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Blogging 101: Why You Should Blog and How to Name Your Blog

2012
By 34 Comments

I’ve had many people ask me how to get started with blogging. Often one of the first questions is:

Should I even try to start a blog?

Yes, you should. While it’s true that there are thousands of blogs and more popping up each day, don’t let that stop you. There is only one you.

Think about why you want to blog. Do you want to connect with family who live far away? Do you want to encourage others? Are you an expert on a subject that you’d love to share? Do you simply want to journal stories? Are you a photographer and want to show off those wonderful shots?

Those are just a few of the many reasons. Plus blogging is free. Of course you can always spend money to get a nicer blog, but it doesn’t have to cost anything.

Maybe you’re not sure what you want your blog to be about at this point. That’s okay; you can figure it out as you go. While it’s ideal if you can find a “niche,” sometimes there just isn’t one and guess what? It’s your blog, so you can do it however you want. Granted, if you do have a focal point (for me – it’s The Mom Life – real mom perspective for you!), that can make it easier instead of going all over the place. If you don’t know where your blog is heading, your readers won’t either.

How did YOU get started?

I began this blog in 2007 as a place to journal stories about my kids. I’m a writer by nature so it was right up my alley. In 2010, I realized that I could use my blog for some neat opportunities and began moving in that direction. It’s taken a tremendous amount of work (and still is!) but it’s been a great journey so far.

I’ve certainly had highs and lows with blogging and I’ve come to realize that my low times have been when I lost sight of myself in the process. Such as when I’ve done too many reviews/promotional stuff and wasn’t blogging for me and my readers. My favorite articles are the ones where I’m just being myself and honest. It could be a vent about a long day (cause, yes, I’m real ya’all!) or blogging tips, like this, where I can help others; this is what I love.

What should I name my blog?

So it’s decided – you want to start a blog. Let’s get down to the practical side of things. How do you get started?

How to name your blog is very important. While you can change it later, it’s best to pick a good name to start with.

A couple tips I would recommend:

  1. Stay away from common names – “Confessions of” and “Tales of” etc. Even “Musings” is a little too common and I confess if I knew what I know now, I’d have picked something else.
  2. Avoid long names. Even Musings From a Stay At Home Mom is a bit on the long side. Again, if I started over, I’d have gone with something a little shorter.
  3. Make sure it’s something people can pronounce. If you pick a weird name, it’s harder for people to remember.
  4. If you’re careful about privacy concerns, don’t use your last name in your blog name. Many bloggers do; it’s a personal choice. While my last name has gotten “out” more than I initially planned it to, I still won’t boldly proclaim it.

A couple helpful articles:

All that being said, while it’s important to choose a good name for your blog, don’t let it stop you from getting started. If you’re anything like me, you analyze things way too much. So yes, think about it, but then jump in and go for it.

Next week, look for Blogging 101: Getting Started

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About Erika

Erika, the founder of Musings From a SAHM, is happily married and a homeschooling mom to four children. She lives in New Hampshire and has a passion for writing, encouraging other moms, her family, and most of all, Jesus. She also enjoys baking, spending time with friends, and is an aspiring photographer.

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  1. Sharon Greenthal
    Twitter:
    says:
    August 13, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    I started my blog a year ago and chose the name “Empty House, Full MInd” because it perfectly described me and my state of being. Unfortunately many people remember it as “Empty Nest, Full MInd,” but I don’t think I’d want that to be the name of my blog, because the empty nest is too narrow for what I write.
    Sharon Greenthal recently posted..Six Tips for Adjusting to Your Child Going to CollegeMy Profile

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    • Erika
      Twitter:
      says:
      August 14, 2012 at 3:42 pm

      That’s a good name! But I know what you mean about people calling it something else. EVERYONE calls my blog Musings OF a Stay at Home Mom, when it’s really FROM. I don’t really care but we even bought the domain name MusingsOFaSAHM because so many people do that. Funny how that happens.
      Erika recently posted..Back to School Organizing TipsMy Profile

      Reply
  2. Judy
    Twitter:
    says:
    August 13, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    Starting my blog is one of the best things I have ever done. On a daily basis it brings me much joy and happiness. I’m looking forward to your blogging series.
    Judy recently posted..Wine TastingMy Profile

    Reply
  3. Ellen Christian
    Twitter:
    says:
    August 13, 2012 at 4:46 pm

    Thanks for the tips. I wish I’d read this years ago. Confessions of an Overworked Mom is a tad on the long side too :)
    Ellen Christian recently posted..Healthy snacks for back to school & handy e-guide #momsguideMy Profile

    Reply
  4. Nikki
    Twitter:
    says:
    August 13, 2012 at 4:59 pm

    Great tips! I had a really hard time naming my site. I finally went with Pretty Opinionated because it was vague enough to encompass any future changes that I may make, but specific enough to go with a review blog.
    Nikki recently posted..Back to School Spree Sponsor: FunBitesMy Profile

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  5. Paula Schuck
    Twitter:
    says:
    August 13, 2012 at 5:47 pm

    These Are Great tips . So true.

    Reply
  6. CinnyBBS
    Twitter:
    says:
    August 13, 2012 at 5:48 pm

    Coming up with a blog name was really the hardest part for me when I started a blog. I wanted something unique, something me, and easy to say…LOL
    CinnyBBS recently posted..Excuse me, could you pass the #beans? #Beanfields #Snacks #ReviewMy Profile

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  7. Meg Tucker
    Twitter:
    says:
    August 13, 2012 at 7:16 pm

    Thank you Erika!! I have been wanting to start my blog for a while now but I know nothing about the technical aspects. I’m hoping you’ll be able to help with that in your posts!! I am clueless on how to get a blog up and running!

    Reply
  8. Savannah McQueen
    Twitter:
    says:
    August 13, 2012 at 8:19 pm

    Well said, Erika. I especially enjoy the part where you mention that you lost your identity on your blog.
    Savannah McQueen recently posted..“Less than $10″ Meatloaf DinnerMy Profile

    Reply
  9. ashleigh walls
    Twitter:
    says:
    August 13, 2012 at 9:40 pm

    It took me two years to finally have a name that I was happy with. Mommy’s Biggest Blog wasn’t very ideal, ick.
    ashleigh walls recently posted..Childrens Hospital: The Complete Third Season on DVD and Hilarious ExcusesMy Profile

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  10. Elizabeth L
    Twitter:
    says:
    August 14, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    Thanks Erika, these are all great tips!
    Elizabeth L recently posted..7 Tips for Better Baby PicturesMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Teh Doll says:
    August 14, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    I am a newbie blogger. But I love having a place to write about whatever I want. The name came from the fact no matter where I live, I always have called my house The Dollhouse (I collect dolls). I found Life in The Dollhouse the perfect name (http://dollhouseliving.blogspot.com/) I even gave my husband a spot to review his video games “Man Cave Entertainment” so he felt included too. It is so much fun though having a place to share pics and tell stories. I don’t get to write as much as I would like too. My kids keep me busy most of the day but I try to at least post something every couple days! My Blog is a little dark and quirky, just like myself!
    Teh Doll recently posted..I took a Sneakpeeq and scored a awesome flat iron for free!My Profile

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  12. Jeana
    Twitter:
    says:
    August 14, 2012 at 4:55 pm

    great tips – Erika :) Another tip would be to make sure your corresponding desired twitter and facebook handles are available too!
    Jeana recently posted..Boys and Girls Club of America: Tools for Back to SchoolMy Profile

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  13. Anne says:
    August 14, 2012 at 5:08 pm

    I agree with the going shorter! I went with Upstate Ramblings, and it is too long to use for twitter or pinterest, so I end up having to abbreviate it. I wish I had given more thought to the name.
    Anne recently posted..Gutsy Gear Back to School Giveaway #back2schoolMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Amber Edwards
    Twitter:
    says:
    August 14, 2012 at 5:09 pm

    These are great tips to think about when starting to blog. I think I may have chosen a different name had I know way back then what I know now. But oh well.

    I’d also recommend checking domains when you pick your site name. Take the name you want as your blog and check to see if there are any with that name .com, .org, .net, etc. If so, it is probably too common. Plus then if you want to move your blog forward in the future to have your own domain you would have to look at getting a new name. So get one that doesn’t already have a personalized domain name in use, so if you want to, you can purchase the domain name for your blog.

    Reply
  15. andi
    Twitter:
    says:
    August 17, 2012 at 9:13 pm

    when I first wanted to start a couponing and deals blog, the Lord gave me the name CouponBlessingsNow – I kinda like it….. :D
    andi recently posted..Budget Travel Magazine Deal!My Profile

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  16. susan hartman says:
    August 21, 2012 at 9:30 am

    Thank you for this article. I love writing and have been pondering this for a while.

    Reply
  17. Raymond says:
    January 3, 2013 at 4:08 pm

    You inspired me to start a blog! I will save money to have my personal domains and build myself a site.. I’ll get back here if my is already up and running.. Thank you!
    Raymond recently posted..TheLeaderGuy – Eh Doo Are DohMy Profile

    Reply
  18. WidyaningA says:
    March 13, 2013 at 11:39 pm

    Thank you, those tips are very useful for me.

    Reply

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