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A Masterclass in Blogging: How to Get Started & Become A Full-Time Blogger
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items I've been blogging now for eight years and have learnt a lot in almost a decade. My blog has changed names, styles, niches, won awards, been neglected and most recently seen its highest views and income ever. Here's everything to know about blogging!
Sections
7
Step 1: Your Website Name and Hosting
Step 2: Create Your Website
Step 3: Blogging Courses
Step 4: Plugins to Install
Step 5: Running Ads
Step 6: Affiliate Programs to Join
Step 1: Your Website Name and Hosting
The first thing to do is pick the name of your website. Will it be your own name or something to do with the topic of your content?
I'm personally registered with 123 Reg who host my website. If I run into any performance issues, I contact them right away.
123 Reg Hosting Service
I bought my website URL with GoDaddy many years ago now and it only cost me a few pounds. I just have to renew it each year for under £10 or so.
Go Daddy Domain Names
Another hosting company to consider that I've heard good things about.
Bluehost
Tsohost is who I used to be with for hosting until they were taken over by 123 Reg.
Tsohost
Step 2: Create Your Website
Now it's time to set up your shop window - the fun part!
I set my website up with Wordpress and haven't looked back since!
WordPress.com
You can use this library to select your theme/appearance of your website. Quite straightforward!
WordPress Theme Directory
A different option to set up your website, with added help and guidance.
Squarespace Website Builder
Another website builder option. You'll pay a little more to do it this way, but a good option if you're a complete newby and don't want to get things wrong.
Wix.com Website Builder
Step 3: Blogging Courses
I don't claim to be an expert at blogging, even after eight years and I've bought a few courses recently so I can learn from those that are better than me.
I took Sophia's Perfecting Blogging course last year and really enjoyed it. Very beginner-friendly.
Perfecting Blogging by Sophia Lee
I've just enrolled in Nina's blogging course and I already know she's got a lot of expertise in SEO and blogging, so excited to get started!
She Knows SEO
Here is a more comprehensive list of blogging courses out there.
Best Blogging Courses & Certificates [2025]
Step 4: Plugins to Install
These are plugins I'd recommend installing to make your blog better and life easier.
To see what keywords are popular and what aren't. This will give you an insight on what you should be writing about and not waste your time.
Keywords Everywhere
This helps you see how your blog is performing SEO-wise and what improvements you can make.
Yoast SEO
I recently changed from Yoast to Jetpack to track my SEO and so far no complaints!
Jetpack SEO
Step 5: Running Ads
When the time comes to start running ads on your blog and making some passive income, these are the companies I'd look into.
Mediavine is mainly for the big players, if your blog is hitting 50,000+ sessions per month.
Digital Ads Management by Mediavine
Once you start seeing 10,000+ sessions per month consistently, you can sign up for Mediavine's smaller version, Journey.
Journey by MediaVine
I first started out with Google Adsense and made around £50 per month from running their ads on my blog.
Google AdSense
Step 6: Affiliate Programs to Join
Depending on the niche of your blog, here are some affiliate programs to join to make a little extra passive income.
My favourite affiliate program as I'm in the travel niche. But with affiliates for booking.com, GetYourGuide, Viator and more!
Travelpayouts Affiliate Program
If you're in the fashion or beauty space, LTK is a great affiliate program to be a part of.
LTK Creator
This one goes without saying, but if you're linking to anything, it's probably on Amazon.
Amazon Associates
Step 7: Extras to Consider
These are some additional programs and ways to make money from blogging that you can look into after getting started.
I sell my digital products (travel guides) with Pensight as it's free and very user-friendly.
Pensight Account
I make all of my graphics and resize my images for my blog using Canva.
Canva
Gather an email list and send out weekly/monthly emails to those who read your blog.
Mailchimp Email Platform