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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

One of the biggest hurdles I wish I’d understood early on is the power of preparation. Building a website isn’t just about enthusiasm — it’s about having the right tools in your kit. Whether it’s tutorials, online courses, or just connecting with someone who’s done it before, preparation builds confidence.

Wealthy Affiliate, for example, was a turning point for me — offering step-by-step training, support, and a community that helped me feel far less alone.

Every step you take offers a lesson — even the ones that feel like failures. What I wish I’d known at the start is that failure isn’t a stop sign; it’s a redirection. You learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to pivot ( sometimes, quickly!)

Having a mentor or community changes everything. I spent too long trying to do it all alone. But joining a platform like Wealthy Affiliate gave me access to experienced voices who had made their own mistakes — and were willing to share the shortcuts.

Looking back, I realize just how essential self-care is. Working all the time exhausted me physically and emotionally. Breaks aren’t optional; they’re what keep you going.

Build in downtime and take care of yourself as if you were your own best employee.

Patience isn’t just a virtue — it can be a lifesaver. At first, I felt like I had to keep up with everyone else. But real progress happens when you honour your own pace and trust that slow growth is still growth.

Change is the one constant you can count on. Whether it’s an algorithm shift, a  new tool or a sudden wave of self-doubt, being flexible will keep you afloat. I wish I’d known at the start that you can adjust your path without losing your purpose.

What do you wish you’d known when you started building your website — or what do you wish someone had told you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments, or feel free to share this with someone just starting out. If you’re at the beginning of your own journey, just know: you’re not alone, you can do this.

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.

One of the most common questions I hear from new bloggers is: “What should I blog about?”
It’s a fair question — and one that deserves a thoughtful answer, not a flurry of pressure or strange vocabulary.

If you’re someone who didn’t grow up with digital tools, blogging might feel like stepping onto a moving walkway — everyone else rushing past with polished content and big ideas. But here’s the truth: your quiet, steady voice has value. And the life you’ve lived is filled with more blog content than you realise.

Let’s take this step by step. These four simple paths will help you find blog topics that feel natural, meaningful, and genuinely yours.

Think of it like sitting at the kitchen table with a friend. The details matter less than the feeling behind them.

We tend to underestimate what we know. Hobbies, lifelong interests, even the skills you’ve picked up through necessity — these are rich territory. When you write about what matters to you, your enthusiasm shows (even if you don’t use bold colours or big fonts).

Knitting, gardening, baking, exploring your local area… When readers see that spark in your writing, they’ll be drawn in. And often, they’ll be looking for the same thing you were when you started: a steady hand, clear steps, and a bit of company along the way.  You may be interested in this blog which shows how ordinary stories make rich blog content.  ‘A Cup Of Jo’  

So when the question arises — what should I blog about? — the answer might be sitting quietly in your garden shed or recipe book.

The internet, when used gently, is a window into what people are curious about. Tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or even the search bar on YouTube can help you spot the questions people are already asking.

You don’t need to chase trends or viral ideas. Instead, look for patterns. If people keep searching for “how to start a blog in retirement” or “easy website tips for over-50s,” that’s a signal — and you might be just the right person to answer.

And yes, this is still answering what should I blog about. Because the topics your readers care about most often overlap with your own experience.

One of the most honest sources of blog inspiration? The people reading your blog — even if there are only a handful at first.

Read your comments. Check your emails. Listen to what your readers actually say they’re struggling with. Better still, ask them gently. A one-question poll, a prompt on social media, or even a casual “What would you like to read next?” can open the door to dozens of ideas.

This doesn’t just answer the question what should I blog about — it builds a bridge. You’re turning a monologue into a conversation, and that makes all the difference.

You don’t need to be flashy, fast, or full of answers. You only need to be honest and clear.

Blogging isn’t about impressing strangers. It’s about sharing your view of the world — steadily, thoughtfully, and in a way that helps someone else feel a little less lost. And if you ever catch yourself wondering what should I blog about again, come back to these four quiet signposts. They’re always there.

Have you ever found a blog idea tucked inside an everyday moment — a cup of coffee, a conversation, or even a small tech win? I’d love to hear about it. Share one little moment from your week that made you pause, smile, or learn something new. You never know — it might just inspire your next blog post.