Step-by-Step Guide on How to Start a Blog and Make Money: Blogging Tips for Beginners

The Power of Focus in Blogging: Crafting Success with the 80/20 Principle and The Content Trap

In a world saturated with content, simply adding to the noise won’t get you far. Instead, the most successful bloggers are those who focus their energy on the right actions and ideas. Following the 80/20 Principle, 80% of your blog's results come from just 20% of your efforts. The key is to prioritize the activities that will make the biggest impact—choosing the right niche, building connections, and refining your content.

Equally important is avoiding what Bharat Anand in "The Content Trap" calls the urge to create more content just for the sake of it. True success comes from curating valuable ideas and connecting with readers in a meaningful way.

Find the 20% that Matters

Consider bloggers who have risen to prominence, not because they wrote more, but because they focused on the posts that truly resonate with their audience. Tim Ferriss, for instance, built his brand around select pieces of content that solved specific problems for his readers, from productivity hacks to fitness tips. His best content still drives the majority of his traffic, demonstrating the 80/20 rule in action.

Rather than generating more content, Ferriss refined his best ideas, repackaging them in ways that kept readers coming back.

Build Connections, Not Just Content

In "The Content Trap", Anand emphasizes the importance of networks and connectivity. The blogosphere is no different—it's not enough to write; you have to engage. Build relationships with other bloggers, collaborate on content, and participate in your readers’ conversations. Marie Forleo, for example, exploded in popularity by leveraging relationships with influencers and consistently engaging with her audience. Her content became more than just words on a page—it became a hub of interaction and community.

Pearls Over Quantity: Focus on Curating the Best

Instead of trying to create endless streams of content, think of your blog as a pearl diver sifting through the ocean to find the most precious insights. Your unique perspective is the lens that will showcase these "pearls" to your audience.

‍Example: Brain Pickings by Maria Popova is a blog that gathers deep, meaningful insights from literature, philosophy, and science, presented through Popova’s unique take. Each post is a gem, honed and polished rather than mass-produced.

Quality, Not Quantity

In an age where everyone is trying to produce more content, the real game is about producing less but better. The bloggers who succeed are those who understand that curating valuable insights and focusing on building meaningful connections with their audience is far more effective than adding to the noise. By applying the 80/20 principle and avoiding the "content trap," you can transform your blog into a sustainable platform that both engages readers and drives revenue.

The 80/20 Principle in Action: Finding a Profitable Niche

Choosing a general topic might seem tempting because it appeals to a larger audience, but it often dilutes your message. Instead, hone in on a specific sub-niche where you can provide deep, valuable content. This 20% of focused effort will likely generate 80% of your blog’s traffic because you’re speaking directly to the people who need help the most.

For instance, look at Pat Flynn from Smart Passive Income. Rather than writing about entrepreneurship broadly, he focused on passive income strategies, which allowed him to build a loyal audience by solving a targeted set of problems, like building online businesses with minimal upfront investment.

Real-Life Example: Solving a Targeted Problem

Consider Nerd Fitness, created by Steve Kamb. Instead of writing about general fitness for everyone, Kamb narrowed his focus to helping "nerds, desk jockeys, and people who love superheroes" get in shape. His blog doesn’t just talk about fitness; it talks about fitness from the perspective of people who have felt alienated by traditional fitness content. By solving this specific problem, Nerd Fitness developed a passionate community that now drives the majority of its success.

Solving Existing Problems: Focus on What People Are Already Searching For

An essential part of picking a niche is addressing the problems people are already searching to solve. Use tools like Google Trends, Answer the Public, and SEO keyword tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to discover what your audience is looking for. For example, if you’re passionate about home workouts, check which specific queries related to fitness are trending. People might not just be looking for “home workouts”; they could be searching for “low-impact home workouts for knee pain” or “quick home workouts for busy professionals.”

Strategies for Finding Evergreen Topics

Once you’ve identified your niche, focus on evergreen topics—those that remain relevant over time. Use SEO tools like Ubersuggest or Moz to find high-volume, low-competition keywords that people will continually search for. Think of these as long-term investments.

For instance, instead of writing a trendy post on a fad diet, create content around timeless advice like “easy ways to incorporate strength training into a busy routine”—a topic that will remain relevant for years to come.

Choose Platforms with Maximum Impact

One of the most important decisions you'll make as a blogger is selecting the right platform for your content. This choice can determine how much control you have over your blog, its scalability, and the effectiveness of your long-term strategy.

Own Your Blog with WordPress or Webflow

I highly recommend starting with platforms like WordPress or Webflow. These platforms allow you to fully own your content and create a customizable experience that suits your specific goals. Unlike platforms such as Medium, where you’re subject to external rules, WordPress and Webflow give you the freedom to adjust every part of your blog. Whether you want to implement lead funnels, email opt-ins, or manage affiliate links, these platforms provide the flexibility you need to create a blog that evolves with your goals.

Real-Life Example: Tim Urban's Long-Term Success

Take Tim Urban, the creator of Wait But Why, as an example. By using WordPress, Tim was able to build a completely independent blog that gives him total control over design, monetization, and content flow. His decision to choose a self-hosted platform has allowed him to continue profiting from posts that he wrote years ago through tools like affiliate marketing and direct sponsorships. WordPress’s SEO tools have enabled his content to remain relevant in search engines, providing a long tail of traffic that continues to bring in new readers.

Use Other Platforms to Drive Traffic to Your Blog

While owning your content is critical, platforms like Medium or LinkedIn can play an important role in your overall strategy. These platforms come with built-in audiences that can amplify your visibility. Instead of relying solely on these platforms, think of them as entry points—places where you can start the conversation and then invite readers back to your own website, much like a host guiding guests from a public event to a more intimate after-party.

Flexibility for Customizing User Experience

Platforms like WordPress or Webflow not only offer more control but also allow you to customize your site for different functions. Whether you need forms for capturing leads, comment sections for engaging readers, or pop-ups for product sales, these platforms offer the tools to build a site tailored to your specific audience. This adaptability is crucial as your blog grows and your goals evolve.

Pick a Memorable Blog Name and Domain

Choosing the right blog name and domain is one of the most important steps in establishing your blog. It’s not just about what sounds good—it’s about setting the foundation for your personal brand. Your blog name will become synonymous with your content, your values, and your expertise, and it should be simple, memorable, and aligned with your niche.

Simplicity and Clarity

Your blog name should be easy to pronounce and spell, ensuring that your audience can quickly recall it and search for it. Think of Minimalist Baker—this name is not only short and clear but also conveys exactly what the blog is about: minimalist recipes. Avoid complicated jargon or long phrases that can confuse readers.

Relevance to Your Niche

The name you choose should immediately give people a sense of the kind of content they can expect. If your blog is about fitness for busy professionals, something like Fit in Five clearly communicates the value proposition—getting fit with quick, manageable routines. A great real-life example of this is Tim Ferriss’ "Four Hour Work Week." The name captures the essence of his content—working less, living more—and became an entire brand that resonates with his audience of productivity seekers.

Uniqueness and Branding Potential

Your blog’s name should stand out and not be too similar to other brands or blogs in your niche. A distinct name gives you the flexibility to expand your brand and avoid legal complications down the road. Think of a name like Buzzfeed, which is catchy, memorable, and has the flexibility to cover a wide range of topics. Over time, your blog’s name will become an asset that grows in value, and a unique brand identity will help cement your place in the digital landscape.

Use Your Name as a Powerful Digital Asset

One of the best choices you can make when starting a blog is to use your own name as the brand. In today’s world, your personal brand is one of the most valuable digital assets you can build. Your name is timeless, and as you grow in your career and influence, it only becomes more valuable. Think of it like a digital calling card—the more you nurture your personal brand, the more opportunities it will open up, because opportunities come through people.

Consider marketers like Neil Patel or Marie Forleo, who built their entire brands using their names as their domain (neilpatel.com, marieforleo.com). These personal brands have become synonymous with their expertise. As their reputations grew, so did the value of their names. Today, their personal names are not only recognizable but instantly credible, opening doors for collaborations, speaking engagements, and business opportunities.

Securing the Right Domain

Once you’ve chosen your blog name, the next step is to secure a domain name—your unique address on the web. Ideally, your domain should match your blog name to make it easy for people to find you. Sites like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Bluehost can help you purchase the domain.

Keep it Short and Simple

A domain that’s easy to type and remember is key. One to three words is ideal. For example, marieforleo.com is clean, straightforward, and memorable.

Avoid Complexities

Steer clear of using numbers or hyphens in your domain name. For instance, is it “5” or “five”? This confusion can hurt your brand visibility.

Choose the Right Extension

Steer clear of using numbers or hyphens in your domain name. For instance, is it “5” or “five”? This confusion can hurt your brand visibility.

Promoting Your Blog: The 80/20 Rule and Strategic Insights from "The Content Trap" and "Traffic Secrets"

Publishing great content is just the beginning. Once your blog posts are live, promotion becomes the engine that drives traffic and builds a loyal readership. But not all promotion efforts are created equal. As the 80/20 Principle suggests, 80% of your traffic will come from just 20% of your promotional efforts. Focusing on high-leverage strategies, rather than trying to be everywhere, is the key to sustainable growth.

Social Media: Building Conversations, Not Just Broadcasting

Social media often seems like the easiest way to drive traffic, but success depends on choosing the right platform for your niche. According to Russell Brunson in "Traffic Secrets", each social media platform has a unique audience, and your goal is to focus on the 20% of platforms that will generate 80% of your traffic. For instance, if you’re running a fitness blog, platforms like Instagram and Pinterest—where visual content thrives—might drive the most engagement. If you’re in the B2B space, LinkedIn might be your most valuable traffic source.

Example: Gary Vaynerchuk

Gary Vaynerchuk, a marketing legend, exemplifies the 80/20 approach to social media. Instead of just broadcasting, he engages with his audience at every opportunity. By focusing on micro-engagements—answering questions, commenting, and being present—he builds relationships that drive massive traffic back to his platforms. People feel a personal connection with him, and that engagement keeps them coming back.

SEO: The Evergreen Traffic Generator

While social media can provide quick bursts of traffic, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is your long-term, evergreen strategy. According to Brunson’s insights in "Traffic Secrets," focusing on high-traffic, evergreen keywords will ensure that 20% of your posts drive 80% of your long-term traffic. By optimizing your content with tools like Google Trends, Ubersuggest, and Ahrefs, you can create blog posts that continue to bring in visitors months—or even years—after they’re published.

Example: Brian Dean (Backlinko)

SEO expert Brian Dean built his blog, Backlinko, by focusing on a handful of high-impact posts. His "Skyscraper Technique" is a strategy for creating one highly-optimized piece of content that dominates search engine rankings. Instead of publishing hundreds of posts, Dean focused on quality over quantity—creating a few in-depth guides that continue to generate the bulk of his traffic. His SEO-focused strategy proves that 20% of content can easily drive 80% of your organic traffic.

Email Newsletters: Direct and Personal Connection

One of the most reliable ways to maintain control over your audience is through email newsletters. In "Traffic Secrets", Brunson stresses the importance of building an email list, which provides a direct, personal line of communication with your readers. Unlike social media, where you’re competing for attention, emails land directly in your subscriber’s inbox, giving you a unique opportunity to build trust and loyalty.

Example: Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss understood the power of email early on. By building an email list and sending personalized content to his subscribers, Ferriss drives huge spikes in traffic whenever he publishes new content. His email list is his most reliable and direct traffic source, consistently bringing in readers without having to compete on search engines or social platforms. His email newsletters go beyond promoting content—they offer exclusive tips, behind-the-scenes insights, and curated content, making subscribers feel like they’re getting something valuable every time they open his emails.

Monetize Your Blog with Linkify.ai: Effortless Income for Content Creators

As you begin to grow your audience and establish a regular rhythm of publishing engaging content, the next step is to monetize your blog. But here’s the catch: how do you start earning from your posts without sacrificing the authenticity and trust you’ve built with your readers? Enter Linkify.ai, a tool that seamlessly integrates monetization into your content without disrupting its flow. Think of it as a smart, behind-the-scenes partner that turns your posts into revenue streams, allowing you to focus on what you do best—creating compelling content.

Automatic Link Placement: Monetization Without the Hassle

Linkify.ai’s brilliance lies in its ability to automatically embed affiliate links into your content. The platform uses AI to identify key terms in your blog posts and match them with relevant, high-converting affiliate products. You don’t need to spend hours manually inserting links or searching for affiliate programs that suit your niche. Instead, Linkify.ai scans your content and embeds links to products that are natural extensions of what you’ve written.

Data-Driven Insights for Optimization

Monetization is not just about placing links; it’s about understanding what works. Linkify.ai provides you with real-time analytics, allowing you to track the performance of your affiliate links. You can see which products are resonating with your readers, how many clicks you’re getting, and—most importantly—how much revenue your content is generating.

Conclusion: Let Linkify.ai Work for You

Monetizing your blog doesn’t need to be a complicated process filled with manual work and concerns about authenticity. With Linkify.ai, you can seamlessly integrate affiliate marketing into your posts, allowing each piece of content to work harder for you. From automatic link placement to real-time analytics, Linkify.ai makes it possible for your blog to generate income while preserving the integrity and voice you’ve worked so hard to build.