Latest Updates: Here is a remix of my intro. Any thoughts or advice are always appreciated. 

My New Introduction Video

Class Project Worksheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XaNnExGNYNrLl0jYvi3MckPD9S94ZD1fNMl3pXfwkyg/edit?usp=sharing

Class Outline (WIP):  https://docs.google.com/document/d/15odG4C7UOUM3jp9oapnddZn0j5ZqQojEUQ7scHay8cc/edit?usp=sharing

Learn the proven method behind Alexi Mast’s blogging success. This class will begin teaching you the step-by-step process that launched her award-winning blog equestrianwriter.com. Starting a blog is easy. However, starting a blog that will truly be successful and stand out from the crowd takes homework and preparation. Start your blogging journey the right way with this in-depth tutorial for launching your own niche blog. 

THIS CLASS IS FOR:

• Aspiring bloggers of all levels
• Creative entrepreneurs on a tight budget
• Those looking to break into the niche blogging market

WHAT THIS COURSE WILL TEACH YOU

This course provides the tools for you to find a viable topic for your new blog. It also provides a DIY guide for properly conducting the basic market research required to set your blog up for success. 

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• A basic understanding of Google

REQUIRED SUPPLIES

• Subjects you are passionate about
• Access to Google

CLASS OUTLINE

Part 1: Choosing Your Topic

• Finding topics you are passionate about
• Finding a topic that produces evergreen content (content that stays relevant long-term) 

Part 2: Market Research

• Know your audience
• Know your competitors
• Know the experts in your field
• Know the trends
• Set boundaries for your content

FINAL PROJECT

Part 1: Choose a blog topic

• Step 1: Write down a list of 5-10 possible blog topics that you are passionate about.
• Step 2: Using the criteria discussed in part 1 of the class, choose the top 2 topics you believe would be the most viable candidates for your blog topic.
• Step 3: Using the criteria discussed in the class, determine which topic would produce the most evergreen content.

Part 2: Market Research

• Step 1: Define your audience.
• Step 2: Make a list of your top 5 competitors.
• Step 3: Define each competitor’s niche. How will your niche be different?
• Step 4: Examine each competitor’s social media presence. Which social media platform do they use the most? Is there one social media platform that seems to be a universal gold standard in your industry?
• Step 5: Identify 3 experts (individuals or organizations) in your industry who are well respected.
• Step 6: Identify 3 experts (individuals or organizations) in your industry who are controversial.
• Step 7: Identify which experts your competitors quote the most and which experts they stay away from.
• Step 8: Identify 2 major trends in your chosen topic/industry that are popular.
• Step 9: Identify 2 major trends in your chosen topic/industry that are controversial.
• Step 10: Identify which trends are short term and which are long term
• Step 11: Identify which trends do your competitors seem to be following and which trends they are staying away from.
• Step 12: Look at the comments section on each of your competitors’ blogs. Which blogs seem to draw the most controversy? What does this controversy seem to center around? Does this controversy seem to help or hinder the blog?
• Step 13: Set your boundaries and lay the foundation for your brand. Decide which trends you want to follow (if any) and sources you want to look to for inspiration. Remember that it is better to play it safe early on. You can always go more controversial later.