Starting a blog isn’t just about sharing your thoughts anymore. These days, a well-planned blog can become a serious source of income for content creators who know what they’re doing. So here is my completely re-done guide for how to start a blog to make money.
However, in the wake of Google’s HCU updates, many bloggers found themselves broke. So these days, it’s imperative to do things the right way and to diversify both traffic and income streams.
The good news is that becoming a professional blogger is more achievable than ever. From affiliate programs to digital products, there are multiple revenue streams you can tap into with your own blog.
Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or dreaming of becoming a full-time blogger, this step-by-step guide will help. We’ll cover everything from choosing the best blogging platform to setting up your first affiliate links.
The best part about blogging is that you don’t need to be a tech expert to start. With the right hosting plan and some good content management system choices, even beginner bloggers can create something amazing.
Let’s explore how you can turn your blog idea into a real business model. We’ll show you the simplest way to start your blogging journey and build passive income streams.
How to Start a Blog
1. Choose a blog niche
Choosing your blog’s niche is a crucial first step for new bloggers. Think about topics you’re passionate about and could write about for years without getting bored.
A specific topic helps you attract the right readers and makes monetization easier. For example, a food blog can make money through recipe books, cooking classes, and kitchen product recommendations.
The best way to pick your niche is to find the sweet spot between your interests and market demand. Look for topics where you can help solve problems while building multiple revenue streams through blog content and digital products.
2. Pick a blog name
Your blog name is often the first thing people notice about your online business. Keep it simple, memorable, and related to your specific topic.
For new bloggers, using your personal name can work well for building a brand. However, if you’re planning to sell your blog in the long run, a topic-based name might be a better way to go.
Before settling on a name, check that the domain is available and that you can use it across all social media accounts. This saves headaches later when building your blog’s presence online. Also, even if the URL is available, double check the US Trademark Office to make sure someone hasn’t already registered that brand name.
It’s free and easy to do that quick check.
3. Register your domain name
Registering your domain name separately from your web host gives you more control over your blog. You can easily switch hosting companies without the hassle of domain transfer issues.
For beginner bloggers, NameCheap offers the easiest way to secure a domain. Their customer service is excellent, and they provide free privacy protection that other companies charge extra for.
Keep your domain name short and easy to type. Most professional bloggers choose .com domains since they’re the most recognized and trusted by readers in the long run.
CLICK HERE to get your blog name registered with NameCheap.
4. Choose a blogging platform (WordPress vs. others)
While platforms like Wix and Squarespace are popular, professional bloggers typically choose WordPress.org or build their own sites from scratch. WordPress.org gives you complete control over your content management system and revenue streams.
Don’t confuse WordPress.org with WordPress.com. The .org version, installed through your web host, offers the best blogging platform for serious business owners. It gives you full access to WordPress plugins and complete ownership of your blog content.
Free blogging platforms might seem tempting at first, but they limit your earning potential. A self-hosted WordPress blog provides the flexibility and tools you need to build a profitable online business.
5. Select a web hosting provider
Your web host is like a home for your blog on the internet. Just as you pay rent for an apartment, you’ll pay a hosting company to store your blog’s files and make them available to readers.
Popular hosting providers include Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator, but WIX stands out for beginner bloggers. Their simple control panel and fast setup process make the technical side less scary for first-time website owners.
When choosing your hosting plan, consider factors like speed, uptime, and customer service. WIX excels in all these areas, offering 99.9% uptime, quick load speeds, and 24/7 support at competitive prices. This makes them the best choice to start your blogging journey without getting overwhelmed by technical details.
CLICK HERE to get your blog started with WIX.
6. Set up your blog on WordPress
Setting up your self-hosted WordPress blog might seem tricky, but it’s simpler than you think. Each web host has their own system, but the basic steps remain similar. Here’s what you’ll typically need to do:
• Log into your hosting control panel – Use the login details your hosting company sent after purchase to access your account.
• Find the WordPress installer – Look for “WordPress” or “Content Management Systems” in your hosting dashboard. Most hosts use Softaculous or similar one-click installers.
• Choose your installation settings – Select your domain name, pick an admin username (not “admin”), and create a strong password. Skip any extra plugins offered during setup.
• Install WordPress – Click the install button and wait a few minutes. Your web host will create all the necessary blog pages and files.
• Access your dashboard – Log into your new WordPress site by adding “/wp-admin” to your domain name. This is your control center for creating blog content.
• Pick a theme – Install a WordPress theme to control how your blog looks. Start with a free one until you know what features you need.
This setup process is a crucial step for new bloggers starting their first blog. Take your time and save all your login details somewhere safe.
Designing Your Blog
A well-designed blog is key to attracting and keeping visitors. Here are the steps involved:
1. Choose a blog theme (free vs. paid themes)
While free WordPress themes might seem tempting for beginner bloggers, they often lack essential features and updates needed for a professional blog. Most paid themes require yearly renewals that can add up over time.
For new bloggers looking to create blog content that loads fast and ranks well, theme speed matters more than fancy designs. Simple themes typically perform better in search results and keep readers on your blog pages longer.
That’s why the Acabado theme from Income School stands out as my favorite way to set up your blog for success. Unlike other premium themes that charge annual fees, Acabado offers a one-time payment with lifetime updates and support.
Acabado is built for speed and simplicity, two crucial factors for successful content creators. Its clean design works well for any blog niche, and you won’t need to worry about complex customizations or slow loading times.
This theme gives business owners everything they need without the recurring costs. With Acabado, you can focus on creating content instead of dealing with technical issues or annual renewals.
CLICK HERE to check out Acabado on the Income School site.
2. Customizing your blog’s layout
Your blog’s layout should focus on what professional bloggers know works best: simplicity and readability. A clean design with black text on a white background makes your blog content easy to read on any device.
Avoid super-colorful fonts or backgrounds and by all means avoid funky, handwritten fonts for everything except possibly your logo.
Think about mobile users first. Keep your sidebar minimal, use plenty of white space, and make your text large enough to read without zooming. Most content creators find 16-18px font size works well.
Since each WordPress theme is different, search for YouTube videos about customizing your specific theme. These step-by-step guides can help you create the perfect layout without breaking your site.
3. Must-have pages (About, Contact, etc.)
Every professional blog needs specific pages beyond just blog posts. Your About page introduces you to readers and builds trust, while your Contact page lets them reach you for customer service or collaboration.
Privacy Policy and Affiliate Disclosure pages are crucial if you’ll use affiliate products or collect user data. New bloggers often forget these legal pages, but they protect your business model in the long run.
Create a Start Here page to guide first-time visitors through your best content. This helps readers find value quickly and shows you’re a credible source in your blog’s niche.
And by all means link to all social accounts that you have to prove you are a real person.
4. Google’s EEAT and what you must know
EEAT stands for Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust. It’s how Google judges whether your blog content is worth showing to readers. Think of it as Google’s way of checking if you really know what you’re talking about.
For new bloggers, building EEAT starts with showing real experience in your blog’s niche. Share personal stories and specific examples that prove you’ve actually done what you’re writing about. Professional bloggers know that detailed, helpful content always beats generic advice.
Create an impressive About page that highlights your background and expertise. Link to your social media accounts and list any relevant certifications or training. Business owners should also include contact information and professional photos.
The right way to build trust is by creating detailed, accurate content that helps people.
When you write about affiliate products or share step-by-step guides, include your personal experience with them. This shows readers that you’re writing from real knowledge, not just copying others.
5. Mobile-friendly and responsive design
Most WordPress themes today are already mobile-friendly. However, new bloggers should regularly check their blog pages on a phone to ensure everything looks right.
Keep your themes updated as these updates often include mobile improvements. It’s also a good practice to check your blog’s mobile layout whenever you add new plugins, as they could conflict with your theme’s responsive design.
6. Essential plugins to install
Start with just a few essential WordPress plugins for your blog. Keep your total under 10 plugins, and never add one that hasn’t been updated within the last 8 weeks.
RankMath SEO
This plugin helps search engines understand your blog content better. It guides you in optimizing your posts and pages for better search rankings, making it easier for readers to find your content.
LinkWhisper
Internal linking helps readers (and Google) discover more of your content. LinkWhisper automatically suggests relevant posts to link to as you write, saving HUGE amounts of time and improving your site structure.
CLICK HERE to get started with LinkWhisper
WP Rocket
Site speed affects both rankings and reader experience. WP Rocket speeds up your blog by caching pages and optimizing images, which keeps readers from leaving due to slow load times.
Google Analytics
You’ll need this to track your blog’s traffic.
Many themes include a spot for your GA code, but if yours doesn’t, install a Google Analytics plugin, such as GA Google Analytics.
Be careful not to add the tracking code in multiple places, as this will create duplicate data and inflate your traffic numbers.
SEO-Optimized Keyword Research
Doing deep keyword research is key to making your blog posts better and getting higher in search rankings.
There are many SEO tools, both free and paid, to pick from. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush help find good keywords, see what others are doing, and plan your content smartly.
When you’re keyword researching, it’s important to look at what others are doing.
This helps you find areas where you can stand out and connect with your audience better. By understanding your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses, you can make your content more effective. This can help you get better search results and be more visible online.
What are the top SEO tools?
In a recent article, I break down the top 39 SEO tools available today and give comprehensive analysis for each and also note which are free and which are paid. Just click that link to read it on my site.
My top pick for SEO Tool?
RankIQ – My number one SEO tool for over 2 years now.
RankIQ is a powerful SEO tool designed specifically for bloggers. It offers a curated library of low-competition keywords that have high traffic potential, taking the guesswork out of keyword research.
Unlike traditional SEO tools, RankIQ provides specific word count goals and optimization tips for each keyword. This helps new bloggers create content that has a better chance of ranking on Google. The tool analyzes top-performing content and shows you exactly what to include in your posts.
At $49 per month (currently 50% off the regular $99 price), it’s an investment that can save hours of research time. While it doesn’t cover every niche, RankIQ excels at helping bloggers find profitable topics they can actually rank for.
CLICK HERE to get started with RankIQ
Writing Your First Blog Post
Creating engaging content is key to grabbing your audience’s attention. Start by brainstorming blog post ideas to develop a strategy that speaks to your audience. This means understanding what your audience wants and needs and making content that meets those needs.
Doing keyword research and knowing SEO basics helps your blog post show up in search results. Find relevant keywords, like content creation, and use them naturally in your post. This boosts your post’s chances of ranking well in search engines.
When organizing your blog post, it’s important to craft engaging headlines that grab readers’ interest. Use action verbs, questions, or statements that spark curiosity. Also, use subheadings and bullet points to make your content easier to read.
- Start with a clear introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the post
- Use subheadings and bullet points to break up the content
- Create engaging headlines that capture your readers’ attention
- Optimize your blog post with relevant keywords, such as blog post ideas and SEO basics
What is searcher intent?
Searcher intent simply refers to the reason behind why someone is typing their query into Google. If you don’t understand their intent, your article may not address their query, and probably won’t rank well.
When you are looking for search terms (sometimes called keywords or keyword phrases) to write about, sometimes you find something that seems like a no-brainer.
But then you write the post and no one comes to it. What went wrong?
Well, it could be a few things, like maybe the top-ranking posts were from Time Magazine or Huff Post. Or maybe you wrote an article about heart attack prevention but you have no expertise in the medical field (more on that below).
BUT, one other possibility is you found a keyword phrase that seemed like it would get a lot of traffic, but you didn’t quite understand the person most likely to search that phrase and what they were looking for.
That is called, most commonly, user intent. And misjudging user intent can easily tank an otherwise well-written article.
For example, you could write a post targeting the phrase “Amazon Associates”, but if most people searching for that term are simply looking for Amazon’s login page, even if you rank initially for that term, no one is likely to click your article; they just want the Amazon page.
Without many clicks, or if people do click but instantly hit the back button, those are clear signs to Google that you aren’t providing their users with what they were looking for.
When that happens, Google will bury your article deep on page 13 and you’ll never get traffic.
So, begin, as Stephen Covey says, with the end in mind. In other words, think about who is likely searching that terms and what they are really looking for. I would never write an article targeting Amazon Associates.
But I might write one targeting the phrase “amazon associates conversion rate” which is clearly intended for other bloggers wanting to know what a good conversion rate is for clicks to purchases using the Amazon Associates program.
So as much as possible, focus on targeting keyword phrases that are 4 or more words, as it’s much easier to gauge user intent than 1 and 2-word phrases.
How Long Does It Take to Get Traffic from Google?
Getting traffic from Google takes time, effort, and a good content marketing plan. But for a new blog, expect it to take 6-9 months for your articles to start showing up on page 1 of Google for your chosen keyword phrases.
Search engine algorithms change often. So, it’s key to make content that’s valuable and interesting to your audience.
In the beginning, don’t focus on traffic, analytics, monetization, or fancy website designs.
All of that is meaningless if no one is looking at your site. Focus 99% of your time on SEO, keyword research, and writing as many articles a week as you can while still making sure they are well-written, unique, and as helpful to the reader as possible.
What is Google’s HCU Update and How Did It Impact Bloggers?
Google’s Helpful Content Updates (HCU) in September 2023 and March 2024 dramatically changed how many professional bloggers earn money. These updates aimed to show more helpful, experience-based content in search results.
Many content creators who relied solely on Google for traffic saw their revenue streams drop significantly. For example, while I have since gained some of it back, and made significant gains from Pinterest, initially, I lost about 75% of my traffic.
The updates favored content from sites like Reddit, where real people share first-hand experiences, over traditional blog posts. And it’s worth noting that Google and Reddit have a financial arrangement too.
New bloggers need to focus on creating authentic, experience-based blog content rather than just researching and rewriting what others have said. The best way forward is to write about topics you genuinely know about or are actively learning.
For beginner bloggers, this means picking your blog’s niche carefully and focusing on areas where you have real expertise. But also look for search results that DON’T feature Reddit, Quora, or other user generated content (UGC) in the top rankings (but also don’t try and compete against super well-known sites either).
The ideal keyword phrases to target (for new bloggers) would be ones where the top results are other blog sites but not gigantic ones.
Smart business owners are now diversifying their traffic sources beyond Google, using platforms like Pinterest and building email lists to protect their passive income streams.
Promoting Your Blog Outside of Google
Google is a big source of traffic, but it’s not the only one.
To grow your audience and keep them engaged, you need to reach out beyond search engines. Using social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can work but require a lot of time, posting multiple times a day, and being consistent.
TikTok and/or YouTube can also work.
Why Pinterest is my favorite way to get traffic
Pinterest offers a unique advantage for new bloggers seeking traffic. Unlike Google’s recent updates that have hurt many blogs, Pinterest remains a stable and growing platform for reaching readers.
The platform works differently than traditional social media, functioning more like a visual search engine. Your pins can continue driving traffic for months or even years after posting, unlike social media posts that disappear quickly.
I saw my Pinterest views grow from 67,000 to 1.3 million in just 12 months. While it takes 3-6 months to see significant results, Pinterest offers a reliable way to build traffic without competing against Reddit posts in Google search results.
Want to know EXACTLY how I drive blog traffic from Pinterest? Just click that link to read my article right here on this site.
Benefits of Blogger Networking
Connecting with other bloggers and joining online communities has many perks. It helps you build relationships, stay in the loop with industry news, and get more people to visit your blog. Some key benefits include:
- More people seeing your blog
- Chances to work together and write guest posts
- Getting tips and advice from seasoned bloggers
Building an Email List
Starting a loyal audience and making money from your blog can be done with an email list. This is key to talking directly to your readers. Offer great content like e-books or courses to attract subscribers to your email list.
To get people to subscribe, think about making lead magnets like a free checklist, PDF, or cheat sheet.
This will help grow your subscriber list and get more people involved with your blog. A good email marketing plan is vital for keeping your subscribers engaged, sharing your content, and making sales.
- Offering exclusive content or discounts to subscribers
- Creating engaging opt-in forms on your blog
- Utilizing social media platforms to promote your email list
- Don’t emailt too often or too infrequently (1-2 emails a week is usually about right)
Focus on building a strong email list and use a solid email marketing strategy. This will help you build a loyal audience and make money from your blog. Always keep an eye on your subscriber growth and tweak your plan to get the best results.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is who I use for my email list.
While they aren’t the cheapest, they are the best and most widely used by pro bloggers. So if you plan to do this for a living, they are by far the best choice.
And the good news is you pay based on how many subscribers you have, so you only pay for what you use.
CLICK HERE to get started with Kit
Link Building
Link building is key for any SEO strategy. It boosts search rankings, drives traffic, and makes your blog a niche leader. Quality content that gets links from trusted sites boosts your online presence and trustworthiness.
Getting backlinks is a big part of link building. These are links from other sites to yours. They show search engines your blog is reliable and valuable.
What are backlinks and do they still matter?
Backlinks are when another site links to a post (or page or homepage) on your site.
They remain a crucial SEO factor. Getting quality backlinks from respected sites can boost your rankings and traffic.
Ideally, you want sites with a MOZ domain authority of at least 20, and ideally ones with better traffic than yours.
Avoid backlinks from low DA and/or zero traffic websites, or any website that looks spammy.
Guest blogging
Guest blogging is a popular link building tactic. It involves writing for other blogs. This builds relationships, drives traffic, and boosts rankings. Here are its benefits:
- Builds relationships with other bloggers and industry leaders
- Drives traffic to your blog
- Improves your search engine rankings
- Establishes your authority and credibility in your niche
Just look on your favorite websites in your niche and see if they mention guest blogging (sometimes called guest posting). If not, go to their contact page and email them mentioning your site and your credentials.
Expect to reach out about 10 times for every one that says yes.
Link building is essential for SEO. It boosts visibility, drives traffic, and establishes authority. Focus on quality backlinks and guest blogging to build relationships and drive traffic.
Monetizing Your Blog
After you’ve built a loyal audience and made your blog a trusted source, it’s time to explore blog monetization strategies.
This can be both exciting and rewarding, turning your passion into profit. First, focus on building traffic, as it’s the base for making money.
There are many ways to make money from your blog. Here are my top picks:
Ad Networks
Ad networks like Ezoic (requires 10,000+ monthly pageviews) and Mediavine (requires 50,000+ monthly sessions) offer much higher earnings than basic Google AdSense.
Most bloggers earn $15-40 per 1,000 pageviews with premium ad networks, compared to $2-5 with AdSense. Focus on building quality traffic first, as the better the ad network the more strict the requirements.
Affiliate Marketing
Earn commissions by recommending products to your readers.
Top networks include Amazon Associates (1-10% commission but 3-4% is the average), ShareASale (varies by merchant, often 5-30%), and Impact (up to 50% for software products).
Focus on products you actually use and can authentically recommend. Most successful affiliate marketers earn $1-3 per click with conversion rates around 2-3%.
I do a LOT of affiliate marketing with Pinterest!
Want to know what I do and how I do it? Just click this link on my Pinterest affiliate marketing strategy to see all the steps right here on my site.
Email Marketing
Your email list is often your most valuable asset.
Offer a free lead magnet to build your list, then monetize through product recommendations, digital products, or sponsored newsletters. Average earnings range from $1-2 per subscriber per month with engaged lists.
I went into greater detail above, so scroll back up if needed.
Paid Memberships
Create exclusive content, courses, or communities behind a paywall.
Monthly memberships typically range from $5-50, with successful blogs retaining 100-500 members. Focus on providing consistent value to minimize cancellations.
Sponsored Content
Work directly with brands to create sponsored posts or reviews.
Most bloggers charge $200-1000 per post based on their traffic and niche. Build genuine relationships with brands that align with your audience’s interests.
Always disclose sponsored relationships to maintain trust.
Measuring Your Blog’s Success
To see how well your blog is doing, it’s key to track important metrics.
Google Analytics gives you insights into your blog’s traffic, engagement, and how well it converts. By watching these numbers, you can spot what needs work and make your content better. This can help your blog get more views and make more money.
Important metrics include page views, bounce rate, and how long people stay on your site.
To boost your blog, use Google Search Console to check your site’s traffic, see what keywords you are getting impressions for (people seeing your articles) but not clicks, and find ways to get better.
You can also manually fetch your articles to ensure Google is indexing them (you’d be surprised how often they don’t).
By always checking how your blog is doing and tweaking as needed, you can get more people to see and engage with your blog.
Advanced Blogging Tips
As you keep blogging, think about using advanced strategies to boost your site.
Use content marketing to turn your top content into videos or infographics. This way, you can reach more people. Also, create gated content like special reports or e-books to grow your email list and help leads.
Work on a detailed SEO strategy to get more visibility online. Find the right keywords with tools and make your content better. Try guest posting on other blogs to get backlinks and make your site more trusted.
Final Thoughts
Starting your own blog can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s worth it in the long run. Whether you choose to sell physical products or focus on blog content, there are plenty of ways to make money online.
Remember that success won’t happen overnight for new bloggers. Your first year might be focused more on building blog pages and growing your social media accounts than making much money.
A self-hosted WordPress blog gives you the freedom to explore different revenue streams. From selling ad space to promoting affiliate products, you’ll find the right place for your talents.
The crucial step is picking a specific topic and sticking with it. Your blog’s niche matters more than having the fanciest WordPress plugins or the most expensive web host.
Keep creating quality content, engage with your readers through good customer service, and stay patient. With dedication and the right business model, your personal blog can grow from a simple side project into a successful online business.