5 Things To Do Before You Publish a Blog Post (A Beginner’s Checklist)

5 Things To Do Before You Publish a Blog Post (A Beginner’s Checklist)

by | Aug 11, 2025 | Content & Blogging

Publishing a blog post is exciting — you’ve poured time into writing, editing, and getting your message across. But before you hit that tempting “Publish” button, there are a few quick steps that can make the difference between your post quietly existing and actually getting noticed.

Today, I’m going to walk you through 5 things to do before you publish a blog post so you can give your work the best possible start.

1. Check Your Headline

Your headline is the very first thing readers see in search results, on social media, or in your emails. A weak headline can stop them from clicking, no matter how great your post is.

What to do:

  • Make sure it’s clear and benefits-focused (“5 Things To Do Before You Publish a Blog Post” tells readers exactly what they’ll get).

  • Keep it under 60 characters so it doesn’t get cut off in Google.

  • Add a number or emotional trigger word where possible.

Tip: Tools like CoSchedule Headline Analyzer can give you ideas to improve your title before you post.

2. Proof-read Like a Pro

Spelling errors and grammar slips happen to everyone — but they can make your blog look unprofessional.

What to do:

  • Read your post out loud. This makes clunky sentences stand out.

  • Use free tools like Grammarly for a final check.

Check for consistency in formatting (headings, bullet points, font size).

3. Optimise for SEO

Even if SEO feels overwhelming, a few basics can really help your blog get found.

Before you publish a blog post:

  • Add your main keyword (like before you publish a blog post) to your title, intro, at least one subheading, and naturally throughout the text.
  • Write a meta description (around 155 characters) with your keyword included.

Add alt text to images so search engines know what they’re about.

5 things to do before you publish a blog post| checklist

4. Add Internal & External Links

Links are like little bridges for your readers — they guide them to more of your helpful content or to reputable external resources.

What to do:

  • Link to at least one related post on your own site (internal link).
  • Link to at least one high-quality, relevant external source.

Make sure links open in a new tab so readers don’t leave your site entirely.

5. Add a Call to Action (CTA)

You’ve got a reader’s attention — don’t just let them click away.

Examples of CTAs:

  • “Leave a comment with your own tips.”

  • “Sign up for my free guide.”

  • “Read my related post

Think about what you want readers to do next — and make it easy for them.

And Finally…

Before you publish a blog post, running through these 5 steps can help you avoid common mistakes and give your content the best chance to shine.

Do you have your own pre-publish checklist?
 Drop it in the comments — I’d love to see what works for you!

Here’s a little transparency: My website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support my mission to bring you quality content.

How To Create a Strong Password You’ll Actually Remember

by | Aug 8, 2025 | Uncategorized

Creating strong passwords doesn’t need to feel impossible — or like something only tech experts can do.

Let’s break it down step by step, with some clever memory tricks and simple tools anyone can use.

What Makes a Password Strong?

Good passwords are like strong doors. They’re hard to break, but easy for you to open.

A strong password should:

  • Be at least 12 characters long

  • Include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols

  • Avoid anything guessable like names, birthdays, or “12345”

❌ susan2023
✅ Gr@peLemon$ky43!

how to create a strong password| lock and key

Try This: A Sentence You Can Remember

Instead of a random string, turn a sentence into a password.

💡 Example:
“My dog barks at 7am every day!” → Mdb@7amED!

You remember the sentence — your password is strong, but personal.

Use a Password Manager

If you are still worried you’ll forget? Use a tool to store them safely.

I have used LastPass for years and would be lost without it.

It saves your passwords securely and even fills them in for you.

Most password managers work across devices and offer free versions. Great for beginners who don’t want to write everything down!

What NOT to Do

Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Don’t reuse the same password for everything

  • Don’t store passwords in plain text on your computer

  • Don’t use anything someone could guess from your social media

And Finally…

Creating a secure password doesn’t have to feel like solving a riddle.

Pick one of the tricks above and try it out for your most important account (like email). Once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll feel far more confident online.

Got a tip or question about passwords? Drop a comment — I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!

My website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support my mission to bring you quality content.

How To Search Google With Confidence

by | Aug 6, 2025 | Uncategorized

If you’ve ever typed something into Google and felt overwhelmed by the results — you’re not alone. With billions of pages out there, it can be hard to know what’s worth clicking. But searching smarter (not harder) makes a big difference.  Let’s walk through some simple ways to learn how to search Google and make it work for you.

Start With Better Keywords

Most people search by typing how they’d say something. But Google works best when you use keywords instead.

So, instead of  “What’s the best laptop for someone starting a blog in 2025?”
Try “Best laptop beginner blogger 2025”

Try keeping it short and focused:

  • Remove extra words

  • Use nouns and topic-related terms

  • Think about what words a website would use to describe what you want

How To Search Google With Confidence| keywords

Use Quotation Marks to Find Exact Matches

If you’re looking for something very specific, put it in quotation marks.

For example:

“How to start a blog for beginners”


Google will only show results with that exact phrase. This is helpful if you’re searching for:

  • A book or course title

  • A name or brand

  • A specific quote or sentence

Add a Minus Sign to Remove Unwanted Results

Let’s say you want “apple” the fruit — not the tech company.
Just type:

apple -iphone -mac

That tells Google to exclude any pages that mention iPhone or Mac.

Find Trustworthy Websites

There’s a lot of information out there — but not all of it is helpful or safe.
Here’s how to spot reliable sources:

  • .gov and .edu sites are official (like government or schools)

  • Look for websites you recognise (like BBC, NHS, or well-known blogs)

  • Avoid sites with lots of ads, flashing banners, or hard-to-read layouts

  • If something feels “off,” trust your feeling. Close the tab!

how to search google with confidence| magnifying glass

Bonus Tricks

Try adding these to your search:

  • site:bbc.com (only shows results from the BBC)

  • filetype:pdf (only shows PDF downloads)

  • define:serif (asks Google to define a word)

Google has written this information which may help you if you need more help.  

And Finally…

With just a few small tricks, you can start searching smarter — and save a lot of time and stress.

Try one of these tips today and see how your results change.

What’s something you often search for online? Drop a comment below — maybe I can help you refine your search!

My website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support my mission to bring you quality content.

How I Blog While Travelling (Yes, It’s Possible!)

by | Aug 4, 2025 | Online Business & Mindset

You might think being away from home means hitting pause on blogging — but actually, it’s a great opportunity to keep going in a relaxed, flexible way.

Whether you’re visiting family, away for a short break, or working from a cosy café somewhere new, it is still to blog while travelling. And no, you don’t need to lug around loads of tech or stress about Wi-Fi the whole time!

Let me walk you through how I do it, step-by-step — calmly and with intention.

What I Bring With Me

I keep it simple. Here’s what I pack:

  • My laptop – Nothing fancy, just something I’m used to using.

  • A notebook and pen – For ideas, to-do lists, and scribbles when the screen feels like too much.

  • My phone – For checking emails, taking photos, or light editing on the go.

  • Charger + portable Wi-Fi (optional) – Just in case I’m somewhere with flaky internet.  We go away in our motorhome so ‘flaky internet’ goes with the territory!

Bonus tip: I also save copies of drafts offline, so I can work without Wi-Fi if needed.

What I Focus On While Away

When I’m travelling, I don’t try to do everything. I choose just one or two small blogging tasks per day, like:

  • Writing a rough blog post outline

  • Editing a draft I already started

  • Checking or responding to blog comments

  • Sharing a post on social media

  • Reviewing one old post and making light SEO tweaks

These little tasks keep me moving forward without pressure.

How I Stay Calm & Organised

Even while travelling, I like to keep things structured (but not strict). Here’s how:

  • Morning moments – I set aside 30–60 minutes early in the day to write or edit

  • One post at a time – I don’t juggle five things at once. One post, one focus

  • Short check-ins – I’ll glance at emails or social media once a day, max

  • Forgive the rest – If I miss a task, that’s okay. The world won’t end (this has taken me some time to master but it is true)

Tools That Help Me Blog On the Go

I keep my toolkit light and beginner-friendly:

  • Wealthy Affiliate – I like to keep up with the training so usually watch at least one video when I’m away.

  • Canva – To create or tweak blog images on the go

  • Grammarly – For light grammar checks when I’m writing tired

  • Google Drive – I use this constantly even if I don’t have Wi-Fi — then copy and paste

These tools are all free or have free versions.

A Quick Word on Expectations

Blogging while travelling isn’t about perfection — it’s about staying connected to what you’re building.

If I only publish one post instead of three, that’s still progress.
If I just write an outline today, that’s a win.

The important thing is: I’m still showing up — gently, in my own time, from wherever I am.  

And Finally...

Have you ever tried blogging away from home?

If you’re thinking about it, just remember: you don’t need a studio, a set schedule, or fast internet. You just need your voice, a bit of quiet time, and a way to capture your thoughts.

I’d love to hear how you stay connected to your blog during travel or breaks — pop a comment below or send me a message

My website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support my mission to bring you quality content.

How To Recognise a Scam Email Before You Click

How To Recognise a Scam Email Before You Click

by | Aug 1, 2025 | Online Business & Mindset

In today’s online world, knowing how to recognise a scam email before you click can protect your privacy, your bank account, and your peace of mind.

Whether you’re new to using email or have been at it for years, scams can look convincing — even friendly. But with a few simple tips, you’ll learn to spot the warning signs and stay safe online.

Why Learning How To Recognise A Scam Email Matters

You don’t need to be techy to fall for a scam — scammers rely on speed and panic. But once you know what to look for, you can pause, double-check, and avoid clicking something risky.

Learning how to recognise a scam email before you click is one of the most important online safety steps you can take.

Common Clues That an Email Might Be a Scam

1. The sender’s email address looks odd

Look closely at the full email address — not just the name you see at first.
For example:

  • Looks OK: service@paypal.com

  • Suspicious: paypa1@secure-alerts.ru

 

2. Strange subject lines or urgent language

Scam emails often try to scare you into acting fast:

  • “Your account will be closed!”

  • “We’ve locked your device — act now!”

If the email makes you panic or rush, it’s a red flag.

How To Recognise a Scam Email Before You Click| scam email

3. Spelling or grammar mistakes

Legitimate companies usually check their emails. Scam emails often have:

  • Random capital letters

  • Spelling mistakes

  • Awkward phrases like:
    “You account has beed compromised. Please verify immediately!”

4. Strange links or attachments

Never click links or open attachments unless you’re sure who it’s from.

You can hover over (not click) the link with your mouse to see where it really goes.

5. They ask for personal details

No real company will ask you to:

  • Share your password

  • Send your bank details

  • Confirm your identity by clicking a form

What To Do If You're Unsure

Even if something feels off, don’t panic. Instead:

1. Don’t click.

2. Check with the company directly by visiting their official website (not through the email).

3. Report it. Most email platforms have a “Report phishing” or “Mark as scam” option.

4. Delete it.

Real-Life Example

Here’s a simplified version of a scam email I received recently:

From: appleid@secure-login.net
Subject: “URGENT: Your Apple ID is locked”

“Your account has been disabled for suspicious activity. Click here to restore access now.”

🔎 What gave it away:

  • The email address wasn’t from @apple.com

  • No personal name — just “Dear customer”

  • Urgent tone and a weird link

Want Even More Protection?

Consider turning on two-factor authentication for your main accounts (like Gmail, Facebook, or your bank). That way, even if someone gets your password, they still can’t log in.

If you’re part of Wealthy Affiliate, check out their lessons on basic online safety — they’re super beginner-friendly and perfect if you want to learn more without feeling overwhelmed.

And Finally…

You don’t have to be an expert to stay safe.
You just need to pause, look, and question before you click.

Have you ever received a scam email that made you hesitate?
Tell me about it in the comments — I’d love to share tips with you.

My website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support my mission to bring you quality content.