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How to Make Money Blogging in the First Month: A NO BS Guide To Banking Quickly!

A PayPal notification pops up.

You blink, sure you’re hallucinating from lack of sleep. But nope, it’s real. You, buddy, have just joined the ranks of money-making bloggers.

Now, before you start planning your early retirement or drafting that “I quit” email to your boss, let’s pump the brakes. $100 isn’t exactly “quit your day job” money. But holy sheeeeeet, it’s something, it’s a start.

It’s actual proof that this crazy blogging thing isn’t just hot air…

Make Money Blogging in the First Month
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Fair warning though… This isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme and no, it does not use Google Adsense. Please check my disclaimers… this is what has worked for me, and there is NO GUARANTEE it will work for you… I gotta be upfront.

If you’re looking for overnight millions, you might want to try playing the lottery instead. But if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, put in some serious work, and maybe sacrifice a few Netflix binges, then stick around…

…and let me impart a money-making roadmap that I have used to launch multiple successful affiliate blogs online…

In some of the strangest niches around.

Now, before we dive in, let’s address the burning question on every new blogger’s mind: “How can I make money blogging in the first month?”

The short answer is that it’s possible, but kicking your blogging career off with cash straight away or in a few weeks requires focus, strategy, and realistic expectations.

In your first month of blogging, if you even do make any money…

it’s likely to be a modest amount…

Think $50 to $200, maybe even $300 – $400.

How?

A combination of affiliate marketing, lead magnets, and selling a simple digital product.

The key for you is this:

Start with monetization in mind from day one.

Laying the Foundation for a Profitable Blog

Before we can talk about making money, we need to make sure you’re building your new blog on solid ground. Think of it like constructing a house – without a strong foundation, everything else will crumble.

First things first: choose a niche that has real monetization potential. When I started my mindset blog, I picked a sub-niche focusing on Finding Opportunities For Entrepreneurs. This allowed me to target a specific audience with specific problems – and specific products to solve those problems. Don’t just follow your passion; make sure there’s a market for it too.

foundations of a profitable blog business in month 1
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Next up, let’s talk tech. You’ll want to choose a reliable web hosting provider. I started with Dreamhost and never looked back. It’s affordable and user-friendly, and its customer support is top-notch. Once you’ve got your hosting sorted, install WordPress (it’s free!) and choose a premium theme. I know it’s tempting to go with a free theme but trust me, investing in a good-looking, functional theme right from the start will pay off in the long run.

Now, let’s supercharge your blog with some awesome plugins.

You’ll want an SEO plugin like Rank Math to help optimize your content,

A caching plugin like WP Rocket to speed up your site, and a security plugin like Wordfence to keep the bad guys out. And don’t forget about monetization plugins – we’ll get to those soon.

Lastly, create a content strategy that aligns with your monetization goals. This means planning out blog posts that not only provide value to your readers but also naturally lead to your monetization methods.

Money making content post ideas
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If you’re planning to promote fitness equipment as an affiliate, you might write a listicle post on…

“10 Must-Have Pieces of Home Gym Equipment for Busy Professionals.”

Choosing a Niche

Have you chosen your niche for your new online business yet?

It’s a step many stumble at when creating a successful blog.

Your niche is the foundation of your blog.

It pretty much influences everything you do, from your content to your monetization strategies.

When I started one of my mindset affiliate blogs (I have multiple)…

I knew I needed to find a niche that not only excited me but also had real potential for affiliate income and other monetization opportunities.

What Are You Interested In?

First, consider your interests and expertise. What topics are you passionate about? What do you enjoy talking about, researching, and writing about?

For me, mindset was a natural choice because I loved figuring out what was up with my own brain,

And then help others overcome issues in how they think.

I actually wrote a book about Mindset called “Your Brain Hates Opportunities and plan a whole lot more including a training course.

your brain hates opportunities cover
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The thing is…

Your enthusiasm will show in your content. It will help you create a great, engaging, and authentic post every time.

Next, you want to research audience demand.

Use tools like Google Trends… I think this is the best and easiest to start with, it’s just so visual.

google trends market growth over 5 years
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I suppose you could also use social media platforms to see what topics are trending and what people are searching for.

Look for a niche with a large enough audience to support your blog but not so broad that you get lost in the crowd.

Instead of just “Mindset,” I chose…

“Finding Opportunities For Entrepreneurs (Overcoming Brain Barriers)”.

This allowed me to target a specific audience with specific needs.

Analyze the competition and fellow bloggers in your chosen niche. Check out other blogs, YouTube channels, and social media accounts to see what they’re doing well and where there might be gaps in the market.

researching trending niches on tiktok
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This will help you identify opportunities to differentiate your blog and offer unique value.

Finally, consider the monetization potential. Look for niches with plenty of affiliate programs, sponsored post opportunities, and other ways to make money.

In the mindset niche, there are so many affiliate programs apps, supplements, and online training programs… what does this mean?

People are spending money, and that’s a good thing. If you want to be a six-figure blogger in the long run, you have to find a niche that buys!

Some of the most popular niches for bloggers include:

  • Lifestyle and wellness

  • Personal finance and entrepreneurship

  • Travel and adventure

  • Food and cooking

  • Technology and gadgets

Remember, the key to a successful blog is finding a niche that you’re passionate about and that has real potential for growth and monetization… and is pretty straightforward for you to get involved in.

Setting Up Your Blog

Now with that niche of yours chosen… setting up your blog is the next step.

It’s where your ideas start to take shape and become a reality. Here’s a step-by-step guide to show you how to start your first blog: (If you need more instruction on that, the blue link right there will show you how to do it).

  1. Choose a domain name: Your domain name is your blog’s address on the internet. Choose something unique, memorable, and reflective of your blog’s niche. For my fitness blog, I chose a name that was catchy and easy to remember.

  2. Select a web hosting service: A reliable website hosting service is crucial for your blog’s performance. I started with Dreamhost because it’s cheap, user-friendly, and offers excellent customer support. Other good options include A2 Hosting and Hostinger.

  3. Install WordPress: WordPress is a popular content management system that makes it easy to create and manage your blog’s content. Most web hosts offer one-click WordPress installation, so you can get started quickly.

  4. Choose a theme: Your blog’s theme determines its look and feel. Choose a theme that resonates with your blog’s niche and style. * Many free themes exist. But, a premium theme can make your blog look professional and work better.

  5. Customize your blog: Customize your blog’s design, layout, and features to create a unique and engaging user experience. Add great plugins like RankMath for SEO, WP Rocket for caching, and Wordfence for security. These tools will help optimize your blog and keep it running smoothly.

first steps to blog setup
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Setting up your blog is just the beginning of your blogging journey. With a solid foundation in place, you’re ready to start creating content and building your audience.

Creating High-Quality, Monetizable Content for Making Money Blogging

Now that we’ve got the foundation laid, it’s time to start building. And in the blogging world, that means creating content – lots of it.

But here’s the thing: not all content is created equal. To make money blogging, you need to create high-quality, monetizable content. What does that mean?

It means content that attracts readers and prompts them to act. This could be clicking an affiliate link, signing up for your services, or buying your products.

Start by really getting to know your target audience. Who are they? What problems do they have?

What solutions are they looking for?

For my mindset blog, I detailed my ideal reader: Peter, a 37-year-old marketing manager. He wants to quit his job but fears taking the leap… Every piece of content I created was aimed at helping Peter. And now with the rise of AI in blog content creation, you have absolutely no excuse not to make a buyer persona for your new blog.

buyer persona for blog content creation
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Next, you will want to look at Keyword Research.

You can use tools like Google Keyword Planner or KeySearch to find topics that your audience is searching for. But don’t just chase high-volume keywords – look for ones with clear purchase intent.

A keyword like “How to lose belly fat after pregnancy” may have a lower search volume than “how to lose belly fat,” but those searching for it are more likely to buy targeted fitness programs or supplements designed for post-pregnancy weight loss.

intent driven keyword selection for bloggers
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Next, when you’re writing your blog posts, focus on creating genuinely helpful, engaging content… be who you are, talk about yourself, and add yourself. It’s you and your personality now… and even with the use of AI, you still need to add that little touch of yourself.

Don’t just regurgitate what’s already out there – add your own insights, experiences, and personality. Like, did you know that on my laptop screen, I have a picture of my mum, and I say hello to her every morning…random, but me.

Each and every time I feel like I can’t write anymore, or feel stuck in a rut, I go back and say hello again… and that pretty much sorts me out… gives me a buzz.

Remember, you’re not just competing with other blogs anymore either; you’re competing with YouTube videos (personality-driven medium), podcasts, and social media.

Your content needs to stand out. Your content needs to be you.

how to add personality into ai articles
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As you’re writing, keep SEO in mind, but don’t sacrifice readability for keywords. Use your main keyword in your title, first paragraph, and a few times throughout the post. But more importantly, answer the questions your readers are asking.

Google’s algorithm is smart enough to understand context, so focus on being helpful rather than hitting an exact keyword density… zzzzzzz.

Investing in training courses and e-books will help you improve your blogging skills… check out my training course on how to start making money with blogging to find out more.

Also, engage your audience by emailing them with blogging tips on the regular. This will boost your content quality.

Writing Your First Blog Posts

You know… writing that first blog post of yours can be intimidating…

But with a clear plan, you can create high-quality content that really does resonate with your audience.

blogging editorial calendar
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Here are some tips to help you get started:

  1. Define your target audience: Figure out who your ideal reader is and create content that speaks to their needs and interests.. For my mindset blog, I envisioned my ideal reader as someone like Peter, who wants to quit his job but fears taking the leap (as shown above).

  2. Plan your content: Develop a content calendar to organize your ideas and ensure consistency. This will help you stay on track and avoid the stress of last-minute writing.

  3. Hook readers with clickable headlines: Spark curiosity through carefully crafted titles that demand attention. Transform casual browsers into eager readers by creating irresistible openers. Your content’s success hinges on those first few words – make them count… A compelling headline can make all the difference in attracting readers to your blog.

  4. Focus on quality: Prioritize quality over quantity. Ensure your content is well-researched, informative, and engaging. Share your unique insights and experiences to make your posts stand out.

  5. Optimize for SEO: Use relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and image Alt tags (these are the text you name your images). This will improve your blog’s search engine rankings. This will help your content reach a wider audience.

good example of image alt text for blogs
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Some popular types of blog posts include:

  • Listicles: Numbered lists that provide valuable information and insights.

  • How-to guides: Step-by-step tutorials that teach readers a new skill or technique.

  • Personal stories: Inspirational and relatable stories that share your experiences and expertise.

  • Reviews: Honest reviews of products, services, or tools that help readers make informed decisions.

Remember, your first blog posts are just the beginning. As you continue to write and publish content, you’ll find your voice and style, and your blog will start to grow.

While your first few probably won’t drive traffic as much as you want, as you start to publish, and share that onto other channels like social media… more traffic will start to come.

Affiliate Marketing: Your First Income Stream

Alright, now we’re getting to the good stuff – actually making money! And for most new bloggers, affiliate marketing is where it all begins.

So, what exactly is affiliate marketing?

Simply put, it’s when you promote someone else’s product and earn a commission when your readers buy through your unique link…

It’s a win-win – the company gets a sale, you get a commission, and your reader gets a product they need.

how does affiliate marketing work for bloggers
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When I first started, I was skeptical about affiliate marketing. It felt a bit… salesy.

But then I realized something important. If I promote only affiliate products or an affiliate program I believe in, it won’t be salesy. They will help my readers. (By the way… I hate sales, got fired from multiple sales jobs).

It’s helpful.

You’ll want to join an affiliate program to get started with affiliate marketing. Amazon Associates is NOT a great place to start, although they have a huge range of products, and everyone knows and trusts Amazon.

But unless you are selling really high ticket items, you don’t make much per sale as the percentage commission SUCKS!

As a beginner a good place to look is Clickbank, Digitsore24, Warrior+, and JVZoo.

Amazon vs ClickBank Affiliate Comparison
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But don’t stop there like so many bloggers might. Look for affiliate programs specific to your niche.

For my mindset blog, I joined companies who had their own affiliate program, like Tony Robbins, Jay Abrahams, various supplement companies, and even…

Online certification courses for mindset training.

The key to successful affiliate marketing is to integrate your affiliate links naturally into your content and ensure you are creating helpful posts.

Don’t just slap a bunch of links into your post and call it a day. Instead, mention products organically as you’re solving your readers’ problems.

If you wanted to sign up to promote the Blog Profit Path as an affiliate I would recommend the same thing… great content, explaining what it is and the benefits of it… just like how I show you.

joining affiliate programs for bloggers
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In a post about home workouts, I might write something like:

“For this next exercise, you’ll need a set of resistance bands. I personally use and love these bands from [Affiliate Link] – they’re durable, come in a range of resistances, and are perfect for home workouts.”

A cool way to make it stand out even more is to use your own photos; this really sets you apart from the others who just take photos from Google and reuse them.

Now, let’s talk strategy. How can you make your first affiliate sale within 30 days? Here’s what worked for me:

  1. Create a “Top 10 Products for [Your Niche]” post. This type of content performs well in search engines and gives you the opportunity to promote multiple products.

  2. Write detailed, honest reviews of products you use and love. Share your personal experiences – both the good and the bad.

  3. Use comparison posts. “Product A vs. Product B: Which is Right for You?” These posts help readers make buying decisions and can be great for affiliate sales.

  4. Don’t forget about email! If you’re building an email list (and you should be), share your affiliate recommendations there too.

  5. If you have the money… Use email solo ads too. A great site called Udimi works wonders for this.

  6. Be transparent. Always disclose that you’re using affiliate links. It builds trust with your readers.

udimi email solo ads for affiliate marketing
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Remember, affiliate marketing is a long game. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t make a sale right away. Keep creating helpful content, and the sales will come.

But… and this is what this whole article is about, how do we turn it into profits almost overnight?

We’ll get to that in a bit…

But first, another awesome way you can make money in your first month as a blogger.

Creating and Selling Digital Products

Now, let’s get into (probably my favorite) something that can really boost your blogging income…

Selling your own digital products.

blog profit path online training course for blogging
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When I first considered creating a digital product, I was a little intimidated, to be honest…

What could I possibly create that people would want to buy?

But then I realized something – as an online marketer and blogger, I didn’t need to be an expert when it came to creating a product.

I just needed to be able to package other people’s expertise into a product…

WTF… yep…

Crazy eh?

My First Digital Product

The first product I ever created was a training program on traffic generation. Know how I made it?

I interviewed 10 experts, recorded it, transcribed it, and turned it into a PDF.

TrafficGenerationExperts.com was born.

My First Digital Product squeeze page
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In the world we have today… it’s far easier.

We have ChatGPT… we have Google Gemini and Claude.ai… all absolute experts in pretty much every field imaginable.

But also, if we push the AIs to the side and actually focus on you for a moment, I want to let you in on a little secret.

You probably have so much knowledge and wisdom inside of you, just busting to be shared… you just have to find it.

One of the easiest ways to do this is by the simple friend FB chat.

how to find oout what you are good at
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Simply approach 5 of your friends/family and ask them…

“Hey, what do you think I am good at, and don’t BS… I mean, what would you come to ask me for advice with, or know I talk about so much?”

You’d be surprised by the answers.

When you get this info, or maybe even the interviews like I said above, here’s a good start…

Start small.

Types Of Digital Products To Sell

Don’t try to create a comprehensive course right out of the gate. Instead, think about the quick wins you can provide for your audience. Here are some ideas:

  1. PDF guides or eBooks

  2. Printable worksheets or planners

  3. Templates (meal plans, workout routines, budget spreadsheets, etc.)

  4. Mini-courses (delivered via email)

  5. Presets (for photography or design blogs)

selling printables online on etsy
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For my mindset blog, my first sellable digital product was a 1-year goal-setting plan with printable goal achievement prompts.

It wasn’t fancy, but it provided real value to my readers.

Once you’ve decided on your product, it’s time to create it. Don’t get hung up on making it perfect – done is better than perfect.

Use tools like Canva for design, or simply create a well-formatted PDF in Word or Google Docs.

How To Sell Your Product

Next, you’ll need to set up a way to sell your product. There are plenty of options out there, but for beginners, I recommend Whop.com or Gumroad.com.

They’re easy to use and handle all the payment processing for you.

getting started selling online with whop
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Now comes the fun part – promoting your product! Here’s where all that helpful content you’ve been creating comes in handy.

You can mention your product in relevant blog posts. You can also create dedicated reviews or “behind the scenes” posts. Finally, promote it to your email list.

Tripwire Offer

One strategy that worked well for me was to create a “tripwire” offer.

[INSERT TRIPWIRE UMMMMMMM – what? with link]

This is a low-priced product (usually under $20) that you offer to people right after they sign up for your email list. It’s a great way to turn subscribers into customers quickly.

Remember, selling your own products isn’t just about making money – it’s about providing value to your audience.

Every sale is a chance to help someone and build a relationship with your new customer.

And those relationships are what will sustain your blog in the long run.

Creating Effective Lead Magnets

Now, let’s talk about one of the most powerful tools in a blogger’s arsenal: lead magnets. A lead magnet is something valuable you offer your readers for free in exchange for their email address. It’s your ticket to building an email list, which is crucial for long-term blogging success.

Creating Effective Lead Magnet squeeze page
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When I first heard about lead magnets, I thought, “Why would anyone give me their email address?” But then I realized – people are happy to exchange their email for something that solves a problem or fulfills a need.

For my mindset blog, my first lead magnet was a “1-Day Money Brain Hack”, remember this is different than the product; “1-year goal setting plan with printable goal achievement prompts”… the lead magnet leads to the digital product in what is called a funnel.

It was simple, but it addressed a common pain point for my readers – not knowing how to get their brains to actually think money for them.

Lead magnets can also be a great way to start making money online by building a dedicated audience that trusts you and is interested in your products or services.

Lead Magnet Ideas

Here are some ideas for lead magnets that convert well for new blogs:

  1. Cheat sheets or quick-start guides

  2. Checklists or printables (link to Canva here)

  3. Short email courses

  4. Exclusive video content

  5. Free chapters from your eBook

using canva to create lead magnets
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The key is to make your lead magnet highly specific and immediately actionable. It should give your readers a quick win and leave them wanting more.

Once you’ve created your lead magnet, you need to set up a system to deliver it. I use ConvertKit, but there are many email marketing platforms out there. Choose one that fits your budget and needs.

Lead Magnet Promotion

Now, it’s time to promote your lead magnet. Create eye-catching graphics (I use Canva for this) and place opt-in forms strategically throughout your blog. Some effective places include:

  1. At the end of blog posts

  2. In your sidebar

  3. As a pop-up (use these sparingly and make sure they’re not too intrusive)

  4. On a dedicated landing page

lead magnet in blog sidebar example
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Don’t forget to promote your lead magnet on social media too!

Once people are on your email list, nurture those relationships. Share valuable content, give them a behind-the-scenes look at your blogging journey, and yes, promote your products or services when appropriate. But always focus on providing value first.

Remember, your email list is one of your most valuable assets as a blogger. These are people who have actively chosen to hear more from you. Treat them well, and they’ll become your most loyal readers and customers.

Overcoming Common First-Month Challenges in Your Blogging Journey

Ok, let’s get real for a moment… That first month of blogging? It’s tough.

There were days when I questioned everything, wondered if I was cut out for this, and seriously considered throwing in the towel. But I pushed through, and you can too.

The Traffic Challenge

One of the biggest challenges you’ll face is dealing with low traffic. You pour your heart into a blog post, hit publish, and… crickets. It’s disheartening, but it’s also normal.

can you use social media to find guest post opportunities
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Building traffic takes time. In that first month of blogging, focus on creating quality content and promoting it consistently. Remember, every blogger started with zero readers, but the more you get it out there the better you will be. Sgare it on social media and get the visitors back to your wbesite.

The Motivation Challenge

Another challenge is staying motivated when the income is slow to come in. It’s easy to get discouraged when you’re not seeing immediate results.

This is where having realistic expectations is crucial. Understand that blogging is a long game. That first month of blogging is about laying foundations, not getting rich.

The Full-Time Job Challenge

Balancing blogging with a full-time job is another hurdle many new bloggers face. I remember staying up late to work on my blog after long days at my 9-to-5. It was exhausting, but it was also exciting. The key is to create a schedule and stick to it. Even if you can only dedicate an hour a day to your blog, make that hour count.

One mistake I see a lot of new bloggers make is trying to do everything at once. They want to be on every social media platform, start a YouTube channel, launch a podcast, and create a course – all in the first month! This is a recipe for burnout. Instead, focus on doing a few things well. You can always expand later.

Be Yourself

Another common pitfall is comparing yourself to other bloggers. Remember, you’re seeing their highlight reel, not their behind-the-scenes. Everyone starts somewhere, and every successful blogger has gone through the same struggles you’re facing now.

be yourself everyone else is taken - oscar wilde quote
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One thing that really helped me in those early days was learning from successful bloggers’ experiences. I devoured income reports, behind-the-scenes posts, and podcasts from established bloggers in my niche. Not only did this give me practical tips, but it also showed me that success was possible if I persevered.

My Final Thoughts on How to Make Money Blogging in the First Month

Starting a blog with the goal of making money in your first month is an exciting, challenging, and sometimes frustrating journey. There will be moments of doubt, late nights, and plenty of learning curves. But there will also be moments of triumph – your first affiliate sale, your first email subscriber, your first “thank you” message from a reader whose life you’ve impacted.

Remember, every successful blogger started exactly where you are now. They faced the same challenges, had the same doubts, and made the same mistakes. The difference is, they kept going. They kept creating, kept learning, and kept serving their audience.

As you start your blogging journey, keep this in mind: your own blog is more than just a potential source of income. It’s a platform for your voice, a way to connect with people around the world, and an opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.

So, start that blog. Write that first post. Make that first dollar. And then keep going. Because who knows? A year from now, you might just be writing your own guide on how to make money blogging.

Now, I’d love to hear from you. What’s your biggest challenge or fear about starting a money-making blog? Or if you’ve already started, what’s been your biggest lesson so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below – let’s learn from each other and grow together in this amazing world of blogging.

 

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