My travel blog is the byproduct of my passion for photography and travel. I started to document my excursions and photographic adventures around the world, and from that, another hobby (writing) developed. Travel blogging can be both rewarding and frustrating at the same time. Disappointing because of all the trials and errors that I went through for the nearly two years of development. Satisfying because once I learned from mistakes and realized some wins, the feeling is exhilarating.
From all the failures there were a lot of Eureka moments that more made up for those mistakes. Here I will share with you what I have learned, and you will get something from this guide to help you start your own Travel Blog.
First, let's do a reality check and set the expectations. You are NOT going to make thousands of dollars in your first few months (let alone the first year) of travel blogging, period. Forget about having a travel blog that will fund your travels. You will have to fork out the initial investment for your travel expenses so you will have something to write and blog about. I know there’s a lot of websites out there making outlandish claims that you can make thousands of dollars travel blogging. But guess what? You have to sign up for their newsletter so they can sell you something or take their how to make money travel blogging course.
Travel blogging is a small pond with more fish in it than the seven seas. Nine-five percent of people who start a travel blog give up after the first year. Nine-five percent of those that persevere earn next to nothing from their travel blogs. I know the temptation - traveling the world while being paid on a perpetual vacation. Who wouldn't want this?
The reality of it is, most travel bloggers are actually digital nomads, so they always have an income supporting them on their travels. I have landed gigs that allow me to work remotely and work anywhere. The travel bloggers I know are in the same boat – they are freelancers doing web development, content writing, copywriting, programming, graphic design, and any jobs that do not require physical presence.
You have to fork out the initial travel money. Your blog isn't going to pay you to see Patagonia in the first year.
I don’t mean to scare you. However, you need to keep your feet on the ground and don’t set yourself up for a huge disappointment. Nevertheless, people are always hungry for excellent content – there is still a lot of opportunities for travel bloggers who take fantastic photos, entertaining content, and kickass videos.
There are many ways to make money from your travel blog, and it can indirectly lead to other opportunities. My travel blog is a great promotion tool for my photography. Yours might promote your impressive writing skills. Maybe it can make money by selling tin foil – the possibilities are endless.
Another thing, Travel Blogging requires hard work and extreme dedication even without seeing the rewards for months. Some bloggers will not see a penny from all their efforts even after two years of blogging. However, if you are serious about it and have a passion for writing great content, you will eventually see the rewards.
How to Start a Travel Blog the Right Way
- Determine your Niche
- Come up with a Cool Name for your Blog
- Secure the Domain Name and Find a Web Host
- Install WordPress and Setup SSL
- Learn How to Use WordPress and Setup Google Analytics
- Skin your Blog with an Awesome Theme
- Design a Cool Logo
- Install Essential Plugins for WordPress
- Create Kickass Content and Find your Voice
- Develop an Online Presence and Get an Audience
- Network with Other Bloggers
- Monetize your Travel Blog
1: Determine Your Niche
To stand out in today’s travel blogging environment, you need to have a niche. Generalized travel blogs do not have the influence to compete with a well-established general topic travel blog. How do you find this niche? Focus on an even more specific niche of travel that you are passionate about and want to cover.
Posted from my blog with SteemPress : https://www.alwayswanderlust.com/how-to-start-a-travel-blog/
