How to Start a Blog and Make Money: Ultimate Guide

One of the foundational steps in “how to start a blog and make money” is registering a domain name and selecting a hosting service. Your domain name is your blog’s online address, and your hosting service is where your blog’s files live. 

What is a Domain Name?

A domain name for a blog is the web address that people type into their browser to visit your blog. It’s like your blog’s home address on the internet. For example, in the address “www.example.com,” “example.com” is the domain name. It’s how people find your blog online.

Domain Extensions Explained

Domain extensions, also known as top-level domains (TLDs), are the suffixes at the end of web addresses. Here are some common domain extensions and their typical uses:

• .com: Short for “commercial,” .com is the most popular and widely recognized extension. It’s ideal for most blogs and businesses.
• .org: Originally intended for non-profit organizations, .org is now used by various entities and is great for community or organization-focused blogs.
• .net: Short for “network,” .net is often used by tech and networking companies but is also suitable for general blogs.
• .info: Short for “information,” .info is used for informational sites.
• .biz: Short for “business,” .biz is designed for business-related websites.
• .co: Originally the country code for Colombia, .co is now used globally and is popular with startups.
• .us, .uk, .ca: These are country-specific extensions for the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, respectively.
• .blog: Specifically for blogs, this extension clearly indicates the nature of your site.
• .me: Often used for personal blogs or portfolios.

Presented below are the percentages of domain registrations for each domain extension

Pin

• .com: 29.42%
• .de: 3.23%
• .net: 2.41%
• .org: 2.07%
• .uk: 1.89%
• .cn: 1.64%
• others: 59.34%

Which Extension is Best?

For most blogs, .com is the best choice because it’s the most recognized and trusted by users. However, if .com is not available, consider .net, .org, or .blog. Each extension has its own merits, and the best choice depends on your blog’s purpose and target audience.

Tips for Choosing a Memorable and Relevant Domain

1. Keep it Short: Aim for a domain name that’s easy to type and remember.
2. Avoid Numbers and Hyphens: These can be confusing and hard to communicate.
3. Use Keywords: Include keywords related to your blog’s niche to improve SEO.
4. Be Unique: Ensure your domain name stands out and isn’t easily confused with others.
5. Consider Your Audience: Choose a name that resonates with your target audience.
6. Check for Trademarks: Make sure your chosen name doesn’t infringe on any trademarks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Domain Name Using Namesilo

Note that there are lots of domain registrars; I only recommend Namesilo or Hostinger. For the step-by-step guide, we will be using Namesilo.

1. Go to the Namesilo website. 
2. Use the search bar to enter your desired domain name and check its availability. In this case, our domain name would be “how to start a blog and make money”

Pin

• If your domain is available, click the no.3 “Add to Cart” button next to your chosen domain. If not, consider the suggested alternatives or try a different name.
• Namesilo offers additional services, such as WHOIS privacy protection, which hides your personal information from the public. This is highly recommended for privacy.

Pin

• If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to create one. If you have an account, log in.
• Fill in your contact and payment information. Make sure all details are correct.
• Double-check your order summary to ensure everything is correct.
• Click the “Pay Now” button to finalize your purchase.
• Once your purchase is complete, you’ll receive an email confirmation. Log in to your Namesilo account to manage your new domain. Also, you can check out the Namesilo domain price page here. You can also use Hostinger for this same purpose and get a 20% discount.

What is Hosting?

Hosting is a service that allows you to post your blog on the internet. When someone types your domain name into their browser, your hosting provider delivers your blog’s content to them. Think of hosting as renting space on the internet. There are different types of hosting, such as shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated hosting, each with its advantages and costs.

• Shared hosting: Here, your blog is hosted on a server with many other websites. It’s like renting a small space in a shared office. It’s cost-effective and easy to use. However, since you’re sharing the server’s resources, high-traffic or resource-heavy sites can slow down your blog. Additionally, you have limited access to server settings.
• VPS Hosting: A Virtual Private Server (VPS) acts like a dedicated server within a shared environment, similar to having your own private office. It offers more control and allocated resources, enhancing performance compared to shared hosting. However, it’s pricier and may require technical expertise to manage effectively.
• Dedicated hosting: This means you have an entire server dedicated solely to your blog. It’s like owning your own office building. With dedicated hosting, you have complete control over the server, including its configuration and security, and high performance is guaranteed. However, dedicated hosting is the most expensive option, and managing a dedicated server often requires advanced technical skills or hiring a professional.

Choosing Web Hosting

It’s time to choose web hosting for your blog. Your hosting choice is crucial when figuring out “how to start a blog and make money.” Here, we will go with the WordPress platform and Hostinger hosting.

Before choosing any hosting company, I recommend you read: Top Web Hosting Companies You Should Run Away From

Why Choose WordPress.org Hosting?

WordPress is a powerful and popular blogging platform. It offers flexibility, a wide range of plugins, and an active community for support. To get the most out of WordPress, you need reliable hosting. The right host ensures your blog runs smoothly and is always accessible to readers.

Why Hostinger?

Hostinger is a popular choice for WordPress hosting due to its affordability, reliability, and excellent customer support, and I recommend it. Here’s why you should consider Hostinger:

• Affordable Plans: Hostinger offers competitive pricing, making it a great option for new bloggers.
• Website Builder: They offer a website builder for easy setup.
• Free Domain: Get a free domain with your hosting plan.
• Free Website Migration: Move your existing site to Hostinger for free.
• 24/7 Customer Support: Access help whenever you need it.
• Everything you need to create a website: up to 75% off hosting + website builder.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Hosting with Hostinger

Step 1: Visit Hostinger

Go to Hostinger’s website. You’ll find various hosting options tailored to different needs. Click on ‘claim deal’. This will give you a 20% discount.

Pin2: Choose a Hosting Plan

Hostinger offers several WordPress hosting plans. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:

• Premium: Suitable for beginners, includes 100 websites, 100 GB NVMe storage, and a free SSL certificate.
• Most popular: Ideal for growing blogs, includes 100 websites, 200 GB NVMe storage, free domain, and SSL.
• Cloud Startup: Great for larger blogs, includes 300 websites, 200 GB NVMe storage, daily backups, free domain, and SSL.

Pin

Select the plan that fits your needs and budget. Click “Add to Cart.”

3. Register Your Free Domain

If your plan includes a free domain, you’ll be prompted to register it. Enter your desired domain name and check its availability. If the domain is available, proceed to the next step. If not, try a different name until you find one that is available.

4: Create an Account

Pin

To complete your purchase, you’ll need to create a Hostinger account. Enter your email address and create a password, or sign in with Google, Facebook, or GitHub.

5: Review and Complete Your Order

Review your order summary to ensure everything is correct. Hostinger often offers discounts for longer-term commitments, so consider opting for a multi-year plan to save money.

Before you finalize your purchase, here’s a reminder of the benefits:

• Everything you need to create a website.
• Up to 75% off hosting + website builder.
• Free domain.
• Free website migration.
• 24/7 customer support.

Once you’re satisfied, enter your payment information and complete the purchase. Note that using the link here implies that I receive a small commission upon your purchase of these products through these links. This won’t incur any additional costs for you. Instead, you’ll gain access to exceptional offers and discounts that are unavailable elsewhere.

Set Up Your Hosting

After completing your purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email with instructions to set up your hosting. Follow these steps:

• Log In: Go to the Hostinger dashboard and click on website – > Add website – > WordPress as shown in the image below 

Pin

• Set Up WordPress: Enter your desired login details for WordPress Pin

• Select Blog: Next, select Blog, then click ‘Next’

Pin

• Choose a Theme: Hostinger offers several free themes to get you started. Select one that fits your blog’s style. I choose Generatepress theme

Pin

• Choose your needed plugin and hit the ‘Next’ button

Pin

• Fill in your brand name and description and hit ‘Next’

Pin

• Next, enter the domain address you want or use the temporary domain and hit ‘Next’

Pin

• Install WordPress: After that, WordPress installation will commence. This process might take a few minutes.

Pin

Choosing the right web hosting is a vital step in starting a blog and making money. Don’t forget to leverage Hostinger’s features and support to ensure your blog’s success.

3.3 How to Start a Blog and Make Money: Configuring Your Blog

Once you’ve chosen your web hosting, registered your domain, and installed WordPress, it is time to configure your blog. Click on your WordPress installed on the Hostinger admin panel

Pin

Basic Setup and Customization – Using WordPress

1: Initial WordPress Configuration

Once WordPress is installed, you need to configure your site settings:

Pin

1. Log In to WordPress: Go to yourdomain.com/wp-admin and log in with your admin credentials.
2. Set Your Site Title and Tagline: Navigate to “Settings” > “General.” Enter your site title and tagline. These will appear in search engine results and on your site.
3. Set Your Time Zone: In the same “General” settings, select your time zone. This ensures your posts and updates are published at the correct time.
4. Configure Permalinks: Go to “Settings” > “Permalinks.” Choose the “Post name” option for SEO-friendly URLs.
5. Create Pages and Posts: Start creating content by going to “Pages” > “Add New” or “Posts” > “Add New.”

2: Choosing a Theme

A good theme is essential for making your blog visually appealing. Here’s how to choose and customize a theme:

Pin

1. Navigate to Themes: Go to “Appearance” > “Themes.”
2. Add New Theme: Click “Add New” to browse available themes. You can filter by features, popularity, or latest additions.
3. Preview and Install: Preview themes to see how they look. Once you find one you like, click “Install” and then “Activate.”
4. Customize Your Theme: Go to “Appearance” > “Customize” to adjust your theme settings. You can change colors, fonts, and layout. Make sure your customization reflects your blog’s niche and personality.

4: Creating Essential Pages

Before you start blogging, create essential pages for your site:

Pin

1. About Page: This page tells visitors who you are and what your blog is about. Go to “Pages” > “Add New,” and create an About page with engaging content about yourself and your blog’s purpose.
2. Contact Page: Provide a way for visitors to reach you. Include a contact form, email address, and social media links. Use plugins like Contact Form 7 to easily add a form.
3. Privacy Policy: Inform visitors about how their data is used. You can use online generators or templates to create this page.
4. Disclaimer Page: If you’re planning to monetize your blog, a disclaimer page is necessary to disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

5. Essential WordPress Plugins and Tools for a Successful Blog

Pin

Plugins are essential for enhancing the functionality of your WordPress blog. Here are some must-have plugins and tools:

SEO Plugins

• Yoast SEO: This plugin helps optimize your blog for search engines. It provides suggestions for improving your content, keywords, and meta descriptions.
• All in One SEO Pack: Another great SEO plugin that offers features like XML sitemaps, social media integration, and meta tags.

Security Plugins

• Wordfence Security: Protects your blog from malware and security threats. It includes a firewall, malware scanner, and login security features.
• Sucuri Security: Offers website security and monitoring. It helps with malware detection, security hardening, and incident response.

Performance Plugins

• WP Super Cache: Speeds up your site by generating static HTML files from your dynamic WordPress blog. This reduces load times and improves user experience.
• W3 Total Cache: Enhances site performance by caching pages, database objects, and browser content. It also integrates with content delivery networks (CDNs).

Backup Plugins

• UpdraftPlus: Allows you to schedule automatic backups and store them in remote locations like Dropbox or Google Drive. It also offers easy restoration options.
• BackupBuddy: Provides complete backups of your WordPress site, including the database, themes, and plugins. It supports scheduled backups and remote storage.

Social Media Plugins

• Social Warfare adds attractive social sharing buttons to your blog posts and provides social proof by displaying share counts.
• Monarch: A versatile social sharing plugin from Elegant Themes. It offers multiple display options and integrates with major social networks.

Analytics Plugins

• MonsterInsights: Integrates Google Analytics with your WordPress site. It provides insights into your website traffic, user behavior, and performance.
• Jetpack: Offers a suite of tools, including site stats, security, and performance enhancements. It’s a great all-in-one plugin for beginners.

Other Useful Plugins

• Akismet: Protects your blog from spam comments. It automatically filters out spam and reduces the time spent moderating comments.
• Elementor: A powerful drag-and-drop page builder that allows you to create custom layouts and designs without coding.
• WooCommerce: If you plan to sell products or services on your blog, WooCommerce is the best e-commerce plugin for WordPress.

Installing and configuring your WordPress blog is a crucial step in “how to start a blog and make money.” By following the basic setup and customization steps, and utilizing essential plugins and tools, you can create a professional and functional blog. Remember to focus on your content and continuously improve your blog’s performance and security. With the right setup and tools, you’re well on your way to building a successful blog that can generate income.

6. How to Create Sitemaps for WordPress or Website

Creating a sitemap is an essential step when learning how to start a blog and make money. Sitemaps help search engines understand the structure of your site and index your content efficiently. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating sitemaps for WordPress or any website.

Creating a Sitemap for WordPress

Step 1: Install a Sitemap Plugin: To create a sitemap in WordPress, you need to install a plugin. Two popular plugins are Yoast SEO and Google XML Sitemaps.

Using Yoast SEO:

1. Install and Activate Yoast SEO:

• • Go to your WordPress dashboard.
  • Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
  • Search for “Yoast SEO.”
  • Click “Install Now” and then “Activate.”

Pin

2. Enable XML Sitemaps:

• • After activating Yoast SEO, go to SEO > General in the dashboard.
  • Click on the “Features” tab.
  • Find the “XML Sitemaps” section and ensure it is set to “On.”
  • Click “Save Changes.”

Pin

3. View Your Sitemap:

• • Click the question mark next to “XML Sitemaps.”
  • Click the link that says “View the XML sitemap.”
  • Your sitemap URL will typically be https://yourblogname.com/sitemap_index.xml.

Creating a Sitemap for Any Website

Step 1: Use an Online Sitemap Generator

If you don’t use WordPress, you can use an online sitemap generator.

1. Choose a Sitemap Generator:
   • Go to XML-Sitemaps.com.
2. Generate the Sitemap:
   • Enter your website URL (e.g., https://yourblogname.com).
   • Click “Start” to generate the sitemap.
   • Once complete, download the sitemap.xml file.

Pin

Upload the Sitemap to Your Website

1. Access Your Website’s Root Directory:
   • Use an FTP client (like FileZilla) or your hosting provider’s file manager.
   • Navigate to the root directory of your website.
2. Upload the Sitemap File:
   • Upload the sitemap.xml file to the root directory.

Verify the Sitemap

1. Check Your Sitemap URL:
   • Your sitemap URL will typically be https://yourblogname.com/sitemap.xml.

7. Setting Your Blog for Visibility 

One key step in starting a blog and making money is ensuring it is visible to search engines. This involves registering your blog with Google Webmaster, Bing Webmaster, and Yandex. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

How to Register Your Blog with Google Webmaster

• Sign in to Google Search Console:
  • Go to Google Search Console.
  • Sign in using your Google account.
• Add a Property:
  • Click on the ‘Add Property’ button.
  • Enter your blog URL (e.g., https://yourblogname.com).
  • Choose the ‘URL prefix’ method for ease.

Pin

• Verify Your Property:
  • You’ll be asked to verify that you own the blog.
  • You can do this by uploading an HTML file to your blog, adding an HTML tag to your homepage, using your domain name provider, or by linking to your Google Analytics account.

Pin

Verification Methods:

• • HTML File: Download the HTML verification file and upload it to the root directory of your blog. Visit the file URL to confirm it’s accessible, then click ‘Verify’ in the Search Console.
  • HTML Tag: Copy the provided meta tag and paste it into the <head> section of your blog’s homepage HTML code using the WPCode plugin, then click ‘Verify’ in Search Console.
  • Domain Name Provider: Choose your domain name provider from the list and follow the instructions to verify your domain.
  • Google Analytics: If you’re already using Google Analytics, you can verify ownership through your Analytics account.
  • To verify using the WPCode plugin. First, install the plugin, then click ‘Code Snippet’ – > ‘Header & Footer’ – > Enter HTML Tag code into the Header box as seen in no 2. The Click Save changes.

Pin

• Now, go to Google Search Console, and Under the HTML Tag section, click Verify. After that, you can access your property

Pin

• Submit Your Sitemap:
  • Go to the Sitemaps section in the Search Console.
  • Enter the URL of your sitemap (e.g., https://yourblogname.com/sitemap.xml).
  • Click ‘Submit’.

By registering your blog with Google Webmaster, you can monitor your blog’s performance and make informed decisions on how to start a blog and make money effectively.

How to Register Your Blog with Bing Webmaster

• Sign in to Bing Webmaster Tools:
  • Go to Bing Webmaster Tools.
  • Sign in using your Microsoft account. You have the option to verify manually or import data from GSC

Pin

1. Add Your Site:
   • Click on ‘Add a Site’.
   • Enter your blog URL and click ‘Add’.
2. Verify Your Site:
   • Choose a verification method: XML file, meta tag, or CNAME record.
   • XML File: Download the BingSiteAuth.xml file and upload it to the root directory of your blog. Click ‘Verify’ in Bing Webmaster Tools.
   • Meta Tag: Copy the provided meta tag and paste it into the <head> section of your blog’s homepage HTML code, then click ‘Verify’.
   • CNAME Record: Add a CNAME record to your DNS configuration as instructed, then click ‘Verify’.

• Using the HTML Tag Method

Pin

• Make sure you copy the code to the WPCode plugin just as I showed you earlier for the Google Search Console. Then Go back to Bing Webmaster and click on Verify.

Pin

• Submit Your Sitemap:
  • Go to the Sitemaps section in Bing Webmaster Tools.
  • Enter the URL of your sitemap (e.g., https://yourblogname.com/sitemap.xml).
  • Click ‘Submit’.

By setting up Bing Webmaster Tools, you can reach a wider audience and enhance your strategy on how to start a blog and make money.

How to Register Your Blog with Yandex

• Sign in to Yandex Webmaster:
  • Go to Yandex Webmaster.
  • Sign in using your Yandex account.
• Add Your Site:
  • Click on ‘Add Site’.
  • Enter your blog URL and click ‘Add’.

Pin

• Verify Your Site:
  • Choose a verification method: HTML file, meta tag, or DNS record.
  • HTML File: Download the HTML verification file and upload it to the root directory of your blog. Click ‘Check’ in Yandex Webmaster.
  • Meta Tag: Copy the provided meta tag and paste it into the <head> section of your blog’s homepage HTML code, then click ‘Check’.
  • DNS Record: Add the specified TXT record to your DNS settings, then click ‘Check’.
• Submit Your Sitemap:
  • Go to the Indexing section in Yandex Webmaster.
  • Enter the URL of your sitemap (e.g., https://yourblogname.com/sitemap.xml).
  • Click ‘Add’.

8. Setting Up Google Analytics

Setting up Google Analytics is a crucial step when learning how to start a blog and make money. It helps you track your blog’s performance, understand your audience, and make data-driven decisions to improve your content and increase your income. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to setting up Google Analytics.

Step 1: Sign Up for Google Analytics

• Create a Google Account:
  • If you don’t have a Google account, go to Google Account and create one.
  • Follow the instructions to complete the setup.
• Go to Google Analytics:
  • Visit the Google Analytics website.
  • Click on “Start measuring.”

Pin

• Set Up Your Account:
  • Click on “Set up for free.”
  • Enter an account name (e.g., “My Blog Analytics”).
  • Choose the data-sharing settings you prefer and click “Next.”

Pin

2: Set Up a Property

• Add a Property:
  • Enter your property name(e.g., “My Blog”).
  • Select your time zone and currency.
  • Click “Next.”

Pin

• Describe your business:
  • Select “Industry Category”.
  • Select business size 
  • Click “Next”

Pin

• Choose your business objectives:
  • Select “business objectives” options that suit you.
  • Click “Create” – > Accept terms 

Pin

3. Choosing Your Platform

• Choose a Platform:
  • Select web

Pin

• • Fill in the details for your website/blog
  • Tick Enhanced measurement, then click on ‘Create & Continue

Pin

• • Copy the Global Site Tag.

3: Add the Tracking Code to Your Blog

• Get the Tracking Code:
  • After creating your data stream, you’ll see a tracking ID and a Global Site Tag (gtag.js).
  • Copy the Global Site Tag.

 

• Add the Code to Your WordPress Blog: Using a Plugin (Recommended):
  • Install and activate the “Insert Headers and Footers” or WPCode plugin.
  • Go to ‘Code Snippet’ – > ‘Header & Footer’ – > Enter HTML Tag code into the Header box just as we did in Google search Console 
  • Paste the Global Site Tag into the “Scripts in Header” box.
  • Click “Save.”

   

Pin

1. Manually Adding the Code:
   • Go to your WordPress dashboard.
   • Navigate to Appearance > Theme Editor.
   • Find and select the “header.php” file.
   • Paste the Global Site Tag right before the </head> tag.
   • Click “Update File.”

Step 4: Verify Your Setup

• Check Real-Time Reports:
  • Go back to your Google Analytics account.
  • Click on “Real-time” in the left-hand menu.
  • Visit your blog to see if your visit appears in the real-time report.
  • If you see activity, your tracking code is working correctly.

Pin

Step 5: Set Up Goals

• Create Goals:
  • Click on “Admin” in the bottom left corner.
  • Under the “View” column, click “Goals.”
  • Click “New Goal.”
  • Choose a goal template (e.g., “Destination” for a thank-you page).
  • Follow the prompts to set up your goal.

The video below from the Official Google Analytics YouTube channel did justice to this.

4. Designing Your Blog for Success

Designing your blog is a crucial step in “how to start a blog and make money.” The right design not only attracts readers but also keeps them engaged. Let’s see how to select a theme or template for WordPress, choose a professional and user-friendly design, and customize the theme to reflect your brand.

4.1 Selecting a Theme or Template for WordPress

Choosing the right theme for your WordPress blog is essential for both aesthetics and functionality. A well-designed theme can enhance user experience, improve site speed, and boost SEO. Here’s how to choose the best theme and a list of some of the fastest and most SEO-friendly themes available.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Theme

1. Responsiveness: Ensure the theme is mobile-friendly. With more users accessing the internet via mobile devices, a responsive design is important.
2. SEO-Friendly: A theme with clean code and fast loading times helps improve your SEO rankings. Look for themes optimized for speed and SEO.
3. Customization Options: Choose a theme that allows easy customization without requiring coding knowledge. This helps you create a unique look that reflects your brand.
4. Support and Updates: Select a theme from a reputable developer who provides regular updates and support. This ensures compatibility with the latest WordPress version and security patches.
5. User Reviews: Check reviews and ratings from other users. This provides insights into the theme’s performance and reliability.

According to BuiltWith, the usage statistics for various WordPress theme technologies are as follows:

• Hello Elementor: 12,920 websites (1.29%)
• Divi: 9,985 websites (1%)
• Astra Theme: 9,846 websites (0.98%)
• GeneratePress: 7,278 websites (0.73%)
• Others: 76%

Pin

Best and Fastest SEO-Friendly Themes for WordPress To Consider

Here’s the updated table for the themes with their features, SEO benefits, and links:

Theme	Features and SEO Benefits
Astra	Lightweight, highly customizable, optimized for performance, and built with SEO in mind
GeneratePress	Known for its speed, simplicity, usability, and performance. Also Valid HTML, built-in schema.org structured data, fast loading times
OceanWP	Multi-purpose theme with extensive customization options and demo content Lightweight, responsive, built for SEO
Schema	Designed specifically for SEO, includes rich snippets to help search engines understand your content.
Neve	Modern and highly customizable, with a mobile-first approach. It is AMP compatible, SEO optimized, fast loading speeds.

4.2 How to Choose a Professional and User-Friendly Design

A professional and user-friendly design enhances the user experience and keeps readers returning. Here are some tips on how to choose the right design:

Focus on Simplicity: Avoid cluttered designs here. A clean layout makes it easier for users to navigate your site. Choose easy-to-read fonts and appropriate font sizes. Ensure good contrast between text and background. Finally, use whitespace effectively to create a balanced and uncluttered look.

Prioritize Navigation: Keep your navigation menu simple and easy to understand. Limit the number of menu items to essential pages. Use breadcrumbs to help users understand their location on your site and improve navigation. Also, include a search bar to help users find content quickly.

Enhance Visual Appeal: Ensure you use high-quality images and graphics. Avoid pixelated or stretched images. Choose a color scheme that reflects your brand and stick to it throughout your site. Also, incorporate videos, infographics, and other media to make your content more engaging.

Mobile Optimization: Ensure your theme is fully responsive and looks good on all devices and use a mobile-friendly menu that is easy to navigate on smaller screens.

4.3 Customizing Your Theme to Reflect Your Brand

Customizing your theme is where you can make your blog truly unique. Here are steps to help you customize your WordPress theme to reflect your brand:

Step 1: Set Up Your Site Identity

1. Log In to WordPress: Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to Customize: Click on “Appearance” > “Customize.”
3. Site Identity: Under “Site Identity,” you can upload your logo, set your site title, tagline, and add a site icon (favicon).

2: Customize Colors and Fonts

1. Colors: In the Customizer, navigate to the “Colors” section. Choose a color scheme that aligns with your brand identity. Ensure that text colors are readable against your background.
2. Fonts: Go to the “Typography” section to change fonts. Select fonts that are easy to read and match your brand’s style.

3: Layout and Design Options

1. Layout: Many themes offer different layout options. You can choose from full-width, boxed, or grid layouts depending on your preference.
2. Header and Footer: Customize your header and footer by adding or removing elements like menus, social media icons, and widgets.

4: Widgets and Plugins

1. Add Widgets: Widgets are small blocks that perform specific functions. Go to “Appearance” > “Widgets” to add widgets to your sidebar, footer, or other widget-ready areas.
2. Install Plugins: Plugins enhance your site’s functionality. Essential plugins include SEO tools, security plugins, and social media integration.

5: Custom CSS

For advanced customization, you can add custom CSS. This allows you to change specific elements of your theme that are not editable through the Customizer.

1. Navigate to Additional CSS: In the Customizer, click on “Additional CSS.”
2. Add Your Code: Enter your custom CSS code to style your site. Ensure you know basic CSS or consult a developer if needed.

Step 6: Test Your Site

Before you go live, thoroughly test your site:

1. Check Responsiveness: Test your site on different devices and screen sizes to ensure it looks good everywhere.
2. Speed Test: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to test your site’s loading speed. Optimize images and use caching plugins to improve performance.
3. Cross-Browser Testing: Check your site on different browsers to ensure compatibility.

4.4 Creating an Engaging User Experience

Creating an engaging user experience is vital when learning “how to start a blog and make money.” It ensures your site is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and accessible across all devices. This module explores the importance of mobile responsiveness, enhancing site navigation, and optimizing layout for a seamless user experience.

Importance of Mobile Responsiveness

1. User Experience: Mobile users expect websites to load quickly and display correctly on their devices. A responsive design ensures a seamless experience, reducing bounce rates and increasing engagement.
2. SEO Benefits: Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in search results. A responsive design improves your SEO rankings and visibility, driving more organic traffic to your blog.
3. Accessibility: Mobile responsiveness makes your content accessible to a broader audience. Users can easily navigate your site and consume your content on smartphones and tablets.

To achieve mobile responsiveness:

• Use Responsive Themes: Choose WordPress themes that are mobile-friendly and adjust to different screen sizes.
• Test Across Devices: Regularly test your site on various devices and browsers to ensure consistent performance.

Enhancing Site Navigation and Layout

A well-structured navigation and layout contribute significantly to a positive user experience. Here’s how to enhance these elements:

1. Simplicity: Keep your navigation menu simple and intuitive. Limit the number of menu items to essential pages like Home, About, Blog, and Contact.
2. Clear Labels: Use descriptive labels for menu items that clearly indicate the content users will find.
3. Dropdown Menus: If you have multiple categories or subpages, use dropdown menus to organize content hierarchically.
4. Whitespace: Use whitespace effectively to create a clean and uncluttered layout. It enhances readability and directs attention to important content.
5. Visual Hierarchy: Arrange content in a logical order with headings, subheadings, and bullet points to guide readers through your blog posts.
6. Grid Layouts: Utilize grid layouts to organize content into columns. This makes it easier for users to scan and find relevant information quickly.

4.5 Tips for Optimizing User Experience

1. Loading Speed: Optimize images, use caching plugins
2. Readable Fonts: Select easy-to-read fonts and maintain a consistent font size throughout your blog.
3. Interactive Elements: Incorporate interactive elements like buttons, sliders, and calls-to-action (CTAs) to engage users and encourage interaction.

If you have read this far, I know it looks like a lot. Trust the process; you can take a break. However, you are almost done with ‘how to start a blog and make money.’ Be sure to bookmark this.

5. Crafting Quality Content

5.1 Developing a Content Strategy

Creating a blog that stands out and makes money requires high-quality content. A solid content strategy is essential. Here’s how you can develop one.

Planning and Scheduling Your Posts

Consistency is key in blogging. Readers and search engines love regular updates. Here’s how to plan and schedule your posts effectively.

1. Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to increase traffic, grow your email list, or sell products? Having clear goals helps direct your content efforts.
2. Know Your Audience: Understand who your readers are. What are their interests? What problems do they need to solve? This will guide your content topics.
3. Keyword Research: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find out what your audience is searching for. Focus on keywords like “how to start a blog and make money” to attract readers interested in monetization.
4. Create an Editorial Calendar: Plan your posts in advance. Use tools like Google Calendar or Trello to schedule your topics. This helps ensure a consistent posting schedule.
5. Mix Up Your Content: Variety keeps your audience engaged. Plan different types of posts, such as how-tos, listicles, opinion pieces, and case studies.
6. Set Deadlines: Stick to your schedule. Deadlines help you stay on track and ensure you publish regularly.
7. Batch Content Creation: Write multiple posts in one sitting. This can be more efficient and keep your content pipeline full.
8. Monitor and Adjust: Use analytics to see what content performs best. Adjust your strategy based on what your audience likes and engages with the most.

Transitioning to the types of content that attract and retain readers, let’s explore what works best.

Types of Content That Attract and Retain Readers

The chart below shows the types of content and the percentage of bloggers that adopt them.

Pin

Diverse content types can engage your audience and encourage repeat visits. Here are some content types;

1. How-to Guides: These are very popular because they offer practical solutions. For example, a post titled “How to Start a Blog and Make Money in 10 Steps” can attract beginners.
2. Listicles: People love lists. They’re easy to read and digest. For instance, “Top 10 Tips on How to Start a Blog and Make Money” can draw readers looking for quick tips.
3. Case Studies: Share success stories of bloggers who’ve made money for inspiration.
4. Interviews: Talk to experts in your niche. Interviewing a successful blogger can provide valuable insights and draw their audience to your blog.
5. Opinion Pieces: Share your thoughts on industry trends. This type of content can establish you as a thought leader.
6. Reviews: Review products or services related to your niche. Readers often look for recommendations and reviews before making a purchase.
7. Tutorials and Demos: Show your audience how to use a tool or complete a task. Video tutorials can be especially engaging.
8. Infographics: Summarize complex data visually for easy sharing.
9. Personal Stories: Share your blogging journey. Personal stories can build a connection with your audience.
10. Resource Lists: Compile useful resources. For example, “Best Tools for Starting a Blog and Making Money” can be very helpful.

5.2 Writing Blog Posts That Drive Traffic

Creating content that attracts readers and keeps them returning is essential for any successful blog. Here are some key strategies to achieve this.

Crafting Compelling Headlines and Introductions

Your headline and introduction are the first things readers see. They need to grab attention and make readers want to continue.

1. Use Powerful Words: Words like “ultimate,” “essential,” and “proven” can make your headlines more enticing. For example, “The Ultimate Guide on How to Start a Blog and Make Money.”
2. Keep It Short and Sweet: Aim for headlines with around 6-12 words. They should be concise yet descriptive.
3. Incorporate Numbers: Listicles and numbered posts attract readers. Headlines like “10 Tips on How to Start a Blog and Make Money” are effective.
4. Ask Questions: Engage readers with questions. For instance, “Want to Learn How to Start a Blog and Make Money Quickly?”
5. Promise Value: Clearly state the benefit. Headlines like “How to Start a Blog and Make Money: Secrets Revealed” promise valuable insights.
6. Use Emotional Triggers: Words that evoke emotion can draw readers in. For example, “Struggling to Start a Blog? Discover How to Make Money from Day One.”

Engaging Introductions

Once your headline grabs attention, your introduction needs to hook the reader.

1. Start with a Story: Share a personal anecdote or a story related to your topic. This makes your post relatable and engaging.
2. State a Problem: Identify a common problem your readers face and promise a solution. For example, “Many people struggle with how to start a blog and make money. This guide will show you exactly how to do it.”
3. Use a Quote: A relevant quote can pique interest. For instance, “As the saying goes, ‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’ Let’s take that first step together.”
4. Ask a Question: Questions engage readers immediately. “Ever wondered how to start a blog and make money without any prior experience?”
5. Provide a Statistic: Start with a surprising statistic to grab attention. “Did you know that over 70% of bloggers never make money? Let’s ensure you’re in the successful 30%.”

Tips for Clear and Engaging Writing

Ever catch yourself writing in a way that even you find boring? I used to do that all the time! But don’t worry, I’ve cracked the code. Here are some insider secrets that transformed my writing from yawn-inducing to downright irresistible. 

1. Know Your Audience: Write in a way that resonates with your readers. Use language and examples they can relate to.
2. Keep It Simple: Avoid jargon and complex sentences. Use short sentences and simple words.
3. Be Conversational: Write as if you’re talking to a friend. This makes your content more approachable and engaging.
4. Use Subheadings: Break up your text with subheadings. They make your content easier to scan and understand.
5. Incorporate Images and Media: Use images, videos, and infographics to break up text and add visual interest.
6. Use Bullet Points and Lists: Lists are easy to read and highlight key points. They help convey information quickly.
7. Edit Ruthlessly: Trim unnecessary words and sentences. Keep your writing concise and to the point.
8. Add Personal Touches: Share personal experiences and insights. This builds a connection with your readers.
9. Include Call-to-Actions: Encourage readers to take action, like leaving a comment, sharing the post, or subscribing to your newsletter.
10. SEO Best Practices: Use keywords naturally. For example, the keyword for this guide is “how to start a blog and make money” and i just included that naturally now lol!

More tips;

Understanding your audience and crafting content that speaks directly to them is crucial. Here’s how you can do it effectively.

1. Identify Pain Points: What challenges do your readers face? Address these issues in your posts.
2. Offer Solutions: Provide actionable advice and solutions. For example, “Here’s how to start a blog and make money by leveraging affiliate marketing.”
3. Be Authentic: Authenticity builds trust. Share your real experiences and be honest about your successes and failures.
4. Engage with Readers: Respond to comments and engage with your audience. This builds a community around your blog.
5. Stay Updated: Keep up with industry trends and update your content regularly. Fresh content keeps readers coming back.

5.3 Using Multimedia to Enhance Your Blog

Incorporating Images, Videos, and Infographics

When I started blogging, I used to rely solely on text, thinking it was enough to keep readers hooked. Big mistake! I quickly learned that incorporating images, videos, and infographics is crucial for engaging readers and making your content stand out. These multimedia elements help convey your message more effectively and keep your audience interested.

Let’s explore the elements that bloggers are incorporating into their blog posts.

Pin

Images

Images can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your blog and help illustrate your points better.

1. High-Quality Photos: Using high-resolution images ensures a professional look. There are several websites where you can find royalty-free stock images: Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay, FreeImages
2. Relevant Graphics: Ensure your images are relevant to your content. They should complement the text and help explain your points. For example, this content on ‘how to start a blog and make money’ has diagrams to illustrate what is being said.
3. Alt Text: Use descriptive alt text for each image. This helps with SEO and makes your blog accessible to readers using screen readers.

I’d like to shed more light on this. Alt text (alternative text) is a brief description of an image used in digital content to provide context and information for those who cannot see the image.

This text is essential for accessibility, enabling screen readers to describe images to visually impaired users. Additionally, alt text helps search engines understand the content of an image, which can improve SEO.

Here are some key points about alt text:

1. Accessibility: Alt text ensures that all users, including those using screen readers, can understand the content and function of images on a webpage.
2. SEO: Search engines use alt text to index images properly, which can help improve a website’s search ranking.
3. Best Practices:
   • Be concise and descriptive.
   • Avoid phrases like “image of” or “picture of.”
   • If the image is decorative and does not add meaningful content, it can be left empty (alt=””).

For example, if you have an image of a chocolate cake, the alt text might be: “Chocolate cake with strawberries on top.”

4. Original Graphics: Creating your own graphics can make your blog unique. Tools like Canva and Adobe Spark can help you design custom images.

Videos

Videos are a powerful way to engage readers and provide detailed explanations.

1. Tutorials and Demos: Create videos, especially ones that demonstrate how to start a blog and make money. Well, I did not do that here, lol, so you will forgive me. These can include walkthroughs of creating a blog or tutorials on different monetization methods.
2. Embedded Videos: Embed relevant videos from platforms like YouTube. This can provide additional value without requiring you to create the content yourself.
3. Short and Sweet: Keep your videos concise. Aim for 2-5 minutes to maintain viewer interest.
4. Captions and Transcripts: Provide captions and transcripts for your videos. This improves accessibility and benefits your SEO.

Infographics

Infographics are an excellent way to visually present data and complex information.

1. Data Visualization: Use infographics to visualize data, making it easier for readers to understand. For instance, an infographic showing the steps on how to start a blog and make money can be very effective.
2. Engaging Design: Ensure your infographics are visually appealing. Use colors, icons, and clear typography to make them stand out.
3. Shareable Content: Infographics are highly shareable. Encourage readers to share them on social media to increase your blog’s reach.

5.4 Creating Visually Appealing Posts

Ever wonder why some blogs just draw you in? It’s all about the visuals! A stunning blog design can work wonders for attracting and keeping readers. Here are some top tips to make your posts look absolutely fantastic.

Layout and Design

1. Clean Layout: Use a clean and simple layout. Avoid clutter and ensure your text is easy to read.
2. White Space: Use white space effectively to make your content more readable. It helps to break up the text and prevents your blog from looking overwhelming.
3. Consistent Branding: Maintain consistent branding across your blog. Use the same fonts, colors, and styles to create a cohesive look.
4. Responsive Design: Ensure your blog is mobile-friendly. A responsive design adapts to different screen sizes, providing a good user experience on all devices.

Formatting Tips

1. Headers and Subheaders: Use headers and subheaders to organize your content. This makes it easier for readers to scan and find the information they need.
2. Bullet Points and Lists: Break up text with bullet points and lists. They make your content more digestible.
3. Highlight Important Points: Use bold or italics to highlight key points. This draws attention to the most important information.

5.5 Avoiding Plagiarism and How to Check for Plagiarism

Plagiarism refers to the act of copying and using someone else’s content, ideas, or media without proper attribution or permission, presenting it as your own. This can occur in various forms and has serious implications for your blog’s credibility, SEO, and legal standing.

Types of Plagiarism in Blogging

1. Content Plagiarism: Copying blog posts, articles, or any written content from other sources without acknowledgment.
2. Media Plagiarism: Using images, videos, infographics, or other multimedia from other sources without proper attribution or licensing.
3. Idea Plagiarism: Taking someone else’s ideas, themes, or concepts and presenting them as your original thoughts.
4. Structure Plagiarism: Mimicking the structure, layout, or design of another blog without adding unique value or credit.
5. Accidental Plagiarism: Unintentionally failing to cite sources properly due to lack of knowledge or oversight.
6. Self-Plagiarism: Reusing your own previously published work or parts of it without permission or acknowledgment.

Consequences of Plagiarism

• Search Engine Penalties: Search engines like Google can penalize or de-index blogs with plagiarized content, significantly dropping rankings and traffic.
• Legal Issues: Copyright infringement can result in legal actions, fines, or takedown notices.
• Loss of Credibility: Readers may lose trust in your blog, which can damage your reputation and decrease your audience engagement.
• Monetization Problems: Ad networks, sponsors, and affiliates may cut ties with your blog if they discover plagiarized content.

How to Avoid Plagiarism

1. Create Original Content: Focus on producing unique and original blog posts that reflect your voice and perspective.
2. Proper Attribution: When using quotes, ideas, or media from other sources, provide clear and accurate citations. Use tools like hyperlinks to direct readers to the original content.
3. Use Plagiarism Checkers: Employ tools like Grammarly, Copyscape, or Turnitin to check your content for potential plagiarism before publishing.
4. Paraphrase and Summarize: When discussing ideas from other sources, paraphrase effectively and give credit to the original authors.
5. Utilize Public Domain and Creative Commons: Use media and content that are available in the public domain or under Creative Commons licenses, and follow the specified attribution requirements.
6. Add Value: Even when drawing inspiration from other sources, add your unique insights, analysis, or commentary to provide additional value to your readers.

5.6 Using Grammar Check Tools

Using grammar check tools can be a game-changer for bloggers, and let me share a bit of personal experience to illustrate just how vital they are.

I remember a time early in my blogging journey when grammar issues were my constant nemesis. I’d spend hours crafting what I thought were compelling posts, only to have them marred by typos, awkward sentences, and misplaced punctuation.

One particularly frustrating episode was when I posted an article that I was really proud of—only to realize after it had gone live, that I’d mixed up “their,” “there,” and “they’re” throughout the piece. The comments rolled in, not with praise, but with corrections. It was disheartening, to say the least, and it knocked my confidence.

Good grammar is essential for creating professional and readable blog posts. Here are some tools that can help:

1. Grammarly: Grammarly is a comprehensive writing assistant that checks for grammar, punctuation, and style issues. It also offers a plagiarism checker.
2. Hemingway Editor: Hemingway Editor helps improve readability by highlighting complex sentences and passive voice.
3. ProWritingAid: ProWritingAid is another robust tool that checks for grammar, style, and readability issues.
4. Ginger Software: Ginger Software offers grammar and spell checking, along with translation and dictionary features.

6. SEO and Traffic Generation

SEO and traffic generation are often the holy grail for bloggers. Still, they can also be a source of frustration and confusion. Let me take you back to when I was just starting out. I was trying to figure out how to use search engine optimization to get people to read my blog.

Also, I vividly remember the early days when I poured my heart into creating content that I thought was gold. I had posts that were insightful, well-researched, and, I believe, extremely valuable. But despite my efforts, my traffic numbers were dismal. I felt like I was shouting into the void, hoping someone would hear me, but no one was listening.

The problem? I had little understanding of SEO. I didn’t know that my beautiful, well-written posts needed to be optimized for search engines to find them. My keywords were nonexistent, my meta descriptions were blank, and my blog structure was all over the place. It was like trying to throw a party and not sending out invitations. 

Then came the turning point. I discovered the world of SEO tools and techniques, which I will share below.

6.1 Introduction to SEO

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a crucial component of any successful blog. By optimizing your blog for search engines, you can increase your visibility, attract more visitors, and ultimately learn how to start a blog and make money. Let’s dive into the basics of SEO and how you can effectively use it to drive traffic to your blog.

Basics of Search Engine Optimization

SEO involves a variety of strategies aimed at improving your blog’s ranking on search engines like Google. Here are the core components:

• On-Page SEO: This includes optimizing individual blog posts and pages. Key elements are:
  • Title Tags: Ensure your title is compelling and includes your main keyword.
  • Meta Descriptions: Write a concise summary of your post that includes the keyword.
  • Headings (H1, H2, H3): Use headings to structure your content and include keywords where relevant.
  • Content Quality: Create valuable, original content that answers your readers’ questions.
  • Keyword Usage: Naturally incorporate your main keywords and related terms throughout your content.

Pin

• Off-Page SEO: This involves actions taken outside your blog to improve its ranking:
  • Backlinks: Get other reputable websites to link to your blog. This signals to search engines that your content is valuable.
  • Social Signals: Share your content on social media to increase visibility and drive traffic.

• Technical SEO: This ensures your blog is easy for search engines to crawl and index:
  • Site Speed: Ensure your blog loads quickly.
  • Mobile-Friendliness: Optimize your blog for mobile devices.
  • XML Sitemaps: Submit a sitemap to search engines to help them understand your site’s structure.

6.2 Keyword Research and Usage

Keyword research is the foundation of a successful SEO strategy. It helps you understand what your audience is searching for and how to target those queries effectively.

Also, consider keywords as the signs or markers that help people find your store. They’re the terms and phrases people type into search engines when looking for something. If your blog is about baking, and you’re writing a post about chocolate cake recipes, you need to use keywords that people are actually searching for, like “best chocolate cake recipe” or “easy chocolate cake.”

Once you have your keywords, the next step is to use them effectively in your content. This doesn’t mean stuffing your post with keywords randomly—search engines can spot that a mile away and it can actually hurt your ranking. Instead, sprinkle your keywords naturally throughout your blog post. Include them in your titles, headings, and within the body of the text in a way that flows naturally.

For example, instead of just saying “chocolate cake,” you might say, “This easy chocolate cake recipe will delight your taste buds and is perfect for any occasion.” By integrating keywords like “easy chocolate cake recipe” and “perfect for any occasion,” you’re giving search engines and readers a clear idea of what your post is about.

The keyword research process involves finding these terms and understanding what your audience is searching for.

Free Keyword Tools:

– Ahrefs Keyword Generator

Ahrefs Keyword Generator is a robust tool for keyword research that can help you find keywords with low difficulty and high search volume. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use Ahrefs Keyword Generator to find keywords with a difficulty score of 1-25 and a monthly search volume of at least 1,000.

Using Ahrefs Keyword Generator to Find Keywords with Low Difficulty and High Search Volume

1. Visit the Website: Go to Ahrefs Keyword Generator.
2. Sign In or Create an Account: While Ahrefs offers some free tools, signing up for an account provides more comprehensive access and features. Not mandatory

 2: Enter Your Seed Keywords

• Input Keywords: In the search box, enter a broad keyword related to your blog’s niche; it could be “how to start a blog and make money.” but I will be using “Taylor Swift shoe”. So here we are, assuming that we are a fashion blog and intend to create awareness about a particular shoe brand for our audience to purchase it.

Pin

• Select Search Engine: Choose the search engine you’re targeting, typically Google, and select the region if you focus on a specific geographic audience.

3: Generate Keyword Ideas

• View Results: Click on “Find keywords” to generate a list of related keyword ideas.

Pin

• Analyze Metrics: Ahrefs Keyword Generator provides data on keyword difficulty (KD), search volume, and related keyword suggestions.

4: Filter Keywords by Difficulty and Search Volume

• Sort by Keyword Difficulty: Look for the KD (Keyword Difficulty) column and sort the results by this metric. Focus on keywords with a KD score of 1-25, which indicates they are easier to rank for. They are usually highlighted in green, indicating that they are easy to rank on.
• Check Search Volume: Ensure the keywords have a minimum monthly search volume of 1,000. Ahrefs displays this information next to each keyword. The image above indicates that the keyword “Taylor Swift shoe size” has low competition and a monthly search volume of over 1000. If you want to target people with a specific shoe size for marketing purposes, this would be a good opportunity to do so.

Tips for Effective Keyword Research with Ahrefs

1. Use Specific Keywords: Start with specific seed keywords to generate more relevant suggestions.
2. Look for Long-Tail Keywords: Long-tail keywords often have lower difficulty and can attract more targeted traffic.
3. Analyze Competitor Keywords: Use Ahrefs to analyze what keywords your competitors are ranking for and identify opportunities.
4. Combine with Other Tools: Cross-reference your findings with tools like Google Keyword Planner and Google Trends for additional insights.

– Google Keyword Planner:

This tool helps you discover new keywords related to your blog. Simply enter a term like “how to start a blog and make money,” and it will generate a list of related keywords along with their search volumes and competition levels. You can use this information to choose keywords that have good search volume but are not too competitive.

Using Google Keyword Planner to Find Keywords with Low Difficulty and High Search Volume

• Sign In to Google Ads: First, you need a Google Ads account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create it here.
• Navigate to Keyword Planner: Once you’re logged in, click on the Tools & Settings icon (wrench) at the top right corner. Under the “Planning” section, select “Keyword Planner.”

Pin

1: Start with a Keyword Search

1. Find New Keywords: Click on “Discover new keywords.” This option allows you to search for keywords related to your blog’s niche.
2. Enter Your Seed Keywords: In the search box, enter keywords related to your topic, such as “how to start a blog and make money.” You can add multiple keywords separated by commas.

Pin

2: Analyze Keyword Suggestions

1. View Keyword Results: Google Keyword Planner will generate a list of related keyword ideas. These will include information on average monthly searches, competition, and bid ranges.
2. Sort by Monthly Searches: Click on the “Avg. monthly searches” column to sort the keywords by their search volume. Focus on keywords with at least 1,000 monthly searches.

3: Filter Keywords by Competition

1. Set Competition to Low: While Google Keyword Planner doesn’t show a numeric difficulty score like some other tools, it does provide competition levels. Set the filter to show only “Low” competition keywords. This indicates that fewer advertisers are bidding on these keywords, which usually correlates with lower difficulty.

4: Refine Your List

1. Download Keyword Ideas: Export the keyword list to a spreadsheet for further analysis. This can be done by clicking on the download icon.
2. Analyze Keywords: Look at the keywords with over 1,000 monthly searches and low competition. These keywords are more likely to have lower difficulty and can be easier to rank for.

Pin

5: Cross-Reference with Other Tools

1. Use Ahrefs Keyword Generator: Go to Ahrefs Keyword Generator and input the keywords you shortlisted from Google Keyword Planner. Ahrefs provides a keyword difficulty score, which can help you confirm that the keywords are indeed low difficulty (1-25).
2. Check Keyword Difficulty: Aim to find keywords with a difficulty score of 1-25, as these will be easier to rank for while still having substantial search volume.

– Google Trends:

This tool shows the popularity of search queries over time. It’s useful for identifying trending topics. For instance, you can see how interest in “how to start a blog and make money” has changed over the past few years and identify peak times to target this keyword.

Using Google Trends to Find Keywords with Low Difficulty and High Search Volume

1: Access Google Trends

1. Go to Google Trends: Navigate to Google Trends.
2. Sign In: While not mandatory, signing in with your Google account can help save your preferences and search history.

2: Explore Topics and Search Terms

1. Enter Your Keywords: Start by entering a broad keyword related to your niche, such as “how to start a blog and make money.” As usual, we will use “Taylor Swift shoe.”
2. Refine Your Search: Adjust the location, time range, category, and search type to match your target audience and niche better.

Pin

3: Analyze Search Interest

1. Examine the Interest Over Time: Google Trends will show how interest in the keyword has changed over time. Look for keywords with stable or increasing trends. In the case above  “Taylor Swift shoe” isn’t a stable or increasing trend.
2. Check Related Queries: Scroll down to see related queries. These can provide additional keyword ideas that are gaining interest.
3. Compare Keywords: Use the “Compare” feature to analyze the popularity of multiple keywords. This helps in identifying which keywords are currently more relevant and have potential for growth.

 4: Validate with Google Keyword Planner

1. Input Keywords into Google Keyword Planner: Take the keywords identified in Google Trends and enter them into Google Keyword Planner.
2. Check Search Volume and Competition: Look for keywords with over 1,000 monthly searches and low competition. This step helps in ensuring that the keywords have sufficient search volume and are easier to rank for.

6: Cross-Reference with Ahrefs Keyword Generator

1. Enter Keywords into Ahrefs: Use Ahrefs Keyword Generator to get a difficulty score for each keyword.
2. Filter by Difficulty Score: Focus on keywords with a difficulty score of 1-25. This confirms that they are low competition and easier to rank for.

Tips for Using Google Trends Effectively

1. Use Filters: Customize the time frame, region, and category to get more relevant results.
2. Seasonal Trends: Be mindful of seasonal trends and choose keywords that maintain interest year-round for consistent traffic.
3. Look for Emerging Trends: Emerging trends often have less competition and can provide an opportunity to rank higher.

Paid Keyword Tools:

Paid keyword tools like SEMrush and Moz can be powerful allies in your blogging journey, especially when you’re serious about optimizing your content and driving traffic. Let me share a bit about each tool and how they can make a difference.

SEMrush

SEMrush is like a Swiss Army knife for SEO and keyword research. When I first started using it, I was blown away by how much data it provided and how it transformed my approach to keyword strategy.

Here’s what makes SEMrush stand out:

1. Keyword Research: SEMrush allows you to find keywords that are not only relevant to your niche but also show their search volume, competition level, and potential traffic. It’s like having a detailed map of where the treasure is buried and how many others are competing for it.
2. Competitor Analysis: One of the coolest features is the ability to spy on your competitors. You can see what keywords they’re ranking for, how much traffic they’re getting, and which keywords are driving their success. This is incredibly useful for identifying gaps in your own strategy and discovering new opportunities.
3. SEO Audits: SEMrush provides comprehensive site audits to identify issues that might be affecting your SEO performance. It’s like having a mechanic inspect your car and tell you what needs fixing to keep it running smoothly.
4. Content Marketing: The tool also helps with content optimization by suggesting keywords and topics related to your main focus, ensuring that your content is not only engaging but also optimized for search engines.

Attached is a video from the SEMrush YouTube channel on how this works

Moz

Moz is another fantastic tool known for its user-friendly interface and robust features. 

Here’s what Moz offers:

1. Keyword Explorer: Moz’s Keyword Explorer helps you discover new keywords and analyze their potential. It provides insights into keyword difficulty, search volume, and opportunity, which helps you prioritize which keywords to target. It’s like having a strategic advisor who helps you choose the best paths to explore.
2. SERP Analysis: Moz offers a detailed analysis of search engine results pages (SERPs). This helps you understand the competition for your chosen keywords and how to position yourself effectively. It’s like getting a sneak peek into the competition’s playbook.
3. Link Building: Moz’s tools also include link analysis and tracking, which is crucial for improving your site’s authority. By analyzing which sites link to your competitors and identifying opportunities for your own link-building efforts, you can boost your SEO performance.
4. Site Audits: Moz provides site audits to uncover technical SEO issues and suggest improvements. This helps you maintain a healthy site and ensures that your content is easily accessible to search engines and users alike.

Attached is a video from the Moz YouTube channel on how this works

Ahrefs

Ahrefs is another powerhouse in the realm of SEO tools, and it quickly became one of my favorites. It offers a comprehensive suite of features that can elevate your keyword research and overall SEO strategy.

1. Keyword Explorer: Ahrefs excels at providing in-depth keyword data, including search volume, keyword difficulty, and click-through rates. It’s like having a detailed report card on your keywords, helping you understand their potential and competitiveness.
2. Site Explorer: Ahrefs allows you to analyze your competitors’ websites thoroughly, revealing their top-performing pages, backlinks, and keyword strategies. This feature was invaluable for me in identifying successful tactics and areas for improvement.
3. Content Research: Ahrefs’ Content Explorer lets you find popular content on any topic, showing which posts have the most social shares and backlinks. It’s like having a pulse on what’s trending and successful in your niche.
4. Backlink Analysis: The tool’s backlink analysis is comprehensive, helping you monitor your backlink profile and uncover new link-building opportunities. This was a game-changer for improving my site’s authority and SEO.

Attached is a video from Ahref YouTube channel on how this works

Targeting Low Keyword Difficulty

When starting, targeting keywords with low difficulty and over 1,000 monthly searches is beneficial. Here’s why:

1. Easier to Rank: Low-difficulty keywords are less competitive, making it easier for your new blog to rank on the first page of search results.
2. Steady Traffic: Keywords with over 1,000 monthly searches ensure a decent amount of traffic. Even if only a fraction of searchers click on your link, it can add up to significant traffic over time.
3. Building Authority: Ranking for less competitive keywords helps build your blog’s authority. As your blog gains credibility, you can start targeting more competitive keywords.