If you’re planning to start your own blog and make money online, the first step is getting your domain name and web hosting. Whether you’re writing about tech, travel, lifestyle, or finance, having your own blog gives you complete control and helps you build a personal brand.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through how to start a blog from scratch – the right way.
Step 1: Choose Your Niche
Before you buy a domain or hosting, decide what your blog will be about. Pick a niche you are passionate about, and which has earning potential.
Popular Blog Niches:
- Tech & Gadgets
- Travel & Holidays
- Finance & Investing
- Fashion & Beauty
- Food & Recipes
- Health & Fitness
- Domain & Hosting Tips (like this blog!)
Tip: Use tools like Google Trends or Ubersuggest to find what’s trending in your niche.
Step 2: Pick a Domain Name
Your domain name is your blog’s identity. It should be short, memorable, and brandable.
Tips for Choosing a Domain:
- Keep it under 15 characters
- Avoid hyphens and numbers
- Choose .com, .in, or .net extensions
- Use keywords if possible (like techupdate.com or travelguide.in)
Where to buy domain:
Step 3: Get Web Hosting
Hosting is the storage where your blog files live. Choose a reliable host with good uptime, support, and performance.
Recommended Hosting Providers:
| Hosting Provider | Price (Monthly) | Free SSL | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hostinger | ₹69/mo | ✅ | ✅ | Beginners |
| Bluehost | ₹199/mo | ✅ | ✅ | WordPress |
| HostGator | ₹149/mo | ✅ | ✅ | Scalability |
Make sure your plan includes 1-click WordPress install, free SSL, and email accounts.
Step 4: Install WordPress
After you buy hosting and connect your domain, use the cPanel or dashboard to install WordPress.
How to install WordPress:
- Login to your hosting dashboard (like Hostinger/Bluehost).
- Find Auto Installer or 1-Click WordPress Install.
- Select your domain and set up login credentials.
- Click Install – done!
Step 5: Choose a Theme & Customize
WordPress comes with thousands of free and premium themes.
Best Free WordPress Themes for Blogs:
- Astra – Fast and customizable
- GeneratePress – Lightweight and SEO-friendly
- Neve – Modern design
- Kadence – Feature-rich
Go to Appearance > Themes > Add New to install your theme.
You can also install a page builder like Elementor for drag-and-drop editing.
Step 6: Install Essential Plugins
Plugins add extra features to your blog. Here are some must-have plugins:
- Rank Math or Yoast SEO – For on-page SEO
- WPForms – Contact form builder
- LiteSpeed Cache – Site speed optimization
- UpdraftPlus – Backup solution
- MonsterInsights – Google Analytics
Step 7: Write & Publish Your First Blog Post
Now it’s time to write! Choose topics that solve problems or share experiences.
Blog Post Checklist:
- Add catchy title (use numbers or questions)
- Use SEO keywords in the content
- Add images with alt text
- Keep paragraphs short (2–4 lines)
- Use headings (H2, H3) for structure
- Add internal and external links
Step 8: Submit to Google Search Console
To start showing your blog in Google search:
- Visit Google Search Console
- Add your domain
- Verify ownership via DNS or file
- Submit your sitemap (usually
yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml)
This helps Google crawl and index your site faster.
Step 9: Apply for Google AdSense
Once your blog has 10–15 quality posts and looks professional:
- Go to Google AdSense
- Sign up and link your website
- Follow AdSense policies and guidelines
- Wait for approval (usually 7–14 days)
Final Thoughts
Starting a blog with your own domain and hosting gives you full control and unlimited income potential. It’s a small investment that can lead to big results if you stay consistent.
Pro Tip: Focus on publishing high-quality content regularly. Learn basic SEO and promote your blog on social media to get traffic.
FAQs
Q: Can I start a blog for free?
Yes, but free blogs (like Blogspot or WordPress.com) have limited control. For serious blogging, always go with your own domain and hosting.
Q: How much does it cost to start a blog?
On average, ₹500–₹1500 for domain + hosting per year. That’s all you need to start.
Q: Can I earn money from my blog?
Absolutely! Through AdSense, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and even selling your own products.