How to start a blog in 2025 (with a *REALISTIC* income plan)

Yes, you should definitely start an article-based website in 2025, and no, article writing is not obsolete. I know you’re still imagining the cozy, laid-back lifestyle of leaving your job and making money from the comfort of your home, so let’s stop wasting time and dive into how you can begin building a profitable article-writing website in 2025.

Hello, I’m Noah Karunia (KANS), a cozy content and online business coach for introverted creatives who want to leave behind the traditional office life and embrace a more relaxed, work-from-home lifestyle. I share helpful content like this every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe to stay updated on all the tips.

 

A bit of background on how I got started with the cozy lifestyle: it all began with writing articles. I launched a private website in 2018 and since then, I’ve grown it into a cozy online business and community, which has allowed me to quit my 9-to-5 job and enjoy the cozy lifestyle of working from home. Making money while working from my bed is now my reality, and I want to help you do the same.

It all started with writing on my website, and I know you might be thinking, “Noah, that was in 2018; is writing articles still worth it? Can I still make money from my website? How should I get started? Is it too late to join the game?” No, you're not too late! Article writing is still alive and thriving, though it has evolved since its earlier days. Let me walk you through how to get started in 2025 and build a successful article-based website.

People often ask me if article writing is dead, and the answer is a definite no. Even with AI gaining traction, article writing is far from obsolete. I’ll share tips on how to use AI to help grow your content more efficiently, but first, let’s go over the basics of how to get your website up and running.

 

To begin your article-based site, the most important first step is to have a self-hosted website. This means you own the site, the rights to your articles, and all your content. If you are serious about making money from articles, a self-hosted website is essential. I recommend using WordPress, which I have been using since day one. While there are other options like Squarespace and Wix, I suggest starting with a self-hosted WordPress site because it allows you to retain full control of your content. I use Bluehost for my web hosting, which integrates seamlessly with WordPress and provides everything you need to launch your site. If you sign up with Bluehost, you can purchase your domain as part of the process.

 

Once your hosting and WordPress site are set up, you’ll need to secure a domain name, which is essentially the address for your article-based website. If you use Bluehost, you can easily buy your domain during the sign-up process. Additionally, make sure you include SSL encryption and domain privacy protection for security purposes. SSL ensures your site is safe for visitors, while domain privacy keeps your personal information private.

 

Next, you need to choose a theme for your site, which is the visual layout of your articles. Your theme includes colors, fonts, images, and overall design. Don’t get stuck in the design process! If you want something simple, I suggest purchasing a template from platforms like Creative Market or Etsy. If you’re someone who likes to design their website themselves, I recommend Showit. It allows you to create visually appealing websites without needing advanced coding skills.

 

Once you’ve set up your site and theme, you’ll need a few plugins to optimize it. The key plugins I recommend are Wordfence Security (for protection against malicious attacks), Akismet (to block spam comments), UpdraftPlus (for automatic backups), EWWW Image Optimizer (to speed up image load times), and Pretty Links (for making affiliate links look cleaner).

 

In addition to plugins, don’t forget to start building your email list! Email marketing is a crucial part of growing your site, and services like ConvertKit or Flowdesk can help you get started.

 

Lastly, before you start writing, take a moment to decide on your niche. What problem are you solving for your readers? Don’t worry if your niche evolves over time mine definitely did! I started writing about various topics under personal development, and over time, I narrowed down my focus as I learned more about my audience. So don’t stress about having everything figured out from the start.

 

Moving into 2025, one effective strategy for growing your article-based website is Pinterest. It’s not just a social media platform; it’s a search engine that drives traffic to websites. Make sure your articles are optimized for short attention spans with easy-to-read headings, bullet points, and images. A clean and skimmable layout is key. Additionally, include videos to rank better on Google’s algorithm, as they favor video content now more than ever.

 

A new approach I recommend is to stop relying on expensive keyword research tools and focus on creating content that speaks to real people. Write for your audience, not for algorithms. Google loves authentic, human-centered content. So focus on solving your readers' problems with your personal stories and insights. And, while AI can help generate ideas or even optimize your content, don’t let it write your entire article for you. Google can distinguish between genuine content and AI-generated text, and it favors the former.

Building relationships with your readers is essential for success. Your goal should be to foster a community that connects with your content and your story.

 

Now, let’s talk about making money with your website in 2025. Realistically, you’re not going to earn $10,000 in your first month — it’s a long-term commitment. You need to generate consistent traffic to your articles, build an email list, and consider monetizing with ads or affiliate marketing.

In the first six months, focus on publishing high-quality, human-centered content and driving traffic to your site. Aim for at least one article per week. In months 6 to 12, begin experimenting with ad networks like Mediavine or AdThrive, and start affiliate marketing.

 

After a year, you’ll likely have a solid audience and email list. That’s when you can consider creating digital products, such as courses, coaching, or merchandise.

Remember, writing articles and running an online business is a long-term endeavor. Stick with it, and stay persistent. Your primary goal should be building a community that connects with your content and values your perspective. And don’t forget, an email list is key to maintaining that direct connection with your audience.

 

In conclusion, yes, article writing is still a viable, profitable venture in 2025. Just take it step by step, focus on the quality of your content, and be patient. You’ve got this — it’s all about creating a cozy community through your words.

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