For the next while we’re going to focus on making money blogging.

If you don’t have your own blog yet, let’s start with some basics.

A blog can be a stimulating creative experience, as well as an opportunity to earn some extra income for yourself in your spare time. Let’s look at some ways to get started as a blogger, beginning with finding the right blogging software.

I use WordPress, it’s a free software and can be downloaded at wordpress.org it comes with installation instructions, there are also many free templates available to find one you like just do a google search for “wordpress templates” and choose one that suites your topic or personality.

Should you need additional help I would recomend Blogging Made Easy With Wordpress® it’s a package of 10 Videos of step by step Tutorial.

Also choosing your topic, or niche is very important since you will be spending a considerable amount of time with this niche over the life of your blog, it is important to choose a topic that you like and have an interest in writing about extensively.  

Look at your interests, hobbies, and passions. Write them down on a piece of paper. At this point, don’t consider how much money you could make writing about any of them. Just spend some time considering what you like to think about and what you enjoy spending your time and money doing.

On your piece of paper, make a list of a least 3 topic that interest you. If you have more than 3 things to list, that’s fine. The most important thing is to take out a piece of paper and write down what you enjoy. I’m not kidding about this paper! The next step will be more difficult if you have not written out your list.

All done brainstorming? Great! Now look at the list you have made. Next to each item, write down how long you think you would be happy writing about that topic. You don’t have to be specific to the day. Just ask yourself and answer honestly: Could I write about this topic for 2 weeks? How about 2 years?

According to Technorati.com, a blog search engine and the leading authority on blog life, the average blog is more than three years old. Are there any topics that you have written on your list that you could blog about for at least three years with passion and enthusiasm?

If the above questions had made you cross off every item on your list, do not get too excited. Just find a new sheet of paper and start over. Keep brainstorming until you have come up with at least three areas you feel that you could enthusiastically write about for an extended period of time. Be creative, and think outside the box. Even if your idea seems unusual or silly, write it down. You do not have to share this list with anyone, and you never know what might be successful online.