In this blog post, I will show you how you can learn on how to start a blog and make money in 2025.
Starting a blog is one of the best ways to share your knowledge, connect with others, and create a potential source of income. If you’re completely new to blogging, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through everything step by step. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear roadmap to starting a blog and making money from it. Let’s get started!
What You Need to Start a Blog
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need to start your blog:
- A chosen niche – Decide on a topic that you’re passionate about and that has an audience willing to read about it.
- A blogging platform – Choose between free platforms like Blogger or paid platforms like WordPress.org (recommended for monetization).
- Hosting (for paid platforms) – If you go with WordPress.org, you’ll need reliable hosting like Bluehost or SiteGround.
- A domain name – This is your blog’s web address (e.g., www.yourblogname.com).
- Legal templates – Essential for monetization. You need a Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, and Terms & Conditions. A SelfGuru provides great legal templates.
- A lightweight theme – A fast, customizable theme like Kadence makes your blog look professional and improves loading speed.
- Plugins (for WordPress) – Essential plugins include Lasso (for affiliate links), WP Rocket (for site speed), and Rank Math (for SEO).
Now that you have an idea of what you need, let’s explore the basics of a blog and why it’s a great side hustle in 2025.
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Understanding the Basics of a Blog
A blog is essentially a website where you regularly publish written content on topics that interest you. Whether you want to write about personal experiences, give advice, or teach people something, your blog can become a valuable resource for readers.
There are different types of blogs:
- Personal blogs – Share your thoughts, experiences, and lifestyle.
- Niche blogs – Focus on a specific topic like travel, finance, or health.
- Business blogs – Promote a product or service and build an audience.
- Affiliate blogs – Focus on recommending products and earning commissions.
A successful blog requires consistency, valuable content, and a strategy to attract readers and monetize it. Blogging is NOT a get-rich-quick scheme, but it can turn into a profitable side hustle with time and effort.
Picture This:
Imagine your blog as your digital home. You invite guests (readers) by sharing useful content. As they enjoy your articles, they start trusting you, returning for more, and even buying the products or services you recommend.
Why Blogging is Still a Great Side Hustle in 2025
Many people wonder if blogging is still worth it in 2025. The short answer? Absolutely! Here’s why:
- Low Startup Costs – You can start a blog for under $100 per year, making it one of the most affordable side hustles.
- Passive Income Potential – Unlike traditional jobs, a blog can generate income while you sleep through ads, affiliate marketing, and digital products.
- Work from Anywhere – Whether you’re at home or traveling, all you need is a laptop and internet connection.
- Multiple Monetization Options – You can make money through display ads, sponsored posts, selling e-books, online courses, affiliate marketing, and more.
- Evergreen Content – A well-written blog post can attract readers for years, unlike social media posts that disappear in a day.
Picture This:
Think of your blog as an investment. The time you put in now can bring in rewards months or even years later. It’s like planting a seed that grows into a money tree over time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Blog
1. Choose a Profitable Niche
Your niche determines your blog’s focus and potential earnings. Choose something you enjoy but also something that has an audience. Some profitable niches include:
- Personal finance
- Health and wellness
- Travel
- Parenting
- Tech and gadgets
Tip: Research what people are searching for using Pinterest trends or tools like KeySearch.
Picture This:
Think of your niche as your blog’s theme. Just like a bookstore has sections (fiction, business, health), your blog needs a clear topic to attract the right audience.
2. Pick a Blogging Platform and Get Hosting
If you want to make money, WordPress.org is the best choice (not to be confused with WordPress.com). You’ll need hosting, which is like renting space for your blog online. Good hosting providers include:
- Bluehost (great for beginners)
- SiteGround (better for speed and support)
- Cloudways (for advanced users)
Picture This:
Imagine your blog as a house. Hosting is the land it’s built on, and WordPress is the foundation that holds everything together.
3. Get a Domain Name
Your domain name is your blog’s identity, so choose something short, memorable, and niche-related. You can register it through Namecheap, Bluehost, or SiteGround.
Picture This:
Think of your domain name like a street address. It helps people find your blog online.
4. Install WordPress and Set Up Your Blog
Once you have hosting and a domain, install WordPress (most hosts offer one-click installation). Then, install a lightweight theme like Kadence for a professional look.
How to Use Kadence AI Starter Templates
Kadence offers AI-powered starter templates, making it easy for beginners to set up a blog quickly. Here’s how to install them:
- Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Appearance > Themes.
- Click Add New, search for Kadence, and install it.
- Activate the theme and then install the Kadence Starter Templates plugin.
- Browse the available templates and select one that fits your niche.
- Customize colors, fonts, and layouts with just a few clicks.
This feature saves time and effort, helping you launch a professional-looking blog without design headaches.
Picture This:
Kadence AI Starter Templates are like having a personal designer set up your blog in minutes, allowing you to focus on creating content.
5. Add Legal Pages
If you plan to monetize your blog, you must have legal pages to protect yourself. Here’s how to add them:
- Get legal templates from A SelfGuru.
- Create pages in WordPress (Pages > Add New).
- Copy and paste the content from your legal templates.
- Publish and link them in your blog footer.
Picture This:
Your legal pages are like a contract between you and your readers. They keep your blog compliant and trustworthy for future monetization.
6. Monetize Your Blog
Once you have content and traffic, it’s time to make money! Here are some ways:
- Affiliate marketing – Recommend products and earn commissions (Lasso makes this easy!).
- Display ads – Sign up for networks like Mediavine or Raptive.
- Sponsored posts – Brands pay you to write about their products.
- Sell digital products – E-books, courses, templates, or printables.
Picture This:
Your blog is like a small business. The more effort you put in, the more revenue streams you can create.
Final Thoughts
Starting a blog might feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, it can be one of the most rewarding side hustles. Blogging allows you to share your passion, help others, and even generate an income over time. If you’re serious about making money with a blog, take action today!
Ready to Start Your Blog?
If you’re ready to launch your blog, grab your domain, hosting, and legal templates now. Need help? Drop your questions in the comments!
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