How to Start a Blog and Make Money in 2025 (Step-by-Step for Beginners)

how to start a blog

Want to build a blog that generates income while you sleep? This complete guide will walk you through how to start a blog using WordPress, monetize it with affiliate marketing (like Hostinger), and turn your blog into a money-making machine — even if you’re starting from zero.

Why Blogging Still Works in 2025

Even in 2025, blogging is not dead — in fact, it’s more profitable than ever when combined with affiliate marketing and SEO.

✅ Google Is Still the #1 Traffic Source

Billions of searches happen daily. People look for tutorials, reviews, and solutions — and blog content ranks high when done right.

✅ Affiliate Blogging Still Pays

Blogger Level Average Monthly Affiliate Income
Beginner $50 – $500
Intermediate $1,000 – $5,000
Advanced $10,000 – $50,000+
Authority Blogs $100,000+

Real-life example: Blogs focused on web hosting reviews (like Hostinger) can earn $100–$300 per day from affiliate commissions.

✅ Passive Income Potential

Once a post ranks (e.g., “Best hosting for beginners”), it works 24/7. Unlike social media, blog posts last months to years.

✅ Human Experience Beats AI

Google still favors helpful, real-user content over AI-generated spam. Your story and expertise matter.

✅ Your Blog = Digital HQ

From email list building to selling digital products and affiliate deals — your blog is the foundation of a scalable online business.


What You Need to Start a Blog

Here’s your blogging starter kit:

  • ✅ A niche
  • ✅ Domain name
  • ✅ Hosting plan (we recommend Hostinger)
  • ✅ WordPress installed
  • ✅ Some blog content
  • ✅ Affiliate programs to join

Step 1: Choose Your Niche

Pick something you:

  • Enjoy writing about
  • Can help others with
  • Can monetize through affiliate programs

Example niches:

  • Blogging & online business
  • Tech/software (VPNs, tools)
  • Health & wellness
  • Budget travel
  • Personal finance

Step 2: Get a Domain and Hosting (with Hostinger)

Why Hostinger?

  • Free domain name
  • Fast and reliable hosting
  • 1-click WordPress setup
  • Affordable ($2.99/month)

Setup Steps:

  1. Go to Hostinger.com
  2. Choose Premium Web Hosting
  3. Register your free domain
  4. Complete payment
  5. Log into hPanel and access WordPress

Step 3: Install WordPress

In Hostinger hPanel:

  • Navigate to Websites → WordPress → Install
  • Set login credentials
  • Access WordPress dashboard at yourdomain.com/wp-admin

Step 4: Design Your Blog

Choose a clean, responsive theme:

  • ✅ Astra
  • ✅ Kadence
  • ✅ GeneratePress

Customize:

  • Add logo (Canva)
  • Set color scheme and font
  • Configure menus (Home, Blog, About, Contact)

Step 5: Install Essential Plugins

Plugins enhance your site’s functionality.

Plugin Purpose
Rank Math SEO Optimize for Google
WP Rocket Speed & performance
Pretty Links Manage affiliate links
Contact Form 7 Simple contact form
UpdraftPlus Backup
Wordfence Security

Step 6: Write Your First Blog Posts

Start with:

  • “How to Start a Blog with Hostinger”
  • “Hostinger Review 2025”
  • “Hostinger vs Bluehost”
  • “Top 5 Blogging Tools for Beginners”

Use keyword research tools like Ubersuggest or Ahrefs to find search terms people are actually Googling.


Step 7: Sign Up for Affiliate Programs

Earn commissions by recommending products you trust.

Affiliate Program Products Commission Rate
Hostinger Web hosting Up to $60/sale
ShareASale Various Varies
Impact SaaS tools High payout
CJ Affiliate General Brand-focused

Step 8: Add Affiliate Links

Use affiliate links naturally:

  • Within tutorials
  • In product reviews
  • On call-to-action buttons

💡 Install Pretty Links to track and shorten URLs.

🛡 Add a disclaimer:

“This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.”


Step 9: Promote Your Blog

Free traffic methods:

  • SEO (write for keywords)
  • Pinterest (create pins)
  • Facebook groups
  • Quora/Reddit (value comments)

Paid methods:

  • Google Ads (for money keywords)
  • Meta Ads (to grow your email list)

Step 10: How to Make Money Blogging

Method Description
Affiliate Marketing Recommend products, earn commission
Display Ads Earn per view (e.g. AdSense)
Sponsored Posts Get paid to write reviews
Sell Digital Products eBooks, templates, courses
Email Marketing Promote offers to your list

Content That Should Be on Your Blog

Besides posts, your site must include key pages for trust and legal compliance:

🔹 About Me (or About Us)

Share your story, mission, and what readers can expect from your blog.

🔹 Contact Me (or Us)

Let visitors or potential partners reach you. Include a form or email.

🔹 Disclaimer Page

Required for affiliate blogs. Disclose that you may earn commissions.

“Some links on this blog are affiliate links. I may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase through them.”

🔹 Privacy Policy

Explains how you collect and use data (GDPR-compliant). Use generators like GetTerms or Iubenda.

🔹 Terms of Service

Useful if you sell digital products or want to protect your site legally.

📌 Tip: Link to these pages from your footer menu.


Final Tips for Long-Term Success

  • ✅ Be consistent (1–2 posts/week)
  • ✅ Focus on SEO and quality content
  • ✅ Grow your email list from Day 1
  • ✅ Use analytics to track what’s working
  • ✅ Be patient — most blogs take 6–12 months to gain traction

✅ Ready to Start?

👉 Launch Your Blog with Hostinger (85% OFF)

“Success belongs to those who start. Don’t wait for the perfect moment — create it.”

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