Can you actually make money with a sports, fashion, food, travel or any kind of blog?
Most people either don’t believe it’s possible or feel that they lack the confidence, computer skills, and writing ability to begin.
In the beginning, I had held a similar skepticism, and complete lack of confidence.
But today, I’m making enough money through this blog to travel the world indefinitely.
This is exactly how I did it and you can do so as well…if you’ve got the guts.
Step 1) Overcome Your Fear
Starting anything new, especially something like a blog is nerve-racking. You’re worried that you won’t be able to learn the technical aspect of blogging. And you’re worried that no one will even care what you write.
But who cares. So what if only your friends end up reading your blog and your only fan is still your mom. So what if you don’t make a single dime.
In the end, you will have learned about blogging, practiced your writing, and come out stronger from the whole process.
You really have nothing to loose and everything to gain; a potential new voice, hobby, income source and travel filled life. And you’ve got me to help you do it.
So put away your fears, and let’s get cracking on what could be a life altering endeavor.
Step 2) Chose A Title / Domain Name / Web Address
Your website title and domain name is the most important aspect of your blog. Below are a few questions to consider when choosing a name:
- Is your title memorable?
- Does is describe you and your niche?
- Is it easy to type in?
- Is it a title that people often search for?
Step 3) Register Your Domain With A Hosting Company
A hosting company will both register your domain name and keep your site alive on the web. So, which hosting company should you choose?
Having tried more than a few hosting companies, I have found Blue Host to be one of cheapest, most supportive and easiest to use. It costs just 2.95$/month and domain name registration (around 15$) is free, which means you can get your blog ideas started quickly and inexpensively.
Here’s the simple way to do it.
3.1) Click the Get Started Now button
Blue Host home page
3.2) Choose A Plan
Choose a plan
I recommend choosing the starter plan to begin with as you can always upgrade to Plus should you need more space or want to add new websites in the future.
3.3) Register Your Domain Name
Register your domain
3.4) Choose Your Account Plan & Add On Options
Starter Plan for 12 months is recommended
If you can afford it, I would choose the 36 month plan as it will work out cheaper in the long run. In terms of ad ons, I would only recommend adding the site backup pro, should save your blog should you accidentally delete anything.
Step 4) Install WordPress
Blue Host makes it extremely easy to install WordPress. WordPress is a free software that all bloggers use to create and publish posts. Working on WordPress may seem overwhelming at first but you will quickly get the hang of it.
Simple WordPress installation through Blue Host
Step 5) Decide On Your Theme
A theme is a unique design for your site that can be uploaded onto WordPress. Although you can chose from hundreds of free themes, I highly recommend StudioPress . These themes are clean, simple to use, very fast to load, and search engine optimized. If you want to start your blog off right, this is a necessary investment.
An investment but definitely worth it.
Step 6) Create A Brand / Quality Content
Your primary goal is to create a brand that’s easily recognizable, entertaining, informative and trustworthy. In order to do this, you need to ensure that everything you publish is of the highest and most relevant quality. Think of what your readers or future readers want and then give it to them. This is the most important aspect in creating a successful blog.
My office on Koh Phangan, Thailand
Step 7) Social Media & Networking
In order for people to see your awesome articles you need to share it and network with others.
The best way to share your content is through Facebook, Twitter, Stumble Upon, & Google Plus. I recommend that you create an account for all of these social media platforms.
Another way to get your posts to new readers is by networking with other bloggers in your niche. By doing this, not only will other bloggers read your posts, but if they like them, they’ll share them with their readers as well.
Step 8) Build Back Links
In order to rank higher in Google search returns, it is important to build back links. Back links are links on other websites that point to your homepage or individual articles. The more links pointing to your site, the more google trusts you and the higher you rise in search results. Your main goal is to create quality content that people want to share and link back to. However, you can also actively build back links by:
- Commenting on other blogs
- Guest posting on other blogs
- Doing interviews with other blogs
- Asking friends for a reciprocal link
Step 9) How To Make Money
I wouldn’t recommend monetizing your blog until you have at least a few thousand page views/month. Doing so may hurt you and your brand’s reputation.. But when you’re ready, below are the methods I use to earn over 2,000$/month.
- Google Adsense
- Donation Page
- Affiliate sales: Ebooks, Travel Insurance, Flights, Accommodations
There are a few more ways to make money through a travel blog but you’ll figure those out along the way.
10) Start Your Blog Now
Starting a travel blog or any kind of blog requires considerable effort, time, energy, and unwavering conviction. But once you get it started you only need to work 10-15 hours a week to keep it going.
If a travel sustaining and location independent lifestyle is your dream, definitely go for it. It can be done. Start your blog now! If a 16 year old runaway can do it, so can you!
Feel free to connect with me on Facebook if you have any questions.
*Some of the links included in this guide are affiliate links. These provide me with a small commission at no extra cost to you that helps me maintain this site and do what I love doing most, traveling the world.
Wow! I just started my travel blog a few months ago after traveling no-stop for almost 3 years and reading your post has given my hope and also inspired me to push on.
Thanks you so very much.
Cheers!
Laura
Awesome, thanks for the message! Good luck with your blog, it’s looking great!
Nice idea to make a money from blog !
Thanks!
Thank you for this, and for your awesome blog, Leif. You are an inspiration. I just stumbled upon your site today while I am working on our own travel blog: travelmore.ph. Will definitely keep myself posted about your travels, and I am looking forward to meeting you in person sooner or later. All the best!
Thanks Ely, glad you like the guide! I’ll be in Guatemala Oct 25th if you’re around :)
Thank you for your postings, two weeks away from college graduation and free traveling is what I know my heart desires, but its safe to say that the nomadic lifestyle excites and intimidates me. Without my families support for my desired lifestyle I know I’m taking a huge risk to “just go” so I appreciate you sharing your experience and advise.
much thanks
Hey! Glad you found it helpful. Let me know if you ever need any advice. Cheers-Leif
Found your site through Stumbleupon. Love what you have accomplish and I am the same way but instead of being alone, I ran away with my family, 5 years later and with two toddler, life is an adventure and I will not give that up for anything. Travel is better with family.
Hey Marc, that’s awesome you got the chance to travel with your fam at such a young age. My Mom and sis are actually going to join me in Guatemala for the first time for my Runaway Tour on Dec 27th. Really excited to show them around.
Just found your site through Adventurous Kate – glad I did! Great information here – can’t wait to sit down and go through it! I also use Pinterest and Instagram for pictures.
Hey Deirdre, cool! Glad to connect!
I am a 43 year old runaway from Australia, sitting still just does not appeal to me, my goal is to keep travelling indefinitely, no fixed home. Am working up to it, have to get brave about certain things….I may have to go ‘homeless’ this winter in france and work on the boats… I am inspired by your site….Thanks so much, being a traveller is a real art and something actually the world needs to break itself out of its hynoptic state! I like to think of people like Shams of Tabriz and other people from the past! Jai Mata Di!
Hey David, good on ya! You should totally head over there. The winters can get chilly at night so be sure to bring a jacket/warm sleeping bag. That dude was cool! Ibn Battutah too! Glad you got in touch. Cheers! -Leif
Awesome site!!! Love your spirit and layout.
I’m launching my 10 year dream web-baby this month.
Thank you for sharing your life!
You rock! :)
Thanks Laura, I appreciate it!
Good luck with your site and let me know if you ever need any help.
Cheers,
Leif
Hey Leif,
I am using Elegant Themes for my blog and they have very good support. It cost $39 per year. I started out with Traveler theme from Gorilla themes, which is a cool travel blog template but there support was dismal. When you are starting out, I think you really need good support, otherwise you spend a lot of time working on the theme and blog layout instead of writing content.
Thesis looks really good though.. I might switch over yet, as elegant themes is recurring and after 20 years I do not want to have paid $800 themes!
All the best
Adam
Thesis is good for seo and speed but it takes a while to learn how to use it.
I heard woo themes is really good to start out on too but there is an annual fee which turned me off to it.
I’ve heard good things about elegant themes as well.
Good luck with it!
Thank you for this post! A simple and good guide to setting up a successful blog. I just started mine and i am currently writing all my articles for the website. You’re right… it takes a lot of effort and hours of writing before it actually pays off…. Mine doesn’t have much traffic yet.. mostly only friends. You’re post and you’re blog inspired me to continue what I started! Thankx for that and good luck with your blog!
Hey Bastiaan, thanks! Glad it was some help to you. Thanks, good luck with your blog too! Let me know if you ever need advice. Cheers, Leif
inspiring.. my lifestyle travel blog just started to reap the benefits but its still far from to what superstar bloggers are getting.. at the moment, my online work is the main source of my travel fund but hopefully, in the future, my travel blog will fund my travels too ^_^
I hear ya. It’s tough and takes time. I’m in the same position. Whats your blog? Lets support each other!
Just adding REDDIT to point #6 above! Excellent to share links and increase traffic!
REDDIT is a good one! I will add it. Cheers, -Leif
Still thinking about purchasing that Thesis theme. It’s a bit expensive for my site but I know it will be worth it in the end as I have a number of blogs that I maintain and I’d like to use the theme for everything.
Nice tips man!
Hey Ed, I have found thesis to be pretty good. Lots of support from them. But if you cant make the investment right now, you should check out weaver. Weaver is really easy to customize.
Very nice and straight to the point tips! In my case, i need some focus. I have so many backlogs, but i am slowly but surely working on it. Adsense and some sponsored links helped me finance most of my travels :D
This is a great step-by-step guide to getting things started and eventually monetizing your blog. It’s a lot of work but if you’re passionate about it, well worth the effort.