From Blank Page to Published: Getting Your Loop Blog Started Quickly

The hardest part of blogging isn’t the technology… it’s the blank page. Once you get past that first hurdle, writing and publishing your Great Loop stories can be fun, rewarding, and even a little addictive.

Here’s a simple framework to get started:

  1. Pick one post idea: Don’t overthink it. A “first day on the Loop” story, a favorite anchorage, or a funny mishap works perfectly. The key is just to start.

  2. Set a timer: Give yourself 20 to 30 minutes to write a rough draft. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or perfect flow. Just get the story down.

  3. Focus on your audience: Imagine telling your story to a friend who hasn’t been on the Loop. Keep it simple, personal, and relatable. What made the day memorable? What would you want them to know?

  4. Add a photo, map, or visual element: Even one image makes your story come alive and breaks up the text. Screenshots of your route, pictures from the dock, or a snapshot of a sunrise make your post more engaging.

  5. Hit publish: Done is better than perfect. You can always tweak the post later, but momentum builds when you move past that initial “perfect post” mindset.

Choosing Your Platform

Getting a blog live doesn’t have to take months of setup. Some options:

  • Squarespace or Wix: Drag-and-drop ease with built-in templates. Quick to get online and looks professional.

  • WordPress: More flexible for long-term growth, with thousands of themes and plugins. Slightly steeper learning curve.

  • Substack: Great if you want a newsletter-style blog that automatically reaches readers by email.

  • Our Loop Life Website Templates: Specifically designed for Loopers. Pre-built pages, blog sections, and placeholders make it easy to get started quickly and focus on your stories instead of design or coding, plus human support from a Gold Looper (me!) who’s been there. Check the templates out here.

Even if you start on one platform, you can always move your content later. The important thing is to start somewhere.

Pro Tip

If the blank page feels intimidating, start small. Even a few paragraphs or a short anecdote counts. The more you write, the easier it becomes—and each post is a permanent piece of your Loop adventure.


We’d Love to Hear From You!

What’s the first Loop story you want to share on your blog or site? Drop a comment and inspire someone else to start writing today!

 

Want more of what you see here?

If you’re ready for more Great Loop insights, my weekly emails are just what you need!

Each week, you’ll get fresh tips, updates on new blog posts, videos, podcasts, and a chance to catch up on older content you might have missed.

Don’t miss out on practical advice and inspiration for your Loop journey!

Alison Major

Alison Major is an author, experienced sailor, and the founder of Loop Life Academy, dedicated to helping families navigate the adventures of America’s Great Loop. With over a decade of remote work experience leading international technology and software engineering teams, she brings her expertise to the nautical world.

Alison lives full-time aboard a 2005 Beneteau 423, SV Fika, with her husband, Chris, and their two children. She has sailed over 7,000 nautical miles. She writes about remote work, cruising, and family life aboard, sharing practical insights for those embracing a nomadic lifestyle. Her most recent book is Remote Work Afloat. An educator and lifelong learner, she teaches Software Architecture to graduate students and mentors cruisers, providing guidance on life's technical and logistical aspects on the water.

https://looplifeacademy.com
Previous
Previous

3 Things to Do When You Haven't Blogged (or Journaled) in a While

Next
Next

How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Loop Story