Blogging is still one of the simplest ways to build an online presence and create income streams—if you set things up correctly from the start.
Having launched and monetized multiple blogs myself, I know the common roadblocks: overthinking the setup, writing aimlessly, or skipping the trust-building steps that platforms like Google AdSense require.
This guide is a step-by-step, practical walkthrough to help you start your first blog on Blogger.com (a free and beginner-friendly platform), customize it for growth, and set up monetization without unnecessary headaches.
Why Beginners Struggle With Blogging
Most first-time bloggers stall before they even launch. The questions I hear most:
-
“Do I need coding skills?”
-
“What if I don’t write well?”
-
“How do I actually make money?”
Here’s the truth: you don’t need coding expertise or flawless writing. What you do need is a clear niche, consistent effort, and a properly set up blog.
Let’s walk through it, step by step.
Step 1: Define Your Blog’s Focus
Every successful blog starts with clarity. Before creating your Blogger account, decide your topic.
✅ Ask yourself: What do I enjoy or know enough to write about regularly?
If you’re stuck:
-
Use ChatGPT or another brainstorming tool to generate blog niche ideas.
-
Pick something you can write about for at least 20–30 posts.
⚠️ Pro tip from experience: Passion alone isn’t enough. Check whether your niche has an audience searching for it on Google (using tools like Google Trends).
Step 2: Create Your Blogger Account
-
Go to Blogger.com.
-
Click Create Your Blog and sign in with your Google account.
-
Verify with your phone number (a must for security and spam protection).
-
Choose a blog title and URL (e.g., cookingmaster.blogspot.com).
-
Hit Finish to unlock your dashboard.
From here, your blog is live, but it’s just a blank canvas.
Step 3: Learn Your Blogger Dashboard
Blogger’s dashboard is beginner-friendly. Key sections you’ll use often:
-
Posts: Create and manage your articles.
-
Stats: See traffic sources and reader behavior.
-
Earnings: Where you’ll apply for monetization.
-
Pages: Build essential trust pages (About, Privacy, Contact).
-
Layout/Theme: Customize the design and navigation.
-
Settings: Configure SEO, security, and publishing options.
Step 4: Create Essential Trust Pages
Google AdSense will not approve your blog without these pages:
-
About — who you are and what your blog offers.
-
Contact — how readers and partners can reach you.
-
Privacy Policy — required to explain data usage.
-
Terms & Conditions / Disclaimer — especially if you offer advice.
⚠️ Even if you use AI to draft these, personalize them to reflect your own voice. AdSense reviewers can spot boilerplate text.
Step 5: Customize Your Blog Theme
Your blog should be clean, mobile-friendly, and fast-loading.
-
Use a responsive Blogger theme.
-
Customize fonts and colors to fit your niche.
-
Keep navigation simple: Home, Blog, About, Contact.
💡 Tip from real-world testing: Simple designs often perform better in AdSense approval and reader engagement than flashy, cluttered ones.
Step 6: Write & Publish Blog Posts
Consistency matters more than perfection.
-
Aim for 15+ posts, each at least 1,000 words.
-
Write original content—plagiarism or spun text = rejection.
-
Use headings, images, and bullet points for readability.
-
Optimize each post’s search description (SEO-friendly meta tags).
Remember: Google reviews not just the design, but whether your content keeps readers engaged.
Step 7: Apply for Google AdSense
When your blog looks professional and has solid content:
-
Go to Blogger Dashboard > Earnings > Apply for AdSense.
-
Link your Google AdSense account (or create one).
-
Fill out your payment info (accurate address is crucial for PIN verification).
-
Wait for approval (usually 1–2 weeks).
Requirements you must meet before applying:
-
HTTPS enabled (secure site).
-
15+ long-form posts.
-
No duplicate or restricted content.
-
Clear, working navigation.
📌 If you’re in regions like India, Nigeria, or Pakistan, Google may expect your blog to be at least 6 months old.
Step 8: Add & Optimize Ads
Once approved, choose your ad setup:
-
Auto Ads (beginner-friendly): Google places ads automatically.
-
Manual Ads (advanced): Add ad codes via Layout > Gadgets for more control.
Test placements (sidebar, in-article, footer) to maximize performance without hurting user experience.
Bonus: Monetize With Adsterra
If you want alternatives (or additional revenue):
-
Register at Adsterra.
-
Add and verify your Blogger site.
-
Select ad formats (banner, native ads, pop-unders).
-
Place the code in your Blogger Layout.
Adsterra payments:
-
PayPal ($100 minimum), Paxum/WebMoney ($5), Wire Transfer ($1,000).
-
NET15 schedule (paid every 15 days).
⚠️ Use sparingly. Too many aggressive ads can hurt user trust and SEO.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Applying for AdSense with only 3–5 posts.
❌ Using copied/copyrighted images or music.
❌ Flooding your site with pop-ups and pop-unders.
❌ Ignoring mobile optimization.
These are the top reasons I’ve seen bloggers get rejected or demonetized.
Final Thoughts
Starting your first blog doesn’t have to be complicated. With Blogger.com, you can go live in minutes, focus on creating original, valuable content, and apply for AdSense once your site is ready.
Monetization works best when:
-
Your site looks professional.
-
You build trust with essential pages.
-
You stay consistent with quality content.
Once approved, you can add AdSense, Adsterra, affiliate marketing, or even your own products for multiple revenue streams.
👉 Blogging isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about building something trustworthy that lasts. If you follow these steps, your first blog can become both a learning ground and a source of income.