So, have you been inspired by Andy's posts on his early success with a brand new website? 

https://digitalmatrixcafe.com/community/pinterest/fitness-site-experiment-one-month-update/

https://digitalmatrixcafe.com/community/pinterest/the-real-way-i-generate-pinterest-traffic-so-quickly/

I certainly have, and to be honest, its been a long time since I got excited about website creation, and have had to remind myself of the basics. But yes, I have started a new site, and set up associated Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram accounts. I will, of course, report back in a month to let you know how it's going!

I thought I would write a few posts that take you back to the beginning, to help you along the way. So, let's start with a few simple thoughts, and in my next post, we will cover Choose Your Platform and Hosting With Long-Term Growth in Mind, including a useful checklist and AI prompt.

Starting a blog feels easy on the surface. You open an account somewhere, pick a niche, and type your first post. But that’s where most beginners stumble. They treat a blog like a casual notebook instead of a long-term home base for their business. 

The result is a half-built site with random posts, no direction, and no chance of being found in search. You’ve probably seen blogs like that—abandoned after a handful of posts, or cluttered with links that don’t match any real purpose. They don’t inspire trust, and they don’t build authority. 

The early stage is where people make the biggest mistakes. Some get stuck choosing a platform because they chase free options that limit growth. Others jump in without comparing hosting or tools, and they end up with technical issues they can’t fix later. 

It’s common to copy what someone else is doing without stopping to ask why it works for them and whether it fits your goals. That shortcut mindset costs time. You lose momentum when you have to backtrack and rebuild. 

Another trap is thinking the content will carry everything by itself. A blog isn’t just about writing articles. It’s a structure that supports your brand. Categories, themes, and design choices shape how people experience your site before they even read a word. If the setup is sloppy, visitors don’t stick around. If you skip the foundation, it doesn’t matter how much you publish later—it won’t have the impact you want. 

Then there’s the pressure of comparison. You look at competitors with polished sites, large followings, and steady traffic. It’s tempting to copy their style or voice, but without research you don’t see the gaps you could fill. Instead of carving out your space, you blend in. That’s why many new bloggers burn out fast. They’re competing on someone else’s terms. 

This first 30-day stage is about slowing down and getting the framework right. It’s the behind-the-scenes work that makes growth possible. You’re not chasing clicks yet. You’re learning the landscape, choosing tools that will support you for years, and setting up a blog that feels intentional from the start. Every step you take here saves you time later and prevents you from making the common mistakes that keep most blogs stuck at the starting line.

So, are you ready to start your own success story?