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Hey, love — I’m Cherry, the founder of Soft Money Moves. If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you have a story, a message, or a dream to escape the 9–5 and create income on your terms. And guess what? You’re in the right place.
I launched this blog because I wanted more than burnout and budgeting apps. I wanted freedom, flexibility, and flow. But when I first started, I wasted way too much time obsessing picking the perfect theme, fonts and colors instead of focusing on what truly matters: creating value-driven content and smart monetization strategies.
So if you’re wondering whether to start with a logo, an email list, or a welcome post, the answer is: yes — but in the right order.
That’s why I created this beginner blog guide that will help you confidently start your blog in 2025, step-by-step. No stress. No fluff. Just a practical roadmap that I wish someone had handed me when I was stuck in analysis paralysis.
✨ BONUS: Download your free copy of The Soft Money Blog Builder
If you’re just starting out, take a deep breath. You don’t have to figure it all out today. Keep your launch cute, strategic, and profitable from day one with my checklist—completely free.
PIN THIS: I’ll be updating this post so make sure to pin this image here and save it to your Pinterest board. That way you’ll be able to come back to this page to learn about how to start a blog that makes money!
In this post I’ll be covering the following topics
- Why Start a Blog in 2025?
- Step 1: Pick Your Niche (That Makes Bank)
- Step 2: Choose a Blog Name & Domain
- Step 3: Get Hosting & Install WordPress
- Step 4: Choose a Theme (The Easy Way)
- Step 5: Install Essential Plugins
- Step 6: Design Your Blog Like a Pro
- Step 7: Write & Launch Your First Posts
- Step 8: Set Up Email Marketing
- Step 9: Monetize Your Blog Like a Soft Life Queen
- Step 10: Stay Consistent & Slay Your Strategy
Why Start a Blog in 2025?
Because sis, blogging is no longer just a creative outlet — it’s a profitable digital asset. With social media algorithms constantly shifting, your blog is a platform that you fully own. No shadowbans. No gatekeepers. Just you, your audience, and your income streams.
In 2025, the rise of AI tools, affiliate programs, and automation means it’s never been easier to start a money-making blog. Whether you’re building a personal brand, launching a faceless blog, or planning your exit from the 9–5, blogging remains that girl when it comes to generating passive income.
Here’s what makes blogging so powerful this year:
- Ownership: Unlike Instagram or TikTok, you own your blog — and all your content lives on your terms.
- Longevity: SEO-rich blog posts can bring traffic for years.
- Multiple Monetization Options: Ads, affiliates, digital products, coaching, and more.
Step 1: Pick Your Niche (That Makes Bank)
This is where your blog begins—and where most people get stuck. Choosing the right blog niche is the foundation of your income. It isn’t just about picking what you love; it’s also about what pays.
The sweet spot? Passion + Profit + Demand.
- Passion: You genuinely enjoy talking about it.
- Profit: People are already spending money in this space.
- Demand: Active searches and competitors (yes, competition is a good sign!).
Trending Niches in 2025:
- AI & Tech (e.g., automation, faceless YouTube)
- Health & Wellness (fitness, mental health, biohacking)
- Personal Finance (budgeting, side hustles, investing)
- Lifestyle & Solo Living (minimalism, travel, luxury)
- Relationships & Healing (divine feminine, inner work)
SEO Keyword Tip: Use long-tail keywords like “how to start a wellness blog” or “budgeting blog for moms” in your first posts to rank faster in Google.
Step 2: Choose a Blog Name & Domain
Your blog name is more than just cute—it’s your brand identity. Choose something memorable, keyword-relevant, and relevant to your niche.
Popular Naming Formulas:
- YourName + Keyword: e.g.,
CherryWritesFinance.com - Made-up Catchy Phrase: e.g.,
SoftMoneyMoves.com - Benefit + Niche: e.g.,
BudgetGlowUp.com
Use a domain checker like Namecheap or Bluehost to see if your domain is available. And sis, choose a .com domain for credibility and SEO benefit.
SEO Insight: Including your primary keyword in the domain (e.g., “bloggingtips” or “wellnessguide”) can give a slight edge in search rankings.
Step 3: Get Hosting & Install WordPress
Here’s where you make it real. Hosting is where your blog lives online, and WordPress is the platform where you’ll create all your content.
Recommended Hosting: Bluehost – ideal for beginners with built-in WordPress setup, free domain, SSL certificate, and 24/7 support.
Here’s why Bluehost rocks for beginners:
✅ One-click WordPress install
✅ Affordable pricing and uptime guarantee
✅ FREE domain name for the first year
✅ FREE SSL certificate for security (Google loves this!)
✅ 24/7 support for tech emergencies (like accidentally deleting your homepage, not that I’ve ever done that 😅)
After signing up, you’ll install WordPress and be inside your dashboard within minutes—ready to start building your dream blog.
Step 4: Choose a Theme (The Easy Way)
This is the fun part—making your blog look beautiful. The theme is what controls how your blog looks and feels to your readers.
My recommendation: Astra Theme
✅ Lightning-fast loading speeds — Keeps your blog running smooth and SEO-friendly
✅ Drag-and-drop design — Works perfectly with Elementor or Gutenberg (zero coding required)
✅ One-click starter templates — Get a professional-looking site up today, no designer needed
✅ Made for bloggers — Clean, minimal, and distraction-free layouts built for content creators
✅ Free forever — Or upgrade to unlock premium features like mega menus, sticky headers, and more
Cherry Tip: Don’t waste weeks tweaking fonts. Pick a clean, modern template and focus on creating content that brings value.
Step 5: Install Essential Plugins
Okay babe, now that you’ve got WordPress installed and your blog is starting to feel real, it’s time to power it up with some essentials. Plugins are like secret weapons that make your blog smarter, safer, and more SEO-optimized—they’re going to make your life easier.
Here are the must-haves:
- Rank Math – This is your blog’s SEO bestie. It helps optimize your posts for Google so people can actually find your content. Think of it like your blog’s digital hype woman.
- WPForms – Create contact forms without needing to touch code. Easy to use and perfect for beginner bloggers.
- Wordfence Security – Locks down your site against malware and attacks. It’s the online equivalent of locking your front door at night.
- UpdraftPlus – Automatically backs up your content and settings so if anything ever breaks (like… you click the wrong thing at 2 AM), you can restore it with one click.
- WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache – Speeds up your blog, improving bounce rate and SEO. Google loves speed. Your readers will too.
Cherry Tip: Avoid plugin overload. Start small, and only use what you need. Speed and simplicity are everything for SEO in 2025.
Step 6: Design Your Blog Like a Pro
Let’s talk aesthetics, boo.
Your blog doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should look intentional. You don’t need to be a graphic designer to create a beautiful blog. You just need the right tools and a bit of guidance.
Recommended Tools:
- Canva Pro: You can use it to create your logo, Pinterest pins, banners, social graphics, and more. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly.
- Color Palette: Pick 2-3 brand colors (neutral + bold + accent).
- Fonts: Use no more than two. One for headers, one for body text. Trust me, this keeps everything looking clean.
Consistency is key to branding. Keep it minimal, chic, and user-friendly. Skip the perfection trap and launch with done, not perfect. I spent weeks playing with colors and logos. In the end, none of that mattered until I had real content.
Cherry Tip: Design doesn’t make money—content does. Stay focused on what matters.
Step 7: Write & Launch Your First Posts
You’ve got the setup. Now it’s time to actually write something, love. Don’t panic. You don’t need a viral post—just your voice and a plan. Publishing your first blog post is a milestone, not a masterpiece. Focus on solving problems, being authentic, and starting small.
Begin With These Pages:
- About Page: Share your story. Why you started the blog, who it’s for, and why readers should stick around.
- Welcome post: This is like your blog’s housewarming party. Introduce your blog’s purpose and highlight key resources.
- 3–5 blog posts: These should solve real problems in your niche. Examples: “How to Budget Without Hating Your Life” or “Top 5 AI Tools for Side Hustlers.”
Don’t worry about being perfect. Your first posts will feel awkward—and that’s okay. Hit publish anyway. Progress over perfection, always.
Need help with headlines? Use my Headline Formula Sheet inside the Soft Money Blog Builder to boost your click-through rate and SEO impact.
SEO Reminder: Use headers, bullet points, and internal links in every post. Aim for 1–1.5% keyword density and a natural voice.
Step 8: Set Up Email Marketing
This part right here? Non-negotiable. If your blog is the storefront, your email list is the VIP lounge. Building an email list early gives you direct access to your audience—without relying on social media algorithms.
Top Tool for Beginners: Kit (formerly ConvertKit)
- Free for up to 10,000 subscribers — Start growing your list without spending a dime
- Send unlimited emails, build unlimited forms & landing pages — Even on the free plan.
- Monetize from day one — Sell digital products, subscriptions, and paid newsletters without third-party tools.
- Beautiful, customizable templates — Make your opt-ins and emails look like you without hiring a designer.
Start With These 3 Steps:
- Create a lead magnet (e.g., checklist, planner, free ebook)
- Embed signup forms in your blog sidebar and homepage
- Write a 3-part welcome sequence to nurture trust and engagement
Cherry Tip: Don’t wait until you “have more content.” Your email list is one of your highest-converting assets—nurture it from day one.
Step 9: Monetize Your Blog Like a Soft Life Queen
Let’s talk money, honey 💸. Your blog isn’t just a platform—it’s your soft life revenue engine. Even if you’re a beginner, there are ways to start earning within months.
💰 Monetization Options for New Bloggers:
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products you love and earn commissions. Use affiliate links for tools like Bluehost, Canva, MailerLite, etc.
- Digital Products: Sell printables, planners, templates, or courses. Digital = passive income.
- Display Ads: Use ad networks like Ezoic or Mediavine (after you reach ~5,000+ monthly visits).
- Sponsored Content: Partner with brands once you’ve built niche authority. Start small and build your media kit over time.
Start with affiliate marketing—it’s beginner-friendly, scalable, and passive. Once traffic grows, layer in other streams for a diversified income stack.
Related: Read my post “How to Make Money with Affiliate Marketing in 2025” for a deeper dive.
Step 10: Stay Consistent & Slay Your Strategy
This is where most new bloggers stall—but not you. The truth is: blogging success doesn’t happen overnight. But with consistency, intention, and a little Cherry cheerleading, you’ll get there.
Here’s how I stay on track:
- Batch content creation on Sundays
- Use Notion to plan blog posts, email campaigns, and lead magnets
- Give myself grace when life gets messy—and then get back to it
You don’t have to publish daily. Just don’t ghost your blog! Keep showing up consistently and refine your strategy with each post.
Cherry Tip: Blog growth is a marathon, not a sprint. Your soft life empire is built one intentional post at a time.
Final Thoughts + Free Resources
Starting a blog in 2025 could be the best decision you make for your lifestyle, creativity, and financial freedom. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being consistent, intentional, and resourceful.
You don’t need to be techy. You don’t need a huge following. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start.
✨ Grab Your Freebies:
🎁 Download the Soft Money Blog Builder checklist (coming soon)
📩 Join the VIP email list for weekly blogging tips, templates, and Cherry-only bonuses
🧰 Browse the Soft Money Toolkit for every tool I use to blog smarter—not harder
Your blog isn’t just a website—it’s your income empire in the making. Start it, nurture it, monetize it, and scale it. You were made for this. Now go claim your crown queen. 👑
—
XOXO,
Cherry Tone 🍒
