How to Start a Blog That Earns While You Sleep

From Zero to $37.76 Billion: How Blogging Built HubSpot Into a Marketing Giant When no one knew their name, HubSpot wrote blog posts. That’s it. No ads, no fancy tricks—just pure, valuable content. Fast forward to 2025, and they’re worth $37.76 billion USD. Their secret? Blogging was the engine. Want to grow like HubSpot? Start creating your blog and start writing. It all starts with one click.

Have you ever dreamed of waking up to notifications that you made money while you were fast asleep? That’s not just a fantasy—it’s the power of blogging done right. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, build a personal brand, or eventually quit your 9-to-5, starting a blog that generates passive income is a smart (and scalable) move.

Let’s walk through how you can start a money-making blog from scratch—no fluff, no tech jargon, just real steps that work.

Step 1: Pick a Profitable Niche

The secret sauce of a money-making blog? A profitable niche.

You want a topic that you’re passionate about and that has earning potential. Here’s how to choose:

Follow the money: Niches like personal finance, health & wellness, food, parenting, tech, and travel tend to attract high-paying advertisers and affiliate programs.

Solve problems: The more your blog helps readers overcome a challenge or achieve a goal, the more likely they are to come back—and convert.

Do some keyword research: Use free tools like Ubersuggest or Google Keyword Planner to see if people are searching for your topic.

Hot tip: Combine personal experience with demand. For example, instead of just “fitness,” go for “home workouts for busy moms.”

Step 2: Set Up Your Blog (The Right Way)

A lot of new bloggers get stuck here, but setting up your blog doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what you need:

Domain Name

Choose a domain that’s:

Short & memorable

Easy to spell

Relevant to your niche
Example: fitmomjourney.com > fitnessformoms247.com

Use a domain registrar like Hostinger or get it bundled with your hosting provider.

Web Hosting

Go with a reliable host that’s beginner-friendly and fast (Google cares about site speed!). Some top choices:

Bluehost (great for beginners)

SiteGround (excellent customer support)

Hostinger (affordable and fast)

WordPress Installation

Most hosts offer 1-click WordPress installation. Choose a lightweight, SEO-friendly theme (Astra and Kadence are solid picks).

Step 3: Create Killer, SEO-Optimized Content

Your blog lives and dies by its content. Here’s how to make Google—and your readers—fall in love with your posts:

Focus on Search Intent

Ask yourself: What is the reader trying to achieve with this search? Then give them that and more.

Use Keywords Naturally

Sprinkle keywords in:

The title (like this one!)

First 100 words

Subheadings (like H2 and H3)

URL & meta description

Make It Human, Not Robotic

Google loves content that’s helpful and natural. So write like you’re talking to a friend. Break things down, give examples, and throw in a little personality.

Add Value

Use lists, visuals, real-life tips, and calls-to-action. The goal? Keep your reader scrolling and coming back.

Step 4: Grow Your Traffic (Without Paying for Ads)

You don’t need to be a marketing pro to get eyeballs on your blog. Here’s where to start:

Pinterest Marketing

Pinterest is a goldmine for bloggers, especially in niches like food, DIY, travel, and parenting. Create eye-catching pins, link to your blog, and drive steady traffic.

Email List

Build your email list from Day 1. Use a freebie (like a checklist or mini guide) to get people to sign up. Then stay in touch with helpful tips and new blog posts.