Blogging in 2025: What Works, What Doesn't, and How to Earn

Thinking about starting a blog this year? You’re not alone. More people are looking for a simple way to share ideas, build a brand, or earn extra cash. The good news? 2025 brings clear trends that make it easier to pick a niche, host your site for free, and actually make money.

Pick a Niche That Pays and Excites You

The first step is choosing a niche that matches both passion and profit. Look for topics with a decent audience size, low‑to‑moderate competition, and clear monetisation paths. For example, “sustainable tech gadgets” and “AI‑driven personal finance” are hot right now because people search for them and advertisers love them.

Do a quick keyword check: type your idea into Google Trends, see the search volume, and note the CPM rates in your niche. If the numbers look solid, you’re on the right track. Avoid overly broad topics like “travel” unless you can narrow it down to “budget solo travel in Southeast Asia” – the more specific, the easier it is to rank.

Launch Your Blog for Free (Yes, Really)

Running a site doesn’t have to cost a dime. Platforms like GitHub Pages, Netlify, or even the free tier of WordPress.com let you publish without paying for hosting. You’ll need a free sub‑domain (e.g., yourblog.github.io) or a low‑cost custom domain if you want a professional look.

Setting up is straightforward: choose a static site generator (like Hugo or Jekyll), push your files to GitHub, and let the service handle the rest. If you prefer drag‑and‑drop, Wix’s free plan or Google Sites work fine, but watch out for branding and limited storage.

Remember, free hosting often means you can’t run heavy plugins or run ads directly on the domain. Use affiliate links, sponsored posts, or external monetisation platforms to get around those limits.

Monetise Without Spending Money

Once your blog is live, there are several zero‑cost ways to start earning:

• Affiliate marketing: Join programs that match your niche and embed referral links in your content.
• AdSense: Google still pays per 1000 views (RPM). In 2025 the average RPM ranges from $2‑$8 depending on the niche.
• Sponsored posts: Reach out to brands early; many will pay for a review or tutorial.
• Digital products: Offer free PDFs or checklists and upsell premium versions.

Track your earnings with a simple spreadsheet. Note the traffic source, RPM, and any conversion rates. Over time you’ll see which methods bring the most cash.

How Long Should Your Posts Be?

Google’s algorithm still favors depth. In 2025 the sweet spot for ranking is around 1,600‑2,200 words for competitive topics. For less saturated niches, 800‑1,200 words can do the trick.

Don’t pad content just to hit a word count. Focus on answering the reader’s question fully. Use headings, bullet points, and images to break up the text – that improves dwell time and boosts rankings.

When you write, ask yourself: “What does the reader need to know right now?” If you can answer that in 1,200 words, you’re good. If the topic needs more depth, go longer but keep it engaging.

Putting It All Together

Start by researching a niche that has both interest and a clear path to revenue. Set up a free site on GitHub Pages or a similar platform, then fill it with well‑structured, keyword‑rich posts that hit the ideal length. Monetise with affiliate links, AdSense, or sponsored content, and track everything in a spreadsheet.

Stick to this routine, and you’ll see traffic grow, ad revenue rise, and maybe even turn your hobby into a full‑time gig. Blogging in 2025 is still a solid way to share your voice and earn money – all you need is a clear plan and the willingness to experiment.