Woah! $100,000 a month? AS A BEGINNER? Alex, why are tripping?
I’m sure that is what you are thinking, but hear me out.
I know that figure is a lot and 99% of you reading this will never make that in your first few months of blogging. But it is possible.
Did you notice that I said it is possible? That is because it is. Well, for most people, they will start with $10, maybe, but as time goes on they will make a lot more.
But to even make $1, you need to have a blog.
I have some questions for you.
Do you want to make money by sharing your thoughts and passions online? Blogging can be a fun and profitable way to do just that!
Whether you are into fashion, cooking, or tech, you can start a blog and earn money. This guide will help beginners learn how to make money blogging.
Let’s jump in and explore the steps to start your blogging journey!
1. Choose Your Niche
What is a Niche?
A niche is a specific topic or area you want to focus on in your blog. Picking a niche helps you attract readers who are interested in that particular subject.
How to Choose Your Niche
- Follow Your Passion: Write about something you love. It could be cooking, travel, or tech gadgets.
- Research Demand: Make sure people are searching for information on your topic. Use tools like Google Trends to check the popularity of your niche.
- Check Competition: Look at other blogs in your niche. See what they are doing well and find ways to make your blog unique.
2. Set Up Your Blog
Choose a Blogging Platform
There are many platforms where you can create your blog. Some popular ones include:
- WordPress.org: Great for customization and control.
- Blogger: Easy to use and free.
- Wix: Drag-and-drop builder with beautiful templates.
Get a Domain Name
A domain name is your blog’s address on the internet, like www.yourblogname.com.
Choose a name that is short, catchy, and related to your niche.
However, your name must not always be niche-related. You can go the branded domain way, like I did with Nova Informer (I highly advise that you this this as a niche domain can force you to stick to just that niche, and pivoting to another will just not make sense.)
For example, if my domain is bucketcollectors.com, common sense will dictate that I can only write about bucket collection.
But, with a domain like novaiformer.com, I can write about everything under the sun, including the niche I had initially picked.
Find a Hosting Provider
Hosting is where your blog lives on the internet. Some good hosting providers are:
- Hostinger (I recommend this because I have used it and I loved it. It’s relatively cheap and it does the job well.)
- Bluehost
- SiteGround
- HostGator
Install Your Blogging Platform
If you choose WordPress, most hosting providers offer one-click installations. Follow the instructions to set up your blog.
3. Design Your Blog
Choose a Theme
A theme determines how your blog looks. Many platforms offer free and paid themes. Pick one that is clean and easy to navigate.
Customize Your Blog
Add your logo, choose colors that match your brand, and create important pages like About, Contact, and Privacy Policy.
Add Plugins
Plugins add extra features to your blog. Some useful plugins for beginners are:
- Rank Math: Helps with search engine optimization. Yoast SEO plugin does the same thing.
- Google Analytics: Tracks your blog’s traffic.
- Social Sharing: Makes it easy for readers to share your content.
4. Create Quality Content
Plan Your Content
Make a content calendar to plan what you will write about each week. Consistency is key!
Write Engaging Posts
- Catchy Titles: Grab your reader’s attention with interesting titles.
- Clear Structure: Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to make your posts easy to read.
- Visuals: Add images, videos, and infographics to make your posts more engaging.
Optimize for SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps your blog rank higher on Google. Use keywords naturally in your posts, and make sure to write meta descriptions.
5. Promote Your Blog
Use Social Media
Share your posts on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Join groups related to your niche and engage with your audience.
Email Marketing
Collect emails from your readers and send them updates about new posts.
Use tools like Mailchimp to create email campaigns.
Guest Posting
Write posts for other blogs in your niche. This helps you reach a wider audience and get backlinks to your blog.
6. Monetize Your Blog
Google AdSense
Google AdSense places ads on your blog, and you earn money when readers click on them. Sign up for an account and add the ads to your site.
Adsense pays peanuts compared to its counterpart. You can try getting accepted into Ezoic’s network. It has its pros and cons and I will cover that in another article, soon.
Affiliate Marketing
Promote products related to your niche and earn a commission for each sale made through your link. Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale.
Sponsored Posts
Companies may pay you to write posts about their products. Make sure to disclose these as sponsored content to your readers.
Sell Digital Products
Create and sell your own e-books, courses, or printables. Use platforms like Gumroad or Teachable to sell your products.
Offer Services
Use your blog to promote your services, like freelance writing, coaching, or graphic design.
7. Track Your Progress
Use Analytics
Google Analytics can help you track your blog’s traffic and see which posts are popular. Use this information to create more of what your readers love.
Set Goals
Set monthly or quarterly goals for your blog. Track your progress and adjust your strategies as needed.
Learn and Improve
Always look for ways to improve your blog. Read articles, take courses, and stay updated on blogging trends.
Comparison Table: Monetization Methods
| Monetization Method | Description | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Google AdSense | Earn money from ads on your blog | $0.1 – $5 per click |
| Affiliate Marketing | Earn commission by promoting products | 5% – 50% per sale |
| Sponsored Posts | Get paid to write about products | $50 – $500 per post |
| Sell Digital Products | Create and sell e-books, courses, printables | $10 – $1000+ |
| Offer Services | Promote freelance writing, coaching, design, etc. | $20 – $200 per hour |
Take Note
Starting a blog and making money from it takes time and effort, but it is a rewarding journey.
Follow these steps, stay consistent, and keep learning. Soon, you’ll be able to turn your blog into a successful online business. Happy blogging!
