How to Start a Blog That Makes Money in 2025

Want to start a blog that actually makes money? I’ve built three profitable blogs. Here’s the exact process that works.

Forget the fluff. This is the real step-by-step guide to launching a money-making blog.

Step 1: Choose a Profitable Niche

Don’t blog about “lifestyle” or “personal development.” Too broad, too competitive.

Instead, pick a specific problem you can solve:

• Budget travel for families
• Meal prep for busy professionals
• Side hustles for teachers
• WordPress tutorials for beginners

The riches are in the niches.

Step 2: Set Up Your Blog (The Right Way)

Skip the free platforms. They limit your earning potential.

What you need:

• Domain name: $12/year (Namecheap)
• Hosting: $3-5/month (Hostinger or Bluehost)
• WordPress: Free
• Theme: Free or $50 one-time

Total startup cost: $50-100

Step 3: Create Your First 10 Posts

Before promoting anything, publish 10 solid articles. This shows visitors you’re serious.

Each post should be:

• 1,500+ words
• Solving a specific problem
• Including personal experience
• SEO optimized

Write about what you actually know. Authenticity wins.

Step 4: Pick Your Monetization Strategy

There are 4 main ways to make money blogging:

1. Affiliate Marketing (easiest to start)
   Recommend products you use and earn commissions. Amazon Associates, ShareASale, Impact are good places to start.
2. Display Ads (passive income)
   Once you hit 10,000 monthly views, apply for Mediavine or AdThrive. Expect $15-50 per 1,000 views.
3. Digital Products (highest profit margins)
   Sell ebooks, courses, templates, or printables. You keep 95% of the revenue.
4. Services/Consulting (fastest to profit)
   Offer coaching, freelancing, or consulting. Can be profitable from day one.

Start with affiliate marketing. Add others as you grow.

Step 5: Drive Traffic

Your blog won’t make money if no one reads it. Here’s how to get visitors:

Pinterest (my #1 traffic source)

• Create 5-10 pins per blog post
• Join group boards
• Post consistently

SEO (long-term strategy)

• Target long-tail keywords
• Write comprehensive guides
• Get backlinks from other sites

Email List (most valuable)

• Offer a free lead magnet
• Send weekly emails
• Promote your best content

Social Media (bonus traffic)

• Share your posts
• Engage with your niche community
• Don’t rely on it as primary traffic

Step 6: Be Patient and Consistent

Month 1-3: $0-100
Most bloggers quit here. Don’t.

Month 4-6: $100-500
You’re seeing traction. Keep going.

Month 7-12: $500-2,000
Now it’s getting interesting.

Month 13-24: $2,000-5,000+
This is where blogs become real businesses.

My first blog made $12 in the first 6 months. Now it earns $8,000/month.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Writing for yourself instead of readers
2. Quitting before month 6
3. Not building an email list
4. Copying other bloggers exactly
5. Ignoring SEO completely
6. Promoting before you have content

The Real Truth About Blogging

It’s not passive income at first. It’s active work that eventually becomes passive.

You’ll write 50+ posts before making real money. That’s normal.

Most “overnight success” bloggers worked for 2 years before getting noticed.

But if you’re consistent? Blogging is one of the best online businesses you can build.

Low startup costs. No inventory. Unlimited income potential.

Your Action Plan

This week:

• Pick your niche
• Buy your domain
• Set up WordPress

This month:

• Write 10 posts
• Set up email list
• Create Pinterest account

This year:

• Publish 100 posts
• Build to 10,000 monthly visitors
• Earn your first $1,000

Ready to Start?

Don’t overthink it. Buy that domain today. Write your first post this week.

The perfect blog doesn’t exist. But YOUR blog can start today.

What’s stopping you?