Whether you are a blogger hobbyist or you're looking to earn a living with your content, nearly all of us dream of having a successful influencer blog. An influencer is the new go-to source for tips, reviews, and even entertainment. No matter what you want to write about, chances are there is an audience out there looking for insight that only you can give.

So what does it actually take to start what can ultimately be a successful influencer blog? Well, like most things in life, it takes consistency, drive, and a little bit of creativity. This is Creative Content's beginning tips for jumpstarting a blog that has the potential to make it BIG.

Step 1. Get a Domain

If you want to have a successful influencer blog, you need a .com. By that, what I mean is, you need to invest in an official domain name. Instead of your blog's URL being newyorkfashionista.squarespace.com, it should be newyorkfashionista.com. That's not to say that there aren't blossoming bloggers on Wordpress or Wix, but you'll be able to establish your professionalism in your niche if you buy your domain name outright.

Brands and companies are looking to work with writers who look like they know how to run a business. And believe it or not, opting not to pay the $11 a year for a domain name could severely impact your collaboration opportunities.

Step 2: Find Your Voice

This may sound vague, but hear me out.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of food, fashion, and lifestyle bloggers out there. The only way you will be able to slim down the competition is by finding your voice.

The way you write your blog should come off natural-- as if you were speaking to a friend. While you should definitely stay away from text-typing (i kno / u / wat), try to write like you talk. Nobody in the world is like you. Your blog is where you get to show yourself off. Remember, there's an audience out there for everyone. So don't be afraid to be yourself.

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Step 3: Find Your Niche

Your niche is going to be the sole focus of your blog. Do you want to write about fashion? Food? Travel? Whatever you're passionate about, that's your niche. Do some research and find other bloggers in your niche. What do they talk about? What unique point of view can you bring to the table?

Once you find your niche, the best next step is to start jotting down title ideas. Before you actually begin writing, you'll want to know some more info on SEO. You can research a bunch of articles and get different answers, or you can just sign up for our newsletter and I'll send you a full tutorial on how to implement SEO. I'm not going to give you a full explanation of what SEO is (that's next week's blog), but ultimately it helps you a LOT when it comes to generating ideas for your niche.

"There's an audience out there for everyone"

Step 4: Social Media It Up

These days, it isn't enough to simply post a blog and go. There is so much competition on the internet that it would be an absolute miracle for your blog to end up on Google's front page. The best way to ensure success with your influencer blog is to join social media. You'll need to decide which 2 or 3 platforms would do best in your niche. You can decide this by researching which channels your favorite bloggers are utilizing.

Here are some social media options:

Instagram
Twitter
Snapchat
Facebook
Tumblr
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Social media is a job in itself. From the beginning, you'll want to decide on a general aesthetic and a scheduling regime. Plus, your social media should directly reflect the type of content you post about on your blog. For instance, if you're a fashion blogger, you'll probably want to post your outfit of the day (#ootd) and showcase accessories up close and personal. Each niche will have its different tactics, but by simply analyzing what other influencers are doing, you will be able to see what your own platform should look like. Now all you have to do it make it more creative and unique.

Step 5: Stay CONSISTENT

Above all else, consistency is what has helped others maintain successful influencer blogs. In the beginning, when you don't really have a following, you'll want to post on the same day of the week and at the same time. That way, once your social profile builds up, your audience will know when to expect your next blog. Like I said, there are tons of other blogs out there, so if you don't take the time to manage a consistent schedule, your audience will quickly hop off the next exit and find a new influencer to follow. It sounds harsh, but with today's average attention span... you know I'm right!