Free Guide: Build a Profitable Blog from Scratch
You don’t need a big budget to start making money online. With the right steps, you can launch a blog for free, attract traffic, and begin monetising with ads and affiliate offers. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Step 1: Pick a Profitable Niche
Choose a topic you’re interested in, but make sure people are searching for it. Use free keyword tools like Ubersuggest or Keyword Surfer to find terms with search volume. Popular niches include money-saving tips, DIY projects, and travel hacks.
Step 2: Set Up a Free Blog
Use Blogger or WordPress.com to get your site online. Both platforms are free and beginner-friendly. Customise your theme, add a logo with Canva, and create a clear menu for navigation.
Step 3: Publish 5 Starter Posts
Use AI tools to draft your first posts, then edit for quality. Aim for at least 1,000 words each. Focus on “how-to” or “list” posts that answer common questions.
Example prompt: “Write a 1,200-word blog post on ‘How to Start Affiliate Marketing with $0’ including step-by-step beginner-friendly tips, examples, and a call to action.”
Step 4: Attract Free Traffic
- SEO – Target long-tail keywords and interlink your posts.
- Social Media – Share snippets on Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
- Communities – Answer questions on Quora and Reddit with links to your posts.
Step 5: Apply for Monetisation
Once you reach around 1,000 views, apply for Google AdSense or Ezoic. These networks will place ads on your site and pay you based on impressions and clicks.
Step 6: Add Affiliate Links
Join free affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, Awin, or CJ Affiliate. Write reviews and tutorials that naturally include affiliate products. Always disclose your partnerships to build trust.
Step 7: Track and Improve
Use Google Analytics to track which posts perform best. Double down on the winners and keep publishing consistently to grow your audience and earnings.
Next Steps
Download as a PDF to make this easier? Click here for this step-by-step guide that shows you how to put all of this into action—even if you’re starting with zero budget.