It allowed me to unleash my creativity, connect with awesome like-minded people, and make money in the process.
In this post, I'll show you exactly how to build your blog from the ground up without spending a ton of money (my readers also get a discount through this link).
So... can you really make money blogging?
Yep. I've been making over $10,000 every month for a few months now. Check out my latest income report here.
If you've ever wondered whether you should have a blog of your own, please do it. I know there's something you're passionate about, whether it's makeup, fashion, fitness, or whatever else you're in love with. Follow your creative dreams. You never know where they could take you!
Here's what I'm going to cover:
The Basics
Getting your own domain and hosting is the way to go. This means you'll have your own site, like www.crueltyfreekitty.com.
I also strongly recommend WordPress to build your blog. It's easy and free. WordPress trumps Blogger/Blogspot, and it's more affordable than Squarespace. If you don't know how to install WordPress, I'll show you exactly how to set it up in this post.
If you already have a blog hosted on Blogspot or Tumblr, making the switch is totally worth it. You get to keep all your existing posts and transfer them.
Myths And Facts
There are a few myths about having your own domain and hosting, so let me set them straight right now.
Myth #1: Running your own blog is expensive.
You can have your own, self-hosted blog for under 4$ a month. Don't go with anything more expensive than that, because it's unnecessary. BlueHost offers the best prices, and you get a free domain.
Myth #2: It's hard and confusing to set up!
I'm not particularly computer-savvy, and I still managed to do it! I'll show you how simple it is and guide you through the whole process.
Myth #3: It's impossible to make any money with a small blog.
Odds are you're going to be making more than what you're paying to run your blog. One of the advantages of having your own, self-hosted blog is having the freedom to monetize it.
Myth #4: It's really hard to make a blog look good with WordPress.
There's a ton of pretty themes you can choose from, including free ones. Installing a theme is quick and easy. You don't even need to know any kind of coding or have experience with web design. Using WordPress will make your blog look better since it's more customizable than Blogspot.
Boom! Myths debunked. No excuses. Creating your own blog is simple, cheap, and awesome.
What Should I Blog About?
It's important to know specifically what your focus will be. A focused blog makes blogging easier. Here are some examples.
- Reviews. If you're a product junkie, you can write helpful reviews.
- >Makeup artistry. If you've got skills, you can show off your looks.
- Swatches. Good swatches can be hard to find. Everybody loves dupes.
- Budget beauty. You could focus on drugstore and affordable brands.
- Nails. If you love nail polish and have a talent for nail art, you could make it your main focus.
- Jane-of-all-trades.> If you love ALL things beauty, you can figure out your focus as you blog.
What Equipment Do I Need?
You don't absolutely need any tools to start blogging, but this is what I recommend for a beginner:
- A basic camera. You can use any digital camera, a DSLR, or your iPhone. Some bloggers even use their phone's camera.
- Photoshop or a free alternative. Editing your photos will make them look professional no matter what camera you use.
- Natural light. You don't need photography equipment when starting out. Natural light is the best light to shoot in. You can always buy studio lighting along the way.
The Fun Part: Your Domain Name
Once you figure out the topic of your future blog, you're ready for one of my favorite parts: picking a domain name!
Start thinking of a potential domain name by brainstorming and expanding on your subject. Your domain name should be memorable and brandable above all.
Enter your ideas below to check if they're available.
A good tip is using your first name as part of your domain. Think of blogs like "karlascloset.com", "viviannadoesmakeup.com" or "deliciouslyella.com". Try it with your blog!
1. Sign Up With BlueHost
The first thing you need to do is find a webhost. The most popular one is BlueHost, which I recommend going with. They offer cheap hosting and a free domain name.
Go to BlueHost and click "Get Started Now".
Select the basic plan.
You need to find a good domain name that isn't taken. I recommend going with a .com, but whatever floats your boat. Click next.
Now create your account by filling out your contact info.
Pick your plan, and pick whatever additional features you want. The only extra I recommend is getting domain privacy if you want your information to be hidden. Click "Next".
Next, choose your package. Bluehost offers plans for 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months. I recommend going with the 36-month plan to get the best price, but keep in mind that you'll pay for the full package up front. For example, if you select the 36-month package at $2.95/month, your total will be $106.20.
Enter your payment information.
The final step is choosing a password for your account. Make this password extra hard to crack by using uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Once your account is created, log into your dashboard at Bluehost.com.
2. Install WordPress
Next, you want to install WordPress. This step is super quick and easy!
In your BlueHost account, click on cPanel. Click "Install Wordpress".
Click "Start".
Select your domain and click "check domain".
Enter your blog info and click "Install Now".
Once it's done installing, you'll receive your WordPress login information by e-mail.
Go to www.yoursite.com/wp-admin/ and sign in!
Last Step: Make It Pretty
Install a theme to make your blog look nice.
On the left side, select "Appearance" and click "Themes". Click "Add new". You can now browse thousands of themes. Try selecting features such as "right sidebar" or colors. If you're stumped, try searching for "themify" or "fashionista". There's a lot of free themes. Have fun with it!
You're Ready For Your First Post
In the left menu, select "Posts" and click "Add new". Write your first post and click "publish"!
That's it!
If you followed this step-by-step guide and signed up with BlueHost, you just realized how easy it really is to start your own blog.
I hope this tutorial has been helpful. Good luck on your journey!
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Really great information! I’m so glad I came across this post because I have been hesitant to start a blog for quite some time as I thought it would just be too complicated, but you inspired me to take the plunge!!
I just signed up with bluehost, and am in the process of installing WordPress.. When do you think it is necessary to sign up with AdVerse?
Hi Connie! Awesome, you finally took the plunge! 😀 If you mean AdSense, you can sign up whenever you want as long as your site has some content on it. Make sure you have a privacy policy when you do. I just checked out your blog and it looks so pretty. Nice job!
I have never used blue host before. It might be popular in the US. For anyone in England which is where I am based I would recommend one.com for hosting. I use them and I’m pretty happy. They provide statistics as well as word press integration which is only a few step process. Their Interface has recently been updated. It’s now looking fresh and modern making it even easier to use. Highly recommended.
Milena x
http://milenakrecisz.com
Thanks for encouraging words and support!
It’s very useful article. I found some answers on my questions! Thank’s to the author! And i also have one question about what theme i can buy to do a nice, cool and attractive blog? I research some themes and stop on Avada. It is is, undoubtedly, one of the most advanced design solutions for WordPress with nearly endless customization possibilities and a vast selection of premade design variations. That’s a review about it – https://www.templatemonster.com/blog/avada-5-0-vs-monstroid-2/ in competition with another good theme. What can you advise to me? Please help me to make a choise.
Thank you very much for your tips! I wanted to ask you how can you make your images ‘pinnable’ if using wordpress.com? I read many tutorial but they are only for wordpress.org.
As well, what would happen if I don’t use Blue Host?
You can’t monetize a blog that isn’t self-hosted as easily, and you don’t have the same control over it. Basically, you don’t really own your blog unless it’s self-hosted (it could be with Bluehost, or with any other host).
Hi Suzi, thanks so much for this, it’s very helpful! The one thing I really need help with is knowing how to spread awareness of my blog? How do I put it out there and drive traffic towards it? I’m so clueless!
Go to rosevibe.com and get the free article on how to get traffic. 🙂
Im very interested in starting my own blog and have been thinking about it for a while now. I love makeup and I have a lot of things planned to do, including starting a youtube channel and coming out with my own eyeshadows. yay. Although, what you said about the topics to write about, would it be a problem to blog about all of those, the top 4 as those are what I focus on most of the time. Would this be hard or should I try and choose one topic??
I think many youtubers make the mistake of not having a blog. Youtube is a third-party platform and it’s a bit like putting all your eggs in one basket (which you don’t even own).
BUT if you want to do youtube and don’t want to grow a blog, I don’t see why you should get a self-hosted site. Grow your youtube first, and then invest in your blog once you’re monetizing your youtube channel.
I really enjoyed this post it’s really informative… I’ve been blogging for a few months now and I love it! Although my last blog didn’t get a lot of views, likes or comments as my previous and it’s kind of disheartened me. I’d like to know what was wrong with it but I haven’t received any feed back. Kind of stuck on what to write about next too. Xx
Hi, I’ve been toying around with the idea of starting a blog for 7 years now (I know I’m awful) I’m currently working as a Hair & Makeup Artist and would like to start a beauty blog. I already have an an existing website, should I still use wordpress via BlueHost? I should be able to link it onto my website right? Also my biggest dilemma is not thinking that I can create content that will be good, resulting in writers block. Do you have any suggestions on overcoming this?
Write freely without backspacing or editing! Don’t overthink it. Once you’re done writing, then you can edit. This tends to work for me. I also like to plan an outline of my post and all the sections before I start. And keep in mind that blog-writing isn’t easy, and everybody struggles at first, especially if you’re used to writing essays (which blog posts are not!).
You can definitely switch to self-hosted WordPress with Bluehost. If you have a blog somewhere else, you’ll have to export it to WordPress. If it’s a domain, you’ll have to redirect the domain to your new blog. If you let me know the details, maybe I can help!
Besides photoshop, what are your favorite photo editing software or websites to use?
I only like and use Photoshop, but you can also use Canva (especially for graphics and pins). GIMP is a free option but it’s not as good.
Hi! I’m a newbie attempting to start a blog as well (career burnout). I noticed that you don’t use Google Adsense on your site (not listed in your income breakdown). Is there a reason for that? Just trying to learn and avoid any potential mistakes!
http://www.lipstickonapiggie.com
Google Adsense is fine when you’re starting out, but you mostly get paid per click only. I also get higher earnings with ad networks, plus they pay per impression/every time the ad is viewed.
Thanks for the response! Since I’m just starting out, I think I’ll probably stick with Adsense, then look into the ad networks once my readership (hopefully) increases. Hoping for the best!
Hello 🙂 I am currently starting my own blog. So why is it important to get Bluehost and not just use wordpress on its own?
Thanks, Kristyn
With WordPress.com, your blog belongs to WordPress and you have little to no control. You also can’t monetize your blog using third-party ads (my biggest source of revenue right now). With a self-hosted blog (Bluehost + WordPress.org) you have full control and your content is yours to monetize however you want.
Thanks so much! I’ll be sure to get Bluehost along with wordpress.
Can you give me an example of how you monetize your blog using third party ads?
I use a company called AdThrive and they’ve been pretty good! I think AdThrive requires a minimum number of monthly pageviews to join (I don’t know it offhand, it might be between 60,000 and 100,000).
I just read the blog post and I have started my own website! I am using wordpress and a free theme that I have tweaked to my liking!
I have been crawling the web to find all the proper add-ins and how to format the website! You can definitely do it too! This is the first website I have setup and Im super stoked and appreciate the article! I am linking to my Instagram for traffic, do you have any recommendations in this department?
If you would check out my blog and let me know what you think I would really appreciate it!
http://lizziesjourney.com/2016/12/30/a-christmas-date/
xoxo,
Lizzie
Hey Lizzie, your blog looks great! What exactly do you mean with the Instagram question though?
I love my little blog and I’m SO happy that I decided to start it, but I wish it would grow a little faster! I’ve been at it for nine months and it’s growing a little, but not as much as I would like. Do you have any advice?
http://thebookwormbeauty.com
Hi Ashley! One thing I noticed is that your social media links at the top don’t work.
How hard will it be for readers to find my blog? How long will it take to gain a least a handful of readers?
How can i earn money ,?who will give me? Can i know the answer please
Hey Suzi! I just finished your blog course and it was awesome and so informative. I still had one question though, when applying to Bluehost are all those add ons necessary? Specifically the domain privacy protection?
Hey Beatriz, glad to hear you liked the course! You don’t need any of the add-ons, except maybe the privacy protection. If you get that one, no one will be able to trace the domain back to your name and address. I think it’s very good to have, but it’s optional.
Hello! Thank you for this amazing post! Do you have any tips for someone who wants to start a beauty blog but is still a teenager? Will I be able to monetize my blog even though I’m still underage? Thank you in advance!
Hey Alice! I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t monetize your blog. When you do start making money, just keep in mind that it’s a source of income when doing your taxes.
Hi Stacie! Thank you for your kind words. 🙂
I just made a free blogging course which I think might be helpful to you. It’s for those who don’t already have a blog (or who just started blogging), but I also go over more in-depth topics (traffic, monetization) and I think it’s going to answer your questions.
You can find it on Rosevibe (scroll to the bottom of any post). That’s a blog I recently launched to help other bloggers turn their blog into a business.
Hi, I just started blogging. Can you give me some advice on how you started to promote your blog in the beginning? Here is my blog http://www.chic-not-chic.com, feel free to check it out, and comment below to give me some advice 🙂 thank you!!!
Great advice. As a new blogger, I definitely had a tough time starting out. I mean, I am still in the beginning stages of my blog, but knowing that other beauty bloggers makes it a little easier knowing i’m not alone here. Thanks! 🙂
Thanks for this post, it’s by far one of the most helpful things I’ve read! I’m planning to start a blog about creating and sometimes reviewing natural beauty products soon… the only things I’m missing are a name and a host… I’ll definitely have to look into BlueHost for that.
Thanks Sarah, glad it helped. 🙂
I am 17 and really want a beauty blog as a career. I love beauty but I use more natural products and I’m not sure if anyone will want to read anything i review because there are already so many beauty blogs out there already. I have so many questions, but I’ll just ask a few. How do you keep up with beauty trends? like how often should I I review products and post about them? I Don’t have a lot tons of money to buy products, how do I start a blog without as much? also my mom is very skeptic that I can have a career blogging. Was it hard when you started out? what were your experiences? thanks so much!
Hi Reagan! Blogging as a full-time job definitely isn’t easy. You don’t need to publish posts daily, but consistency is important, and keeping up with trends is a daily task (I use Google Alerts). A lot of beauty bloggers publish posts daily, and I recommend posting at least 3x a week when you’re starting out.
You can always start as a hobby and see what happens. It took me a long time (over a year) to earn a full-time income. I don’t want to demotivate you, but it’s a lot of work and research! You can check out my blogging progress here: October Income Report.
What do you mean about “If you choose a monthly term, there’s a possibility that
your website could go down every month”. Couldn’t the same thing happen
with the 12 month plan?
Great tips, thanks!
Thanks Angela! It wouldn’t happen with the 12-month plan since you’re paying in advance.
Great advice!! I already have a blog slowly in progress (happylifesimplified.com) but I am wondering how to mention products that I am excited about or great deals on products or clothing. I’m not affiliated with any brands or companies so I want to make sure I go about it the right way. Any info would be great. Thank you
Ashley
Hi Ashley! What exactly do you mean? You’re totally free to post about any brand you want. Reviews and roundup posts come to mind.
I already have a blog, but I want to go about getting a host. I just have the free wordpress one (https://poshpennychic.wordpress.com ) and I don’t have wordpress installed on my device. I am confused about what to do. Could someone please help me?Thanks!
Hi Jessica. WordPress.com and WordPress.org are two different things, which is probably why it’s confusing! If you want to get hosting, you can’t keep your existing WordPress.com. However you can move all your posts to the new WordPress.org once you have it.
This tutorial (Bluehost and WordPress.org) is what you’re looking for, and then you can transfer your posts. Hope this helps. If not, let me know! 🙂
Hello! Ive been planning to make a beauty blog so I can share some of my beauty tips. Your blog helps me a lot in my ideas. Thank you
Hey Tomiko, glad it was helpful!! Self-promotion might feel awkward at first, but you just have to get over the hump. Don’t let it deter you!
Hello! Awesome post. I recently started my blog: lifeismessyandbrilliant.com
I bought the domain in WordPress, but not the host. I currently get around 1000 views every months. When would it be ok to buy the host, does the number of visitors matter?
I’m not looking to make a lot of money out of my blog, but a little bit to give me some independence. Does the ads in WordPress work or how do I get more exposure for advertisement?
Thank you!
Hey! 1000 visitors a month is a great start. If you’re thinking about monetizing and you’re serious about blogging, I wouldn’t wait. I’ve been self-hosted since the beginning when I had 0 visitors and I don’t regret anything!