people NOT to rely on the information in your posts (ironically). This is to keep you out of legal trouble if someone follows your advice and doesn’t get the results they expected and decides to sue you.

Download this Privacy Policy Template you can use to start with.

In addition to legal statements, there are also other rules you need to follow in regards to your opt-in forms, learn about How To Become A GDPR Compliant Blogger.

14. How can I make sure I follow copyright laws correctly?

Never pull images straight from Google. Use royalty free images from sites such as;

• pixabay.com
• unsplash.com
• pexels.com

15. Is it worth paying a website designer to help with my site?

If you have time but no money, they no, if you have money and no time then yes.

16. How much time should I give myself before launching the site?

I would launch it then tweak it instead of trying to make everything perfect. If you do, you may stay stuck in “construction mode” for years.

17. Do I need to know anything about coding when building my site?

No. That is what plugins are for. Plugins are little pieces of code that are bundled up in a user-friendly manner to help customize the look and feel of your blog.

18. What should I do if there are glitches in my site?

Contact your service provider, either GoDaddy or BlueHost.

19. Do I need professional equipment to take good photos or videos?

Start with what you have, build when you have a foundation in place. I would suggest starting off with a Ring Light connected to a Tripod. When you can afford it invest in a DSLR, the Canon Rebel is the best one to start with. The best camcorder for Vlogging is one with an external microphone.

20. How do I keep my site from looking cluttered and make it look more professional?

To declutter your site, look to see if you can delete anything from your side panel that is unnecessary and that could potentially be slowing your site down. Worse than being cluttered is actually a slow loading page!

Traffic

21. How do I get people to read my posts?

Make sure you know exactly who you’re writing for. When you have a clear audience in mind, it will make it a lot easier to write for them. Additionally, make sure you’re collecting email addresses on your blog posts to keep your readers engaged with you.

You do this by creating a relevant freebie or content upgrade in exchange for their email address. This should be something that isn’t on your blog post that adds to their experience and makes it better.

If you don’t know what to write, grab my list of 103 ideas.

Once you have their emails how you’ll get traffic from them is by sending them your latest blog posts once they are up so they are notified to check it out!

22. How do I promote my blog?

Promote them on Pinterest, Facebook Groups, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, and LinkedIn. Automation is your best friend – invest in social media schedulers to help you out. Use Tailwind to schedule your Pinterest and/or Instagram posts and use SmarterQueue to schedule the rest. Planoly is another great option for Instagram.

Pinterest is going to be your major traffic driver if you learn how to use it and harness its power. Learn how to here.

More than anything though you should be trying your best to Turn Your Social Media Followers Into Subscribers because having your followers on your email list is what will ultimately make you the most money.

23. Should I pay to promote my blog? 

Once you have your systems in place to make money, then yes, but not before. Once you can accurately calculate the ROI through codes and tracking links, that would be the best way and time to do it.

24. What social media platforms are best to advertise on?

It depends on where your audience is located and what type of advertisement you’re running. Are you trying to get email addresses? Make sales? Brand yourself? Get people to read your blog post and click on your affiliate links? Think what you’re trying to achieve first then choose the best platform for it.

Right now Instagram is the place to be so if you’re not only there… make an account RIGHT NOW! Read: How To Auto Post On Instagram And Find The Best Hashtags.

25. How much self-promotion is too much self-promotion?

You can never promote yourself too much, HOWEVER that being said, there are strategic ways to promote yourself that don’t come across as self-promotion. If you write valuable and quality posts that help people, it’s not going to feel like self-promotion to the people you’re promoting it to – it’s more like sharing your knowledge.

Make sure to always have your reader in mind and think: “Would I read this post?”

26. Can I ask my friends to spread the word about my blog?

Of course, but make sure to reciprocate the offer if they have a blog too. Especially if you have friends who are influencers!

If you want to become an influencer yourself, download my free 22-page book on: How To Become An Instagram Influencer.

27. What’s the best way to collaborate with other bloggers and work together to increase blog traffic?

The best would be to share other bloggers posts that are relevant and related to your niche. Guest posting on each other’s blogs is always great as well.

28. How many people do I need reading my content?

The question shouldn’t be HOW MANY it should be WHO. You want to attract as many ideal customers as possible and fewer people who are looking just for freebies.

29. Quality> Quantity or vice versa when it comes to posts?

Of course, it’s quality HOWEVER when you’re just starting out I think quantity doesn’t hurt to get you out there. Your quality will get better over time, but you must consistently produce.

30. I have followers. Now how do I keep them?

Every single one of your followers should also be in your email list if you can help it. Create landing pages in your email service provider to help you convert your social media followers into subscribers.

31. How often should I post?

As often as you can consistently do so. I would suggest at least 2-3 times a week. Minimum once a week, especially when you’re just starting out. I post daily, but I’m a publication, not a personal blog.

32. Should I repost my blog posts on social media?

Yes! SmarterQueue actually reposts stuff for you, once you set it up it will repost your content every 30, 60 or 90 days depending on how much content you put in your queue.

33. What’s the best way to engage with my followers?

Comment on the comments they leave on your images, comment on their images, DM them to collaborate, get to know them, join comment groups, etc. There is nothing new under the sun, you just have to be consistent with your posts and engage with them daily.

34. How do I choose effective hashtags?

Use all-hashtags.com it will generate the best hashtags for you! Tailwind also has a cool feature where it ranks the effectiveness of your hashtags in the categories of niche, good, best, and competitive so you know what hashtags to use. I would recommend having a mix of 5 niche, 10 good, 10 best and 5 competitive hashtags.

35. How does keyword optimization work?

Keyword optimization (also known as keyword research) is the act of researching, analyzing and selecting the best keywords to target to drive qualified traffic from search engines to your website. You can use tools such as Answer The Public to help you find out what people search that is already in an SEO easy format.

36. How do I create an email newsletter and what should it include?

You’re going to need to craft a welcome email before you send out weekly or monthly newsletters. A welcome email is for when people sign up for your email list. The elements you’re going to need for a good welcome email include;

1. Clear + Enticing Subject Line (reason why they should open the email)
2. Say Thank You (start building a relationship)
3. Signup Reminder (what did they sign up for?)
4. Photo Of Yourself (describing who are you and what do you do)
5. Ask Them A Non-Rhetorical Question (asking them to respond or react)
6. Onboarding (what’s next?)
7. Have A Signature (how to stay connected with you + accomplishments)

Your very first email newsletter should include your blog posts and should be about your readers one hundred percent. Yes, it’s an update on what’s happening on your blog but it should be something that they actually want to read.

37. How do I get social media followers to actually read and subscribe to my blog?

You’re going to have to create a freebie, then create a landing page for that freebie. Here are some freebie ideas for you;

1. eBooks: This is a great option because you can give it as a freebie to new subscribers but also sell it to non-subscribers on Amazon.
2. Digital Workbook/Tutorial: A step-by-step walkthrough for anything.
3. eCourse or Workshop: “How to _____” in a visual, audio or written form.
4. Checklist, To-Do List, Cheatsheet, Templates: For specific tasks or challenges.
5. Coupons: Especially effective for small businesses who specialize in local sales.
6. Video series/webinars: Whether live or pre-recorded, these can be instructional, motivational, or conversational.
7. Email course: These are great for getting people used to receiving your emails as you teach them something. This is especially great if there is a lot of content to digest, it’s best given over the course of a few days or a week.
8. Consultation: To give advice, critiques, opportunities for growth.
9. Quiz: People love quizzes and learning more about themselves. This is also highly shareable so make sure to give them the option to share their results!
10. Audio file/transcript: More and more people are wanting to learn on the go, so make it easy for them to digest your content while they are working out or on the go.
11. Basically anything downloadable or printable: As long as it’s off your main blog.

38. How many social media graphics should I create for each post?

At least one, but more doesn’t hurt. The main thing is that they should be in the right size to display properly on all your social media channels. For example, a square image can work well on your blog and Instagram and Google+, but it will need to be a rectangle to work well on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

39. Should I focus all my attention on one platform or spread it thin over many?

I like to be on every channel possible and just automate your presence on the ones you’re not personally active on. But focus on engaging with people on your favorite channels. The best would be to grow them all together if possible, but if you can’t manage more than 2 don’t wear yourself out trying to be everywhere.

40. How closely should I manage the comment section?

I have mine set so that I have to monitor them before they get posted, this way spam is easily caught and never gets seen by my audience.

Content

41. What time of day should I upload?

The actual time it’s posted matters less than promoting it throughout the day/week/month. The more times people are exposed to your content, the more likely they will start to notice and look out for it.

42. How do I know if my content is credible?

Try your best to get featured on sites like the Huff Post or other authoritative publications (such as LadyBossBlogger hehe!) to build your authority and online credibility.

Also, make sure you’re building your personal brand, learn How And Why It’s Crucial To Create A Strong Personal Brand.

43. How long should each post be?

2500-3000 words is a good length for SEO.

44. How do I make a catchy title?

You can use this Headline Generator to help you out! There are lots of other free headline generators out there for you to use as well.

45. What’s a good way to start off my post?

With a question, interesting comment, something controversial, something to draw the reader in that makes them curious.

46. Do I need an editorial calendar?

Write out a list of headlines you’d like to write about. Decide how often you want to publish new content according to how fast you write. Put the titles into your Google Calendar to set deadlines for yourself and stick to it!

Read: How To Write Irresistibly Clickable Headlines.

47. Should I aim to write posts that elicit comments?

Yes! Engagement on your posts is the best! Always ask people to comment below with their questions, thoughts, and opinions. When you ask for this call to action, it increases the likeliness that they will do it!

48. How can I blog strategically?

Always have a reason behind WHY you’re writing something, is it to get people to click on your affiliate links? To sign up for your email list? To join your Facebook Group? Know the end goal of what you’d like your reader to do and what ACTION you want them to take.

Read: 5 Ways To Get People To Sign Up For Your Email List.

49. What is content marketing? 

Educational blog posts that give you credibility due to how well it’s written and how helpful it is to the reader. Read: How Strategic Content Converts To Email Subscriptions And Sales.

50. What is a good way to make my writing style more relatable?

It’s ok to write like you talk. In fact, this is what Jon Morrow founder of CopyBlogger.com does, he speaks his blog posts into life!

51. How do I find my voice in writing?

By adding your personality to it. Make jokes, be sarcastic, do whatever it is that makes you, YOU. If you know your “why” it’s a lot easier. Read: 5 Steps To Help You Find Your “Why”.

52. How far ahead should I have content scheduled?

Most top bloggers have their content scheduled out 2-3 months in advance, but it’s ok if it’s just one month when you’re starting out.

Scheduling stuff out and letting automations help you out is the only way you’ll be able to Live The 5 Day Weekend Lifestyle.

53. How can I get writers to guest post for me?

Make a page on your site stating that you accept guest posts so you can share it with anyone who would be interested. Make sure to have all the rules and regulations lined out on what you’re expecting, this way you only have to write it once!

54. How much content needs to be written by me vs. guest posts?

This really depends on if you’re running a personal blog or a publication. LadyBossBlogger is a publication so the majority of the content we put out is from other people, however, I have my own Elaine’s Advice Column where I post my personal posts!

55. What do I do if I don’t like what someone else submitted as a guest post?

Make sure it’s clear on your Guest Post Regulations page that you have the right to deny anyone’s posts if it isn’t up to your standards.

56. How can I strengthen my writing skills?

By writing a little bit every day! The more you do something the better you get at it.

Also, make sure to add Grammarly to your browser extension to ensure every post you produce is grammatically correct.

57. Should my posts have a consistent format?

I personally like this, but it’s totally up to you. It’s more important to post consistently than it is to have a consistent format. That being said, it’s good to brand your blog in this way so that people can start to learn what to expect from you.

58. What do I do when I run out of post ideas?

Download my list of ideas below to help you out!

59. Should I ever delete old posts?

No, you can archive them but don’t delete them. The more posts you have that date back, the more of them have been indexed by Google and will continue to help you get found in search engines.

60. How do I handle writer’s block?

By having multiple topics to write about and headlines already crafted, you’re setting yourself up for success because if you don’t feel inspired to write on a specific topic, there are loads of other ideas at your fingertips already.

Niche

61. Do my passions fit into a niche?

Take the quiz below to find out what niche is best for you!

[interact id=”5b291ded8babce0014a64648″ type=”quiz”]

62. Is it ok for my blog to feature more than one niche?

Of course, that is what a lifestyle blog is!

63. Are there a lot of people who also blog about your niche?

YES. There will be lots of “competitors” but look at them as collaborators instead. If you can learn to work together to bring value to one another, image how much faster you’ll grow than trying to do everything yourself.

If other people are doing it this also validates that there is a need for it because people are looking up the content they are writing about, which means you’re tapping into a popular topic!

64. How do I differentiate myself?

Find out what your Unique Selling Point (USP) is. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating your USP:

• Make sure you have a target audience. Make a list of what you know about them.
• Make a list of all the needs that your blog could meet to solve those problems.
• Check out your competition. Remove the USPs that are already being well met by competitors. Don’t forget that your USP is a unique selling proposition so you are looking for a gap in the market.
• Take your theory and conduct short interviews with about ten people in your target market to choose the strongest USP for your business.
• Once you have your USP ask yourself the following questions: Does it convey one strong benefit? Is it memorable? Is it clear who the brand is targeting from the USP? Can you deliver what it promises? Is it really unique – or could a competitor claim the same thing?

65. What insight and skills do I have that other people don’t?

Every single person on this earth is a unique individual, never forget that! You have so much to offer, but you must believe in yourself. Sometimes it’s hardest to see our natural abilities as “skills” because it comes so naturally to us. However please remember that: what comes naturally to you does not come naturally to others!

66. Where can I find other bloggers to interact with?

Find groups to join such as Facebook Blogging Groups.

67. Are some niches more profitable than others? 

Yes. Here are the 12 most profitable niches for making money online.

68. What if I run out of things to write about?

You don’t have to create all the content yourself, you can have other people guest post on your blog or send out interviews and have people answer your questions for you.

69. What kind of niche is a right one to write about?

One that you have a lot to say about!

70. Are there niches that are more long-lasting than others?

Your sub niche may be something that is trendy and may go out of trend, but your main niche will never go out of style because it’s a topic that has been around for ages. Make sure your blog isn’t based on a sub niche that may be a hot topic now but doesn’t have a long life to it.

71. Does everything I write about have to fit within the niche specifically?

Yes unless it’s a personal or lifestyle blog where you talk about a lot of things. If you go off-niche some readers may find it off-putting.

72. How can I find other bloggers who are writing about my niche?

Do a Google search for a roundup post!

73. Is there such a thing as a niche that’s “too popular?”

If there is a lot of demand out there for your niche, you have a fighting chance to make money.

74. Is it ever okay to change my niche?

Yes, depending on our niche and what you want to change it to, it may be an easier transition or may be a hard one. If you decided to name your blog as your name that transition is easy, but if your name has elements in it that don’t make sense to your new topic, it will be harder, but not impossible! Nothing is impossible to do.

75. Should I choose a niche for its profitability?

It depends on your goals, most people these days want to start a blog in order to monetize it down the line, if that is the case it’s important to tap into lucrative markets so that you have lots of opportunities.

76. Is it possible to make an unpopular niche profitable?

Yes, it just won’t be AS profitable as it could be. Where there are opportunities, there is money.

77. How do I brainstorm topics for my niche?

Read this post where I talk about the 12 most profitable niches and how you can find a sub niche for them, what products and services to promote, as well as what brands to work with!

78. Am I an expert in my niche and do I need to be?

No, you don’t need to be an expert. Every expert was once a beginner.

79. What if I run out of blog post ideas for my niche?

Once again, download my list of blog post ideas!

80. Is collaboration or competition within the niche more healthy for blogs?

Collaboration trumps competition every single time!

Money

81. What are the best avenues to make a profit with my blog?

Affiliate marketing and creating your own product are the two ways most 6 figure bloggers make the majority of their income online.

Read How Bloggers Secure Sponsors: Sponsorship Masterclass.

82. How do I not cheapen my brand in the process?

Making money blogging doesn’t cheapen your brand, in fact, it makes it more valuable because you can actually sell your money making site (if you wanted to) since you’re now building an asset.

The only way that promoting products and services would cheapen your brand is if you promoted stuff that you didn’t personally use or believe in.

83. How much time/resources should I devote to this blog if it’s a side hustle?

I would say at least 1-2 hours a day, but if you have more time, devote as much time and as many resources to it as possible. The harder you work on it, the faster you’ll be able to quit to do it full time!

84. How much time/resources should I devote to this blog if it’s a full-time gig?

I would treat it like a 9-6 job with a set schedule like a normal job. Though your hours may look different and may vary from day to day, it’s good to set perimeters around your work and life in order to get enough sleep and play in as well.

I usually work from 8am-6pm and sometimes if I’m feeling inspired I work some more from 8pm-10pm, but I usually reserve that time to hang out with my husband, watch TV and chill with him. I work on the weekends too, however, I may not necessarily be on my blog, I like to attend conferences on the weekends and speak on blogging panels whenever I can.

During the “work week” I call my team every day M-F at 9am to give everyone their assignments and inspect their work at 3pm when they get off.

When you’re starting out you’re probably going to be working more until you settle into a rhythm that you like. I’ve started to walk’n’blog from 2-5pm every day M-F so I can get my exercise in and I take the weekends off. I prop my laptop up on my elliptical and am literally doing it right now where my legs are moving and my fingers are typing so I’m killing two birds with one stone!

When I’m feeling tired or uninspired I take a break from blogging and listen to podcasts as I’m walking so I’m still staying active. Do whatever works for you, but make sure you’re setting yourself up for success by setting and sticking to routines.

85. What affiliations should I make to draw more money into my site?

• Sign up for a ShareASale account to get access to promote lots of retailers and their products.
• Become an Ultimate Bundles affiliate and sell their incredible bundles to test the market before you produce your own.
• Sign up for ValuedVoice to get sponsored blogging opportunities from big brands.

86. Do I need to let my followers know that I’m making money from a post?

Yes if you have affiliate links in your post you should have a disclaimer stating so such as;

*Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in this post, but these are all products I highly recommend. I won’t put anything on this page that I haven’t verified and/or personally used.

87. How do I write a product review? 

A good product review talks not only about your experience but how it can help the reader as well. Make sure it’s highly informative and very honest.

Read: How Influencers Make Money On Instagram.

88. What if I’m reviewing a product for a company and I don’t like it?

Before you accept the company’s proposal to do a review, make sure you’ve communicated to them that if you don’t like the product they have the option to send you something else that you may like better OR you will not post about it OR that you will post about it. Just make sure they know what they are signing up for.

89. What are profit-making sources to avoid?

Never reply to an unsolicited email from any company that you can’t find anything about online.

90. What should I avoid spending money on as a blogger? 

The question isn’t what NOT to spend money on, it should be what TO spend money on that is worth it (and necessary). Your needs are going to grow as you mature into a blogpreneur instead of a blog hobbyist, so you need to be saving up to invest in better equipment as you grow.

Here is a list of things that you need to succeed as a blogpreneur and what I personally use;

• Blog domain: GoDaddy
• Blog hosting: GoDaddy
• SSL certificate: GoDaddy
• Fast computer: Apple MacBook Pro
• Email service provider: Seva
• Email lead capture: Sumo
• WordPress theme: Divi
• WordPress plugins: Social Warefare
• Social media automation tools: Tailwind, SmarterQueue, Planoly
• Custom logo: DesignEvo
• Marketing graphics: CreativeMarket
• Course platform: Teachable
• Courses: Affiliate Marketing Course, Pinterest Course
• Books: 5 Day Weekend
• Accounting: FreshBooks
• Digital camera: Canon rebel
• Video camera: Camcorder with external microphone
• Lighting + Tripod: Neewar ring light and stand
• Microphone: Blue Yeti

91. At what point do I need to start putting my blogging revenue on tax forms?

You need to report any and all income from blogging, even items you receive for free – that counts as income too! However, note that you get a ton of deductions as a business owner, so there are lots of things you can write off. Read this post on how to file your taxes as a blogger.

92. How should I log my profits?

You can start off with an excel sheet then upgrade to FreshBooks when you’re ready.

93. What the best type of payment methods to use?

Start with PayPal, it’s the easiest way to go about making money with the least amount of risk. Or if you have an e-commerce store or want to build a store, Shopify has built-in options for you.

94. How long should I expect to be blogging before I make money?

It’s easy to make a few bucks here and there from affiliate marketing, what is hard is making a full-time income. This varies from person to person and is very unpredictable. It basically boils down to how good you are at marketing.

95. How much money should I invest in my blog before I should see a profit?

The two things you definitely need to invest in upfront as a blogpreneur wannabe are;

• A domain name (website) with GoDaddy or BlueHost
• An email service provider such as Seva (formerly ConvertKit)

96. Should I pay to advertise my blog on social media?

Yes, you will get to this point.

97. Should I charge other bloggers to guest post on my blog?

I personally do, here are my guidelines; www.ladybossblogger.com/guest-post. It is totally up to you.

98. How do I keep a genuine voice if I’m blogging for profit?

Talk about things you believe in, have used, and trust yourself.

99. Are there any scams for bloggers I should be aware of?

If someone asks for very personal financial information, well, don’t give it to them no matter how ‘enticing’ their offer is.

100. At what point is it ok for me to quit my full-time job in the hopes of being a full-time blogger?

The safest way to do it is after you start making the same amount on your blog as you do in your job, however, more importantly, it’s about making sure that you have your revenue streams set up and have systems in place that actually make you money before you quit your full-time job.

Remember you’re quitting your job to run a business not pursue a hobby, even though it ought to be fun.

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Current Junior at Wheaton College, Octavia Powell is an International Relations major who enjoys blogging and creative writing in her free time. She is passionate about the empowerment of all people and sees the internet as a positive tool that everyone can use to further improve themselves and the world around them. Octavia aspires to work as an agent of change throughout all that she is a part of.

Mercy Barrial is a senior at Wheaton College (IL) studying Communication Media Studies and Journalism and hoping to go into the marketing industry after graduation. She serves as Chair of the Media Team, Arts and Entertainment Editor for the Wheaton Record, and works as a Media Relations intern for the Marketing and Communications Department.

Bethany Peterson is a junior at Wheaton College (IL) studying Interdisciplinary Studies and Journalism with a minor in Spanish. She has worked in blogging for three years first as a staff blogger for 31Women Ministries, and now as an intern with LadyBossBlogger. She serves as Co-Editor in Chief at the Wheaton Record and hopes to go into journalism after graduation.