Want to start a WordPress blog for free? Looking for easy to understand guide to start your blog? Want to know how to start a blog and make money online?
Then here I will tell you how to start a WordPress blog for free and also I will tell you how to monetize your blog to make money online. In this article, you will learn step by step how to start a WordPress blog for free and monetize it and start making money online.
Making money online is a popular topic these days. Everyone wants to make money online but the issue is a lot of miss leading content available on the internet which just wastes your time instead of making real money online.
Before knowing the ways to make money online you should know the scams that run in the name of making money online.
- MLM (multi-level marketing): It is the most popular scam which runs in the name of making money online. Also these days some people are running MLM in the name of affiliate marketing.
- Making money by clicking on ads: Some people also share some websites where they tell you. you can make money online by clicking on a few ads.
These are some most popular scams these days. So make sure if you see something like this then stay away from them. They just took some money from you and you will lose that money.
Let’s see some legit ways to make money online. Making money online is not a quick rich scheme you have to work on your skills to make money online.
- Blogging
- Youtube
- Affiliate Marketing
- Dropshipping
- Selling own products online
- Freelancing
These are some legit ways to make money online just by sitting at your home. You just need a PC and an internet connection.
In this article will learn how to make money online using blogging and affiliate marketing.
Now you know the legit way to make money online so let’s move forward and see how to make money online using blogging.
Starting a blog can be a rewarding experience and a great platform for sharing your thoughts, opinions, and interests with a wider audience. Here are steps you can follow to get started:
- Choose a niche to start your blog. Topic on which you are going to create content.
- Pick a domain name and hosting: Your domain name is the web address that people will use to access your blog (e.g., goluhost.com). Hosting is where your website files are stored and made accessible to the internet. Some blogging platforms offer both domain names and hosting, while others may require you to purchase these separately.
- Choose a blogging platform: There are many blogging platforms available, such as WordPress, Blogger, Wix, Squarespace, etc. Consider factors such as ease of use, customization options, and cost when selecting a platform.
- Customize your blog: Customize the appearance and layout of your blog to make it look and feel the way you want. Choose a theme, add widgets and plugins, and arrange your content in a way that makes sense for your blog.
- Create content: Decide on the topics you want to write about and create your first post. Make sure your content is well-written, engaging, and adds value to your readers.
- Promote your blog: Share your blog with your friends and family, and use social media to reach a wider audience. You can also participate in online communities related to your blog’s topic, engage with other bloggers, and leave comments on other blogs to build your network.
- Monetize your blog: Once your blog has gained traction and an audience, you can start exploring ways to monetize it, such as through advertising, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts.
Remember, starting a successful blog takes time, effort, and dedication, but the rewards can be substantial.
Let’s learn step by step how to start a WordPress blog for free-
Pick a blog niche to start your blog
A blog niche is a topic or category on which you will create content. Ex. On GoluHost’s blog, we create content related to blogging, affiliate marketing, and digital marketing.
Choosing is the really important thing to start a blog because you need to create content related to that niche or you can say topic. So make sure you choose your blog niche carefully.
Here are some important things that you should know while choosing the blogging niche.
- Make sure you choose the niche in which you are interested because you need to create a lot of content around that niche.
- Also, you need to check that niche has a good organic search volume.
- With all this research about the monetization options available for the niche.
To research your blogging niche you can use tools like Semrush which is all in one tool for blogging.
Semrush is a premium tool but you are our special user so we will give you the option to use the Semrush premium tool for free.
Choose a domain name and hosting
Once you choose a niche to start your blog then the next thing that you need to choose a domain and hosting for your blog. If you don’t know about domain and hosting then let’s know about them first.
The first thing is the domain name which you need to decide for your domain. (Ex. goluhost.com) this is our domain name also it indicated that we sell hosting for websites. Similarly like this, you need to choose a domain name for your blog.
Things you should know while choosing a domain name-
- Your domain name should be related to your blog niche. (Ex. in our domain you get the word “Host” which indicated we work in the hosting industry.
- Keep your domain name short and simple which is easy to remember
- Choose a brandable domain name your domain name should reflect your brand and be unique. Choose a domain name that is memorable and stands out from the competition.
- There are many different domain name extensions (such as .com, .net, .org, etc.). Choose an extension that is appropriate for your business or industry.
- Avoid copyright issues: Make sure your domain name is not too similar to an existing trademark or brand name. This can lead to legal issues and cause confusion among consumers.
- Before finalizing your domain name, check to see if it is available.
- Choose a domain name that will grow with your business. Avoid domain names that are too specific or limiting, as this can make it difficult to expand your offerings in the future.
Now let’s see how to check your domain availability. To Check whether your domain is available or not go to GoluHost’s domain registration page.
Here enter your domain name with the extension and click on the search button and you will see your domain is available or not.
Once you see your domain is available click on add to cart button and make the payment to register it.
Here we are learning how to start a WordPress blog for free so we are going with a free domain name provided by GoluHost. Which you will see some time.
Choose the best hosting for your blog
To start a free WordPress blog we will go with lifetime free WordPress hosting by GoluHost. At GoluHost we provide lifetime free website hosting which is really good with specs. You can check our Free hosting features as well.
There are no hidden charges on GoluHost you will get a subdomain and hosting free for a lifetime.
Let’s dive into it.
Go to goluhost.com and click on the “Host For Free Now button”.
Here you will get four options to choose your domain name.
1. Register a new domain name with GoluHost
2. Transfer your domain name to another registrar
3. Update the nameserver of an existing domain name on another registrar
4. Use the free subdomain provided by GoluHost.
To get a free domain name choose the fourth option. Enter your domain name and click on the check button if your domain is available you will be redirected to the cart page.
Here enter your basic details like name, email, and mobile number. Then click on the checkout button
Once you completed the above steps you will get your web hosting details on your registered email. Also, you can check your hosting and domain details by logging into your GoluHost client account.
Now your task to get a domain and hosting is done. Let’s move forward to the next step “choosing the blogging platform”.
Choose a blogging platform
There are numerous blogging systems accessible, each with particular features and advantages of their own. Here are a few well-liked choices to think about:
WordPress: One of the most well-liked blogging platforms, WordPress offers a variety of editable templates and themes. The cost of web hosting must be paid for even though it is free to use.
Wix: A website builder that also provides a blogging platform is called Wix. It provides a variety of editable templates and themes in addition to analytics and SEO capabilities.
Squarespace: A website builder that also provides a blogging platform, Squarespace. It provides a variety of editable templates and themes in addition to analytics and SEO capabilities.
While choosing a blogging platform, consider factors such as ease of use, customization options, cost, and features such as SEO tools and analytics. It is also important to choose a platform that aligns with your goals and the type of content you plan to create.
WordPress is a popular and versatile blogging platform that is widely used by bloggers and website owners. Here are some reasons why you may want to choose WordPress as your blogging platform:
- Simple to use: WordPress is simple to use, even if you have no previous knowledge of web design or programming. It provides a straightforward interface that makes it simple to build and manage your blog.
- Customized themes and templates are available from WordPress that may be modified to match your brand and style. With the built-in tools and plugins, you can also alter the style and appearance of your blog.
- WordPress is a versatile platform that can be used for many different things, including personal blogs and company websites. You can customize a variety of its features and plugins to meet your needs.
- Colossal community: Many information and support options are accessible because of the vast and active WordPress community of users and developers. You can access guides, discussion boards, and plugins for assistance with your blog.
- Cost-effective: As WordPress is free to use and provides a variety of reasonably priced hosting alternatives, it is a cost-effective choice. It’s the perfect option for new bloggers because of this.
Overall, WordPress is a versatile and user-friendly blogging platform that offers a range of features and customization options. If you are looking for a reliable and flexible platform to start your blog, WordPress is definitely worth considering.
So Now we decided which blogging platform we will use to start a blog. Now let’s see how to install WordPress on your blog.
There are multiple ways to install WordPress on your blog.
- WordPress manual installation
- WordPress installation using Softaculous
- GoluHost’s one-click WordPress installation
Here we are going with the simplest way to install WordPress on your blog “One click WordPress installation”.
Login to your GoluHost account
Choose the domain on which you want to install WordPress
Click on the login to cPanel option on the left of your screen
Now click on WordPress Manager by Softaculous
Click on the install button
On this page enter basic details about your blog like Blog name, Description, Username, Password, and admin email once you fill in the details click on the install button which is available at the end of the page.
It will take a few seconds to install WordPress on your blog. Once the installation will complete you will see the below page.
Now you installed WordPress on your blog successfully now the next thing is blog customization to make a professional blog.
Customize your blog appearance
Blog customization is really important because the default look of your blog after installation of WordPress does not look like a professional blog. If you think why blog customization is important then let me tell you this.
Blog design is important for several reasons:
- First impressions: Your blog design is often the first thing visitors notice when they arrive on your site. It can either entice them to stay and explore or turn them away. A well-designed blog can make a positive first impression and encourage visitors to engage with your content.
- User experience: A good blog design improves the user experience by making it easy for visitors to navigate and find the content they are looking for. A clear and organized layout, easy-to-read fonts, and clear calls to action can all contribute to a positive user experience.
- Branding: Your blog design is an important part of your branding. It should reflect your brand’s personality, values, and style. A consistent and cohesive design can help build brand recognition and loyalty.
- SEO: Search engines take into account factors such as site speed, mobile responsiveness, and user engagement when ranking websites. A well-designed blog that is optimized for these factors can help improve your search engine rankings and drive more traffic to your site.
- Conversion rates: A well-designed blog can also improve your conversion rates. Clear calls to action, strategically placed opt-in forms, and easy-to-use navigation can all encourage visitors to take action and become subscribers or customers.
In summary, a well-designed blog can improve your user experience, branding, search engine rankings, and conversion rates. It is an important investment that can pay off in many ways.
Now let’s see how to design your blog
I am going to show you the easiest way to design your blog which is by using premade website templates.
Here is the default look of your website after installing WordPress on your blog.
The first step to designing your blog is choosing a theme for your blog. Blog theme is the base of your blog design and it is really important to choose a good theme for your blog.
Your blog theme is responsible for your blog design, blog speed, user experience, and many more things.
I will highly recommend you use the Generatepress WordPress theme for your blog because it is a lightweight WordPress theme also it is a clean theme which means you can design it in the way you want. To know more about the GeneratePress theme you can check out this detailed review of the GeneratePress theme.
Now let’s see how to install the GeneratePress theme on your WordPress blog.
Login to your WordPress blog by entering the below link in your browser. (your domain/wp-admin)
Now have over to appearance option and click on the themes option
Here click on the add new button available at the top of your screen
Search for the GeneratePress theme and click on the install button
Once the theme is installed on your blog click on the activate button
Now to design your WordPress blog for free you can watch the below video because it’s not possible to share the WordPress design process in the blog post format.
Now your blog design process is completed the next part is creating blog content or you can say writing blog posts on your newly created blog.
Create the content on your blog
Creating content is the main part of any blog because other things like blog design, setting it up, etc. are done only once but you need to create content regularly on your blog to make it successful.
Creating content is not enough you need to create SEO-friendly quality content that will rank in the SERP (Search Engine’s Result Page) or you can say the content that will rank at the top of Google.
Here a few tips that you should keep in the mind to create content that will rank on SERP.
Writing SEO-friendly articles that rank at the top of Google requires a combination of good writing skills and knowledge of SEO best practices. Here are some tips to help you create content that is optimized for search engines:
- Identify a relevant keyword or phrase: Before writing your article, identify a relevant keyword or phrase that you want to rank for. This should be a term that your target audience is searching for and is related to the topic of your article.
- Use the keyword strategically: Once you have identified your keyword or phrase, use it strategically throughout your article. Include it in the title, subheadings, and throughout the body of your content. However, avoid “keyword stuffing,” which is the overuse of keywords in an unnatural way. Use the keyword in a way that reads naturally and provides value to the reader.
- Write high-quality content: Google rewards high-quality, valuable content that provides useful information to readers. Make sure your content is well-researched, well-written, and provides value to your target audience.
- Optimize your title and meta description: Your title and meta description are the first things that people see when your article appears in search results. Make sure your title and description accurately reflect the content of your article and include your target keyword.
- Use subheadings and formatting: Use subheadings and formatting (such as bullet points and numbered lists) to make your content easy to read and understand. This not only helps readers but also makes it easier for search engines to crawl and understand your content.
- Include internal and external links: Link to other relevant content on your site and external sources to provide additional context and value to your readers. This also helps search engines understand the relevance and importance of your content.
- Optimize for mobile: More and more people are accessing the internet on their mobile devices, so it’s important to make sure your content is optimized for mobile. This includes using a responsive design and avoiding large images and videos that may slow down your page load times.
By following these tips, you can create SEO-friendly content that provides value to your readers and ranks at the top of Google. Remember to focus on providing value and useful information to your target audience, and the search engine rankings will follow.
Now let’s see How to write an article on your WordPress blog.
On the WordPress dashboard go to the posts option and click on the add new button.
Here you can start writing your blog post or you can say start writing an article.
To know more about writing SEO-friendly content you can check out this detailed guide on how to write an SEO-friendly article.
Promote the blog and its content
After creating the blog article the next thing is promoting the blog content to reach the maximum audience. Because we are learning how to start a WordPress blog for free so I am going to tell you the best free ways to promote your blog.
There are several ways to promote a WordPress blog for free. Here are some effective methods:
- Social Media: Use social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to promote your blog. Share your blog posts on your social media profiles and engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages.
- Email Marketing: Use email marketing to promote your blog to your subscribers. Send regular newsletters or email updates featuring your latest blog posts and encourage your subscribers to share your content.
- Guest Blogging: Reach out to other bloggers in your niche and offer to write a guest post for their blog. Include a link back to your own blog in your author bio and you can attract new readers.
- Blog Directories: Submit your blog to blog directories like Blogarama, Blogging Fusion, and AllTop. This can increase visibility and drive traffic to your blog.
- Search Engine Optimization: Optimize your blog posts for search engines by using relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and tags. This can help your blog rank higher in search engine results and attract organic traffic.
- Commenting on other Blogs: Leave thoughtful and relevant comments on other blogs in your niche. Include a link back to your blog in the comment and if your comment provides value, it can attract new readers to your blog.
- Participate in online Communities: Join online communities related to your niche and engage with other members. Share your blog posts, answer questions, and provide value to the community. This can attract new readers to your blog.
By implementing these methods, you can promote your WordPress blog for free and attract new readers to your site. It’s important to remember that growing your blog takes time and effort, but with consistent effort, you can achieve great results.
Monetize your blog to make money from it
To make money from your blog you need to monetize it. There are multiple ways to monetize your blog. Here I will tell you the best ways to monetize your blog I will tell you the blog monetization methods that will help you to make maximum revenue from your blog.
Here are the methods you can use to monetize your blog to make money from your blog.
- By using ad networks
- Affiliate Marketing
- Placing sponsored ads on your blog
- Paid guest posts
- Selling products to your audience
Advertising
Advertising is the best and easiest way to monetize your WordPress blog. To monetize your blog by advertising you can use advertising platforms like Google Adsense, Media.net, Adsterra, A-Ads, and many more.
Google Adsense is the most used advertising network which is used by bloggers to use Google Adsense on your blog you need to get the approval of Adsense if you don’t know how to get Google Adsense approval then you can read this detailed guide on How to get Google Adsense approval within 24 hours.
Adsterra is one of the best Google Adsense alternatives which you can use on your website without any approval to know more about Adsterra you can check out this detailed review of Adsterra.
A-Ads is another Google Adsense alternative this is a crypto ad network and I highly recommend using A-Ads if your blog is related to cryptocurrency for finance. You can also read this A-Ads detailed review to know more about it.
These are the few advertising networks that you can use to monetize your blog but there are many more ad networks available that you can use to monetize your blog these are the few that we tested and recommend you use on your blog to make money through your blog.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the best ways to monetize your blog traffic you can make money using affiliate marketing even when you have a few hundred visitors on your blog.
What is affiliate marketing?
Affiliate marketing is a marketing practice in which you will promote some products on your blog and when someone buys any products from your blog then you will get some commission on every product sale.
Here are some platforms that you can join to do affiliate marketing.
Sponsored Ads
Sponsored ads are the ads that are placed on your website by other website owners or product owners and you will charge them for those ads. You will get these ad options after you achieve some website authority and traffic on your website.
Paid Guest Posts
Paid guest post or you can say sponsored articles is one of the best ways to make money from your blog with no effort. Once you achieve some website authority and traffic on your blog other blog owners will reach you to publish their guest posts on your blog and they will pay you for that. In exchange for that, you just need to give their blog a do-follow backlink.
Selling Products
It’s something like affiliate marketing the only difference is in affiliate marketing you promote other’s products here you will sell your own products through your blog and the best thing are you will get 100% of sell amount if you sell your own products on your blog.
FAQ – How to start a WordPress blog for free
Conclusion – How to start a WordPress blog for free
Starting a WordPress blog for free is an excellent way to share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences with the world. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can create a professional-looking website without spending a dime. From choosing a domain name and web host to customizing your theme and adding content, there are plenty of ways to make your blog stand out and attract an audience. Remember, building a successful blog takes time and effort, but with dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your goals and share your message with the world. So don’t hesitate, get started on your WordPress blog today!