How to Start a Blog and Make Money in 2024 [plus FREE 7-week blog plan ]

If you are looking for a way to make money from home, blogging is an excellent option. Blogging has the potential to be lucrative if done correctly.

In this blog post I will highlight what it takes to start a successful blog and how to monetize your site so that you can earn money through advertising, affiliate marketing or sponsored posts.

By reading this article you will learn: – The steps needed in order to successfully launch and maintain a profitable blog; – How much time commitment is required on average per day; – The different methods of monetizing your site such as advertising, affiliate marketing and sponsored posts; – How much money bloggers typically make each year.

How to Start a Blog

What you need is amazing guidance to have that first blog on site. Here is a summary of what to do when starting your blog.

1. Get the right blog topic niche.

It is important to go with the niche that works best for you. If you do not know the first step to take, perhaps you can begin with going with a passionate topic – one that is significantly interesting.

Secondly, it would be wise to stick into a niche with a larger target audience. By doing this, you will enjoy your blogging life and have a sustainable amount of readers. When you have your interest, you can assess your competitors.

2. Pick an incredible platform.

With your blog niche, you can begin looking for the best software platform for your blog. Content management sites are limited. The most preferred option is WordPress, a popular technology in the U.S to self-host your blog.

Self-hosting allows you to run your application online with a custom domain and hosting. Also, you are in control of all the content. It does not limit you from posting ads or selling products online. You will have to pay little dollars for the hosting fees and annual domain charges.

If you do not have the money yet, new bloggers can consider using free tools to run your website, such as the Tumblr official site. However, they might have constraining benefits like having sub-domains and stringent rules and policies. You can use these free tools for testing. But for a significant blogging experience, get the required money and purchase valuable domain services.

3. Select a site domain name

4. Get a hosting plan

5. Install WordPress

6. Pick a WordPress theme design

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Your theme design affects the visual look of your blog. There are a variety of theme options out there. If you want to stand out from your competitors, you can consider the premium plans that come with significant support and customization features.

If you want to sell your writing services, you can consider a static-page theme. It will enhance an appealing and professional look for your site – both for potential employers or those who want to read your posts. Always remember to make your blog responsive to support different devices’ sizes.

7. Get WordPress plugins

WordPress comes with different features, not to mention the plugins. Spanning from free and premium plans, there are hundreds of WordPress plugins to assist in the performance of your blog.

With the multiple options, beginner bloggers might get carried away and install every plugin that comes their way – contributing to the slow performance of their sites. It is safer to install the necessary WordPress dependencies. Stay away from misleading online information concerning these different plugins.

8. Set up your Blog and SEO

With the dynamic nature of technology, it is crucial to be among the top online search results. You can achieve that by learning more about SEO. You can probably begin with mastering the SEO basics – something most beginner bloggers miss.

Ensure Google can find your blog by managing your WordPress settings to improve the search engines’ experience. Also, you can create a sitemap that details all the associated files and links for your site.

9. Have a backup software

Before creating your blog content, it is wise to have a backup software solution. Websites are not entirely accurate. You can set aside some dollars for backup platforms like BackupBuddy.

10. Scribble your initial post

Now that you have all the technical requirements ready, you are prepared to write your first blog. Platforms like WordPress have interfaces and customization tools for your written-down thoughts.

11. Promote your blog work and learn Social media

Beginner bloggers also have great content pieces. But it might be tough for online users to know about their existence. You can change this by allocating substantial time to promote your work. And you also become active on social media – Facebook or Pinterest, or leverage online influencers.

12. Have an email subscriber list

Most guru bloggers wish they had a subscriber email list at an earlier stage. You can avoid this mistake by setting an email list while still being a beginner blogger. Consult an email service provider for a strategic starting point.

13. Get passive income

Now that you have a blog, did you know you can generate passive income from it? First, shun using ads on your site. They distract your readers and make your website sketchy. Affiliate marketing might be an effective option for you. Your readers gain information on products from third-party entities, and you earn commissions for the sales.

Conclusion Frankly, having an up and running blog is not for the faint-hearted. It needs effective preparation and strategic plans. If you are a beginner blogger, it is useful to go through this guide and be keen on every laid-out point – to become a master blogger.