How to grow and monetize a WordPress blog

Hello, my friend!

I promised to share my guide on how I built and grew my WordPress blog… and it’s finally here! 🎉

I’ve documented everything I did to take my site from zero to nearly 10,000 monthly visitors and almost $1K in affiliate commissions this January. (I’ll break it all down in the upcoming newsletter 📩).

If starting or growing a WordPress blog is on your to-do list this year, this guide has everything I’ve learned along the way.

But if you just want the quick version, here it is 👇

1. It all starts with a solid foundation

First things first—pick the right niche and domain name!

Think long-term because rebranding later is a headache. 😵‍💫 (I learned that the hard way.)

Next, choose a reliable hosting provider.

I started with Bluehost because it was cheap, but I later switched to Cloudways for better speed. ⚡

2. Setting up WordPress correctly is key

A fast, clean theme makes a huge difference. I initially outsourced my setup, but later, I had to hire a developer on Fiverr Pro to fix multiple errors. 🛠️

Don't skip this step!

Get your blog structure right, create key pages, and optimize your images.

3. Track everything from day one

Google Search Console & Google Analytics = your best friends. 📊

These tools help you track traffic, keywords, and site health.

Set clear goals and check your progress regularly. 🚀

4. Keyword research is a game changer

Tools like Semrush can help you find relevant keywords with business potential. 🔍 Then, create high-quality, optimized content that satisfies user intent.

My AI SEO blog post alone brings in 4K+ visitors/month—proof that SEO works! 💡

5. Optimize with plugins

WordPress plugins like AIOSEO help with technical SEO & content analysis.

Also, track your rankings with tools like Semrush, Ubersuggest, and Ahrefs. 📈

And remember—blogging is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep learning, testing, and improving. 🔄

6. Monetize

I’ve earlier shared that my WordPress blog made me $8.8k in 2024 while I as busy working with my clients.

This year, I’m challenging myself to double that. 🔥

Maybe it’s time to take this blogging thing a little more seriously? 😏

And if you’re into affiliate marketing (or want to start), here’s a free tool that might help. 👇️ 

A powerful (and free) affiliate toolkit for you

I want to introduce you to a very good friend of mine - Tina Lopez.

She is a former online coach turned into an online content creator. 

She helps creators like you automate your traffic, income, and content! 

For a limited time, she is offering her Affiliate Bank to my audience (aka you) for free! 

In a nutshell, her Affiliate Bank is a plug-and-play database template that allows you to store, source, and share all your affiliate links in one central place. 

You can grab the Affiliate Bank Here.

Have a great day!

Victoria

P.S. Want to know how to make money writing from home on your terms? Grab my Writer Bundle.