It is possible to create a blog for free and make money from it, although it may require some time and effort on your part, like any other pursuit. Here are the first steps to get you started on blogging and kickstart a digital venture:
- Choose a free blogging platform
There are several options to choose from, such as WordPress.com, Blogger, and Tumblr. These platforms offer basic blogging features for free, but may have limited customization options. Once you are ready and familiar with blogging, think about upgrading your platform to a professional one. There are several low-cost options available, like SiteGround, Hostinger (the one I use), eco-friendly GreenGeeks, Hostgator and Dreamhost, for example. - Select a topic that you love but it also proves itself marketable
Think about what you want to write about and make sure it’s something you’re passionate about. It can be helpful to choose a specific niche or focus to make your blog stand out. - Design your blog
Most free blogging platforms come with pre-designed templates that you can use to give your blog a professional look. You can also use tools like Canva or Adobe Spark to create custom graphics for your blog and make it less automated, more personal. - Start writing and publishing
There’s no making money with blogging without blogging! Create content that is interesting and engaging for your audience. It can be helpful to schedule regular posting times and to use headlines and formatting to make your posts easy to read. - Promote your blog
Share your blog on social media and consider reaching out to other bloggers or websites to ask for cross-promotion. You can also use write content that connects with users search intentions to explore search engine optimization (SEO) opportunities to help your blog rank higher in search engine results.
To make money from your blog, you can consider using advertising, sponsored content, or selling products or services. Some popular advertising options include Google AdSense and Media.net.
You can also work with brands as an influencer or affiliate marketer, or sell your own products or services through your blog. It may take some time to build up traffic and monetize your blog, so be patient and persistent, that is key to surviving as a professional and fulfilled blogger in 2023.
Here are some easy tips for monetizing your blog
- Use advertising
One of the simplest ways to monetize your blog is by displaying ads. You can use a platform like Google AdSense to display relevant ads on your blog and earn money every time someone clicks on an ad. - Sell products or services
Another option is to sell your own products or services through your blog. This could be physical products, like handmade crafts or printables, or digital products, like ebooks or online courses. - Offer sponsored content
Brands may be willing to pay you to write about their products or services on your blog. Be sure to disclose sponsored content as required by law. - Become an affiliate marketer
If you review products on your blog, you can sign up for affiliate programs and earn a commission every time someone clicks on your unique affiliate link and makes a purchase. - Offer consulting or coaching services
If you have expertise in a particular area, you can offer consulting or coaching services to your readers. - Use Patreon
Patreon is a platform that allows you to receive recurring payments from your readers or fans in exchange for exclusive content or perks. - Sell digital products
Digital products, like ebooks or printables, can be an easy and profitable way to monetize your blog. You can sell them directly through your blog or through a platform like Etsy or Creative Market. - Sell physical products
If you have a product line, you can sell physical products through your blog using a platform like Shopify or WooCommerce.
It’s important to find a monetization strategy that works for you and your audience, and to be transparent about your monetization efforts.
Pingback: A path to a life in freedom – A LIFE ABLAZE