If you are a health professional or someone who’s passionate (and knowledgeable) about healthy living, then at some point you must have considered starting a health blog. A health blog can spread helpful information and insights on healthy living to an increasingly unhealthy population. It’s also a good hobby, and if successful, it can be a lucrative side hustle. So, how does a newbie set themselves up for success in health blogging?
Choose the Right Domain Name and Host
Your domain name is your web address, and the success (or failure) of your health blog depends on it. As a rule, a good domain name needs to be short, easy to remember, and informative. This is especially true for the healthy living blog niche which is competitive. Your domain needs to stand out from the crowd. Brainstorm a few good options and use a trusted domain checker like IONOS to find one that is available. Take your time and get it right. Once you get a winning domain name, find a web host for your website. Things to look out for when selecting a web host include: price, speed, security, and professional email.
Get a Professional Looking Design
As we’ve already mentioned, the health blogging niche is very competitive. Your website design must present you and your blog in the best light possible. Internet users have been conditioned to associate shoddy or unappealing website design with low-quality content, or worse: scammers. If you are using website builders, the investment of paying for a professional-looking theme is always worth it. If your budget allows for hiring a professional web designer, you should go for it. As much as you want your website to look professional, it shouldn’t be boring and generic. A professional understands the subtle elements to boost your site’s appeal without compromising its professional look.
Have a Responsible Content Strategy
Health blogs talk about topics that impact their readers’ health, and there is no greater responsibility than this. Inaccurate health advice can be dangerous, or even fatal, to an unsuspecting reader. This is why you should always research your content before publishing. If possible, you should have an expert review and approve any content. This is especially important for those in medical niches like weight loss, pharmaceuticals, and disease management. You should also know that in most jurisdictions, there are laws and regulations regarding certain types of health advice that if you run afoul result in stiff penalties. Always consult with a lawyer regarding the type of content that you can include and whether you need to include disclaimers with your content.
Promote Your Blog
Get the word out there! Invite renowned experts for interviews or as guest bloggers. Sign up on popular social media platforms and engage followers. Get online ads, learn and implement search engine optimization (SEO) to rank on search engines. Use multiple strategies to drive traffic to your website, and enjoy your success.
Conclusion
Starting a blog can seem daunting but with modern tools, it is easier than you think. The first step is getting the right domain name to represent your online brand. You then need a fast and reliable web host and an easy-to-use and professional-looking design for your website. Make sure that your content is well-researched and that it doesn’t break any anti medical disinformation rules. Finally, market your blog on multiple channels to get traffic.