How to Start A Blog and Start Making Money Today!

I will be the first one to tell you, blogging is not as easy as everyone makes it out to be. Its HARD work and super personal! However, starting a blog is easy and you can make some serious money doing it. This article will give you the exact steps to take the plunge and start a blog today.

First, Let’s get this out of the way… Why on earth would you want to add yet another item to your to-do list?

I’m going to be brutally honest! When I first started my blog, I just wanted to start making money right away, I was desperate to help out my husband with the finances and I’ll tell you I failed miserably. Never start something for the sole purpose of money! ( I’ve had to learn that lesson a few times, I’m talking to you MLM)

After a long conversation with my husband, I realised I was being exactly what I hated, unauthentic! I was trying to put out the information I thought people wanted, but I wasn’t passionate about it. And that’s not me, so I started blogging as a Hobie and it took a ton of pressure off. It’s now my outlet and I love it! This is the main reason I say go for it if you want to start a blog.

Having an outlet to go to to help others and be creative is just what I was looking for. It’s mine and I get to do whatever I want to do with it.

I love blogging so much, I have encouraged one of my closest friends and even mother to start their blogs.

What I realised is, we have unique voices and hidden knowledge of our experiences that will help others become better and feel better. Seeing their excitement about their blogs and hearing how others are sharing their content, and can’t wait for more.  THAT IS WHY I BLOG! It brings me joy to see others experience joy as well!

Do you have that urge to create something that is yours, to show others an easier way to do what you do every day, or have your own outlet away from kids, work and housework?

Starting a blog is the best way to make money on your own time, talk about what you know, have your own business and still be available for the family and kids.

So let’s get started. It’s actually really easy but I am going to hold your hand and help you anyway because something new always seems harder than it really is.

First, you need a hosting company! Here is why…

If you go with the free WordPress site they can take it down at any time. Since it is free, you do not own it! Also, If you want to make money you can not use the free site. I know what your thinking, “oh my goodness I have to buy something” That’s what I thought at first but as time has gone by and I have progressed with my blog, I am so happy I did not go with the free site!

1. My hosting company ROCKS! They help me with everything! I can call them any time and someone answers. It’s awesome!
2. I want to make money with my site
3. PRIVACY When you open free accounts you are always open to cyber freaks. Just saying.

The company I use…

Bluehost baby! I will only go with Bluehost due to their amazing customer service. Here is a little secret, when I actually started my blog I did not have step by step help setting it up. I could not figure it out for the life of me. I was so pissed off I called Bluehost and told them to refund me. Totally not their fault and they had no idea why I was mad. But they were kind, did not try to sell me anything or pressure me to stay. They simply refunded me my money. A week later, I read something from Rosemarie Groner’s site and I decided not to give up. This time, I called them and they helped me through the entire process.

These employees are genuine people who know their business and know how hard it can be for new bloggers to understand. They take all the tech stuff off the table for you so you can focus on your new journey.

Oh, Ya in case you were wondering Bluehost will connect your domain to WordPress for you with a simple click of a button. Easy peasy! And you don’t have to pay extra.

Bluehost has given me a special price for my readers cuz they rock and so I am passing it on to you. I actually got a special price too because I went through another person’s referral but if you go directly to Bluehost it will cost you more.

Just click the sign-up box below and get started.  You will have to pay for the whole year. Just a heads up. I think that’s better so you do not have a continued payment every month.

Once you sign up they are going to ask you for upgrades. At first, I did not do any because finances were tight at the time and I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy blogging. When I had enough money, I added privacy. This helps keep your personal information private and is totally worth it!

On the sign-up page, you will be offered 3 packages. Just pick the one that’s right for you and your budget. However, the prime and plus do have more features so again, do what’s best for you.

Your next step is to pick your domain name. For example, my domain name is livesimplystrong.com. Before you sign up you can check if your domain is available by using the box below. This way you are more prepared in case you have to keep trying. If you already own a domain no worries you can skip this part and move on.

The trick to picking a name

My suggestion is to write down what you want to blog about. ( That would be your nitch)  Think of it as a huge idea sheet. Just start writing, look for common words and themes. Once you pick a theme for your nitch. For example, I am in the health and fitness nitch but I have narrowed it down to Pilates and ultimate health for moms.  When I was choosing my name, I had pages full of words that described what I wanted to write about. Finally, I grouped the main topics into my title and found one that works using the box above.

Once you have your domain name, you will be asked to put in your personal information. The package you picked along with the choice for additions will be on this page. Please note if you do not want the additions, uncheck the boxes. You can always add them later. Also, note in the example below the account plan says 36-month price $2.95/mo Bluehost offers deeper discounts if you purchase more upfront. You can change this again totally up to you!

These are all little items that I was surprised at when I first purchased. So I wanted to make sure you knew you have options and do not have to go with the suggestions. However, the suggestions will save you frustration and money in the long run as long as you know for sure you want to be a blogger.

Pick what works for you and uncheck what doesn’t.

The next page is a list of more upgrades. Simply skip them and move on. Of course, unless you want them. You do not need them at first and Bluehost is super helpful when you do end up needing them.

Once you have completed this page your last step is to pick your password. Yeah your done!

So now you have successfully signed up. Do not stop there!

Go ahead and instal WordPress right now! Once you have signed into the new account scroll down on the dashboard and look for the WordPress icon. Once you click on it, follow the prompts and tada it’s installed. Remember, Bluehost will do this for you if you need help. They are awesome like that.

Once you are set up with WordPress, Bluehost will email you a temporary login password for your new WordPress account. This is where all the magic is. This is where you will be writing your blogs and building your site. 

Remember, when logging into your admin site for your WordPress blog you will want to go to www. (your domain).com/wp-admin I had a hard time finding this at first.

Your last step, for now, is to pick a theme.

There are many free themes out there to choose from just make sure that it is simple and clean! Keep in mind, a free theme does not give you much design control so if that is your thing and you want to be able to design and customize the theme you will eventually want to upgrade to a paid theme. I ended up purchasing Divi from Elegant Themes and love all the features. I am terrible with computers and this theme allowed me to be a designer without having to design and code!

Please don’t waste your money if you are just getting your feet wet. Use a free theme until you have 25 to 30 posts written. Then, if you are hooked like I was on blogging, go ahead and invest in your blog because it is now your business.

I say this because you can get your money back from Bluehost but you can not get your money back from some themes designers. If you can, it is much harder. I bought a theme from WordPress that I wasn’t in love with and could not get my money back. However, with Elegant Themes, they do offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

OK there you go you are up and running and now have a blog! Congratulations blogger! I can’t wait for you to get up in the morning and be excited about your blog.

You’re probably wondering, ok now what? How on earth am I going to make money blogging? And here is my answer, write about what you know, be as detailed as you can and give the most value as you can to each post.  Once you have 25 to 30 posts written, I want you to go back and look at each post. Did you mention any products you use? Do you write tutorials? As long as you are giving valuable information you can make money with your blog. Remember, this is not Facebook, if you want to make money, you can not talk about you. The topics must talk about how you can help them.

There you have it! Even though this post was super long, starting a blog should only take you about 15 mins. I know it seems overwhelming but all things in life that are amazing seem challenging at first. I wish you luck with your new venture, you got this!

Stephanie