We live in an era where one job simply isn’t enough. It’s not just stay-at-home moms, students, or retired seniors looking for extra income—many fully employed individuals are also exploring work-from-home opportunities as a secondary income source.
In today’s digital age, finding low-investment business opportunities has never been easier. With thorough online research, you can discover options that require minimal startup capital. For instance, blogging stands out as a low-cost venture—you can launch one for less than $100. This path transformed my life and allowed me to earn thousands of dollars monthly by doing what I love.
After conducting your own research, you might be amazed to learn that some bloggers are making millions. Of course, you’d want to create your own successful, well-paying blog. I’ve been in your shoes, which is why you’re here today—if you’re looking to earn a full-time passive income from home, you’re in the right place.
Before you dive in, here’s a crucial piece of advice: blogging is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires dedication and hard work, and there’s no such thing as overnight success. I say this from experience.
~My Blogging Journey~
Back in January 2016, I was a busy mom juggling a full-time day job, desperate for freedom from the 9-to-5 grind. I firmly believe that everyone deserves personal and financial freedom while pursuing their passions. That belief led me to start a blog and eventually turn it into a full-time career—thanks, in part, to the unintended motivation from my boss!
Blogging isn’t easy; it’s a challenging journey. There were many moments when I felt like giving up. However, my passion for becoming a successful solopreneur kept me going. That same passion now drives me to help blogging beginners generate passive income from home.
It was the best decision I ever made. Within just six months of starting my side-hustle blog, I began earning money—albeit modestly at first, with only $62. Over time, that number steadily grew. I eventually progressed from earning a two-digit monthly income to consistently hitting four figures. As of March 2025, I earn over $3,000 per month solely from ads—completely passive income.
That’s a snapshot of my ad revenue for the past few days!
Please note that while many of the jobs listed below are designed to be low-stress and enjoyable, some may require specific skills, certifications, or a certain level of commitment. It’s important to choose roles that align with your personal interests and lifestyle preferences. The above doesn’t even include income from sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and other revenue streams. Today, I easily make over 50k a year net income blogging at home.
If I can build a successful blog, monetize it, and generate a significant income, so can you. Stop stressing over your day job—consider starting your side hustle as a blogger. Trust me, it’s entirely possible to make a living from your blog.
That said, I advise you not to quit your job until your blogging income becomes stable. This comprehensive step-by-step guide will walk you through setting up a professional blog. Let’s begin with a brief introduction to WordPress before diving into the details.
How to Start A Blog In 2025 (The Ultimate Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide)
Disclaimer: I am an affiliate partner with Bluehost, which means I may earn a small commission if you sign up through my referral link—at absolutely no additional cost to you. Rest assured, I only recommend services that I personally trust and use myself.
Now, let’s get started by discussing why WordPress is the ideal platform to launch your blog and how Bluehost can simplify your journey.
WordPress powers over 40% of the internet and is by far the most popular blogging platform available. It’s user-friendly, highly customizable, and incredibly versatile—making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bloggers. Plus, Bluehost is officially recommended by WordPress, which makes it an excellent hosting provider for your new blog.
I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of setting up your blog professionally, quickly, and easily with Bluehost. We’ll cover everything from choosing your domain name to customizing your blog’s theme and layout. Let’s dive in!
With WordPress.org, you can easily customize your site using unlimited add-ons that help you run your blog more efficiently. It also offers robust monetization options, so you can start earning back your initial investment in no time.
Setting up a self-hosted WordPress site is incredibly straightforward. Unlike the free WordPress blogging platform, the paid version gives you complete creative freedom and full control over your blog. This means that you truly own your asset—a crucial factor for long-term success.
Why does owning your blog matter? Ownership opens up opportunities for significant financial gains. When you own your site, you can potentially sell it for up to 20-30 times its monthly income. For example, I could have easily sold my blog for around $40,000 (if I earned $2K a month) just one year after launching.
To take advantage of these fast money-making options, setting up proper hosting is essential. Stay calm and follow the steps outlined below—I bet the entire setup, including registration and installation, will take no more than 15-20 minutes. Easy-peasy!
#1: Choose Your Niche
The first and foremost step is to choose a topic that not only interests you but also appeals to your target audience. It’s not about picking something trendy just because it’s common; instead, focus on sharing your area of expertise with a community eager to learn from you.
Your niche should be the intersection of your passions, audience needs (what people need help with), and your core skill set. Take the time to understand the basic principles of niche selection—it’s the foundation for everything that follows.
#2: Name Your Blog
Imagine the internet as a vast community, where “hosting” is the house that holds your blog, and the “domain” is its unique address. In simple terms, your domain name is the name of your blog. For instance, this blog’s domain is hearmefolks.com.
Naming your blog is a critical step that depends largely on the niche you’ve chosen.
A brandable, memorable, and precise domain is ideal. You might even consider naming it after yourself to build a strong personal brand. However, thorough research is key—choose a domain name that perfectly reflects your brand and resonates with your audience.
Think about the purpose of your blog. What message do you want to convey? Try to encapsulate that message in a single word. Create a list of short, unique, and memorable names, then share them with friends or potential readers. Once you discover the most popular option, you’re ready to proceed.
Here’s a quick checklist for a good domain name:
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Avoid dashes and unnecessary punctuation.
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Keep it as short as possible.
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Be unique—don’t mimic someone else’s brand (for example, hearyoufolks.com is a no-go!).
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Ensure the name aligns with your blog’s main topic (if it’s a beauty blog, something like Skinfresh.com works well).
Once you have a name in mind, head over to see if your desired domain name (or vanity URL) is still available for registration.
#3: Purchase Domain Name & Hosting
With your chosen name ready, the next step is to secure your domain with the right extension, such as .com (the most popular amongst all), .net, .org, .info, .io, .ai, .store or .biz. Here’s how to proceed:
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Domain Check: Use a service like Bluehost’s domain checker. Enter your chosen domain name to check for it’s availability. (For example, if you chose “miewako.com”—a made-up name—so don’t read too much into that, input that and check!)
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Registration: If your domain is available, proceed with the registration. If not, try another name until you find one that’s available.
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Hosting: Once your domain is secured, the next step is to purchase web hosting. Think of web hosting as the server that stores everything you post on your blog and makes it accessible to the world.
There are two hosting options: free versus paid hosting.
Free Vs Paid Hosting
Free hosting comes with many limitations in terms of ownership, customization, and monetization. While it might be suitable for hobby bloggers, if you’re serious about turning your blog into a money-making venture, it’s best to avoid free hosting.
Since you’re just starting out, I highly recommend opting for Bluehost’s “Basic Shared Hosting Package” starting at $1.99 per month for a 12-month term—which even includes a FREE domain name for 1st year (usually worth $15), a FREE SSL Certificate, backed with a 30-day money back guarantee. Even with a modest budget, investing in the right hosting will set the stage for your blog’s success.
Now that you have your niche, blog name, and hosting sorted, you’re well on your way to creating a profitable blogging business. Let’s move forward and set up your professional blog, starting with a brief introduction to WordPress and the next essential steps.
With Bluehost, you can save a significant amount of money. They offer a free domain along with affordable website hosting—an unbeatable deal compared to its competitors. Moreover, by purchasing both services from the same provider, you save time and avoid unnecessary complications. This all-in-one solution is especially beneficial for beginner bloggers who are still learning the ropes and unsure of their blogging goals.
Ready to set up a world-class blog right today? Get started on Bluehost now and follow this tutorial:
1) On a separate tab, navigate to Bluehost.com which will take you to the homepage shown below.
2) Scroll down to the offer section. The action will take you to the below section, prompting you to choose your plan.
3) Tap on “Choose Plan” or scroll down to view the different WP hosting plans.
As a beginner, go for the “Basic” plan. This package covers all the features needed to get your site off the ground. As you advance, you can upgrade to the other plans.
4) Next, tap “Select” in the “Basic” plan to be redirected to the page where you will enter the domain name from Step 3 above.
5) If you haven’t secured a domain name at this point, then enter the domain name of your choice in the empty field to “Create a domain name”. Tap “Search For Domain” to know if the name is available.
6) It’s also on this page where you choose the different “Package extras” such as privacy + protection, content creation tools, and website backup options. Choose your preferences, and proceed to checkout. Here, you’ll fill in the required account information, starting with personal details and billing information.
Important Tips:
- Keep an eye on the “Total” section to see how each box that you check/uncheck affects the overall cost.
- For a new blog, I recommend going for the very basic features. With this in mind, you only need to check “Domain Privacy + Protection” and uncheck the rest. That’s optional too. When I started blogging, I just paid for the hosting without any add-ons!
- *Pay for the 36 monthly “Account plan” which is cheap in the long run.
- Since you are to provide your account payment details at the end, avoid filling this part in public; you could fall for online payment scams.
Once you are done filling out all the required fields, scroll down and press submit. You will get a screen notification that your purchase is approved with an email affirming the same sent to your address.
7) On the new screen, click on “Create Account” where you, basically, create your Bluehost account password. Note down the password since you will be using it to access your blog going forward.
8) You’ll then be redirected to log in to your Bluehost account. Enter your domain name and password, to get to the Bluehost Control Panel like the one shown below.
#4: Pick Your Theme
To get started with the front-end building process, your first step is to choose a theme that perfectly fits your site’s style and purpose. Themes dictate the design and layout of your blog or website, and WordPress makes this easier by offering thousands of free themes that save you both time and money.
Simply navigate to the Appearance section on the left-hand side of your WordPress dashboard and click on the Themes tab. Here, you’ll have access to an extensive library of themes. Once you find one that catches your eye, click “Install,” and then “Activate” to apply the new theme to your site.
When you’re just starting out, you might consider using a free theme—especially if you’re working with a tight budget. However, free themes often come with limitations like fewer widget areas, restricted customization options, slower site speeds, and potential security issues. For a more professional and personalized look, I recommend upgrading to a premium theme. This allows you to create a brandable blog with a custom design that truly reflects your style.
For 2025, my top recommendations are the GeneratePress and Kadence themes. Both options are lightweight, affordable, bloat-free, and incredibly beginner-friendly—qualities that will help your blog stand out right from the start.
These themes are designed with performance in mind, ensuring that your site not only looks great but also loads quickly, which is crucial for keeping your audience engaged. Their simplicity and flexibility make them perfect for both newcomers and experienced bloggers alike, allowing you to focus on creating great content without getting bogged down by technical details.
By choosing one of these themes, you’re setting a solid foundation for your blog’s success, enabling you to build a professional and visually appealing online presence that supports your long-term goals.
#5: Install WP Plugins
Now it’s time to discuss plugins. What are plugins, you ask? They’re essentially tools that add extra benefits and features to your blog. From search engine optimization to tracking your site’s statistics, plugins put a wealth of functionality right at your fingertips.
However, don’t get carried away. Some bloggers overload their sites with plugins, which can lead to issues. When plugins are updated, bugs can sometimes emerge, and with too many installed, it can be challenging to pinpoint which one is causing a problem. Moreover, an excessive number of plugins can create security vulnerabilities.
Here are five of the most popular and helpful plugins to consider:
• Yoast SEO – As the name suggests, this plugin helps enhance your site’s content and optimize it for search engines.
• Jetpack – An excellent tool for analyzing post statistics, as well as handling security and backups.
• Akismet – Almost indispensable for filtering out spam comments, ensuring your site remains clean and professional.
• WP Rocket – This plugin speeds up your site, ensuring it runs efficiently while handling code executions and database queries in the background.
• WP Smush/ShortPixel Image Optimizer– Designed to compress images, this plugin helps improve site speed without compromising image quality.
Remember, there are over 75,000 WordPress plugins available. It’s essential to check ratings and reviews to ensure each plugin performs as expected. Doing your due diligence will help keep your site running smoothly without being bogged down by bugs or constant updates.
How to Add a Plugin On WordPress:
Click the “Add New” link that appears after you tap on the “Plugins” tab in your WordPress dashboard. This will take you to a page where you can search for plugins by functionality, popularity, and other criteria.
Once you find the plugin you need, click the “Install Now” button. Allow it to download, and then click “Activate.” This process will automatically integrate your new plugin and add it to the “Installed Plugins” page—simply navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins to confirm its presence.
#6: Start Publishing Content
After applying your preferred theme, all that’s left is to launch your blog.
- Domain name: check!
- Hosting: check!
- WordPress interface & theme: check!
- WordPress plugins: check!
- And voila!
Starting a blog today is as simple, easy, and fast as setting up a social media profile. Anyone can launch a blog, and that’s exactly what this guide is all about. With your WordPress installation complete, I warmly welcome you to the exciting world of blogging!
It’s time to kick off your blogging journey and publish your very first post on your self-hosted WordPress blog.
Content is the driving force behind your blog. A well-crafted post not only wins the hearts of your readers but also addresses the problems they face. The key is to consistently deliver value—providing solutions that genuinely help your audience.
Here’s a Pro Tip: Leverage AI tools to create blogs, articles, or even social media content. Blogpreneurs are using AI writing assistants to produce high-quality content faster, increasing their output and revenue. You might be surprised how AI tools can dramatically boost your output and help grow your online traffic.
Hot Tip: Platforms like Reddit, Quora, and niche forums are treasure troves for blog post ideas. Explore these communities to discover popular discussions related to your niche. By tapping into these conversations, you can create content that resonates and engages your readers effectively.
FAQs: How to Start A Blog!
1. How many posts and pages should you launch your blog with?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer—this part is entirely up to you. However, here’s what I recommend based on my experience:
It’s ideal to launch your blog with at least 3-5 cornerstone articles per category, along with around 30 to 50 sub-articles, each containing a minimum of 2,000 words—the more quality content, the better. These types of posts will continue to drive traffic long after they’re published, while also clearly communicating the type of content you produce and what your brand stands for.
Regardless of your posting schedule, consistency is key. I suggest starting with a goal of publishing at least twice a week. Once you’ve sustained that pace for about six months, consider increasing your output to thrice a week. More content not only boosts your page views but also enhances your social media presence.
Now, let’s talk about the essential pages your blog needs. At a minimum, you should include an About page, a Privacy Policy, and a Contact page. As your income grows, don’t forget to add a Disclosure Policy and an Affiliate Policy as soon as you start marketing your own products. And if you plan on offering services or sell products, a Terms & Conditions page becomes a must-have.
By setting up these foundational elements, you’re well on your way to establishing a professional, trustworthy blog that can support your long-term goals.
2. How to drive traffic to a new blog?
Promote your blog with passion and persistence!
One of the biggest challenges in blogging is driving traffic. I faced this hurdle firsthand—I had no idea how those top blogs gained momentum. Like many newcomers, I struggled with attracting visitors, and without mentors to guide me, I had to learn through trial and error while juggling other responsibilities. I spent time analyzing patterns and observing what successful bloggers were doing.
If your blog isn’t attracting traffic yet, it’s time to invest extra effort into promotion. Platforms like Pinterest have proven to be incredibly effective for many bloggers—even beginners (even me when I started out). I highly recommend checking out an amazing course that reveals the secrets to driving consistent traffic from Pinterest.
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If you’re eager for even more tools and insights, consider the Blogging Bundle, which comes with six valuable bonuses. Here’s a quick glimpse of what’s included:
• Digital Products Guide: A detailed list of digital products you can create and sell on your blog.
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• Ideal Reader Workbook: A comprehensive workbook to help you identify your ideal reader profile.
• Email Swipe File: A collection of email templates for asking for backlinks, reaching out to influencers for guest blogging opportunities, and more.
• Case Studies: Over 40 pages of inspiring case studies featuring women who have built successful online businesses from scratch at home.
• Tripwire Guide: A detailed guide on setting up tripwires in your blog to generate money on autopilot.
• Facebook Groups Roundup: A curated list of 50 Facebook groups tailored for bloggers in any niche.
Get it right here and start amplifying your blog’s reach today!
3. How to Make Money From Your Blog?
Now comes the interesting part 😉
If you want to make money blogging, you need to know the eight most promising blog monetization models. I’ve personally used these strategies on my blog to start earning income. Out of the eight, affiliate marketing has been my primary revenue driver. For those unfamiliar, affiliate marketing involves promoting someone else’s products or services and earning a commission for each sale.
As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t start making money from day one—not even in the first month. In the early stages, my earnings from advertising were just a few cents. My real focus, however, was always on affiliate marketing. I soon realized that success in affiliate marketing isn’t just about posting links and expecting passive income. You need to implement effective promotional strategies to truly profit.
It took some time to refine my affiliate marketing skills, and I credit my progress to a no-fluff affiliate marketing course that paved the way for success. After I applied the tips and strategies from this course, I began earning around $1,000 a month—a 200% increase in just three months.
Fast forward six years, and I now make over $5,000 a month from home (bringing in a net income of around $50,000 per year). You can boost your conversions and overall income by integrating value-loaded content with well-placed affiliate links.
If you’re planning to dive into affiliate marketing, I highly recommend taking that course. While there are several ways to monetize your blog, advertising and affiliate marketing remain the simplest and most effective sources of passive income.
Click here to Skyrocket Your Affiliate Income!
Winding Up
I hope these tips have empowered you to create your very own profitable blog. I wish you the best of luck on your blogging journey. Be sure to bookmark and revisit this page for money-saving blogging tools, the latest tips and trends, and other invaluable resources.
🌟Pin now📌Read later—don’t miss out!🛷✨
I encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments below—tell me about your success story or ask any questions you might have.
So go ahead—pour your passion into your blog. One day, you might wake up to discover that your side hustle has flourished into a thriving business, freeing you from the daily grind just as it did for me.
Howdy Folks, thanks for stopping by my blog.
I’m Swati, a proud mom, dedicated side hustler, full-time blogger, and a recognized millennial work-at-home expert. My expertise has been featured on esteemed platforms such as Forbes, CEO Blog Nation, Referral Rock, Vital Dollar, Databox blog, and many more. I have embarked on this incredible journey to share my firsthand experiences in the world of online income generation and to assist all of you in earning money from the comfort of your homes.
Join me in my mission to revolutionize the way we make money and achieve financial freedom. Trust me, it’s not as challenging as it may seem!
Together, let’s explore the boundless opportunities and pave our paths towards a prosperous future.
Kevin Racicot
Saturday 13th of June 2020
Hey Swati, you've really presented this topic in a short and acceptable manner & not like other so-called pro bloggers making 6000-8000 long post just for SEO.
Anyways, I got the point. By the way, I wanted to know how your ads change continuously, I'm here reading this post from the last 6 mins & till now, the sidebar ad has been changed almost 10 times.
I'm also an AdSense publisher but I don't know how this is happening. If possible, can you please let me know how I can get the similar feature.
By the way, I'm Kevin from TechStudio
Philip Verghese Ariel
Thursday 16th of May 2019
Hi Swati, its indeed a great joy to be here today, in fact, I am here via a roundup post in which you posted your experience. Nice to meet a like-minded person from my own place. You covered an in-depth guide in blogging. THough I am in blogging for a few years some of the things mentioned in are really new to me. There is a lot to pick from this post. I am bookmarking it for my further read. Keep writing and keep helping other fellow beings. Best Regards ~ Philip
Swati Chalumuri
Friday 17th of May 2019
Having you here, itself is a huge appreciation. I greatly admire your work. Thanks a lot for stopping by, Philip!
bestabo
Thursday 18th of April 2019
Hello, This is a great article, it is well explained, step by step, because these days being a blogger or having a blog is something very important so we can increase our shown in the "www" world. Thank u for sharing.
Varsha Rajput
Wednesday 10th of May 2017
Hi thanks for this useful article, actually I'm to start a new now I got it how to choose a profitable topic to write a blog.
Thanks ????
Edos Ubebe
Monday 13th of March 2017
Epic post with tons of analysis. Great work buddy.