Starting a travel blog might sound like the ultimate dream: writing about exotic destinations, inspiring fellow wanderers, and maybe even earning a little cash on the side. But let’s be real, it’s not all sipping cocktails on the beach while your blog magically writes itself. There’s actual work involved. Like, actual work. The kind where you stare at your screen and think, “Why didn’t I just start an Etsy shop instead?”. PS. I did.
The good news? Starting a travel blog isn’t as overwhelming as it seems, especially if you break it down into manageable steps. Whether you want to share your adventures with friends and family or build a full fledged travel empire, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started—without losing your sanity (or your passport).
Step 1: Find Your Niche
First things first: your blog needs a niche. “But I want to write about everything!” you might say. I get it, travel is vast and exciting, and you don’t want to limit yourself. But here’s the thing: a niche helps your blog stand out. Readers are more likely to follow you if they know what they’re getting.
How to Choose a Niche
- What Are You Passionate About? Do you love budget travel, luxury stays, or adrenaline-packed adventures? Start there.
- What’s Your Expertise? If you’ve mastered solo travel or know how to pack for a month in a carry-on, lean into that.
- What’s Missing? Look for gaps in the travel blogging world. Maybe there aren’t enough blogs about traveling with pets or exploring off the beaten path destinations.
Once you’ve got your niche, give yourself a high-five. You’re already ahead of 90% of new bloggers.
Step 2: Pick a Name That Doesn’t Suck
Your blog’s name is like your online identity, it needs to be memorable, relevant, and not something you’ll cringe at in six months. Avoid overly generic names like “Travel Diaries” or “Wandering Feet.” (Seriously, don’t do it.)
Tips for Choosing a Blog Name
- Keep It Short: Long names are harder to remember and even harder to type.
- Make It Relevant: Your name should hint at your niche or personality.
- Check Availability: Before you get attached, make sure the domain and social media handles are available. Nothing kills momentum like finding out someone else owns “EpicExplorer.com.”
Step 3: Set Up Your Blog
Here comes the part where you build the thing. Don’t panic—it’s not as scary as it sounds. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, these steps are straightforward enough to tackle with a cup of coffee (or three).
1. Choose a Hosting Provider
Hosting is like renting space for your blog on the internet. Reliable options include:
- Bluehost: Affordable and beginner-friendly.
- SiteGround: Known for speed and customer support.
- WP Engine: A bit pricier but great for long-term growth.
2. Install WordPress
WordPress.org is the Beyoncé of blogging platforms: powerful, versatile, and pretty much the only option if you’re serious about blogging. (Not to be confused with WordPress.com, which is more limited.)
- Most hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation. If you can click a button, you’re golden.
3. Pick a Theme
Your theme controls how your blog looks. WordPress has thousands of free and paid themes, so pick one that’s clean, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.
4. Customize Your Blog
Add your logo, set up your menu, and create basic pages like:
- About Me: Introduce yourself and your blog’s mission.
- Contact: Let readers know how to reach you.
- Destinations or Categories: Organize your posts by region or topic.
Step 4: Start Writing
Congratulations, you’re officially a travel blogger! Now comes the fun (and slightly daunting) part: creating content. Your posts are the heart of your blog, so take the time to craft pieces that inform, inspire, or entertain your readers.
What to Write About
- Destination Guides: Share insider tips and must-see spots.
- How-To Posts: Help readers solve problems, like packing efficiently or finding cheap flights.
- Lists: Create roundups like “10 Must-Visit Places in Italy” or “5 Essential Apps for Travelers.”
- Personal Stories: Connect with your audience by sharing your most memorable travel moments—yes, even the embarrassing ones.
Writing Tips
- Be Authentic: Write like you talk. Your readers want you, not some overly polished version of you.
- Add Value: Every post should answer a question or solve a problem for your readers.
- Use Photos: Travel is visual, so include high-quality images to make your posts pop.
Step 5: Promote Your Blog
If you build it, they will come… eventually. But let’s speed up the process with some good old-fashioned promotion.
Social Media
Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter are perfect for travel bloggers. Share your posts, engage with followers, and use hashtags to reach new readers.
Email Marketing
Start building an email list from day one. Tools like Mailchimp and ConvertKit make it easy to collect subscribers and send updates.
Networking
Join travel blogging communities, comment on other blogs, and collaborate with fellow bloggers. The more you connect, the more your blog will grow.
Step 6: Monetize Your Blog
Once you’ve built a solid foundation, you can start thinking about monetization. Here are a few ways to turn your passion project into a source of income:
Affiliate Marketing
Earn commissions by recommending products or services through affiliate links. (See my earlier post on this for a deep dive.)
Sponsored Content
Partner with brands to create posts that align with your niche. Just make sure they’re a good fit—your readers can smell inauthenticity from a mile away.
Ads
Use platforms like Google AdSense to display ads on your site. It’s an easy way to earn passive income, though it works best with high traffic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Blogging is a learning process, but here are some rookie mistakes you can sidestep right out of the gate:
- Focusing Only on Yourself: Your blog should be about your readers, not just your adventures.
- Neglecting SEO: If you’re not optimizing for search engines, you’re missing out on organic traffic.
- Overloading on Ads: Nothing kills a blog’s vibe faster than an obnoxious amount of ads.
- Burning Out: Pace yourself. Blogging is a marathon, not a sprint.
Final Thoughts
Starting a travel blog is equal parts exciting and terrifying, but here’s the thing: the hardest part is just starting. Once you’ve got your blog up and running, you’ll find your groove, and maybe even your audience. So take a deep breath, start writing, and remember: every big adventure begins with a single post.
Now, get out there and blog like you mean it. The world (and your future readers) are waiting.