Yes, you should absolutely start a blog in 2025.

And before you ask, no,  blogging is not dead.

There’s no funeral scheduled for the blogs any time soon.

*Cue sigh of relief*

If you’re still dreaming of quitting your 9-to-5 and making money from the comfort of your bed, keep on reading lovely. 💖 

I’m about to walk you through a realistic plan for how you can turn blogging into a money-making cozy business—even in 2025’s ever-changing online landscape.

 

 ✨Oh hey! If you sign up for web hosting using my link (affiliate link at no extra cost to you) you’ll get 30% off your purchase and you can start your blog today for $1.99

 

Related Reads:

• How To Start a Blog: Step-by-step Tutorial
• 10 Things You Need To Do Before Launching Your New Blog
• How I Got Over 200,000 Page Views My First Year Blogging

 

For my visual learners:

 

 

How I Went From Secret Blogger To The Cozy Pajama Lifestyle

Well, in case we haven’t been properly introduced…

Hey! It’s Mia 👋 a cozy content and online business coach for introverted creatives looking to ditch the cubicle life and strut their way into the cozy life.

Back in 2018, I started a secret blog that eventually turned into a bloomin’ 🌸 business, that allowed me to quit my job, create for a living, and live the introvert dream—working in my… you guessed it, pajamas!

And now, I’m here to help you do the same.

(That’s kind of my jam and why I create stuff on the internet.)

If you’re wondering if blogging can still make you money, the answer is a big YES.

But let’s get real for a sec: blogging may not be dead, but it is different from those early days.

So without further ado, let’s dive into actionable tips and strategies to start and grow a blog in 2025 (and beyond).

 

Dreamer To Blogger is my signature blogging course specifically designed for introverts. You’ll learn how to successfully build and launch your new blog in 30 days with online confidence. In other words, it’s an introvert’s step-by-step guide to everything blogging. 

 

Step 1: Set Up Your Blog the Right Way

To start a money-making blog, you need a self-hosted website.

This means you own it, and no one can take it away from you.

If you’re serious about turning your blog into a business, this step is really non-negotiable.

• Blogging Platform: I warmly recommend WordPress (what I have used since the beginning, it honestly is the best if you’re serious about your blog turning into a full-time thing)
• Hosting: Bluehost (and use my discount link). The smooth thing? When you sign up, Bluehost will automatically set up WordPress for you ⎯ win!
• Domain: You can buy your domain during the Bluehost setup process, making everything *chefs kiss* seamless.
• Extras: Add an SSL encryption for website security and hinting to Google and visitors that your website is safe to visit, and domain privacy protection to keep your personal information safe and stored (you don’t need to have your number or address living on the world wide web).

 

 

Step 2: Design Your Blog

Your blog’s design matters, because it is that first impression of your brand.

But seriously, don’t get trapped in the design phase!

I see so many new bloggers get caught in the endless loop of tweaking their design and colors, they don’t get to the point where they actually launch their blog.

It’s okay for your website to not look *perfect* at the time of launching.

Heck, it probably will look a little off (sorry, just being honest and I’m speaking from experience over here).

This will only be the first version of your website, you can always go back and perfect it later on.

• Themes: Start with a simple WordPress theme, if you’re into drag and drop, check out Divi (the first theme I started with).
• Templates: Not into drag and drop and just want to input your copy? Check out Creative Market or Etsy for affordable, customizable WordPress templates.
• My Setup: I currently use Showit for my web design because I do like doing everything myself (I’m a web designer too)

 

Step 3: Must-Have WordPress Plugins

WordPress plugins make your blog faster, safer, and easier to manage.

I used to have a long list of plugins I recommend, but some of these plugins have been discontinued or are simply not necessary anymore.

Keep in mind that plugins do slow down your site, so the less the better.

✨ Here are the must-have WordPress plugins for blogging in 2025:

• Wordfence Security: Protects against malicious attacks and login attempts (YOU NEED THIS!) There’s a FREE version and premium (I have premium, but you can get by on the free plan for sure)
• Akismet: Filters and blocks sp@m and bot comments (they add up, even if you have a small blog, somehow the robots find you lol)
• UpdraftPlus: Automatically backs up your blog and website content at a timeframe you decide (for example weekly)
• EWWW Image Optimizer: Improves image load times to keep your site fast because Google is not a fan of slow websites (and neither is your audience #slowattentionspans)
• Pretty Links: Makes affiliate links look clean and memorable instead of suspicious and sp@mmy

 

 

Step 4: Let’s Choose Your Niche (Without Overthinking It)

Next up → you need to pick your blogging niche aka what problem will you be solving and for who?

Examples of profitable blogging niches:

• Personal Development
• Self-care
• Online Business
• Marketing
• Personal Finance
• Health & wellness
• Food blogs
• Lifestyle (yes, this still works!)
• Travel
• Tech
• Parenting
• … and the list goes on!

Once you have an overarching topic you’d like to explore, also try and think about the kind of person you wish for your content to reach (in my case: introverts).

The truth? ↓

Your blogging niche will likely evolve over time, so don’t overthink this in the beginning.

Follow your genuine passion and what you think would be helpful for people.

As you start writing blogs, build an audience ⎯ you’ll have a better understanding of what works and what you enjoy writing about.

Just start! 👏

So many people don’t, because they either can’t decide on a look for the website or … the niche.

 

 

Step 5: Create Content That Connects

How you write blog posts in 2025 vs 2017 is very different.

These days, people are busy, they don’t have time ⎯ and have the shortest attention spans known to man.

Because of this, your blog posts need to be highly skimmable, TLDR-proof and engaging.

Here are some tips for writing engaging blog posts in 2025:

• Format correctly: Use headings, bullet points, and include lots of white space
• Multimedia: Embed videos, images, and infographics to make your posts visually appealing, more interactive⎯ and let’s face it, a friend of the Google algorithm 
• Your 2025 SEO Strategy: I’m about to go against typical blogging advice I would share back in the day → Forget about the expensive keyword tools out there such as Ahrefs and Semrush. Don’t overthink SEO but instead, focus on creating for your person, by writing authentic, story-based content that resonates with your readers. Google values real human experiences over robotic, keyword-stuffed posts, k? We don’t want robots, we want connection aka sparks flying all over the place.

✨Don’t create for search, create for your person✨ 

 

Step 6: Still, leverage Pinterest

Pinterest is still the JAM and BFF to bloggers⎯ even after all these years, Pinterest is what brings in the most traffic to this little blog.

 

Pinterest is not an ordinary social media platform⎯ it’s actually a search engine.

It’s designed to drive traffic from Pinterest to websites⎯ not like with Instagram where it’s designed for you to stay on the platform.

People come to Pinterest to search for solutions to their problems.

Rapid fire Pinterest tips for 2025:

• Create eye-catching pins worth the click
• Focus on solving problems your audience is searching for (get into the mind of your audience)
• Be patient though; Pinterest takes time to show results but is SO worth it

 

 

Step 7: How to make money blogging in 2025 (a realistic income plan)

Okay, let’s get to the real stuff, and why you probably clicked on this article in the first place. 💰

Honest truth: you’re not going to make $10K in your first month of blogging.

I see so many people get discouraged when they don’t make $10K months freshly signed up for Bluehost and WordPress.

I get it though, a lot of people promise results they can’t hold and shouldn’t promise.

The people who have overnight “viral” success is not the norm⎯ but an exception to the rule.

Blogging is definitely a long-term game.

You need to have patience, especially when it comes to monetization.

If you show up consistently and implement the right strategies, you can build multiple income streams that sustain and grow over time.

Ka-ching! 💸

Here’s a realistic look at how you can make money blogging in 2025 and beyond ↓

 

Months 1–6: Laying the Foundation for the Ka-ching

Your priority during the first six months should be to focus on creating high-quality, value-stuffed and personality-packed content that resonates with your target audience. 

• Publish Consistent Content: Commit to posting at least one blog post per week and get yourself a content calendar (oh and stick to it lol).
• Pinterest for Traffic: Use Pinterest for all it’s worth, and pin consistently and strategically to drive traffic to your new blog (I use Tailwind for scheduling pins)
• Start Building Your Email List: I use Kit and have been since the day I started my secret blog back in August of 2018. 

 

Months 6–12: Leveling Up Your Income Streams

By the second half of your first year, your blog should start gaining traction and hopefully, you have a little bit of an audience (pageviews and email subscribers).

Now, it’s time to step up your money-making efforts. 🫰

Apply for Premium Ad Networks:

Once you meet the traffic requirements (typically around 25,000-50,000 sessions per month), apply for higher-paying ad networks like Mediavine or AdThrive (I use Mediavine). They just offer better revenue potential compared to Google AdSense. But if your traffic isn’t there yet, you might want to consider signing up for Google Adsense anyway, because it’s exciting to see those first few dollars trickle in! You’re actually doing it! ✨ 

Experiment with Affiliate Marketing

Start promoting products that align with your content and what you think your audience would be interested in.

Only promote products you have a genuine experience with yourself. Sign up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or niche-specific networks.

Create content that align with these products, like reviews or tutorials, to drive clicks and conversions, bay-bay.

You can also include affiliate links on a selected page, like a Favorites or Recommendations page.

 

Month 12 and beyond:

Once you’ve been blogging for a while (well, 12 months-ish), built an audience, and got consistent traffic coming from Pinterest and Google, let’s diversify your income streams even more, shall we?

• Create Digital Products: digital products like eBooks, templates, or online courses.
• Coaching: one-to-one, group coaching programs or even a membership.
• Set up shop: Explore selling physical products, printables, or merch that resonates with your brand and audience, or an e-commerce store. 🛍️

SO. MANY. POSSIBILITIES.

 

Your blog is a marketing tool

At the end of the day, a blog by itself won’t make money—it’s the business behind the blog that makes the moolah.

Your blog is a marketing tool to drive traffic, build trust, and connect with your audience.

Treat it like a business from day one by focusing on value, consistency, and multiple streams of income.

Stay patient, stay persistent, and the results will follow, I promise.

Blogs don’t make money, businesses do.

Don’t quit, k? 💖 

 

AI Tips For Bloggers in 2025

Yeah, we need to talk about the elephant in the room.

✨AI✨

I have absolutely nothing against it and I honestly think it’s a great tool to make that whole blank-screen-blinking-cursor situation, well, not a thing in your life as a blogger. 

AI is not going anywhere but it’s also not taking over the blogs.

Google (and the searcher) still want authentic, connection and story-based, human-written content.

So, humanize your blog!

Don’t let ChatGPT write your blog post from start to finish⎯ Google’s algorithm is smart enough to know if it’s AI-generated or not.

(She’s very wise that Google 🤓)

This is how I suggest you use AI for your blog:

• Coming up with content ideas
• Market research
• Strategy
• SEO optimization ideas
• Creating outlines
• Repurposing blog content into social media posts

The gist? Use AI as your happy little helper virtual assistant, not your writer.

 

 

Final Thoughts: Build Your Cozy Community

Blogging in 2025 is about building relationships and creating a space where your audience feels seen and connected.

Your blog is more than just words—it’s a 💖 community 💖 

Consistency and persistence through the challenges is key.

Show up, write regularly, and engage with your audience.

Success comes to those who don’t quit (so definitely don’t be one of those people who quit).

So grab a cozy coffee, light a candle, turn on the fairy lights, sit down at your laptop, and start building your dream blog today, k?

Just start! 

Let’s make 2025 the year you finally step into the cozy pajama lifestyle.

Want more step-by-step guidance? Check out my free blogging course, Start Your Dream Blog. 

 

 

✨Resources For Growing & Monetizing Your Blog✨

• FREE Start Your Dream Blog Course – FREE blogging course to get you started and set up
• Dreamer To Blogger – My blogging course is entirely devoted to introverts who want to start and launch their blogs WITH online confidence and pursue a life with more freedom. You’ll learn how to set up your blog, drive traffic to it, how to make money blogging, and more. 
• Bluehost – Web hosting I recommend for beginners (and what I started with and still use for my domain)
• Showit– What I use to design my blog
• Tailwind – Pinterest scheduler I use to schedule out pins automatically and in my sleep
• Kit – Email service provider I use to collect subscribers and build my email list (this is where I make the most money)