They say you’ve got to speculate to accumulate, and when it comes to monetising a blog it’s a saying that rings true.
What may have started off as a small and unassuming hobby can soon start blossoming into a career, and if you’re blogging on a regular basis – and want to make money out of it – there are certain tools you’re going to need to help you.
I’ve been blogging for six years now, and what started as my small and unassuming hobby has indeed blossomed into a small business.
This means I have to treat it as such, both in terms of investing in equipment and having systems in place to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of my platform.
So, what do you really need to start a blog? What is it worth spending money on, and what else is there to think about? Here are 5 investments worth making if you want to be a professional blogger!
5 investments worth making if you want to be a professional blogger
1. A custom domain name
A custom domain name instantly makes your blog look more professional and credible compared to a free “.wordpress.com” address. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference, often costing less than £10 a year. If you want something personal and memorable, consider a .me domain. It is perfect for bloggers, freelancers, and personal brands looking to stand out. Having your own domain not only strengthens your brand but also makes it easier for readers to find and remember your site. If you’re serious about transitioning from a hobby blogger to a professional, securing a custom domain is the first step toward building a recognisable online presence.
2. Equipment
If you’ve stepped up your blogging game to the next level, it’s time to invest in the best equipment to suit your needs. As well as upgrading your laptop and camera, instead of settling for the default browser that comes with your computer, it’s also worth looking into upgrading to a more suitable app for you. If you work on a Mac, for example, you could look into how to change default browser for Mac. This can help make your daily blogging tasks much easier by finding an app that works well for you.
3. Branding
Your online presence is extremely important as a blogger, and if you want to up your game it’s worth thinking about and investing in branding. A professional designer can help you to create a slick and sophisticated site that suits your brand and appeals to your target audience. I absolutely love the design Ellie Illustrates came up with for me – there’s no way I could have achieved it myself!
4. An accountant
Keeping your finances in order as a blogger is a lot of work. If you’re trying to create content on a regular basis you might not have time to keep track of your income and outgoings, and you may even have employees to pay on a regular basis. By using an accountant, you can focus on being creative rather than battling with numbers – plus I always say my accountant saves me more than he costs!
5. A personal assistant
A good personal assistant can save you a lot of time and stress if you spend hours trying to organise content and brand collaborations. There are also virtual personal assistants you can hire online who can help you keep on top of your schedule and make your life easier. As a busy blogger this sort of extra help can be the difference between a stressful and smooth day at the office.
Do you blog and have you invested in any of the above? I’d love to hear about your experience!
This is a collaborative post.
These are some great tips. I definitely good branding and a domain name. I’ve never had a PA but can definitely see the benefits. Thanks for joining in with #ThatFridayLinky
I defintely agree with custom domain name and the equipment. I’ve taken over the house with all of my stuff! Hehe.
The PA sounds like a dream! I could do with one of those 🙂 #MMBC
Thanks a bunch for the great tips.
Just started out and am actually going to give it a real try. I’ve also been searching for and learning from as much info as possible. Tips like these help newbies a lot and I’d be even more confused if it weren’t for the freely given help.
Thanks once again.
Really good advice!
Fab tips to help pro bloggers X #thatfridaylinky
I have been blogging for 8 years now and for 6 of them it has been my main source of income. I really do need a Virtual assistant, and will be looking into that soon #MMBC
It’s been a long time since I did anything with my blog as I’ve been busy setting up my business, but will take the advice here and use it to get this blog back on track and earning it’s keep too.
I definitely agree with having a domain name, I think that sets you apart from hobby bloggers. Would love to have a PA one day! #MMBC