Blogging isn’t for everyone. If however, you want to get started online here is what I’ve learned from building a blog.

Back in November of 2014, I opened the doors to Calm and Collected. In that time I’ve grown it from that first post to over 152 articles and counting.

Blogging has enabled me to hone my skills, make money, and meet people I wouldn’t have otherwise.

You see blogging is like a secret society.

Once you reach a certain level doors begin opening.

The only way that you reach this level is by putting in the work, helping people out, and being authentic.

Loyalty, hundreds of hours, and vision are required.

That is why blogging isn’t for the average person. Most people don’t have the will to win. They lack loyalty and don’t have vision.

You, on the other hand, may be one of the few that do. Your interest in making money online and blogging has brought you here.

You see that there is money to be made online.

Since you took the time to come here let’s go ahead and jump into how to get started making money online.

Getting Started

Getting started is the hardest part. You will feel overwhelmed with what to do. This is a whole new world for you.

Setting Up Your Blog:

If you want a simple way to get your blog by tomorrow BADNET is the answer. Back in 2014, that’s where I got my blog created.

My friend Victor Pride from Bold & Determined established BADNET for newcomers like us so that we could have a pro level blog.

They handle all of the technical stuff so that you get to focus on creating content. I can’t tell you the amount of times they’ve helped me.

As they setup your blog you’ll get 3 books that cover everything from how to use your blog to making money.

All you pay for is hosting.

You can go straight to BADNET here. (Not an Affiliate)

If you want to setup your blog yourself then go ahead and get hosting. (Affiliate)

Collecting Emails/Sending Newsletters:

When I first started I tried 3 different services. They all sucked! Not only were they confusing but it was a pain to setup on my blog.

Then I found MailChimp. MailChimp has far surpassed my expectations. Setting it up on your site is a breeze.

MailChimp’s layout is attractive and you’ve got everything you need.

Here is what I love about MailChimp:

• Easy to use
• Plenty of options
• Managing your different email lists are easy
• You can easily track your numbers
• It’s free although I recommend you upgrade to the $10/month plan. You’ll get more options.

Click here to get started with MailChimp.

Creating Your Menu:

Every blog needs a home button, about, and archives. The rest is left up to you.

When someone comes to your site they need to be able to navigate around your site easily. They want to know who you are and see what you have to offer them.

Most new bloggers try to talk themselves up. I did that in my first 2-months.

It doesn’t work well. Save yourself wasted time and just be real.

Tell them who you are, what your mission is, and why they should read you.

Also, put a picture of yourself on your site. Even if it’s just showing you from behind. PEOPLE DON’T FOLLOW FACELESS PEOPLE ANYMORE!

Get with the times. People are tired of the frauds and want someone real to read.

Take a look below.

I show you my picture. From there I show you who I am and why I write.

I tell you my story and who I am.

Selecting Your Theme:

BADNET will set you up with one of the top themes. However, I recommend that you switch your theme.

People compliment the style of my site a lot.

It’s been a whole lot of trial and error.

I’ve spent over $500 on themes and back-end stuff.

The theme that I use is more than just a theme. It comes with lead-pages, customization options, and other needed features.

If you are wanting to make money from your blog then Marketers Delight is where it’s at. For what you get $97 is a steal.

You can purchase Marketers Delight here.

I also wrote up a review on Marketers Delight.

Creating Content:

We’ve covered the basics. Now let’s get into creating content.

Content is what will get traffic coming to your site.

Without traffic, you won’t build your blog and you won’t make money.

Some blogs take years to grow.

Mike Cernovich blogged for 10 years before blowing up.

You must be patient.

I’ve simplified things. Below are common reader questions.

What kind of content should you create?

Create whatever you want. Tell your story but tell it in a way that is relatable.

People want to connect with you and walk away with something.

My recommendation is to create content that you would read, watch, or listen to.

Should I have a podcast, Vlog, or write articles?

Once again do whatever you want.

You may have a creamy voice. The kind of voice that makes panties drop and men want to listen to your every word.

If that’s the case then start a podcast.

You may be charming and be comfortable on camera. If that’s the case then start vlogging.

On the other hand, you may have the gift of a writer. You should write articles.

But if you’re a true blogger….

You will use two formats.

Why? Because people want options.

People that come to Calm and Collected aren’t just into articles.

They also enjoy watching videos.

As a blogger, it is your job to give people what they want.

You live your life, create relatable content, and then your audience comes to your blog. If that means you offer two formats, then that is what you will do.

“Dylan, I don’t like being on camera”

Back when I started YouTube (my first account), I remember being nervous.

So nervous that I was sweating and took 30 minutes to make a 5-minute video.

How did I overcome this? I created a video a day for 30 days.

After you get yourself used to being on camera you get over that fear.

For all of you with a creamy voice start your podcast on SoundCloud.

Podcasts are great for building your network.

You can invite guests onto your show and access their audience.

This will let you get noticed quick if you’re good.

**Your blog posts don’t have to be just words. You can also embed videos and podcasts.**

How often should I post?

For your first year or two, post a minimum of 3 times a week.

I see new blogs only getting updated once a month.

Unless you want to get your blog noticed in 20 years, post frequently.

Look at every post as another way for people to find you.

Your new motto: Solve problems and tell stories.

Basic SEO:

SEO is what gets organic traffic to your site.

From day one just follow these rules:

• Download Yoast (comes with BADNET)
• Think what would I search for
• Save your images with your keyword
• Take advantage of the different headings
• Put your keyword in the Alt text slot on your image

Outside of that don’t worry about anything else.

Focus on creating content and you’ll start getting traffic.

People try to cheat the system and end up wasting time.

Do it the right way and learn as you go.

Making Money:

Now for the fun part.

How can you make money from your blog?

There are three main ways to generate money from your blog.

1. Affiliate marketing
2. Selling your own product
3. Selling your own service

Affiliate marketing 101:

With affiliate marketing, you get paid for selling someone else’s product.

I got my start online as an affiliate.

I remember the first time I made $40 in a day from one article. My eyes lit up and I finally believed in this online game.

As a newcomer, I recommend that you start with affiliate marketing.

It’s an easy way to get paid and learn how to sell online.

To make affiliate marketing work you must have used the product.

That is how you will be able to tell other people about it.

From there you place your affiliate link in the post.

Whenever someone buys through that link, you get paid.

To get started in affiliate marketing check out our program.

Selling your own product:

Selling your own product is the most profitable way for you to generate money online. This is how you will make $500 in a week.

Here are some product ideas:

• Ebook
• Video-Course
• Merchandise

Don’t overcomplicate this. If you’ve got knowledge or experience that will change someone’s life then turn it into a product.

I recommend that you start with a PDF. It’s the easiest and cheapest way to bring your product to market.

Selling your own service:

I know people bringing in 6-figures a year selling their own service.

This can be in the form of Skype calls or emails.

If you understand fitness, how to make money, or anything useful. Turn it into a service and you’ll get paid for your expertise.

The great thing about offering a service is that you make more money per sale. As opposed to a $10 ebook, you can charge $100 for a 1-hour call.

Please though whatever you do, don’t call yourself a life-coach.

I hate that word.

You are in the business of solving problems not being a generic “life-coach”.

So there you have it. That is how you start a blog and get paid.

Blogging is a rewarding business and pays if you stay committed.

If you aren’t much of a content creator or you want to own your own online store. I recommend you check out drop-shipping.

Drop-shipping when done right can make you money while you sleep. Not only that but you can get started for almost nothing.

Read: How to Start Your First Drop Shipping Store

See you in the game,