Want to start a blog and make money working from home?
Today I am going to show you how easy it is to start your own blog that can create some extra income, pay off your debt, and maybe even help you retire early 😉
{This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links at no extra cost to you. Here is my full disclosure policy.}
Skip to the bottom for FREE blogging resources.
I personally use and recommend Bluehost. With my special link you will get a free domain, an SSL certificate (normally costs extra), and 24/7 support. The most basic plan is just $3.95 a month (30 day money back guarantee)!
I started my blog in June 2017 because I was fascinated with the idea of being able to make money from essentially nothing.
My husband has always sold tangible things on Ebay and Amazon (how we sold our way out of debt). But, to be able to sell things such as your ideas or products you don’t even own and get a commission through affiliate marketing blew my mind (still does!).
It took some time for me to get the hang of blogging, but with the right resources I have been able to bring in extra money every single month (sometimes over $1,000!) despite working a full-time job with 2 kids under the age of 5!
Imagine what you could do with just an extra $500 a month!
I want you to know straight up that blogging takes time and work, but once you get the hang of it, not only is it fun, but it can be super profitable.
I love being able to write about food, money and things that I am passionate about that can help people.
Making money while doing it is icing on the cake. So much icing on the cake 🙂
Now let’s get your money making blog started.
CHOOSE YOUR WEBHOSTING
I did a ton of research before starting my blog and the first thing I learned was that I needed to pay for a domain and webhosting.
Yes there are ways to start a blog for free, but if you seriously want to make money blogging, this is a big no-no.
I love saving money just as much as the next gal (or guy), but starting a blog on a free platform means:
1) It’ll be harder to join an advertising network
2) You don’t own your blog
3) The free platform can delete your work, shut down, etc. and there’s nothing you can do about it
4) Lack of web support. What can you expect if you aren’t paying for anything?
Bluehost is a great platform to host your blog because they offer great customer service and are super user-friendly which is a must for newbie and advanced bloggers.
If you aren’t tech-savvy watch this video below for step-by-step instructions on how to get setup with Bluehost.
If you choose to use Bluehost as your web host don’t forget to get cash back from Ebates, which is currently offering an extra $10 off Bluehost web hosting.
If you don’t have a domain name picked out yet, don’t worry you can still set up your web hosting and come back.
PICK A NICHE
Picking a niche is very important. If you’re serious about blogging and want to make money you can’t just write about anything and everything.
I see it all the time. I see bloggers writing about their daily life, what they ate, how they’re feeling.
Unless you’re a celebrity or super famous, people aren’t going to your blog to read about “you” (unless it’s your mom, but even then).
People read blogs when they are looking for answers to questions, recipes, solutions to problems they are having, hacks, tips, etc.
Popular niches that make money:
-Food/Recipes
-Weightloss
-Blogging
-Money
-Fashion
When I started my blog I kept my categories broad so that I could write about all the topics I enjoy. I have since niched down to focus mainly on food, money, and blogging.
Having clearly defined categories will not only help your readers and your SEO (search engine optimization), but it will also increase your traffic which will increase the amount of money you make.
If you want to write about other categories not listed here you most certainly can and I’m not saying you can’t make money writing about your cats. I’m just saying it’ll be significantly harder.
PICK A DOMAIN NAME
Time to pick a name.
This is hard because once you pick a name you can’t change it unless you buy a new domain name.
Do you want a name where people will instantly know what your blog is about, do you want to use your name, or do you want a clever play on words?
Check to see if your domain name is available using this domain availability checker.
There is no right or wrong answer except there are certain things you could keep in mind.
PICK A DOMAIN NAME THAT:
– Isn’t hard to read or spell
– Is short
– Has keywords about your niche (not a must, but it can help if you’re going to be very niche specific)
– Doesn’t have numbers
– People can remember easily
– You research and make sure it isn’t taken or tied to something weird
CREATE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
As soon as you make your domain/brand name official create all your social media accounts.
All of mine have my name as LuckyMojitos. I had to add an “s” because Lucky Mojito was already taken on some of the platforms.
Here is my Pinterest profile link: https://www.pinterest.com/LuckyMojitos
It’s about making it as easy as possible for people to follow and remember you.
Open up a Pinterest business account, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube (I think you need at least 100 subscribers to get a special channel name), Facebook and any other platforms you think you may use.
Even if you don’t think you’re going to use a platform just make one to reserve your name before it gets taken!
PICK A THEME
After you get your web hosting and your web software (I use WordPress which came free with Bluehost) it’s time to pick a theme.
In the beginning I just stuck with a free theme to get the hang of things and see how I liked blogging. I bought my blog theme on Etsy for cheap.
You want a theme that:
– Is user and mobile-friendly
– Has options
– Has colors that work for your brand
– Easy to read fonts
You aren’t stuck with your theme. If after awhile you want to upgrade or change your branding you most certainly can. I just suggest keeping it simple.
IMPORTANT PAGES TO ADD
When starting your blog there are pages you should have on your blog.
ABOUT ME
People connect better if they can see the person behind the words. If you want to be more private you don’t have to put a photo or your real name
Lots of people use an alias or a gravatar.
PRIVACY/DISCLOSURE POLICY
You must must must have this page. Most ad networks won’t accept you unless you have one.
These pages are used to disclose what you do with people’s emails, how you protect their privacy, if you use affiliate links, etc.
WORK WITH ME
If you want to do sponsored posts, video work, or collaborations a work with me page is a great way for people to contact you for rates, see your past work, and know that it is something that you do.
ADDING MAJOR CATEGORIES
I started my blog with a lot of categories.
Over time it was evident that I spent more time on certain categories than others. Things I thought I would be writing about I wasn’t.
If you aren’t sure what niche you want to focus on start with several categories. It’s okay to be broad.
As time progresses look at what you enjoy writing about most and where you are making the most money.
I make money more on my gift guides and financial posts than I do on my DIY posts.
STARTING A MONEY MAKING BLOG IN MINUTES
Starting a blog and getting set up will take you just a few minutes.
I never imagined when I started my blog less than 2 years ago the possibilities and the amount of money one could make just from writing.
I went from making pennies in one whole month to making OVER $1,000 working on my blog just part-time.
If you’re ready to make a difference in your life and make money blogging:
Click this link to get started!
Not sure what to write about leave me a comment and I’ll try my best to help out 🙂
FREE BLOGGING RESOURCES
Join free blogging groups on Facebook
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Video Series: SEO Lessons from 15 Million Pageviews
Free Tailwind trial (automated Pinterest scheduler)
