How I Started Blogging for Money (And How You Can Too)

A few years ago, I was endlessly Googling things like “how to start a blog that makes money” or “blogging websites to make money” while sipping coffee and pretending I had it all figured out. Spoiler alert: I didn’t.

What I did have, though, was a gut feeling that blogging could open doors not just for income, but for freedom. Fast forward to today, and blogging has become a steady stream of income and a space to share what I know.

This post is for you if you’ve been toying with the idea of becoming a blogger but don’t know where to start. I’ll walk you through what actually worked, what I wish I knew sooner, and how you can make a blog for money without overcomplicating things.

Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Don’t Wait for Perfect Just Start

When I started, I spent way too long obsessing over the “perfect niche,” the “right platform,” and whether I needed a fancy logo. Truth is, the most important step is starting.

Pick a topic you won’t get bored of in two weeks. Mine was about productivity and side hustles because that’s what I was living through. You don’t need to be an expert, just one step ahead of your readers.

💡 Tip: Don’t overthink your niche. Think in terms of problems you’ve solved or stories you can tell.

Step 2: Use Free Hosting (But Know Its Limits)

At the beginning, I had zero budget. So I explored free hosting for WordPress through platforms like WordPress.com and Blogger. It helped me get a feel for blogging without worrying about costs.

That said, if you’re serious about blogging for money, you’ll eventually want your own domain and hosting (I switched to Bluehost after 3 months it was worth it for the control and monetization options).

💡 Tool: Start with WordPress.com or Blogger to test the waters. Then move to self-hosted WordPress via Bluehost, SiteGround, or Hostinger when you're ready to scale.

Step 3: Focus on Building Trust, Not Just Traffic

In the early days, I obsessed over page views. But what actually helped me make money from blogging was building trust with readers. People don’t just click affiliate links because you recommend them they click because they trust your experience.

Write like you’re talking to a friend. Solve real problems. Share both wins and screw-ups.

💡 Insight: My first $50 came from an honest post reviewing a writing tool I actually used (and still use). No hype. Just real talk.

Step 4: Learn Basic SEO (It’s Not as Scary as It Sounds)

I used to think SEO was some kind of wizardry. It’s not. It’s just learning how people search for things and using those words in your posts.

For example, this blog naturally uses terms like blogging for money, blogs that make money, and blogging websites to make money not to game the system, but because those are actually what people are searching for.

💡 Tool: Try Ubersuggest or [Google Keyword Planner] for keyword ideas. Use them to guide your post titles and subheadings.

Step 5: Monetize Smart Start Small

Here’s how I monetized my blog in the early days:

• • Affiliate Marketing: I signed up for a few affiliate programs (like Amazon, Ko-fi, and Grammarly). When I mentioned tools I actually used, I added an affiliate link.
  • Digital Products: I created a simple $5 productivity checklist as a PDF. It sold. Slowly, but surely.
  • Sponsored Posts (Eventually): Once I had a bit of traffic, brands started reaching out.

💡 Tool: Use Canva to design freebies and Ko-fi or Gumroad to sell them.

Step 6: Use the Right Tools (That Don’t Break the Bank)

Here are a few blogging tools that helped me stay organized and consistent:

• • Notion or Trello – for planning content
  • Canva – for blog graphics and lead magnets
  • Grammarly – to clean up grammar without sounding robotic
  • Google Analytics – to track what’s working
  • ConvertKit – for building a simple email list

💡 Bonus Tip: Start an email list early. It’s one of the few things you fully own.

Keep Showing Up

Blogging for money isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s more like planting seeds. Some won’t grow. Some will surprise you.

The first time someone emailed me to say a post helped them quit their job, I cried. The money is great but the impact is even better.

So if you’re on the fence about becoming a blogger, here’s my advice: Don’t try to be perfect. Be helpful. Be consistent. And be real.

Your voice matters. And it’s never been easier to turn that voice into value for you and your readers.

If You’re Ready to Start…

• • Pick a niche you care about
  • Start with free hosting for WordPress (or go straight to self-hosted if you can)
  • Focus on trust, not just traffic
  • Monetize with tools you use and love
  • Use simple blogging tools to stay consistent

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start.

If this helped or sparked an idea, drop a comment or share it with someone who’s been thinking about starting their blog. Let’s grow together.