Hey there, I’m Aly.
In 2019, I started my first blog with no prior blogging experience.
Through extensive research, a few courses, and hard work, 3 years later I was able to quit my full-time corporate job as I had completely replaced my annual income (in fact, I was making much more).
Since then, I’ve started and grown other successful blogs and niche sites.
I believe there is an endless amount of room for new blogs and niche sites, which is why I’m helping you achieve what I have.
No gatekeeping here, just real-world information about what I’ve done to make money online, particularly passive income.
In addition to these income streams, I’m also making money in other ways, such as a monetized YouTube channel, streaming on Twitch, freelance writing and more.
On Desk Ditchers, you’ll find information about how to create and grow a blog, as well as diversify your income in other ways that can be done online.
How to Start a Blog: the Basics
If you’ve found me because you’re finally ready to start your own blog, here are the basic steps (in order) that I follow every time I build a new blog or niche website. This is what you need to get started.
Choose a Domain Name
You can buy your domain name (website name) anywhere. You can buy it as part of your hosting package or separately. A domain should run you anywhere between $8 and $15 per year.
Get Hosting
In layman’s terms his is where you essentially rent a space on the internet for your blog to live.
Most bloggers start with Bluehost because it’s inexpensive, and the best bang for your buck.
I started on Bluehost and am still with them on one of my blogs.
You can get started for as low as $3 or $4 dollars per month, so it’s a minimal investment.
Setup WordPress
WordPress is the best CMS platform for SEO. It’s free and no need to use anything else.
Choose a Theme
Kadence or Astra are the best free themes available. They’re easy to work with, lightweight and SEO friendly.
Install Plugins
Plugins will help you format your blog and blog posts. They can help boost SEO, help boost website speed, image optimization and more. Here are the core plugins every blog should have:
WP Rocket
Rank Math
Short Pixel
Create Your Core Pages
To finalize setting up your blog, you’ll need a home page, an About Me/About Us page and a Privacy Policy page.