My First Month Blogging Goals

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. THIS MEANS THAT WE COULD MAKE A COMMISSION IF YOU CLICK ON AN AFFILIATE LINK AND PURCHASE SOMETHING. READ OUR FULL DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Setting Blogging Goals as a Complete Beginner

Well, I’ve done it…I’ve gone and started a blog. What the heck do I do now?

I figured, what better way to begin than to set myself some first month blogging goals. After all, the great Zig Ziglar says, “You can’t hit a target you cannot see, and you cannot see a target you do not have.”

As a beginner, goal setting is a great way to check your progress, stay on track, and really focus in on what you want to achieve and the steps you need to take in order to get there. And Lord knows, this mom needs all the help I can get in the focus department.

I decided early on, if I really want to help other moms learn how to start a business and make more money…I want to do it in a way that is honest and real. I want to show you exactly where I’m starting from, and each step I take along the way.

As of November 2019, I am beginning this blog from scratch. Currently, I have zero following, no email list, no social media presence, and no content.

Here are the goals I’ve set for November, my first month blogging goals:

1. Buy a domain and hosting.

First, I’ll need a domain name and hosting. I’ve decided to go with BlueHost for a number of reasons. First, BlueHost has partnered and integrates easily with WordPress, which makes setting up your blog so fast and easy. BlueHost offers a free domain name and SSL certificate, and is super affordable at $3-4 per month to sign up.

2. Design logo and branding.

I’ll also need a catchy logo and branding package, which includes all the aesthetics for my blog (colors, fonts, etc.)

3. Set up WordPress blog, theme, etc.

Next, I’ll have to choose a theme and set up the basic layout of my blog on WordPress.org.

4. Set up business LLC, EIN, and open bank account.

Since I am planning to run this blog as a business and not just a hobby, I’ll need to register for a business/LLC, apply for an EIN, and open a business checking account.

5. Set up About & Privacy/Disclosures pages, cookies policy, SSL, etc.

6. Write and publish 10 blog posts.

Current blog posts published = 0

7. 200 sessions/month.

Current website sessions/month = 0

8. 500 page views/month.

Current page views/month = 0

9. Set up Google Analytics, Facebook pixel, Pinterest conversion tag/tracking.

It is important to set up Google Analytics, Facebook pixel, and Pinterest conversion tags so that you can track visitors to your site, see where your traffic is coming from, and get a better idea about your audience and which posts perform best on your site.

10. Create a Resource page on my blog.

I also want to start an ongoing Resources page, where I can list all of the products, software, plugins, etc. that I am using and recommend in one place.

11. Create a lead magnet/freebie.

My goal for this first month is to create at least one freebie for a lead magnet to help grow my email list, although I would love to create more printables in the future.

12. Start an email list – collect 25 emails.

Current email list = 0

13. Make a Facebook business page.

14. Get 50 Facebook likes. (starting at 0)

Current Facbook likes = 0

15. Sign up for 2 Affiliate programs and start promoting products.

Affiliate marketing is one way to monetize your blog. So, my goal is to sign up for at least 2 affiliate programs this month and start promoting products through my content and marketing.

16. Get 1.7k followers & 45k monthly views on Pinterest. (starting at 1.5k followers, 41k monthly views)

Current Pinterest followers = 1.5K           Current Pinterest monthly views = 41K

17. Create at least 3 pins on Pinterest for each blog post (30+ pins).

I aim to create at least 3 different pins for each blog post I publish, to test the market and see how different fonts/images/titles perform with my audience.

Well, there you have it…my 17 first month blogging goals. I hope this post inspires you to get out there and create some goals of your own!

Have you started your blog yet? If not, what are you waiting for?! Check out these other posts on How to Start a Blog in 2020 and The Resources You Need to Start a Blog to get started today.

Don’t forget to check back to see my November income report and find out what kind of progress I made toward my first month blogging goals this month!