How to Start a Travel Blog | A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey there, fellow adventurer!

Ready to turn your love for travel into captivating stories and set off on a digital adventure? Well, get your travel-loving spirit ready because I've got a treat for you – a step-by-step guide on how to start a travel blog!

So, let's dive right in and make your own travel blog dreams a reality. Ready to roll? 🌍 ✈️ 📸

How to Start a Travel Blog with Dorik

First and foremost, kudos to your travel-loving spirit for finding your way here to boost your online presence on your journey of exploration.

Starting your own blog requires some essential steps. And when it comes to the travel blogging niche, a particular set of tips and tricks come into play. After all, a well-crafted travel blog isn't just a means of sharing your adventures—it's a potential revenue generator, too.

I bet after following this article, you won't need any travel blogging course. So, let's get started building a successful travel blog together!

Step 1: Select a Name for Your Travel Blog and Purchase a Domain

Find a unique and engaging name for your travel blog and check it in any domain provider software to see if it is available or not. Make sure your chosen travel blog name and domain name are the same. 

Choosing your blog name is not as easy as it sounds. But fear not; there are techniques to make this easier. For example, try finding a word that resonates with your niche and appeals to your target audience.

To make your way easy, you can look for a Blog name generator or learn how to choose a domain name.

Tips: Check domain privacy protection to secure your personal information.

Step 2: Hosting

According to Never Ending Foot 95% of travel bloggers don't know what hosting is. But it is somewhat necessary to know what it is as a blogger. 

So, What is web Hosting? 

Web hosting means renting server space to connect files and data to a website. It's more like you are about to build a home, so first of all, you need land to build your home. So, here the land is your web hosting.

💡 How to Host a Website | An Ultimate Guide to Start Your Online Presence 

Numerous web hosting providers are available who sell hosting plans and provide various facilities. But would it not be more excellent if you got the land (I mean hosting plan) for free? Just build your home (website with domain) at will. 

Yes, I know such a website builder allows you to create a website with your own custom domain without paying for hosting. And that is Dorik. 

Besides Dorik, many other platforms offer free hosting (e.g., GitHub and Google Cloud). 

Step 3: Sign Up to Dorik

Let's start building your travel blog with Dorik, as it is one of the best blogging platforms. On top of that, it offers free hosting, 80+ beautiful templates, 250+ stunning UI blocks, and 20+ elements. Or you can choose AI website builder to automate your processes.

Creating an account on Dorik is just a few seconds task, as it doesn't require a card. Want to try it with me? Then–

Hooray, we are in! See, it's that easy! 

Step 4: Select a Travel Blog Template

After completing the sign-up process, you will be routed to the Dorik Dashboard.

Now click on Create New Site/Create New CMS Site button and you will be presented with various professionally designed templates with a Template Category list. Here, you can choose one or multiple categories.

For a travel blog, I am selecting the TravelStory - Blog Template. 

Do you know you can preview the whole template website by clicking the "Preview– 👁️" button? Go and try it out. And if you are satisfied with your selection, click the "Select– ➕" button to proceed.

Once you have selected your desired template, a pop-up box will open, allowing you to provide a title for your Site Name and a default Domain for your website. After inputting the data, tap the Create button and start building your website.

N:B: Please note that if you use the free version of Dorik, your site's URL will have the ".dcms.site" extension by default. That's because it'll be published as a subdomain of Dorik.

Step 5: Learn Your Dorik Dashboard

Before diving into the website-building process, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the basics of the Dorik CMS (Content Management System) and website builder. As you are building your travel blog with Dorik, Learn how the Dorik dashboard works. 

After Tapping on the Create button, it will direct you to your Dorik CMS Dashboard. From where you can Launch and Customize your website.

Before organizing your travel blog, get familiar with-

1. Dorik CMS basics and Dorik website builder basics, and then Launch the builder. 

2. You can upgrade your plan anytime from the Upgrade Now button. 

3. The Content part allows you to write, edit, and arrange blog Posts and Categories. 

4. The Style & Settings section holds the key elements of your website's appearance and configuration. 

- The Design & Pages allows you to customize your website interface.  

5. You can add members to your website to work together with Team Members.

- Custom Domain allows you to add your customized travel blog domain name related to your travel blog name. Adding a custom domain requires some steps that you will get from this tutorial:

- The Settings are about some SEO settings of your website. We will talk about it later in this blog, so keep reading. 

- The Dorik Membership feature is a fantastic source for you to earn money. 

💡 Learn about the Dorik Membership feature and other ins and outs of it. 

- The Collection is another amazing feature you will get in Dorik. It will help you organize your website efficiently and in a sophisticated way. To manage travel blogging with the Dorik collection feature, read the following blog, 

💡How to Use Dorik Collections: The Ultimate Guide

By now, these explanations and guidelines should have provided you with a solid understanding of your chosen website builder's dashboard. It's much easier to navigate and less complex than a WordPress dashboard.

Step 6: Customize Your Site

Once you Launch the Builder or tap on the Design & Pages, it will direct you to the website template that awaits your creative touch. The magic happens here – transforming your ideas into a captivating travel blog.

Choose colors and fonts that complement your vision. You know your style, and I'll guide you through the rest.

Let's move to the essential pages and elements that your travel blog needs. Follow my lead as we curate an experience that speaks volumes.

Start strong by adding a distinctive logo to your template. Your logo speaks volumes in silence, embodying your travel blog's essence. 

Add social media links to invite your audience to join your social media platforms. Elevate brand authority and expand your network, all in one step.

Step 7: Set-Up Pages

Travel blogging requires some must-have pages to consider adding to your website. And here, I am going to elaborate on those pages one by one that will improve your website visibility. 

So, at the very first step, the front view of your website is your homepage. Add a touch of flair to your homepage by including a warm welcome note. Elevate it with H1 and H2 tags that set the stage. And let your journey unfold with a succinct yet impactful slogan. Read the following guide, where I have elaborated every single corner of a homepage to customize-

💡 How to Create a Homepage: Step-by-Step Guide

Next, Elevate your web presence. Simplify and enhance by creating a dedicated blog page where your stories take center stage. And start publishing your first blog post.

Besides Blog pages, add an About Me Page to let your readers know you. Get some About Me page ideas from the following examples,

💡 32 Inspiring About Us Page Examples

A contact page is also required if you want your prospects and collaborators to reach you with proposals. Creating a contact page in your travel blog will develop better communication and engagement with your audience and potential collaborators.

Lastly, add an Image Gallery where you can showcase your aesthetic travel pictures to make your travel blog more lucrative.

You might come across pages that haven't been included in your template. In such a scenario, simply add a new page and begin customizing it. No need to worry about starting from scratch. You'll have access to over 250+ pre-built stunning UI blocks and 20+ elements that you can effortlessly drag and drop to create your pages.

Adding these pages to your travel blog will give you a complete touch that anyone who visits and will get an intuitive interface to navigate. 

Step 8: Publish Your Blog

Once you have completed your editing, it's time to publish your website live. So before tapping on the "Publish" button, do not forget to Save your edits.

After publishing the travel blog, tap the upward arrow icon beside the Publish button to see how the live version looks.

Hurray, you did it!  

Step 9: Promote Your Travel blog to Get an Audience

Once your travel blog is polished and ready, it's time to put it out there for the world to see. 

Don't stop at just publishing it—promote it as well. Do social media and email marketing, and let your network know. 

For travel blogs, use Instagram and Pinterest to promote your blog and grab your target audience's attention. 

This way, you're not just creating a great blog but also ensuring that people notice and appreciate your journey.

Learn more about promoting a website from the following article, 

💡 How to Promote Your Website Like a Pro: 10 Tips and Strategies for Success

Step 10: Track Website Metrics

Stay informed about your website's performance by tracking key metrics. This helps you understand your audience, content effectiveness, and overall growth. 

A great tool for this is Google Analytics, which provides in-depth insights into visitor behavior, traffic sources, and more.

You can add a Google analytics tool to your Dorik website to track more seamlessly.

Thank me later. 😉

How to Make Money From Travel Blog

Making money from your travel blogs is feasible, provided you employ effective monetization strategies. And here's the kicker – you can easily monetize your dorik website. So, let's get straight to the point and explore these strategies to turn your travel blogging into money blogging!

Affiliate Marketing: As a travel blogger, you can affiliate with travel firms, booking platforms, and product providers. Promoting their services or products will help you in making money.

Moreover, here's a nifty twist: Dorik empowers you to be their affiliate, potentially earning up to a generous 40% commission.

Sponsored Content: Collaborate with other bloggers and write sponsored posts for them. As a travel blogger, you can collaborate with travel brands, hotels, airlines, and tourism boards. Review them with their features and facilities. 

Display Ads: After getting a wide range of audience, you can apply for display ads. Google AdSense is most popular for display ads. Ensure you've set aside prime real estate – think 300x250 sized banners – to showcase these ads on your web pages.

Ask for Donations: For travel blogging, you can ask for donations from your visitors to encourage you to travel more and share more information. Like econGully did.

You can also set up a Support page on your website to attract visitors to your contribution page and encourage them to support your journey.

Premium Gated Content: You can write content only for your paid members in Dorik. Those who paid to be members of your website can only read the whole travel article on your website. So, implement a membership feature in your travel blogs and write articles full of suspense.

These are just a few of the many avenues you can explore to monetize your website. From hosting tours and selling merchandise to offering consulting services, press trips, and sponsored trips, the possibilities are diverse and waiting to be explored. 

Travel Blogging Tips

Basic steps are common to everyone, but exclusive travel tips can take your travel blogging journey to the next level. Yes, We are going to uncover some travel blogging tips.

Learn SEO Basics

Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for your travel blog. It helps to rank higher in Google SERPs and attract potential audiences. 

Choose a site builder with built-in SEO features, such as meta tags, descriptions, and site maps, to assist you in optimizing your website for search engines.  

Did we mention that Dorik websites are best for SEO? Because it really is.

If you want to learn more about SEO FAQs, read the following Blog,

💡 60+ Top SEO FAQs

Manage Content

For a successful travel blog website, effective content management is paramount. Don't just write and post articles haphazardly—research keywords for great topics and create quality content.

But that's not all. Write according to your keywords. Also, keep an eye on how well your keywords attract readers.

With this approach, your travel blogs will shine and connect better with your audience.

Arrange High-Quality Images and Graphics

Take your blog to the next level with fantastic pictures and appealing graphics. Not only can you use them in your blogs, but you can also post SEO-optimized graphics to your website gallery for visual appeal. 

When your posts are visually appealing, they catch people's eyes and make your travel website more enjoyable. 

Imagine flipping through a colorful travel magazine – it's kind of like that, but online!

Network and collaborate with other travel bloggers

Don't go it alone – connect with fellow travel bloggers. Collaborating with the travel blogging community is like combining your strengths for a more enormous impact. 

You expose your content to fresh eyes and diverse perspectives by teaming up. It's like adding new colors to your blog's palette and reaching a wider audience. 

Collaborations can lead to exciting opportunities and a more prosperous, engaging blog.

What Equipment Do You Need to Start a Travel Blog?

Launching a travel blog will require equipment like a camera, phone, tripod, gimbal, and photo editing software. 

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Travel Blog?

Starting a travel blog requires just a few dollars per month. 

If you start building your travel website with Dorik, you can start from free to $3.29/month (Domain cost excluded)

Is It Too Late to Start a Travel Blog in 2023?

Of course not. It's not too late to start a travel blog in 2023. 

The travel world is ever-changing, and people constantly seek fresh perspectives and insights. Bring your unique voice and passion for making your mark in travel blogging.

How to Start a Travel Blog Without Traveling?

To start travel blogging without traveling, you can share insights from past trips, explore your local area, curate others' content, write your first travel blog posts about travel-related topics, conduct interviews, and even use virtual resources to create engaging travel content. 

The key is to bring a fresh perspective and passion to your blog.

Examples of Successful Travel Bloggers in 2023

Here are some examples of successful travel bloggers that can inspire you to be a professional travel blogger. Let's have a look-

1. Let’s Be Merry

"Let's Be Merry," run by Merry Lerner in New York, is a fantastic travel blog. Merry shares her experiences and tips, from gluten-free dining in NYC to hiking in national parks.

The blog covers city guides, travel tips, and personal stories. Merry's writing is engaging, and the photos are stunning.

It's easy to navigate and has something for all travelers. Overall, "Let's Be Merry" is a must-read for travel enthusiasts.

What I liked:

2. Hand Luggage Only

"Hand Luggage Only," is an awesome travel blog led by Rosie Brigden- one of the luxury travel bloggers. With a decade of travel wisdom, Rosie covers city guides, tips, packing, and personal stories.

Engaging writing and captivating photos make the blog post shine. It's easy to navigate, offering a seamless experience.

What I Liked:

3. Camels & Chocolate

"Camels & Chocolate," by Kristin Luna who is a successful blogger. With 15+ years of global exploration, Kristin shares adventures, tips, and Nashville stories.

Since 2007, the blog has been featured in esteemed publications. Kristin's writing has won awards.

"Camels & Chocolate" is a treasure for travel lovers. Engaging writing and stunning photos make it a must-read.

What I liked: 

These are some of the aspiring travel bloggers' examples that can help you motivate and start a travel blog immediately.

Bon Voyage to Your New Adventure

You're now geared up to dive into the world of travel blogging. With a snazzy name, Dorik by your side, and a head full of adventures, you're all set to craft your online journey.

As you hit the blogosphere, remember – every post you write is a new destination, every pic a postcard from your wanderings. So, set sail, share your stories, and make your blog a ticket to exciting horizons.

Ready to Soar? Bon Voyage to Your Next Adventure! 🚀 🌍 📸