Okay, let’s cut through the BS…

You’ve been “planning” to start your blog for months. Maybe even years.

You’ve read articles, watched YouTube videos, joined Facebook groups… but you still haven’t published your first post.

Why? Because you’re overthinking it.

Here’s the truth: Your first blog post doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to EXIST.

I’ve helped over 3,000 people publish their first blog posts. The ones who succeed follow this exact checklist. The ones who fail keep “preparing” forever.

Which one are you going to be?

Pre-Publishing Checklist (The Foundation)

✅ Choose Your Blogging Platform

Recommendation: WordPress.org (self-hosted)

Why: Maximum control, flexibility, and monetization options

Alternative: If you’re absolutely terrified of tech, start with WordPress.com or Medium, but plan to migrate later

✅ Pick Your Domain Name

Formula: [YourName].com or [YourNiche][Keyword].com

Examples: JohnSmithMarketing.com or HealthyLifestyleTips.com

Pro tip: Keep it under 15 characters, avoid hyphens, make it memorable

✅ Set Up Hosting

Recommendation: Bluehost, SiteGround, or WP Engine

What you need: Basic shared hosting is fine for beginners

Cost? $3-10/month (don’t overthink this)

✅ Install Essential Plugins

Must-haves:

• • • • Yoast SEO (search engine optimization)

• • • • Akismet (spam protection)

• • • • UpdraftPlus (backups)

• • • • Google Analytics integration

✅ Choose a Theme

Keep it simple: Clean, fast-loading, mobile-responsive

Free options: Astra, GeneratePress, Neve

Paid options: Divi, Avada (if you want more customization)

Content Creation Checklist

✅ Pick Your First Post Topic

What works for first posts:

• • • • “How to [solve specific problem]”

• • • • “My journey with [your niche topic]”

• • • • “[Number] mistakes I made so you don’t have to”

• • • • “Complete beginner’s guide to [your expertise]”

Avoid for first posts:

• • • • Controversial topics

• • • • Personal rants

• • • • “About me” posts (save for your About page)

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✅ Do Basic Keyword Research

Free tools: Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest (free version)

What to look for: 500+ monthly searches, low competition

Target: One primary keyword per post

✅ Create Your Outline

Proven structure:

1. 1. 1. 1. Hook (grab attention in first 2 sentences)

1. 1. 1. 1. Problem (what pain point are you solving?)

1. 1. 1. 1. Solution overview (what you’re going to teach)

1. 1. 1. 1. Step-by-step content (the meat)

1. 1. 1. 1. Conclusion with call-to-action

✅ Write Your First Draft

Word count target: 1,500-2,500 words (comprehensive but not overwhelming)

Writing tips:

• • • • Write like you’re talking to a friend

• • • • Use short paragraphs (2-3 sentences max)

• • • • Include personal stories and examples

• • • • Don’t worry about perfection in the first draft

✅ Create a Compelling Headline

Formula: [Number] + [Adjective] + [Target Audience] + [Desired Outcome]

Examples:

• • • • “7 Simple Strategies for New Bloggers to Get Their First 1,000 Visitors”

• • • • “The Complete Guide to Starting a Profitable Blog in 2024”

Test: Would you click on this headline if you saw it on social media?

Technical Optimization Checklist

✅ Optimize for SEO

• • • • [ ] Primary keyword in title

• • • • [ ] Keyword in first paragraph

• • • • [ ] Keyword in at least one subheading

• • • • [ ] Meta description written (150-160 characters)

• • • • [ ] URL is clean and includes keyword

• • • • [ ] Internal links to other content (if you have any)

• • • • [ ] External links to authoritative sources

✅ Format for Readability

• • • • [ ] Use H2 and H3 subheadings

• • • • [ ] Break up long paragraphs

• • • • [ ] Add bullet points or numbered lists

• • • • [ ] Include bold text for emphasis (sparingly)

• • • • [ ] White space between sections

✅ Add Visual Elements

• • • • [ ] Featured image (1200×628 pixels recommended)

• • • • [ ] At least 1-2 images within the post

• • • • [ ] Alt text for all images

• • • • [ ] Images are compressed for fast loading

✅ Mobile Optimization Check

• • • • [ ] Preview your post on mobile

• • • • [ ] Text is readable without zooming

• • • • [ ] Images display properly

• • • • [ ] Navigation works on small screens

Pre-Launch Review Checklist

✅ Proofread and Edit

Round 1: Read for flow and clarity

Round 2: Check grammar and spelling (use Grammarly)

Round 3: Read out loud to catch awkward phrasing

✅ Fact-Check Everything

• • • • [ ] Statistics are accurate and sourced

• • • • [ ] Links work and go to intended destinations

• • • • [ ] Personal examples are truthful

• • • • [ ] Claims can be backed up

✅ Add Your Call-to-Action

Options for first post:

• • • • Ask readers to subscribe to your email list

• • • • Encourage comments with a specific question

• • • • Invite them to follow you on social media

• • • • Request social shares

Make it clear and specific: “Leave a comment below and tell me your biggest blogging challenge.”

Launch Day Checklist

✅ Final Technical Check

• • • • [ ] All links work correctly

• • • • [ ] Images load properly

• • • • [ ] Post displays correctly on desktop and mobile

• • • • [ ] Comments are enabled

• • • • [ ] Social sharing buttons are working

✅ Set Your Publish Settings

• • • • [ ] Choose publication date and time

• • • • [ ] Select appropriate categories

• • • • [ ] Add relevant tags (3-5 max)

• • • • [ ] Set featured image

• • • • [ ] Review permalink/URL

✅ Hit Publish (This is the Scary Part)

Remember: Done is better than perfect

Truth: You can always edit and improve later

Reality: Nobody expects your first post to be amazing

THE ULTIMATE BLOGGING SUCCESS BLUEPRINT

Post-Launch Promotion Checklist

✅ Share on Social Media

• • • • [ ] Facebook (personal profile and any relevant groups)

• • • • [ ] Twitter with relevant hashtags

• • • • [ ] LinkedIn (especially if B2B content)

• • • • [ ] Instagram (create a visual quote or graphic)

✅ Notify Your Network

• • • • [ ] Email close friends and family

• • • • [ ] Share in relevant online communities

• • • • [ ] Tell colleagues or industry contacts

• • • • [ ] Add to your email signature

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✅ Engage with Early Readers

• • • • [ ] Respond to every comment within 24 hours

• • • • [ ] Thank people who share your post

• • • • [ ] Answer questions in detail

• • • • [ ] Ask follow-up questions to keep conversations going

Week 1 Follow-Up Checklist

✅ Monitor Performance

• • • • [ ] Check Google Analytics for traffic

• • • • [ ] Review social media engagement

• • • • [ ] Note which promotion methods worked best

• • • • [ ] Read and respond to all comments

✅ Plan Your Next Post

• • • • [ ] Based on comments, what questions came up?

• • • • [ ] What related topic could you cover next?

• • • • [ ] Schedule time to write your second post

• • • • [ ] Don’t wait more than one week to publish again

The Perfectionist Recovery Plan

If you’re stuck because it’s “not good enough”:

1. 1. 1. 1. Set a deadline: “I will publish by [specific date and time]”

1. 1. 1. 1. Remember: Your 100th post will be amazing. Your first just needs to exist.

1. 1. 1. 1. Ask: “Will this help at least one person?” If yes, publish it.

1. 1. 1. 1. Accept: You’ll cringe at your first post in 6 months. That’s normal and good—it means you’re improving.

Your Post-Publish Reality Check

What will probably happen:

• • • • 5-50 views in the first week

• • • • Maybe 1-3 comments (possibly from friends)

• • • • A few social media likes

• • • • Crickets from Google for months

What this means:

Nothing. It’s completely normal.

What matters: You overcame the biggest hurdle—hitting publish.

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The Big Picture

Your first blog post is not about going viral or making money. It’s about:

• • • • Overcoming the fear of publishing

• • • • Establishing your voice

• • • • Learning the technical process

• • • • Building momentum for post #2

Your Assignment

Stop reading. Start writing.

Set a timer for 2 hours. Write your first post using this checklist. Don’t stop until it’s published.

Your blogging journey starts with a single click: PUBLISH.

GET YOUR BLOG LAUNCH STEP BY STEP KIT HERE