How to Finally Start a Blog that Makes Money

Ready to start a blog but feeling overwhelmed by all of the conflicting advice out there?

Should you set your blog up on WordPress?
Do you need social media plugins?
What are legal pages?
How much does it truly cost to set up a blog the right way?
How do you install a website theme?

The questions start flowing, the confusion sets in, and becoming a successful blogger starts to feel out of reach.

And that’s where I come in, my friend!

This detailed 10-step starter guide is going to show you absolutely everything that you need to do (and avoid doing) in order to start a profitable blog.

Because here’s the thing…

Anyone can ‘start a blog’ or write a bunch of blog posts. But not everyone knows what it takes to build a money-making business from their blog.

And if you want a money-making blog, you’ll need to have a few things in place first. This 10-step guide is going to show you exactly what those things are.

Just the facts, no FLUFF.

After over 10 years in this biz, building several profitable blogs, and helping thousands of blogging students, you can bet your bottom dollar that I’ve got this thing on lock.

And I’m here to help you start and monetize your own blog as quickly and easily as possible, even if you’re busy and on a budget.

Let’s jump right in, shall we?

{{ Our blog posts contain affiliate links. Full disclosure here. }}

HOW TO START A BLOG THAT MAKES MONEY

Here are the FIRST and most important 10 steps that you need to take in order to start a profitable blog.

We have them broken down into sections to keep you organized and on track! Each section below links to a detailed tutorial for you to follow.

Feel free to skip around to the topics that apply to you or follow the steps in exact order. Following the steps in order will ensure that you don’t miss any important tips or tricks!

STEP ONE: YOUR GOALS

Define Your Blogging Goals and Strategic Plan >>>

Click the link above for the step-by-step tutorial on setting your goals, creating your blogging strategy, and crushing it in the coming year!

This is an important step to review before even thinking about the technical side of setting up your blog.

STEP TWO: YOUR NICHE

Choose a Niche Focus for Your Blog >>>

This step will help you figure out who you’re writing for and how you’re helping them. It’s an essential part of creating a profitable blog, so don’t skip this step.

Click the link above for everything you need to know about choosing a “niche” or a focus for your new blog.

Remember: if you want to start a money-making blog, you’ll need to make sure that it’s focused on a niche (or topic) that has the potential to earn.

STEP THREE: YOUR NAME

Choose a Domain Name for Your Blog >>>

Decide the name of your website and purchase your website address on a budget!

Click the link above for a detailed guide on choosing the right domain name for your blog. In short, choose a name that fits your niche and then head over to NameCheap to grab the domain name.

STEP FOUR: YOUR HOST

Purchase the Best Hosting for Your Blog >>>

In this step, you’ll research and select the most affordable, user-friendly website hosting for your blog. The tutorial linked above walks you through every step of purchasing and setting up hosting, with screenshots along the way.

We do recommend buying hosting from NameHero (they are affordable, user friendly, and great for new bloggers).

STEP FIVE: CONNECTING THEM

Point Your Domain to Your Host >>>

After grabbing your domain name and hosting, you’ll need to connect your domain name to your website host.

This easy step-by-step guide walks you through it, and I promise, it’s not scary at all. But you do need to follow the steps in the linked tutorial or contact your website host for assistance.

STEP SIX: DOWNLOADING WORDPRESS

Download WordPress Through Your Host >>>

Start your official blog setup process by downloading WordPress software through your hosting.

Important note: we are not using WordPress .com (we are using WordPress .org and we are downloading it through our hosting dashboard). If you need assistance, contact your host via Live Chat.

STEP SEVEN: YOUR THEME

Choose a WordPress Theme for Your Blog >>>

Research and select the best website theme for the look, layout, and functionality of your blog.

Pro tip: don’t spend too much time or energy on this step! We will always be tweaking and improving the theme, look, and layout of our site.

Today, just follow the tutorial in step seven and get a basic theme set up so that you can keep moving forward with your blogging goals!

We like the Astra theme – they have a free and a paid option!

STEP EIGHT: CUSTOMIZE

Customize Your Blog Theme and Site Settings >>>

Set up for success with optimized, user-friendly settings and beautiful blog aesthetics.

Along the same lines as step seven, we aren’t going to spend too much time on this step.

Skim the linked tutorial, set up the basics, and then move on. There will be time to tweak and improve your site look and layout, but don’t overthink it on day one!

STEP NINE: YOUR MENU + PAGES

Set Up Your Menu Navigation and Pages >>>

Learn how to create and organize your pages, categories, and menu navigation for optimal success.

STEP TEN: SET UP ANALYTICS

Install Google Analytics on Your Site >>>

Start tracking traffic activity and growth from day one with powerful free analytics tools.

It’s essential to set up Google Analytics right away! It can’t start tracking your traffic until you install the code on your site.

Follow the link above for a step-by-step setup guide to installing and using Google Analytics.

WHAT NEXT?

After you have your blog set up and ready to roll, you’ll need to start driving traffic to your blog so that you can start making money.

Follow this easy blog traffic guide to learn everything you need to know: How to Boost Your Blog Traffic and Attract Your Dream Clients in 3 Simple Steps!

If you enjoyed this free guide, here are a few things you can do:

First:

Bookmark this article or save it on your Pinterest board for later! You’ll probably need to come back for a refresher as you complete the setup of your site.

Second:

Join my free blogging community with over 30,000 bloggers who work together every day to reach their blogging goals.

Third:

Follow and tag me on social media so that I can keep up with your progress! Tag me when you’re taking notes, watching my tutorials, or going through the process of starting your blog! I love following along with your journey.

Find me on Instagram here. Use #BecomingaBlogger so I can find you and follow along on your blogging journey!

Find me on Pinterest here and Twitter here!

You can also take advantage of this FREE masterclass that I hosted with a fellow blogger and blog coach: How to Massively Scale Your Blog in 3 Simple Steps

Here are some other helpful blogging tutorials and guides that you might want to check out!

How to Finally Start that Money-Making Blog You’ve Always Wanted