Personal Blog Tips, Ideas, and Resources

If you’re thinking about starting a personal blog, you’re in the right spot. A blog can be a place to share your passion, build an audience, and even earn some cash. The first step is to pick a topic that excites you and has enough people interested. Look at what you love to talk about, then check how many readers search for it. A niche that matches your interest and has a decent audience size sets you up for success.

Pick the Right Niche and Plan Your Content

Once you have a niche, sketch out a simple content plan. Write down at least 10 article ideas that solve a problem or answer a question your readers might have. Keep the titles clear and keyword‑rich – that helps Google understand what you’re about. Aim for a mix of how‑to guides, list posts, and personal stories. Consistency beats speed, so decide whether you’ll post once a week or twice a month and stick to it.

Free Hosting, Tools, and Simple Setup

You don’t need to spend money to launch a blog. Platforms like GitHub Pages, GitLab, or even Google Sites let you host a static site for free. If you prefer a drag‑and‑drop builder, Wix and WordPress.com have free tiers that are easy to start with. Choose a domain that’s short, memorable, and reflects your niche. Even a .blog extension works well if the .com is taken. Remember, free plans often come with branding or limited storage, so upgrade only when you need more features.

Design matters, but you don’t have to be a designer. Pick a clean theme, use easy‑to‑read fonts, and keep navigation simple. A good rule of thumb is to have a maximum of three levels in your menu – home, categories, and contact. Adding a search bar helps visitors find older posts quickly. Test your blog on a phone and a desktop; if it looks good on both, you’re set.

Search engine optimisation (SEO) starts with word count. In 2025, the sweet spot for most blog posts is 1,200 to 1,800 words, but quality always wins. Break long articles into short paragraphs, use headings, and include relevant keywords naturally. Don’t forget meta descriptions – they’re the short blurbs that appear in search results and can boost click‑through rates.

Monetising your blog doesn’t have to be complicated. The easiest way is to sign up for Google AdSense once you have steady traffic. Affiliate marketing is another low‑effort option: recommend products you actually use and earn a commission when readers buy through your links. If you have expertise, consider selling a digital guide or course. Start small, track what works, and scale up over time.

Building an audience is about engagement. Reply to every comment, ask readers what topics they want next, and share your posts on social platforms where your niche hangs out. Email newsletters are still powerful – a simple sign‑up form can grow a loyal subscriber list. Offer a freebie, like a checklist or mini‑ebook, in exchange for an email address.

Finally, keep learning. The blogging world changes fast: new platforms appear, algorithms shift, and reader habits evolve. Follow a few trusted blogs, join online forums, and experiment with new ideas. Your personal blog is a living project – treat it like a hobby you’re willing to improve on, and the results will follow.