How to Start a Book Blog
There are numerous benefits of starting a book blog. Some of these merits are building a resume, improve writing skills, make money, voice your opinion, etc. Most people who start a book blog are interested in reading. A book blogger should be consistent in uploading and sharing favorite books. Starting a book blog might be your key to success because you’ll learn brand designing and website creation. In the long run, you’ll get profitable contracts with book affiliates. Book affiliation requires minimum capital, and it’s a flexible way to earn. You should find tips for writing a review to advertise your book blog on several social media platforms. Below are tips on how to start a book blog.
1. Determine the Direction of a Book Blog
Deciding on the focus of a book blog is a key step to consider. A successful book blog requires a specific direction that’ll act as the pathway of attaining set objectives. You should position your blog according to your tastes and preferences. Invest your time well when deciding on a book blog’s focus because you’ll require a niche. You should keep in mind certain things, such as your goals, inspirations, purpose, and genre. Below are the key ideas that’ll help you create an amazing book blog:
– Tips
The potential audience will love high-quality, valuable, and original content. You can write a book blog content on certain areas, such as tips for reading, writing, photography, boosting engagement, etc.
– Book Recommendations
You can recommend your favorite books to your visitors. You’ll attract new readers who’ll play a vital role in improving your network.
– Criticizing Books
If you have a passion for criticizing books, you’ll have a great chance of flourishing in book blogging. You’ll analyze and evaluate books to create reviews for publications. You should provide constructive criticisms and be careful with the choice of words. This is key because you’ll diminish the risk of lawsuits with an author.
– Book Reviews
Some people excel in book blogging through writing reviews about interesting books. You should learn how to promote and review books. Use a unique book review style to help you attain a competitive advantage. You can either review a certain genre or all books. In addition, you can opt for a general book blog or discussion.
2. Select a Suitable Book Niche
There are many niches that a book blogger can choose from. Select a book niche that satisfies your wants and preferences. Follow your passion when deciding on the topic. There are two main categories of book niches: non-fiction and fiction.
Fiction
- Horror; It’s s type of fiction that aims at providing a feeling of terror, repulsion, and fear.
- Fantasy; comprises stories that aren’t real. Some of these book blogs contain stories, such as mystic creatures, supernatural events, and magic.
- Mystery; These blog books involve a suspenseful plot in a mysterious crime.
- Romance; This type of genre comprises relationships and romantic love.
Other fiction book blogs include graphic novels, science fiction, and crime, etc.
Non-Fiction
- Reference Books; This type of non-fiction book blog include atlases, encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc.
- Narrative non-fiction; Can also be termed as creative non-fiction or literary. Literary techniques and strategies are used to design factually accurate narratives.
- Spirituality and Religion; A good example of religion blog books include self-help books and the Bible. The intention of this genre is to help individuals solve their problems, thus improving their lives.
- Autobiography/Biography; biography comprises a narrative about someone else life. Biography is written by someone else, whereas the person writes an autobiography in that context.
Other non-fiction blog books include periodicals, such as journals, newspapers, magazines, etc.
3. Select a Reliable Book Blogging Platform
Don’t become overwhelmed when it comes to blogging platforms because it’s the backbone of the process. There are numerous options to consider. That’s why you should invest your time and effort. There are several free blogging options, but it’s important to consider other options. Self-hosted domains look more professional, thus helping you improve your reputation. Your audience will prefer professional sites due to trust issues. A free platform will waste your fruitful time because, at some point, you’ll shift to a paid platform. At this juncture, you’ll lose your followers, thus drawing you back. A self-hosted platform is the best option because you own the content. The most suitable platform to use is WordPress if you’re willing to drive traffic.
4. Decide on Domain Name
A book blogger should choose an appropriate domain name. Below are benefits for choosing a great book blog domain name:
- Branding
A domain name defines your brand. It plays a significant role in improving brand recognition.
- Search Engine Optimization
The domain name has a huge impact on search engine optimization. SEO determines your ranking and ability to attract more visitors.
- First Impression
Visitors will notice your domain main as the first item. A suitable domain name will give your potential audience a positive impression.
When buying a domain name, you should consider things such as alliteration, length, branding concept, creativity, and broadness. A domain name should be short. In addition, you should avoid numbers and hyphens. A well-customized domain name will help publishers, your audience, authors, and book bloggers have a great first impression.
5. Hosting
Hosting your book blog is important because it’s where your content will live. Sites are stored or hosted on servers. A website hosting provider will offer the required technologies and services.
6. Select and Install a Theme
Your book blog should have a unique and attractive theme. A theme should comprise a good visual impression that can attract new visitors. There are several benefits of premium themes, such as;
- User-friendly
- Responsive designs
- Tech support
- Unique designs
- SEO-friendly
- Higher security
Creative skills are fundamental when it comes to choosing a suitable theme for a book blog. A great theme should have various qualities, such as prompt tech support, speed, mobile responsiveness, easy customization, beautiful designs, etc.
7. Create Pages and Logos
Create vital pages that a book blog should have. Pages provide your visitors with more info about your services. There are different types of pages, such as about pages, privacy policy pages, and contact pages. In addition, you should create a logo that reflects your brand.
8. Begin Blogging and Promoting
There are various ways of promoting your book blog, such as email, social media, tell your family and friends, book clubs, cross-posting, search engine optimization, connect with successful book bloggers.
Conclusion
The above-listed steps will help you start a book blog with ease. Follow each step carefully in order to become successful.