Starting a blog can seem daunting, but youโ€™re not alone. Its normal to feel overwhelmed by all the info about how to start a blog online and figuring out all this โ€˜AIโ€™ stuff. ๐Ÿ˜ตโ€๐Ÿ’ซ

By the end of this post, youโ€™ll know how to start your own blogโ€“ minus the outdated strategies and technical blah blah. Just the A-Z steps that get the job done.

Letโ€™s dive into nine simple steps to get started.

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What You Need to Get Started

Starting your blog is easier than you think.

  • Pick a niche.
  • Choose a blog name.
  • Pick a blog hosting service.
  • Set up your WordPress blog.
  • Add essential pages.
  • Do some keyword research.
  • Install a few plugins.
  • Write your first blog post.

Easy. Letโ€™s dive in and get your blog up and running.

How to Start a Blog in 2025

Blogging is more than just writing content. Before you begin, you need to figure out a few things, like picking a good niche and choosing a memorable name.

Step 1: Choose a Niche and Blog Name

Alright, letโ€™s kick things off by finding your blogโ€™s niche.

The secret to a successful blog is picking a trending niche you know well. Jot down your passions and areas of expertise.

Try to narrow it down to just one topic. This way, you can become the go-to person for that topic, known as โ€˜topical authority,โ€™ which is super important when trying to grow traffic.

Next, see if others are interested in your topic. You donโ€™t want to write about something only you and your bestie care about.

Use tools like Google Trends to check if your topic is hot and people are searching for it.

Once you have a niche, brainstorm catchy blog names that hint at your blogโ€™s theme. Try to make it memorable and short.

free ai blog name generator tool
Use AI to come up with cool blog names.

To make it easier, you can use my FREE Blog Name Generator. I made it myself, and itโ€™s super easy to use.

If thatโ€™s not enough, pop this prompt into ChatGPT, and it will give you more cool ideas for your blog name.

prompt for blog names
ChatGPT blog names prompt

And there you have it, your first steps in knowing how to start a blog ๐Ÿ™Œ

Step 2: Get Domain and Hosting

Next, choose a domain and hosting provider. Your domain is your blogโ€™s online address, while your hosting is the computer where your blog is saved on the Internet.

Selecting a reliable web hosting company is important. Do your research, and donโ€™t just go with the cheapest option.

example domain name

Find a blog hosting plan that offers both domain and hosting services.

Itโ€™s easier to use the same provider for both, and usually, theyโ€™ll offer a free domain with your hosting plan. ๐Ÿค‘

I recommend WPX. They host all my sites. Theyโ€™re reliable, super fast, and have top-notch customer support.

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Bluehost is another option. They are beginner-friendly and have good customer service.

SPEED IS KEY

Choose a host with XCDN and dedicated hosting. Your blog loading speed is important!

Use WordPress as your blogging platformโ€ผ๏ธ Youโ€™ll have full control of your blog posts and tons of flexibility.

Trust me, itโ€™s WordPress or nothing for your blog if youโ€™re serious about content and monetization.

Find a hosting plan that fits your budget and has fast load times, SSL security, firewalls, and solid customer support.

Step 3: Install WordPress

Don’t worry; this isn’t technical at all. Most hosting providers offer one-click installation for WordPress, so there’s no way you’ll mess it up.

Note

WPX customer support will do it for you and offer free migration from other platforms.

WordPress allows you to add posts, pages, and plugins to enhance your blogโ€™s functionality and a simple interface to edit your content.

Spend some time exploring the dashboard to familiarize yourself with where everything is. This will make managing your site much easier as you create content.

Note

Leave a comment below if you want a step-by-step guide on how to set up and use WordPress for beginners.

Step 4: Choose a Theme

A theme gives your blog its visual style. But your blog theme has to match your blog content, product, and audience.

Themes can be free or paid, with different customization options available. Kadence WP has awesome WordPress theme templates. Theyโ€™re my go-to premium theme for WordPress sites.

However, you can also use one of the thousands of themes offered on WordPress.

THINK MOBILE

Make sure the theme you choose is mobile-friendly and loads quickly.

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Step 5: Install Must-Have Plugins

Plugins add extra features to your blog. They can help with SEO, security, and even speed improvement.

Here is my shortlist of essential plugins for every blog:

  1. FlyingPress. Cache plugin. Alternative: WPRocket.
  2. Rank Math. SEO optimization. Alternative: Yoast SEO.
  3. ShortPixel. Image optimizer.
  4. Wordfence. Anti-virus and firewall.
  5. Site Kit. Google Analytics for your blog.
  6. Lasso. Managing affiliate links.

Don’t go crazy with plugins; too many will slow down your site, which isn’t good for your users or ranking.

Step 6: Set Up Essential Pages

When readers first land on your site, they donโ€™t know you from Adam, so youโ€™ve got to build trust. Setting up these four pages is key to a better user experience and gaining trust:

  1. Home
  2. About
  3. Blog Archive
  4. Contact

Make these pages user-friendly and optimized for SEO. That’s why you’ll need the Rank Math plugin, but we’ll talk more about SEO optimization tips later.

Donโ€™t forget the legal stuff like Disclaimer and Privacy Policy. Write these pages and place a link to each in your footer.

Using a blog theme like Kadence WP makes setting up these pages much easier with pre-designed templates.

Check out other bloggers for inspiration, but add your flair to make it yours. You aim to make your content look professional and encourage users to engage.

Step 7: Do Keyword Research

Keyword research is finding the right keywords that match people’s searches.

It’s probably the most important step in writing good content.

You don’t just have to find out what they are searching for but also their search intent— why they are searching for something.

The main types of search intent are informational (guides, how-tos), transactional (best product lists), and commercial (reviews, comparisons).

There are a lot of tools for doing keyword research; I use several. To begin with, I’d recommend;

  1. Ahrefs is expensive but the best keyword research tool. You can start by using only the free features.
  2. Surfer SEO is the best tool for SEO optimization. Its keyword clustering feature is also easy to use. It’s not free, but essential.
  3. KeySearch is a budget-friendly alternative to Ahrefs and Keyword Insights.

These tools are great for finding and validating keywords in your niche with data.

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Once you have a list, group them into similar categories (clusters) to build authority on your topic. This is where Surfer SEO and Keyword Insights become worth their weight in gold.

Remember, it’s not just about sticking in random keywords. It’s about understanding what your readers really want so you can write about it and solve their problems.

Get those keywords right, and your new WordPress blog will thrive.

Step 8: Plan Your Blog Content

Alright, now that you’ve nailed your keywords, it’s time to plan your blog content plan.

This is your game plan and will help you keep a steady flow of blog post output.

It’s really important to have a plan; I can’t stress this enough. ๐Ÿšจ

You’ll be writing three main types of blog posts: pillar posts, transactional posts, and informational posts.

Start with a solid pillar post to underpin the rest of your content. Then, you will write transactional and informational posts around the pillar post, creating a web of related articles.

Now you see why we clustered the keywords in the previous step. Does that make sense?

Imagine I was in the Bass Fishing Niche. I would start my blog like this:

  • Pillar Post: Bass Fishing Tips
  • Transactional: Best Bass Fishing Rods
  • Informational: How To Pack for a Bass Fishing Trip
  • Product Reviews: IMA 125 Glide Lure Review
  • Product Alternatives: IMA 125 Glide Lure Alternatives

Using a content plan will keep you consistent. This blog post mix will help you publish balanced content that aligns with what your readers are looking for.

Ready to write your first blog post?

You can grab a copy of my Content Planner (free); just buy me a coffee if we ever meet ๐Ÿ˜œ.

Step 6: Write Your First Post

Now that you have done all the groundwork, itโ€™s time to start writing blog posts.

Your first post is importantโ€” so try to make it count! But donโ€™t get bogged down with it. You can always delete it and write a new one later. Just get it done and keep moving.

Start with a catchy headline and keep your writing clear and to the point.

Chances are your topic has been written about a thousand times already, so try to offer a new insight or perspective and solve problems readers are having.

Your first 10, 20, 30 blog posts wonโ€™t be good. Real talk! โœ‹ But, as you write more, you’ll get better and find your writing voice. So, keep writing, and donโ€™t aim for perfection.

Focus on writing SEO-friendly content, which is the name of the game.

Well-written, correctly SEO-optimized content will bring in free traffic by ranking on Google and other search engines.

Boom! Congrats, you are now a blogger! ๐ŸŽ‰

Once you publish, donโ€™t just sit back twiddling your thumbs. Keep your content fresh and updated to let your audience and search engines know your WordPress blog is still relevant and up to date.

My Go-To Blog Writing Tools:

  • Surfer SEO: Optimize your content for search engines.
  • KoalaWriter: Affordable long-form AI content writer.
  • ChatGPT: AI assistant for brainstorming and writing.
  • Perplexity AI: Great for research and understanding your topics better.
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These tools will supercharge your writing and help you connect with your audience. Also, check out my other post on using AI for blog writing.

Why Start a Blog in 2025?

Is blogging still worth it? Should you start a blog this year? Absolutely ‘YES’, my friend!

The blogosphere is healthy and growing and is still the best way to start an online content business.

After 3 years of full-time blogging, I’ve used countless tools and published hundreds of articles. The truth? It was tough as hell! That first year of blogging aged me.๐Ÿ‘ด

But now, blogging has never been easier.

With more people online than ever, there’s a thirst for information. Here are reasons to consider blogging this year.

Trends in Blogging for 2025

AI-powered tools make content creation faster and easier. This is the biggest reason I made my blog successful.

how long to write a blog post with ai?

It takes under 1 hour to write a long blog post with AI tools. (Source: Semrush)

  • Blogging will continue skyrocketing as AI tools speed up writing and automate many tedious tasks.
  • Businesses have clocked on to the power of blogging to build brand recognition and connect with customers, putting products in front of buyers.
B2B Blogging

91% of B2B companies use blog posts. (Source: Master Blogging)

  • When we need answers, we usually turn to blogs. In fact, 83% of web users (+4 billion people) read blogs, making it one of the most consumed forms of online content
  • Lastly, the blog market is still growing. This graphic shows the number of blogs growing over time.

With these trends, itโ€™s a great time to be a blogger.

Benefits: Build Audience, Earn Passive Income, Creative Outlet

Running your own blog requires a lot of work, but itโ€™s really rewarding, too. Here are some of the benefits Iโ€™ve had because of blogging.

  • Build an Audience: By sharing your ideas and knowledge, you can build a community of people who think like you do.
  • Earn Passive Income: There are many ways to earn passive income, such as through ads, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing.
  • Future-Proof Earnings: Blog posts you write today can earn you money for years.
  • Express Yourself Creatively: Share your passions using writing, photography, or multimedia.
  • Teach and Inspire: Pass on your knowledge and teach others about things you care about.

Latest Blogging Stats

Blogging in 2025 is still a fantastic opportunity, and here’s why:

WordPress is the favorite platform for bloggers who want to monetize their content, but it’s not the biggest. Tumblr has a massive 518 million blogs. ๐Ÿคฏ

Blogging’s Popularity: Over 600 million blogs worldwide, with around 7.5 million blog posts published daily. That’s a huge and lively blogging community.

Internet Users Love Blogs: About 83% of internet users, roughly 4.44 billion people, read blogs. It’s one of the top ways people get their online content fix.

Business Blogging Boom: A whopping 90% of businesses have a blog. And, 91% of B2B and 86% of B2C companies use blogs for marketing.

Boost Your Site with a Blog: Companies with active blogs see 97% more inbound links and 126% more leads. Blogging is a traffic magnet!

Blogging for Cash: Bloggers focusing on monetization through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and product sales often earn more than traditional jobs.

SEO Powerhouse: Blogs are great for SEO. Sites with blogs have 434% more indexed pages, which means better search engine visibility.

AI in Blogging: In 2025, 80% of bloggers use AI tools for tasks like brainstorming, outlining, and drafting content. AI makes blogging a breeze!

Blogging Industry Growth: The global blogging industry is expected to grow by $417.85 billion from 2021 to 2025. Talk about a booming business ๐Ÿš€

Why Start A Blog Now?

  1. High Demand: With so many people reading blogs, building an audience is a great opportunity.
  2. Easy to Start: AI tools simplify creating high-quality content, making it easier for new bloggers.
  3. Scalable Income: A blog can grow from a part-time hobby into a sustainable business that replaces your 9-to-5 income.
  4. Evergreen: Your work today keeps paying you well into the future, literally earning money while you sleep.

If you have an online biz, it’s a no-brainer– if you don’t have a blog, you’re being left behind.

How to Make Money Blogging

If you start a blog to have a business, you must know what strategies you can use to make money. You’ve got a lot of options, but all rely on having good content and solid traffic.

Ad Revenue

Google AdSense is an easy way to earn money from blogs. You let Google place ads on your blog and get paid for clicks or views.

Sign up for an AdSense account and link it to your blog.

Once you’re approved, you can customize how ads appear.

More traffic means more chances for clicks, which leads to more earnings. So, focus on creating SEO-optimized content that brings in traffic.

Ads can annoy readers, so don’t spoil your blog experience with too many ads.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is the original ‘earn while you sleep’ model. ๐Ÿค‘

You promote products on your blog and earn a commission for each sale generated through your referral link.

I love affiliate marketing because I make money recommending great products that solve problems for my audience.

Join an affiliate program and get unique links that track sales from your blog.

I use Lasso to manage affiliate links on my blog posts. Lasso gives me peace of mind that I’m not losing income because of broken links.

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Write content that naturally fits the products you promote. Don’t force it; make sure it adds value to your readers.

Also, have an affiliate disclaimer. Readers appreciate transparency, and it’s a legal requirement.

This monetization model works on authenticity and trust, so only recommend things you trust or have used.

Selling Products/Services

Selling your own products or services is an obvious way to monetize your content. These could be anything from ebooks and courses to consulting services.

Start by identifying what your audience needs. Create products that meet those needs.

For example, a personalized meal plan could sell well if your blog is about healthy living.

Remember, quality matters, so ensure your products provide real value to your audience.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

When starting a new blog, many beginners fall into common traps.

From choosing the right niche to optimizing for search engines and managing your plugins, each step matters.

Skipping Niche Selection

Choosing a niche is one of the first steps in how to start a blog. Many new blogs fail to get off the ground because they skip this step.

[stat about how many blogs get zero traffic]

When you start a blog, choose a niche with enough interest (traffic) but not too much competition.

Ignoring SEO

You might write the best articles, but what is the point if no one sees them?

You need traffic from search engines, and the way to get that is with solid SEO.

Start with the SEO basics, including keywords in your titles, headings, and content. Use alt text for images and create meta descriptions summarizing each post.

Free AI Tools.

Use our free AI-powered Meta Title Generator.

Other essential SEO tools I couldn’t blog without are:

Overloading on Plugins

When you start a blog, the temptation is to add all the shiny bells and whistles you find in the plugin store. Don’t do it! It’s a big mistake.

Too many plugins lead to a cluttered installation and possible security threats.

Stick with essential plugins, like the ones I gave you earlier, and ensure they are regularly updated.

Maintaining and Growing Your Blog

If you want your blog to grow, update it regularly, post fresh content, and use social media to attract more visitors. This will boost your organic traffic and keep your audience coming back.

Regular Updates

Don’t let your blog get stale and out of date. Search engines want to see that your content is up to date, and your readers need fresh content to keep them interested in your blog.

It’s easy to freshen up the look of your site using WordPress themes. With a couple of clicks, you can have an entirely new-looking site.

I make subtle changes to my blog look about 3 times a year and a big refresh every 12 months. It helps with SEO and keeps things fresh.

Promote Your Blog

Search traffic is your #1 traffic source, but you can’t ignore social media. Facebook, X, and Instagram are great for promoting your blog content.

Share your new posts and engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages. This will help build a community around your content.

I schedule my posts in advance. That’s why a content calendar is important. Tools like Tweet Hunter and Social Bee make automating your social media posts easy.

Wrap-Up: Starting a Blog

That’s all folks ๐Ÿคฉ . Now you know how to start a blog. It’s over to you now.

Don’t wait; start now! It’s a great time to start a blogging business, and there’s a great community, so you’re never alone.

Leave a comment below and let me know how it’s going with your new blog. Sign up for my free AI Blogging Blueprint to learn how to blog using AI tools.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start a blog for beginners?

To begin with, determine your blog’s purpose and choose a niche. Then, select a platform like WordPress and secure a domain and hosting. After setting up, start creating content that reflects your niche.

Do bloggers get paid money?

Yes, bloggers can earn money through various methods. Income options include ad placements, sponsored posts, and selling products or services. The amount you can make depends on your niche, traffic, and monetization strategies.

What are some strategies to monetize a blog?

To monetize a blog, consider affiliate marketing by promoting products related to your content. Another option is displaying ads through networks like Google AdSense. You can also create and sell ebooks, courses, or merchandise related to your blog’s theme.

How can I attract readers to my new blog?

Focus on producing quality content that appeals to your target audience. Promote your posts on social media platforms and use SEO techniques to improve your visibility in search engines. Engage with readers through comments and feedback to build a loyal community.

What are good blogging platforms to use for first-time bloggers?

Platforms like WordPress and Blogger are popular choices for first-time bloggers. They offer user-friendly setups and customization options. WordPress is noted for its flexibility and the wide range of WordPress themes available, while Blogger is easy to use with a Google account.

Can you make $1000 per month blogging?

You can make $1000 a month, but it’s not guaranteed. Focus on building traffic and using strategies like affiliate marketing or ads. Your success will depend on your niche and the time you invest.

Can you start a blog with no money?

Yes, you can start a blog with no money. You can use free blogging platforms like WordPress.com or Blogger to create a blog without any upfront costs.

What is the 80/20 rule for blogging?

The 80/20 rule for blogging says to spend 80% of your time promoting your content and only 20% creating it. It flips the usual focus of the Pareto Principle.


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