If you are looking for how to start a travel blog, you are in the right place!

Now you’ve completed the foundation, when are we ready to launch?  With this post we’ll begin tying together all of your branded platforms and writing your first post!

Did you missed Step 1, Step 2, or Step 3 of this Start a Blog series where we covered Choosing a Name, Getting Hosting, and Designing a Theme?  If so, I encourage you to go back and visit those posts before continuing with the steps below.

Let’s start building our audience!

Step 7: Social Media

To build a successful travel blog, you will need to integrate with social media. It’s the fastest and easiest way to get the word out that you exist and build a loyal following.  Do everything you can to keep your social media handles (your name) consistent across all channels to avoid confusing your audience.

Becoming a master of social media is huge discussion unto itself. Here are some great social media tips from online marketing and branding coach, Julia Baxter, that will go a long way to help you get started.

Some of the social media channels you’ll want to at least reserve your handle on are:

You don’t need to master all of these channels immediately. In fact, I’d recommend focusing on just 1 or 2 until you get a solid fan-base. Which channel you choose will depend on the content you want to share and your interests, but it’s a good idea to reserve all the names just in case you want to expand your focus in the future.

If you’re new to social media or to some of these platforms, my advice is just start using each of them and see which ones you find yourself drawn to naturally.

To give you my honest opinion, everyone should at least have a Facebook fan page (different from your profile page).  It’s the biggest social network and one of the top search engines in the world.  As a travel blogger you should consider Instagram, Pinterest, and SnapChat. They are 3 of the biggest, fastest growing social media channels at the moment, and perfect for sharing your travel experiences.

Step 8: Tell People About You

The “About Me” page is one of the first pages people will click on when they land on your site, so make it count. This is also a page that search engines look for before ranking you, but more on that another day. So how do you make a killer about page?  Here are a few tips I got from my friend Chris Ducker:

– Start with a benefit-driven headline to tell visitors what they will get by visiting your site
– Follow-up with 1-2 paragraphs to elaborate on this headline
– Provide some social proof. If you’re just starting out get some family or friends to give you some testimonials!
– Provide a short, but sweet bio telling visitors why you are in a position to talk to them
– Invite them to connect via social media (max 2 platforms)
– Give people a call-to-action; visitors will want to know what to do next

To see this in action I invite you to check out my About Me page.

Step 9: Write Your First Post!

Now it’s time to create some content for your blog. When you’re getting started, I’d recommend writing 2-3 new articles per week. Be sure to take your time and craft compelling blog posts with impact.

What should you write about? What you’re interested in.  What problems you can solve for others.  What your audience needs to know.  What you’ve learned that can help someone else.

Are you currently travelling? Share your favorite things to do there, fun travel stories, video tours, food recommendations, etc. Keep writing about a wide variety of topics until you find your personal blogging style & voice, and to see what resonates with your visitors.  Make sure you position every post so it solves a problem or inspires your audience. Leave them wanting more, not saying “so what”!

If you are not currently travelling, write about a recent trip or provide some tips for exploring your hometown. Share some tips about saving money for travel, provide your bucket list suggestions, or write about your favourite travel books, websites and movies.

Most importantly, share what is important to you. Making it personal and helpful will keep visitors coming back.

When you first start a travel blog your only fans will likely be family and friends. That’s ok!

It takes time to build an audience. To help you get your name out there and gain some valuable recognition, start reading other travel blogs. Leave comments on articles that you find helpful and link to other blog posts from your site where appropriate.

As your recognition grows, so will your following. It won’t happen overnight, but if you put in the work you can build the travel blogger dream life!

Congratulations, you’re blog is online!!

I can’t wait to start following you and seeing all the greatness you have to share!  Be sure to pop your blog URL into the comments below so I can find you.

If you’d like all the steps of this series together in one document, click here are I’ll send you my FREE Blogging JumpStart Guide.

Was this helpful for you?  If so, please share it with a friend who you think would get value!

Be sure to comment below and let me know what’s on your blog pre-launch checklist!

P.S. If you’d LOVE to start Your Own Blog with “Just 3 Clicks”, check THIS out!

Was this valuable for you?  If so I’d really appreciate your comments below and shares on social media.

Resources

Here is a list of the resources mentioned in this post:

MyLeadSystemPro (MLSP) Sites – Have your professional blog online in under 24 hours!

Chris Ducker – One of the top experts when it comes to managing your business online

Julia Baxter – Amazing online marketing and branding coach, to help “Brand YOU Like a Pro Online”

Blogging JumpStart Guide – Download my FREE guide outlining how to successfully start your own blog