Beginner's Guide: Starting & Monetizing Your Blog or Vlog...USA, UK & the EU
What is Blogging & Vlogging?
Blogging is writing and publishing articles on a website about topics you enjoy, like travel, food, fitness, or technology. A blog is like an online magazine or diary where you share tips, experiences, and advice.
Vlogging (video blogging) is creating and sharing videos on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, where you talk about topics, review products, or document experiences. Both allow you to connect with people, share knowledge, and build an online presence.
Here’s my simple, step-by-step beginner’s guide to starting a blogging or vlogging business and earning money online. It’s written for absolute beginners and technophobes, with clear instructions and no jargon!
Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Blog or Vlog & Making Money Online
A simple, step-by-step guide for beginners—even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Step 1: Choose a Topic
**Pick something you enjoy and that others are interested in**
Popular topics include:
- Travel
- Food and recipes
- Tech reviews
- Fitness and health
- Parenting advice
Tip: Search your topic on Google with “best tips” to see what people are looking for.
Step 2: Decide – Blog or Vlog?
Blogging – Writing articles on a website
Vlogging – Making videos for YouTube
Many people do both, but you can start with one. Both are great for...
- People who want to share their passion and connect with others.
- Anyone looking to make money online through ads, sponsorships, and products.
- Those willing to learn and be consistent over time.
If you love writing, start a blog.
If you love talking and creating videos, start a vlog.
If you like both, do both!
The key is to start where you feel most comfortable, then grow from there.
Step 3: Set Up Your Blog or YouTube Channel
Starting a Blog
1. Get a Website Name (Domain) – Example: www.myawesomeblog.com
2. Choose Web Hosting – A service that stores your website online.
3. Install WordPress – A free platform to create and manage your blog.
4. Pick a Website Theme – Choose a design for your blog (free themes are available in WordPress).
Below, are some of the most well known domain and web hosting sites you can use for step 1 and step 2.
Simply click on the relevant links to get started. Once you've completed this, go onto step 3 and step 4 and install wordpress and a website 'theme' via Go Daddy, SiteGround, Bluehost, and Hostinger, who offer one-click WordPress installation through their control panels.
Here Are The Steps:
1. Log in to your web hosting account.
2. Go to the Control Panel (cPanel) or hosting dashboard.
Find the WordPress Installer (usually called "Softaculous," "WordPress Toolkit," or "Install WordPress").
3. Click Install, choose your domain, and follow the prompts.
4. Set up your admin username and password (keep these safe).
Click Install, and once it’s done, log in to your site at yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
If you want to use platforms from your own country, here's a list of recommended services for the UK and Europe, to assist you in starting your blogging or vlogging journey.
1. United Kingdom - Ionos
- Overview: Ionos is a web hosting and cloud service provider offering a variety of services tailored to small and medium-sized businesses.
Services: Web hosting, domain registration, cloud servers, SSL certificates.
Website: https://www.ionos.co.uk
2. Europe - Kamatera
- Overview: Kamatera is a cloud services provider offering scalable cloud infrastructure solutions suitable for various business needs.
Services: Cloud servers, cloud block storage, cloud load balancers.
Website: https://www.kamatera.com
Starting a YouTube Channel
1. Create a Free YouTube Account
2. Use Your Phone to Record Videos – No need for expensive equipment.
3. Edit with Free Software – Easy-to-use editing tools are available for computers and phones.
4. Upload Videos and Add a Catchy Title
Step 4: How to Make Money
- Ads – Earn money from Google AdSense when people visit your blog or watch your YouTube videos.
- Affiliate Marketing – Recommend products and earn commissions when people buy through your links.
- Sponsorships – Brands pay you to promote their products.
- Sell Your Own Products – Digital downloads, e-books, or online courses.
- Offer Services – Freelancing, consulting, or coaching.
Step 5: Stay Consistent
- Post new content at least once a week.
- Share your blog or videos on social media to reach more people.
- Don’t worry about perfection—just start and improve as you go.
Start Up Costs
Blogging
- Domain Name: $10 / £10 / €10 per year
- Web Hosting: $3.95 / £5.99 / €2.99 per month
- Total (Yearly): Around $50 / £50 / €50
Vlogging
- YouTube Channel: Free
- Editing Software: Free
Starting a blog has a small cost, but vlogging is completely free.
Final Thoughts – Just Start!
Starting a blog or vlog might feel overwhelming, but remember—every successful blogger and vlogger started as a beginner. You don’t need fancy equipment, expert knowledge, or technical skills to begin. What matters most is taking action and staying consistent.
Your voice, ideas, and experiences are unique, and there are people out there waiting to connect with what you have to share. Whether you want to earn extra income, build a business, or simply enjoy a creative outlet, this journey can open up incredible opportunities.
Success doesn’t happen overnight, but if you keep going, learning, and improving, you can turn your passion into profit. The most important step is the first one—start today!
*Please note, if you sign up to any listed and recommended 'affiliate' supplier, I will make a small commission for referring you.*