How to Start a Blog That Makes Money

summary

• Use WordPress.com for easy, non-tech-savvy blog building.
• Ensure your content meets Google's E-E-A-T for SEO and credibility.
• Monetise with AdSense and affiliate marketing for advertising revenue generation.
• Potential average monthly blog earnings of £1,500 to £3,125 from 100,000 page views.
  

🎧 Listen Now: Sidehustles.co.uk One-Minute Podcast: How to Start a Blog That Makes Money.

Transcript available below.

Imagine transforming your thoughts into income with just a laptop and your passion. In a world where side hustles are not just options, but necessities for financial stability, blogging is one of the many side hustles that has become popular in recent years — gaining momentum not only in the UK but all across the world.

The minimal startup costs, flexibility to work anywhere, and potential for substantial income or other content creation opportunities make blogging a bright beacon of opportunity for anyone looking to supplement their income stream.

If nurtured with the right strategies, blogging can evolve beyond a little side hustle, potentially becoming a full-fledged business venture in its own right.

This article serves as your comprehensive guide on How to Start a Blog That Makes Money, offering practical steps and insights to help you navigate the blogging landscape successfully and turn your writing into a profitable endeavour.

Blogging is one form of online content creation where individuals or groups share their insights, ideas, or experiences on a digital platform through the written word. A blog, short for “weblog,” is essentially an online journal or informative website and features regularly updated entries or posts, often written in an informal or conversational style. Although this is the norm, blogging can be as formal or informal as you want, especially based on the audience you want to attract, or on the topics you want to write about.

Blogs can cover a myriad of topics, from personal anecdotes and reviews to expert advice and tutorials. As with most content creation gigs, bloggers maintain a regular schedule of publishing posts regardless of the topic they wish to pursue. Generally, each blog post focuses on a specific subject or niche under their overarching topic. In some cases, you may do two or three-part posts or even a series of blog articles.

Blogs can be monetised through several methods, including advertisements, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing — this is how blogging graduates from simply being a creative outlet into a potentially lucrative source of income.

As many individuals look for ways to diversify their income streams and make extra money on the side, online ventures have become one of the most popular ways to do so — often second only to ridesharing or carpool gigs like Uber or delivery gigs like Deliveroo.

If you are new to writing professionally or online content creation in general, starting a blog can be daunting. However, as you continue blogging, you will slowly grow your confidence in what you are doing.

Below are a few compelling reasons why it’s a good idea to start a blog as a side hustle:

• Additional Income Stream. Blogging can be fairly lucrative once you’ve built up your platform and gained regular readers or followers. With good SEO practices, you can turn your side hustle blog into a steady source of income through advertisements, affiliate marketing or partnering with companies, and sponsored content.

• Gain New Skills. Regularly blogging can enhance your writing, social media, and networking skills. With this, you can dip your toes into the wider world of SEO, digital marketing, social media marketing, and freelance writing — all of which are highly sought-after and lucrative opportunities.

• Work Hour Flexibility. Blogging is a fully digital side hustle — notwithstanding going out to try things or places you want to review and write about. This means you have full control over your schedule. For instance, if you feel more energised to work at night, you can write in the evenings and schedule posts to go live in the morning in time for your readers to see them.

• Remote Work-friendly. Blogging is not only flexible in terms of your time but also your whereabouts. As long as you have a working or steady internet connection, you can essentially work anywhere in the world — whether it is in your own home, by the beach, or even out of the country. The ability to work remotely also offers more advantages like networking and finding more interesting topics to write about.

The first thing to do is to identify a niche for your blog. Selecting the ideal niche for your blog is a pivotal first step in your blogging venture. It’s about finding a balance between your personal interests, areas of expertise, and what resonates with your audience. This combination is crucial for consistently producing content of a high standard.

Begin by considering your hobbies and areas of knowledge. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, a technology buff, or a culinary expert, your individual perspective in a subject you’re passionate about can distinguish your blog.

Here are some example niches to consider:

Home Gardening Niche:

Tips and tricks for urban gardening, organic cultivation, or sustainable practices.

Growing Family is a UK home and garden blog sharing ideas, inspiration, and tips for busy family life. It's written by Catherine Hughes and provides valuable insights into gardening and family-oriented outdoor activities​​.

Tech Gadgets Niche:

Reviews and insights on the latest tech gadgets, trends in technology, or DIY tech projects.

Mighty Gadget is a UK blog focused on technology news and reviews. It covers the latest in tech gadgets, offering insights and information on various technological advancements and products​​.

Culinary Niche:

Sharing recipes, cooking techniques, or exploring global cuisines.

Deliciously Ella is a popular UK culinary blog by Ella Mills, focusing on plant-based foods and healthy versions of typically unhealthy dishes. Another notable blog in this niche is "Eat Like a Girl" by Niamh Shields, which shares recipes, restaurant recommendations, and food-based travel stories​​.

Travel Experiences Niche:

Discovering hidden gems, budget travel tips, or cultural explorations around the UK and beyond.

Wanderlust Chloe is a top UK travel blog that caters to lovers of travel, food, adventure, and memorable moments, often with a touch of luxury. It covers various travel-related topics, providing inspiration and tips for travellers​​.

enthusiasm alone isn’t sufficient

However, enthusiasm alone isn’t sufficient. It’s essential to ensure there's a substantial audience for your chosen niche.

Engage in comprehensive research on current market trends. Utilise tools like Google Trends for insights into popular searches and trends. Additionally, social media, online forums, and community discussions can shed light on the interests and requirements of potential readers.

After gaining an initial understanding of your niche, fine-tune it by analysing your target audience. Consider factors such as age, gender, nationality, and time zones. A deep understanding of your audience aids in crafting content that truly connects with them and in determining the most effective times to post.

how Profitable is your niche

Furthermore, ponder over the niche’s profitability. Certain topics may offer more opportunities for monetisation than others. Niches like personal finance, health and wellness, and technology are often ripe with possibilities for affiliate marketing and sponsored content.

finally, DO NOT FORGET to eeat

After identifying your niche, it's vital to consider Google's E-E-A-T guidelines, which underscore the need for Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness, and Experience in your content.

Demonstrating your knowledge and offering valuable, accurate insights are key to building credibility, pivotal for favourable search engine rankings and attracting a dedicated readership.

Ranking in certain niches can be challenging without appropriate qualifications. For instance, a physiotherapy blog necessitates being a qualified physiotherapist for Google to regard your content as trustworthy. On the other hand, as a certified yoga instructor, tailoring your content to the yoga niche aligns perfectly with E-E-A-T criteria, boosting your chances of effective ranking and genuine audience engagement.

In fields like personal finance, health and wellness, technology, and travel, in addition to proving your qualifications, illustrating your expertise through case studies or personal stories can significantly enhance your blog's credibility.

Adherence to E-E-A-T standards not only solidifies your standing with Google but also builds trust with your audience.

A successful niche selection

A successful blog adeptly blends your passion, audience interest, and potential for monetisation, ensuring the longevity of your venture.

In essence, a successful blog is one that strikes a harmony between your passion, audience interest, and potential for monetisation. It’s this blend that will sustain your blog in the long haul.

Once you’ve identified your niche and target audience, the next crucial step is choosing your blog name. The importance of a unique and memorable name cannot be understated — it's the cornerstone of your blog's identity and sets you apart from other bloggers.

Your blog's name is often the first interaction between you and potential readers. It should be unique, easy to remember, and, if possible, reflective of your niche or main content. A catchy name can significantly impact the initial impression and long-term recall of your blog. For example, if you’re blogging about sustainable living in the UK, names like 'GreenUKLiving' or 'EcoBritLife' immediately convey your blog's focus and target audience.

Register a Domain Name

After selecting a suitable Blog name, it's time to register your domain name. Domain names are the unique digital addresses that lead us to specific websites on the internet, for example sidehustles.co.uk, google.co.uk and amazon.co.uk.

You register a domain name through various domain registrars such as GoDaddy.com or FastHosts. Many of these services offer a straightforward process for securing your chosen domain name.

Additionally, if you're opting for a blog website hosting provider such as Wordpress.com, check if they offer domain registration as part of their package. Providers often bundle hosting and domain registration, which can simplify the process and sometimes be more cost-effective.

.com or .co.uk domain?

When selecting a domain, your target audience is key: choose .co.uk for a UK-specific audience and .com for global reach. The appropriate domain not only solidifies your online identity but is crucial for enhancing search engine visibility and branding.

Remember to select a domain that's adaptable for future content expansion. For example, avoid overly narrow domains like redrobinbirds.co.uk if you might branch out beyond that specific topic and cover other bird species. A more general domain provides the flexibility to evolve your blog’s content and maintain relevance to your growing objectives and audience.

You have two options when it comes to web hosting: self-hosting or using a website builder.

Use a simple website builder

Setting up a self-hosted WordPress blog can be intricate, involving a deeper understanding of hosting and terms such as FTP, DNS, SSL, and plugins. Many aspiring bloggers find themselves overwhelmed by these technical aspects, which can divert attention away from their primary passion – writing.

We've observed numerous bloggers grappling with the setup phase of a self-hosted platform, often stalling before they can truly focus on content creation. The intricacies of managing a self-hosted blog can be daunting for beginners, requiring a certain level of comfort with technical details that not everyone possesses.

Given these challenges, our advice for newcomers is to start with a straightforward website builder. Platforms like Wix or WordPress.com offer a more accessible entry point into the world of blogging. They come with prebuilt blog templates ready to use, and eliminate much of the technical complexity, allowing you to concentrate on discovering your voice and refining your writing without the added stress of technical management.

Starting with these simpler website builders also provides the flexibility to migrate your blog in the future. As you grow more comfortable in the blogging landscape and gain a clearer understanding of your needs and preferences, transitioning to a self-hosted WordPress blog becomes a feasible step.

This approach lets you first test the waters of blogging, ensuring you enjoy the process and are ready to invest more time and resources into a more complex, self-hosted setup when the time is right.

Self-hosting (for the tech-savvy)

Now, if you’re more tech-savvy, self-hosting is also an excellent option and the one used by many professional blogging websites. This way, you’ll have full control over your website, including its customisation and optimisation. However, this does come at the cost of requiring a bit more time, effort, and budget on your part.

Some well regarded web hosting services are Bluehost and Siteground, but if you want one that also offers free website domain name registration, you may want to look into GoDaddy and InMotion.

Starting with WordPress.com is a great choice, too. Once you reach the limitations of your current website host, you’re in a better position to scale up by moving your website into WordPress.org — the advanced content management system and website solution of the WordPress family. Unlike its .com counterpart, you’ll need a separate web hosting service and will have to pay for domain registration costs.

Regardless of which option you choose, here are some factors to consider when choosing a web hosting service:

• Reliability. Look for a hosting service with a 99% uptime rate. Downtime will only result in loss of traffic and revenue, so you need a reliable web host.

• Speed. We’re in an age when people want information instantly. If your blog website doesn’t load right away, you’ll only get high bounce rates or visitors leaving.

• Pricing. Look for affordable (or free!) hosting services with flexible pricing plans that fit your budget. Web hosting with freemium features is ideal so you can scale up your site in the future.

• Customer support. Look for 24/7 support, preferably with live chat or phone assistance, so you can get help in case something goes wrong with your website.

• Security. Cybersecurity is a growing concern in the age of digitisation. Look for security features such as SSL certificates and regular backups are a must!
  

Customising and designing your blog will play a huge role in your branding and in standing out from other bloggers. As mentioned previously, your chosen web host or website builder can affect your blog customisation.

Pre-made templates and themes available through your chosen website builder are the affordable and convenient option, but if you want a bespoke or truly custom website (and logo), your best bet is commissioning or hiring a graphic designer or web designer.

Sites like Fiverr make it easier to connect with freelance artists and designers who can help you out, whether for web design or personal branding.

Part of customising your blog will also include getting advanced features for ecommerce integration, if you plan on selling merchandise, and Google Analytics, to track your blog traffic and performance.

FREE TRAINING



Google has a free online training course for Google Analystics 4 which is a great resource for beginner bloggers.

Your actual content will always be more important than how your website looks. No matter how professional-looking your web design is, if the blog content isn’t up to par, you won’t resonate with your target audience.

Make sure to create a blog content strategy before you start posting on your new website. You need to have a good idea of the topics that will get you noticed, which will also help you maintain a consistent posting or publishing schedule.

Here are some tips to help you with your content:

Do keyword research

Use free keyword research services to help you focus on keywords or keyphrases that will help you rank higher in search page results. Also check what Google autocomplete suggests and the People Also Ask or Related Searches question.  Incorporating Google Trends into your research can also be incredibly valuable. It helps you track current trending topics and audience interests, providing a more informed basis for your content decisions.

Blog Post Length

Aim for a word count that sufficiently covers your topic. Generally, standard posts are around 500 to 1000 words, while in-depth pillar posts, which are comprehensive guides on a specific topic, can exceed 2000 words. The length can vary depending on the subject and audience engagement.

Pillar Posts vs Regular Posts

Understand the difference between pillar posts and regular posts. Pillar posts are detailed, often longer, and cover broader topics in-depth. They serve as a foundation for your blog's content strategy. Regular posts, on the other hand, might be shorter and cover more specific, timely topics.

See what other blogs are doing

Look into what your competitors are writing about or how they approach a topic. If you can identify gaps in their knowledge or content, you can fill them in through your own blog posts.

Research what time to best post

This will depend on your target audience. Make sure you can reach them when they are online, otherwise your blog might get lost in the sea of thousands of others out there.

Write eye-catching blog titles

You don’t necessarily need click-bait titles, as these have the potential to backfire, but you do need a witty or winning headline to get people to click and read your blog.

get some training

In addition to developing your content strategy, consider enhancing your blogging skills through training.

Websites like Copyblogger (https://copyblogger.com/) offer a wealth of resources for bloggers. They provide both free and paid training materials that cover various aspects of blogging, from crafting compelling content to effective SEO techniques. Engaging in such training can greatly improve your writing skills and understanding of digital marketing, further boosting the success of your blog.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced blogger, these resources can offer valuable insights to refine your blogging approach.

This is especially important if you’re just starting out. If you’ve already got a sizable following on your personal social accounts, make sure to advertise your new blog and to use relevant hashtags.

Aside from that, here are other ways to promote your blog:

• Advertise in online communities. Just make sure the platforms you join allow self-promotion. Reddit, Quora, and Medium are great options for this. Even if you don’t always actively promote your blog, participating in relevant discussions and offering valuable insight can help you gain more readers.

• Collaborate with other bloggers. You can invite guest bloggers or write guest posts for other websites and blogs. While it’s better to partner with those within your niche, branching out to attract other audiences can also work.

• Consider paid ads. If you have the budget for it, paid advertising through Google Ads or social media ads can be a big help!
  

Once your blog has attracted a substantial readership, you can begin exploring various monetisation strategies. However, it's crucial to plan your monetisation approach in advance. This foresight allows you to streamline the process, ensuring that your chosen methods align with your content and audience and mitigating any potential issues early on.

Here are some comprehensive options to consider for monetising your blog:

Banner Advertisements:

Integrating banner ads into your blog layout can be a steady source of revenue. Services like Google AdSense automate the process by displaying relevant ads to your audience. It's important to balance ad placement with user experience to avoid overwhelming your readers.

Ad Revenue Platforms:

Ezoic, Mediavine, and Raptive (formally AdThrive) are prominent platforms that bloggers can utilise to optimise ad revenues on their sites. Each platform uses advanced technology to automatically place supplier adverts on your website. Ezoic employs AI for ad placements and user experience, while Mediavine and AdThrive are known for their high-quality ad management services. To be eligible for these platforms, blogs typically need to meet certain traffic criteria, which varies:

Ezoic

• Requirements: Ezoic typically requires a minimum of 10,000 visits per month.
• Pros: Uses AI to optimise ad placements and overall user experience; offers features like layout and ad testing, and detailed analytics.
• Cons: Lower traffic threshold might mean less ad revenue compared to higher-tier networks.

Mediavine

• Requirements: Generally requires at least 50,000 sessions per month.
• Pros: Known for high-quality ad management and excellent customer service; provides robust dashboard and analytics.
• Cons: Higher traffic requirement for eligibility; may not be suitable for smaller blogs.

Raptive

• Requirements: Often needs a minimum of 100,000 monthly page views.
• Pros: Offers personalised attention and optimisation strategies, potentially leading to higher earnings.
• Cons: Very high traffic requirements; not accessible for newer or smaller blogs.

Each platform has its unique strengths and eligibility criteria, making them suitable for different stages of a blog's growth.

average earnings

Speaking to our network of side hustlers, estimated earnings per 1,000 page views per month for Ezoic, Mediavine, and Raptive (AdThrive) are as follows:

• Ezoic: Approximately £7.50 to £30.00 ($10 to $40).
• Mediavine: Around £22.50 ($30), potentially climbing to about to £37.50 ($50) as ads stabilise.
• Raptive (AdThrive): Typically £11.25 to £26.25 ($15 to $35).

Therefore, for a website generating 100,000 page views per month, average earnings could be quite variable. With Ezoic, the monthly earnings might range from £750 to £3,000. For Mediavine, monthly earnings could start around £2,250 and potentially reach up to £3,750. Similarly, with AdThrive, you could expect monthly earnings between £1,125 and £2,625.

Please note that these figures are estimates, and actual earnings can vary based on factors like your website's niche, the source of your traffic, and how well your ads are optimised. These estimates are also based on average RPMs (Revenue Per Mille), meaning your specific website's performance could lead to higher or lower earnings.

Here are some additional factors that can affect your earnings:

• Niche: Websites in certain niches, such as finance and technology, typically earn higher RPMs than websites in other niches.
• Traffic source: Traffic from search engines typically earns higher RPMs than traffic from social media.
• Ad optimisation: Using the right ad sizes and placements can help you maximise your earnings.

Sponsored Blog Posts:

Collaborating with brands for sponsored content is an effective monetisation method. This involves creating content that naturally integrates a brand's message or product. The key is to maintain authenticity and disclose sponsored content to your readers, as per advertising standards.

Affiliate Marketing or Brand Collaborations:

Joining affiliate programs or partnering with brands can be lucrative. This entails promoting products or services and earning a commission for each sale or referral made through your blog. Choose products or services that resonate with your audience and align with your blog's theme.

Developing and Selling Products:

If you have a unique product idea, such as merchandise, digital tools, or physical goods related to your blog's theme, selling these directly to your audience can be a great revenue stream. Ensure these products add value for your readers and enhance their connection with your brand. Many bloggers set up merchandise stores (or merch stores) for this on platforms such as Etsy.

Selling Premium Digital Content:

Creating and selling premium content like e-books, online courses, or exclusive articles is a way to capitalise on your expertise. This not only provides value to your audience but also establishes you as an authority in your niche. Consider using a tiered access model, offering basic content for free while reserving more in-depth material for purchase.

By implementing these monetisation strategies, you can transform your blog into a multifaceted business. It's vital to continuously evaluate the effectiveness of each method and adjust your strategy to meet the evolving needs of your audience and market trends.

By sharing your ideas, thoughts, and opinions, you can develop your online identity, and if this aligns with the brand image of other companies, you can gain better partnership or business opportunities. Ultimately, it will allow you to create a successful lifestyle brand. This is one reason why having a logo and consistent voice or identity is important when blogging.

Successful bloggers often find themselves perfectly poised to branch out into other profitable content creation areas, like transitioning from crafting written content to producing video content — think TikTok or YouTube — with a ready-made audience at their disposal.

Creating a successful blog side hustle involves much more work than simply writing engaging content — it’s a dynamic process that spans from careful strategising and promotional efforts to savvy monetisation decisions and effective brand building.

By mastering these key aspects, you can transform your blog into a powerful lifestyle brand that resonates with your audience and opens up a world of opportunities.

Now that you're equipped with the essentials of starting a blog, why not take your digital journey a step further? The world of blogging offers vast opportunities, and one of the most effective ways to capitalise on your efforts is through affiliate marketing. Our next article, 'How to Start Affiliate Marketing in the UK', is designed to seamlessly complement your blogging skills. It delves into how you can integrate affiliate marketing into your blog, providing a strategic approach to enhance your earning potential. This guide is an invaluable resource for bloggers looking to build on their platform and diversify their income streams. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your blogging venture - dive into the world of affiliate marketing with our next article!

HOW TO START AFFILIATE MARKETING IN THE UK

🎧 Listen Now: Sidehustles.co.uk One-Minute Podcast

How to Start a Blog That Makes Money.

Welcome to the Sidehustles.co.uk One Minute Podcast. In the next 60 seconds, we're sharing a real-world insight from our network of seasoned side hustlers. This quick tip is designed to offer you practical advice that you can apply immediately in your side hustle journey.

Today, we're looking at How to Start a Blog That Makes Money. In the dynamic realm of side hustles, a compelling example comes from a member of our network who runs a mechanic's garage. They launched a blog as a strategic extension of their business. Initially, the blog offered advice on straightforward tasks like changing wiper blades, serving as a practical resource for customers and highlighting their expertise. But the pivotal moment was when they began to cover more intricate automotive work. These in-depth posts didn't just inform the readers; they showcased the garage's comprehensive services.

What made a substantial difference, however, was the impact on local SEO. By integrating relevant keywords and local terms in their posts, the garage significantly improved its online visibility. It began ranking near the top of Google for search terms potential customers were using. This enhanced online presence led to an increase in leads and business inquiries, demonstrating how a well-executed blog can be a potent tool for marketing and customer engagement, transforming online interactions into tangible business growth.

That's your one-minute real-world insight. Stay tuned for more!

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