Starting a blog can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already balancing a full-time job, maybe kids, and everything else life throws at you. I get it—I’ve been there! But if you’re dreaming about launching a blog that shares your voice, builds your brand, and (eventually) makes money, you’re in the right place.
Blogs are a great way to share your experiences, expertise, and ideas with the world. In fact, you are likely someone who your friends reach out to about a certain topics, always asking you questions… and before you know it, you’ve spent 30 minutes helping them. If you’ve experienced this, you could definitely monetize your knowledge and experience with a blog.
Yes, you can actually make money blogging as a career, but it won’t happen overnight. If you want to learn how to make money from a blog the right way, let me show you how!
This guide is everything I wish I knew when I started. As a systems thinker, a single mom balancing a career as a Senior Operations Director at a small agency, and someone who’s passionate about living well and creating a sustainable business, I’m giving you a step-by-step breakdown to get your blog off the ground.
For a more in depth guide on how to to start your blog the right way, I have a FREE, blogging blueprint that will show you exactly how to go about starting a successful, profitable blog. Sign up here!
Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Define Your Blog’s Purpose and Niche
Before you start designing logos and writing posts, you need clarity on what your blog is about and who it’s for. This will guide everything you create.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What topics light you up?
- What unique perspective or experience can you share?
- Who do you want to help, inspire, or connect with?
For me: My blog, ReachWellth, is all about helping women—especially highly motivated, working moms and single women in their 30s and 40s—live their best lives, prioritize wellness, and build financial freedom. I combine personal stories with practical advice on topics like fitness, business, and living well.
Examples of blog niches:
- Personal finance for moms
- Healthy lifestyle and fitness
- Career advice for corporate women
- Home organization and routines
- Travel with kids (boy I’d LOVE to do more of this!)
What excites you? What do you know well? Write about something you can’t stop talking about, that also has enough legs you can expand as you establish yourself as a blogger 🙂
Tip: Narrowing your focus doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck writing about one thing forever. It just helps you get noticed faster and build an engaged audience.
Step 2: Choose Your Blog Name and Domain
Your blog’s name is part of your brand identity, so take some time to choose something that resonates with your message.
Things to consider:
- Keep it short and memorable.
- Make sure the domain is available (check sites like Namecheap or GoDaddy).
- Avoid words that are hard to spell or pronounce.
For example: My blog’s name, ReachWellth, is a blend of “reach” (as in achieving goals) and “wellth” (a play on wellness and wealth). It’s unique, easy to remember, and reflects my mission.
Once you have a name, register your domain. I recommend using SiteGround or Bluehost for domain registration and hosting.
Step 3: Set Up Hosting and Install WordPress
To get your blog live, you’ll need two key things:
- A web host — This is where your blog “lives” on the internet.
- WordPress — The platform that powers your blog.
Why WordPress? It’s user-friendly, highly customizable, and great for SEO. Most professional bloggers use it.
How to Set Up Hosting and WordPress:
- Choose a hosting provider (SiteGround is my favorite for reliability and customer support).
- Purchase your hosting plan and connect your domain.
- Install WordPress with one click through your host’s dashboard.
Step 4: Design Your Blog (Without Overcomplicating It)
Your blog’s design matters, but don’t let perfectionism slow you down. Focus on creating a clean, easy-to-navigate site that highlights your content.
Key Design Elements:
- A simple, mobile-friendly theme (I recommend Astra or Kadence for WordPress)
- Clear navigation with an About page, Blog page, and Contact page
- A professional logo (You can DIY one with Canva or hire a designer on Fiverr)
- Strong visuals (Use high-quality images that reflect your brand)
My Design Philosophy: As a former graphic designer, I know the temptation to tweak every little detail. But trust me—done is better than perfect. You can always update your design later.
Step 5: Create Foundational Content
Before you start promoting your blog, you’ll want a few solid posts that represent your brand and give readers something to explore.
Start with these types of posts:
- Pillar Posts — In-depth, evergreen content that covers key topics in your niche.
- Listicles — Easy-to-read posts with actionable tips.
- Personal Stories — Help your readers connect with you on a deeper level.
Example Topics for a Wellness Blog:
- “5 Simple Strategies to Stay Fit as a Busy Mom”
- “How to Create a Morning Routine That Sets You Up for Success”
- “Healthy(ish) Recipes That Won’t Break the Bank”
Pro Tip: Use an editorial calendar to plan your content. This helps you stay consistent, which is key to growing your blog.
Step 6: Set Up Your Email List
An email list is one of your most valuable assets as a blogger. Social media algorithms change, but your email list is something you own.
How to Get Started:
- Choose an email marketing platform (ConvertKit is great for beginners).
- Create a simple opt-in form.
- Offer a freebie to encourage sign-ups (like a budget template, meal plan, or eBook).
My Freebie Strategy: I offer a budget template that helps my readers get their finances in order. Not only does it provide value, but it also builds trust and keeps readers coming back.
Step 7: Monetize Your Blog
You might not make money right away, but with time and strategy, your blog can become a source of income.
Monetization Strategies:
- Ads — Once you have enough traffic, apply for ad networks like Mediavine.
- Affiliate Marketing — Promote products you love and earn a commission on sales.
- Sponsored Content — Partner with brands for paid collaborations.
- Digital Products — Sell eBooks, templates, or online courses.
My Experience: I started making money on my blog with ads from a single recipe post. Later, I expanded into selling a budget template on Gumroad, which has been a great way to generate passive income.
Step 8: Promote Your Blog
Content is king, but promotion is queen. Once your blog is live, you need to drive traffic to it.
Promotion Strategies:
- Social Media — Share your content on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.
- Pinterest — Pin your blog posts regularly. It’s a great traffic driver.
- SEO — Optimize your posts for search engines using keywords, meta descriptions, and internal links.
- Paid Ads — From Google AdWords to Pinterst Ads, there are countless opportunities to be seen beyond organic reach.
Step 9: Stay Consistent and Keep Learning
Blogging is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay patient, keep creating, and learn from your analytics to improve over time.
Tips to Stay Motivated:
- Join blogging communities for support.
- Celebrate small wins.
- Remember why you started.
Starting a blog is one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s allowed me to connect with incredible women, share my experiences, and build something that’s truly mine. If you’re ready to start your own blog, don’t overthink it—just take the first step.
And remember, you’ve got this!
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