If you’ve always wanted to start a blog but aren’t sure it will take off, we’ve got good news for you. Blogging is still as popular as it was years ago, so much so that even some major influencers returned to blogging regularly. Here are four ways to start a blog with the hope of monetizing it.

Choose a Niche

Most bloggers choose a niche they’re already passionate about. The best thing about blogging is that you can write about anything and still build a loyal following. If you love all things photography, you can start blog teaching others how to shoot and edit their photos. If you love helping others overall, you can create a blog where you give life advice. The most important aspect about blogging is doing something you really enjoy. If you don’t have any interest in what you’re writing, you probably won’t stick with it.

Choose a Host

There are plenty of platforms to host your blog. WordPress offers both free and paid plans where you customize your blog. Although not free, SquareSpace offers a free trial where you can get a feel for the platform and customize your blog. Both platforms work well for novice bloggers who are looking to get their feet wet. You can also buy a domain from GoDaddy, which costs significantly less the paid plans on WordPress and SquareSpace. There’s really no right or wrong, and you can always switch to another host when the time is right.

Expand Your Reach

Just because it can take some time before you get noticed, you still need to work on expanding your reach and building a community. In addition to keyword research and proper SEO, you can also use social media to boost visibility. Once you start gaining traction, you might want to consider making it your full-time job.

Granted, it’s always best to have savings before taking this leap of faith. You should at least three to six months of savings in the bank prior to leaving your regular job. Look for ways to decrease your monthly budget. This might mean eating out less and making coffee at home. Also, refinancing student loans with a private lender is great way to lower your monthly payment and possibly have more money in hand. Your repayment options are usually better as well. Having extra cash to invest in your blog can help with social media advertising or when working with influencers for even more exposure.

Look at Affiliate Links

Even if you only have a few followers, you should look into affiliate marketing. Choose other brands that you want to work with. Sign up for their affiliate program on their site. Most brands will then provide a link you can use on your site. You can also let other brands run ads on your website as well. When someone uses that link or clicks the ad to make a purchase, you receive a commission. You can also set up affiliate marketing funnels and link them to your website.