We recently highlighted the benefits of blogging for REALTORS®. From establishing authority, providing social media content, and building an e-mail list of subscribers, the advantages are vast. That probably brings you to the looming question—how do I get started? But fear not! Thanks to advances in technology, making a blog is a lot easier than one would assume. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you get your blog up and running.

• Step One: Choose your blogging platform.
  There are multiple platforms to choose from such as Tumblr, Blogger, Squarespace, and Wix. However, we highly recommend using WordPress. Why? For starters, it’s cost effective. All you need is a web host and domain name. WordPress also offers multiple free and paid themes to ensure that your blog boasts a high-quality appearance. Lastly, it’s extremely popular among bloggers. In fact, according to a study, over 91% of all blogs are running on WordPress.
• Step Two: Select your domain name.
  In simple terms, www.YourBlogName.com. This step is essential for a few reasons. It’s your first impression that you give website viewers. Consider picking a name that is concise and easy to type. It also helps define your personal brand. That being said, make sure that it’s branded and unique to give you an edge over your competition. Before you select, keep in mind that you need to search to see if your domain name is available.
• Step Three: Sign up with a web host.
  Web hosting is the service that allows your blog to be accessible to viewers. It acts as a storage system for the files, images, and content of each post. Like platforms, there are multiple hosting companies to choose from—HostGator, DreamHost, and GoDaddy. You’ll need to select an annual payment plan—keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be anything lavish. Once you’ve selected a plan, you’ll register the domain name that you determined in the previous step.
• Step Four: Install the blogging platform and add a blog page.
  Regardless of the platform you’ve selected, you’ll need to install it in the web hosting panel. The majority of web hosts are compatible with popular platforms, but be sure to double check. Once you’ve installed the platform, you’ll need to add a blog page. This differs from platform to platform, but it’s relatively simple and will only take a couple of minutes. Tip—if you’re stuck, refer to the platforms FAQ section.
• Step Five: Create your first blog post.
  The last and most exciting step! After you’ve added a blog page, you can begin composing your first post. Make sure you share the URL of your published post on all social media platforms. This will help garner engagement and drive traffic to your blog.

Taking the plunge to create your own blog can seem overwhelming at first, but between the easy steps and various benefits, you’ll find it to be more than worth it!