How To Start A Blog In 2026: A No-Fluff Guide for Total Beginners

Many people who start a blog will quit within six months — not because blogging is hard, but because they follow the wrong advice.

In this Guide, I’ll show you the version that actually works in 2026.

Blogging is BACK! In 2026 and very simple to get into, and most of all it’s 100% FREE. There are multiple options for you to choose from.

Each with a unique offer, that will help you stand out from the crowd.

Why Blogging is BACK in 2026?

If you’ve spent 10+ years chasing algorithms on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and the likes? Then this article is most definitely for you!

I started blogging on and off back in 2021 with one question in my mind.

“How can I build a business without burn out?”

Now, it’s important to take into consideration, that blogging won’t be for everyone.

If the idea of soft business, better mental health, and views while you snooze is something you are interested in? Stick with me for a moment.

No matter the practice or method for thriving on social media, I tried them all. Post your social content everyday day, once a week, once a month, twice a week, three times a week.

No matter the variable number, I pushed, and ground, fought off impostor syndrome. Different ideas can lead to months worth of burn out and recovery.

The truth is, no human was designed to post constantly.

Social media has a tendency to bring out the worst in each viewer. A positive post is quickly replaced by an equally negative one.

For me, I knew something needed to change.

Why Social Media is Slowly Dying

Social media has a shelf life, and even a viral post dies within days.

This graph shows how well in content format performs. The highest performing media format is actually a blog.

They are called EVERGREEN — blog content that remains relevant, useful, and useful for readers long after it’s publication date.

This is the secret sauce of blogging.

In this article, I’ll share three steps to help you build a legacy and create blogs that stay relevant forever.

How To Build A Blog?

Choosing which platform to build your blog on is going to matter.

Make a place for your recipes, reviews, lists, advice, or ideas. Picking the right place is important.

Without wasting any time, I’ll give you my top 3 recommendations for platforms you can blog on for free.

1. WordPress

If you want to own your own content? Then, I would suggest signing up to WordPress.com or WordPress.org the first is hosted by Word Press themselves, functioning as your web host.

The Benefits

  • Gives writers full control, from design to structure, letting you build anything from a simple blog to a full publication.
  • Excellent for long‑term growth, thanks to strong SEO tools that help your writing get discovered through search.

You can register for free and start blogging today, all you need is your:

  1. Email address
  2. Pick a domain name
  3. Create username
  4. Password
  5. Select a plan
  6. Choose a theme
  7. Add pages and posts
  8. Customize your design
  9. Adjust your settings

This is where your blog site starts to take shape.

2. Medium

If you’re looking for a lightweight way of learning how to blog, and a rich community of fellow writers and authors to become part of? Then consider signing up for Medium.com

The Benefits

  • Built‑in discovery, meaning your work can reach new readers through Medium’s algorithm, tags, and publications.
  • Zero setup, so you can focus entirely on writing without worrying about design, hosting, or technical details.

Getting signed up to Medium is quite simple:

  • Go to medium.com
  • Click Get started
  • Choose how you want to sign up:
    • Google
    • Facebook
    • Email
  • If using email:
    • Enter your email
    • Click Continue
    • Open the verification email and confirm
  • Pick topics you’re interested in
  • Follow any writers or publications you like
  • Your account is ready — start reading or writing

3. Substack

If you are a creative who is interested in writing and building community at the same time. There are multiple ways to do it. One such way is via Substack.

Substack is a platform build for writers, podcasters, and other creators who want to publish directly to their audience and earn money through subscriptions.

It essentially gives individuals the tools to run their own mini-media business without meeting a traditional publisher.

The Benefits

  • Direct relationship with readers, using email delivery to ensure your writing actually reaches your audience.
  • Simple path to monetization, letting you offer paid subscriptions without needing ads or complex setup.

Getting started on Substack:

  • Sign up on Substack.com.
  • Name your publication and pick your URL.
  • Add your bio and photo, so readers know who you are.
  • Write your first post and hit publish.
  • Share your signup link to start building your audience.

Each platform or service provides unique features to help you start your own blog, and immediately start drafting your own posts.

What makes a blog SEO-friendly?

SEO-friendly blog articles are made up of questions and answers. Typically, this involves directly addressing the issue of someone looking to learn. Through careful and strategic research and analysis.

Keep it simple! This is the number one rule for ranking as high as possible in Google’s search results. It doesn’t end there, however! Great content is also required to fully stand out from the crowd.

The richer your content? The more opportunity you have to gain clicks.

Know Your Categories

Start by choosing three, to four conversational topics you want to be known for and write them down.

They will become the pillars by which you create content. They will always relate to your personal story. They will also relate to your training and lived experience.

Once you have them, keep a good record of this. Either in a notepad, Google doc or Note App on your smartphone or tablet.

Keyword Search

Below, you can see an example of a free Keyword Search Tool, there are many to decide from, however I highly recommend RyRob.com for simplicity and accessibility.

For this example, I am using “Recruitment,” in relation to a field one of my own clients works within.

The columns on the left indicated how much “search traffic” is available, and “how competitive” it will be to rank within these specific results.

The result “247 football recruiting” gives a clear example of high traffic and low (easy) search competition.

Giving them quick access to a larger audience in a short space of time.

When performing a keyword research, pay close attention to two key indicators that can help you gain great success!

  1. High search volume
  2. Low – medium difficulty

Be weary of using search terms that have a “high” difficulty rating. If you opt for it? Get ready to be one-upped at every corner.

A smarter approach would be to find as many large volume/low ranking keywords and use those to tag your Instagram posts, Blogs, Videos and more.

The results in a months time will blow you away.

SEO Champion 🎉

Congrats! 🎉 You are officially an expert in SEO 🤓… well, almost! But if you are curious about how to properly formulate a blog and see it rank highly on Google’s search engine?

Subscribe to my short video series “How To Write An SEO-Friendly Blog“. It will guide you through steps one to four. Learn how you can leverage SEO for your creative craft, business, or band. Stand out from the crowd!

Subscribe to How To SEO series

Gain access to exclusive SEO ranking video, tools, and resources.


If you enjoyed reading this, be sure to leave a like ⭐ and comment. Follow me on YouTube, Threads, and consider joining myCreator Newsletter. To stay up to date on all things creativity, Neurodiversity, insights and encouragement.

“No matter what you are facing at this moment in time, you can do all things! Stay safe, and God speed!”

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