Before launching a blog, planning is the most important part. The purpose of the blog should be clearly defined from the start: is it for sharing expertise, documenting personal experiences, promoting a business, or building a community?
Defining a target audience helps shape tone, style, and subject matter. A genealogy blog, for example, will have a different tone from a tech review site or a cooking blog. Focusing on a niche builds authority and fosters a dedicated readership.
A key planning step is topic generation. Brainstorming 20–30 potential blog post ideas before launch ensures consistency and prevents early burnout. Choosing a blog name and domain that is short, memorable, and aligned with the theme makes a lasting impression.
Tips for planning a blog:
– Research competitor blogs to identify gaps or opportunities for differentiation.
– Outline categories and tags early to create an organized structure.
– Plan mobile-first, since most blog readers access content from smartphones.
A strong plan lays the groundwork for long-term blogging success, keeping content relevant and aligned with the audience’s needs.
References
- Rowse, D. (2012). ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income. Wiley.
- Patel, N. (2021). The beginner’s guide to blogging. Neil Patel Digital. https://neilpatel.com
South Central Chapter, Association of Professional Genealogists 