How To Start a Tech Blog In 9 Steps: My Personal Journey and Experience

Do you dream of building a thriving tech blog and sharing your knowledge with the world?

Well, stop dreaming about it and do it! I can tell you with 100% confidence from my personal journey it is worth it and actually not that hard to do.

My name’s Lana, an ex-Data Scientist and past Vice President of Engineering turned full-time blogger and content creator. On top of that, I am also a blogging coach in an elite blogging mastermind by AdamEnfroy.com, who has helped 100+ students build and scale their blogs.

I started my tech blog that you are visiting today to become an online entrepreneur and escape my 9-5 so I could be in full control of my income and time.

I even travel full-time now. I spent the last couple of months living in Amsterdam, Spain, and Paris.

If you dream of building a successful tech blog and sharing your passion with the world, then this comprehensive guide is for you.

I’ll equip you with the essential skills and knowledge you need to launch and grow your blog, just like I did when I grew my blog from 0 to 1000+ visits in less than a year.

Your Quick Start Guide

Short on time?

This bare-bones guide will equip you with the minimum viable steps to launch your tech blog in record time.

Don’t worry, I will cover the nitty-gritty later, so be sure to stick around for that.

Here are the essential steps you need to take and the EXACT way I started my tech blog:

1. Choose the tech topic you want to blog about
2. Go onto WPX and buy your domain name – I am a strong advocate for making your domain name your first and last name
3. Host on WordPress (it will come already with WPX)
4. Use Kadence starter templates to design your 3 core pages – home, blog, about
5. Research your top 5 competitors in your niche and identify how you can do it better then them
6. Use Ahrefs to research keywords that you will use for your first couple blog posts and add them to a Google sheet to create a content plan
7. Write and publish your blog posts for each keyword – make them engaging and full of value
8. Reach out to other blogs to offer to guest post for them – by guest posting on other sites with high authority. You’ll be able to link back to your site and transfer some of that authority to your site
9. Once your blog posts start ranking on Google, monetize it by adding affiliate links and ads.

How To Start a Tech Blog In 9 Easy Steps

The beauty of tech blogging is that it doesn’t require a huge upfront investment.

With just your laptop, wifi, and a few key tools, you can launch your platform.

Let’s get started.

Step 1: Identify Your Niche

Choosing your niche is arguably the most critical step in your blogging journey. It dictates your entire strategy, including content, audience, and monetization.

While it’s not permanent, your initial niche lays a solid foundation for your blog’s success.

As a blogging coach, I’ve seen many students refine their initial niche over time, and that’s perfectly acceptable. The key is to choose a niche you’re passionate about and confident in.

To ignite your inspiration, here are some tech niche ideas with great potential based on my experience:

• Gadget Reviews: Unbox and analyze the latest smartphones, laptops, cameras, and other gadgets, providing insightful reviews for your audience.
• Cybersecurity: Become a trusted resource for online safety, offering tips on cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection.
• AI & Machine Learning: Break down complex concepts like machine learning and AI tools into easily understandable terms for tech enthusiasts.
• Coding and Programming: Empower aspiring programmers with beginner-friendly tutorials, tips, and resources.
• Digital Marketing Technology: Guide businesses and individuals through the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing tools and strategies.
• Software & App Reviews: Cut through the noise and recommend the most valuable software, apps, and tools, explaining their functionalities and benefits.
• Tech for Business Success: Unlock the power of technology for businesses, sharing insights on software, cloud computing, and other impactful tools.
• Smart Home Technology: Dive into the exciting world of smart home tech, offering installation guides, tips, and inspiration for a connected living space.
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Explore the immersive worlds of virtual reality and augmented reality, reviewing headsets, experiences, and their future potential.
• 3D Printing: Demystify the world of 3D printing, showcasing inspiring projects, offering tutorials, and empowering hobbyists.
• Drones & Robotics: Explore the latest advancements in drones and robotics, reviewing models, discussing applications across industries, and sparking excitement.

Remember, this is just a starting point.

The best niche is the one that aligns perfectly with your passion, expertise, and target audience.

Some questions that can help you gain clarity, narrow down your options, and choose the perfect tech blog niche for you.

There is no “right” or “wrong” answer.

The best niche is the one that aligns with your passion, interests, and long-term goals.

When it comes to building your own tech blog, there are a couple of key questions you should ask yourself.

What do you want your brand to be known for in the long term, and what is your vision for its future?

Consider the example of Tony Robbins, who strategically cultivated a powerful personal brand across social media platforms.

Renowned as a mindset and personal development guru, he has established himself through workshops, books, and a diverse range of digital and physical products.

As you envision your own brand’s trajectory, think about the unique value you can offer and how you can expand your presence to make a lasting impact.”

If you could build a mini course in the future, what would you teach?

By asking yourself what course you would want to create, you can find your true area of expertise.

This way, you can provide valuable knowledge and make a positive impact on people’s lives, which is the ultimate goal of starting a tech blog.

What unique perspective or expertise can you offer your audience?

Offer a unique perspective or expertise to captivate and engage your audience, providing valuable insights they won’t find elsewhere. Let your expertise shine through and inspire your audience with your one-of-a-kind perspective.

Step 2: Choose and Buy Your Domain Name

To start your tech blog, use your name as the domain name to add a personal touch and establish your brand.

Purchase your domain on WPX or Bluehost by researching available options, comparing pricing and features, making the purchase, and configuring it for your blogging platform.

I first purchased my domain on Bluehost, but WPX is a much faster-hosting provider, so I quickly switched over.

Remember, a unique domain name is crucial for building your online presence.

If you do not feel comfortable using your full name as your URL, choose a variation like mattsguide.com or bymatthew.com.

Step 3: Get Step Up on a Blogging Platform

This will be the fastest step because the only blogging platform you need is WordPress which is already included with WPX or Bluehost.

If you are unsure how to step up on this, reach out to a customer service representative at either WPX or Bluehost or whatever hosting platform you decide to use.

Step 4: Design and Build Your Website

To design and build your website, there are a ton of WordPress themes to use. I started with Elementor, but eventually transferred over to Kadence because it was easier to use and made my site speed faster.

I highly recommend using Kadence, a free WordPress theme that offers a range of customization options.

Kadence provides starter templates that can help you get started quickly and easily.

Go to “Add New Plugin” and add both Gutenberg Blocks and Starter Templates both by Kadence, to get started. Your screen will say “Install Now” for both – you can see mine says “Active” because I have both installed already.

For your minimum viable product (MVP) website, focus on creating three essential pages: Home, About, and Blog.

These pages will provide a solid foundation for showcasing your brand, sharing information about your business, and publishing valuable content.

Once you have the plugins installed, you can go to the “Starter Templates” under “Appearance” and choose a template that you like that has three core pages.

Once you’ve chosen a Kadence starter template, customize it to align with your brand and background.

Pro tip: Remember, your About page plays a significant role in building topical authority and trust with your audience. Make it relatable by sharing your story and background. Including pictures of yourself, your family, your credentials, and even your successes and failures can add a personal touch and further connect with your readers.

Step 5: Research Your Competition

To gain insights into your competition, conducting thorough research is crucial. Consider utilizing powerful tools and techniques to analyze their products, sales strategies, and marketing efforts. This can help you identify opportunities and formulate an effective competitive strategy.

A step-by-step guide provided by SEMrush offers valuable insights on conducting competitive analysis.

Back when I first started my tech blog over a year ago, I performed comprehensive competition research to figure out how to stand out from the competition and give something to the community that may be missing.

By understanding the strategies and tactics employed by my competitors, I was able to position myself effectively in the market.

Step 6: Create a Content Plan With Keyword Research

When it comes to planning and researching keywords for my content, I use Ahrefs. It’s a helpful tool for improving my website’s visibility on search engines.

With Ahrefs, I can find relevant keywords that are popular among my target audience. I also check how difficult it is to rank for those keywords and estimate the amount of traffic they can bring to my website.

To stay organized, I use Google Sheets to keep track of my keyword research and content ideas. It’s a convenient way to collaborate with my team and monitor our progress.

By combining Ahrefs and Google Sheets, I can streamline my content creation process and make sure my content is optimized for search engines and meets the needs of my audience.

Remember, having a well-planned keyword strategy and an organized content plan can help improve your website’s visibility and attract more organic traffic.

Step 7: Write Helpful, People-first Blog Posts

When it comes to writing blog posts that are helpful and people-first, there are several steps you can follow.

Here’s my exact process:

1. Start with a topic that resonates with my audience. I carefully choose topics and keywords that I believe will provide value and address the needs of my readers.

2. Research is key. I dive deep into the subject matter, gathering information and resources that will support my blog post. I read articles, explore credible sources, and only talk from my personal experience to provide accurate and valuable insights.

3. I organize my thoughts with an outline. This helps me structure my content and ensure that it flows logically. I break down the main points and subtopics, making it easier for my readers to follow along and find the information they’re looking for. You can also use a free article outline generator tool like the one from SurferSEO to get you started.

4. When I write, I aim for a conversational tone. I want my readers to feel like they’re having a friendly chat with me. By using a relatable and approachable writing style, I can connect with my audience on a more personal level.

5. Incorporating visuals is an important aspect of my blog posts. I include relevant images, infographics, or videos to complement my written content. This not only makes the post more visually appealing but also enhances the reader’s understanding and engagement.

6. Editing and proofreading are crucial steps in my writing process. I carefully review my blog post to ensure that it is free from grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies. I use Grammarly.ai to help me do this so I can maintain a high level of professionalism and readability.

Step 8: Guest Post on High DR Sites

Guest posting on high Domain Rating (DR) sites can be a great way to expand your reach, build authority, and increase traffic to your own website.

Here’s how I approach guest posting on high DR sites and how exactly I got my DR score to 35:

1. Identify relevant high DR sites: I research and identify reputable websites in my niche that have a high Domain Rating. These sites should align with my target audience and have an engaged readership. The easiest way to do this is to reach out to companies that you would want to be an affiliate for and have a blog on their site. For instance, I wanted to be an affiliate for RankTracker, so I reached out to the CMO, and here is my guest post on how to find your blog niche.

2. Study their content and guidelines: Before pitching a guest post, I thoroughly study the target site’s content to understand their style, tone, and topics. I also review their guest posting guidelines (if they have one) to ensure I meet their requirements.

3. Craft a compelling pitch: I create a personalized pitch that highlights my expertise and explains why my content would be valuable to their readership. I emphasize the unique angle or value proposition of my proposed guest post.

4. Follow up: If I don’t receive an immediate response, I follow up politely after a reasonable time frame. Persistence can sometimes lead to successful guest posting opportunities.

5. Create high-quality content: Once my guest post is accepted, I focus on creating a well-researched, informative, and engaging article that aligns with the target site’s standards. I aim to provide unique insights and actionable tips that will resonate with their audience.

6. Include relevant links: Within my guest post, I strategically include relevant links to my own website, blog posts, or other valuable resources. These links should enhance the reader’s experience and offer additional information.

7. Promote the guest post: After the guest post is published, I actively promote it through my own social media channels, email newsletters, and online communities. This helps drive traffic back to the host site and increases the visibility of my guest post.

Remember, guest posting on high DR sites requires research, quality content creation, and effective promotion. It’s a valuable way to establish yourself as an authority in your niche and reach a wider audience.

Note: Domain Rating (DR) is a metric used by SEO tools like Ahrefs to measure the overall strength and authority of a website’s backlink profile. High DR sites typically have a significant number of high-quality backlinks pointing to them, indicating their credibility and influence in the online space.

Step 9: Monetize Your Tech Blog

The best blog monetization strategies that I personally use with this tech blog are:

• Affiliate marketing: Promote tech products with affiliate links to earn commissions.
• Sponsored content: Collaborate with brands for paid articles or reviews.
• Display advertising: Use platforms like Google AdSense for revenue through ads.
• Product reviews: Offer paid reviews for compensation and access to new gadgets.
• Digital products: Create and sell e-books, courses, or software tools.
• Consulting or freelance work: Provide services within your niche for income.

Conclusion

Starting my tech blog was an exciting journey.

I found my niche, created engaging content, connected with the tech community, and promoted my blog.

I now monetize it through affiliate marketing and sponsored content, turning my passion into profit.

Through challenges and growth, I continue to evolve as a tech blogger.

So, what are you waiting for? You have the 9 steps that guarantee a successful tech blog.

Take the leap and start your tech blogging journey today.