Blog ‘n’ Roll

How Much Does It Cost To Have A Blog?

This is one of the widely asked questions – how much does it cost to have a blog? At the first glance, it shouldn’t be very expensive. Someone who views blogging as a hobby can start for a fairly small price. But blog prices for those, who want to make blogging their main source of income, are quite different. There are lots of hidden costs that someone who has no experience in the field does not know about. 

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

If you are asking “is blogging free?” the short answer is NO. My friends, of course, it’s not!

Well, it CAN BE FREE if you post on a third-party platform just for the enjoyment of writing. But if you want to make something bigger of it, there are many things to take care of. 

What are those blog costs?

In this article, I will cover all blog costs and give the range for beginners to full-time professional writers.

NB!

Please note that exact numbers vary widely depending on what services and providers you choose. Treat these numbers as approximate estimations. 

So let’s break blog expenses into different types:

Hardware 

When people talk about the cost to start a blog they often forget about this stage. Sure thing, if you want to begin this journey, you probably have a PC. But there are some other hardware tools to consider.

  • Laptop. If you are a hobby blogger, you’ll be fine with the laptop or PC you already have. There are also quite affordable options, like the ones about $200. You do not need a lot of power and memory, especially if you run a third-party page on services like Wix, Weebly, or Medium. But if you launch your own website, you’ll need a better computer to manage it, which can cost from $600 to $2,000. 
  • Smartphone. You’ll need it to check updates, analyze how mobile-friendly is your website, take pictures, and answer comments on the go. It is not necessary for hobby writers, but full-time ones will need a good one for $100-$300. 
  • Camera. The main reason is that you can take high-quality pictures for your page. But if your phone has the excellent quality, there is no need for that. So it is rather an additional tool. 
  • Microphone, headphones, web camera for professionals that want also to ad podcasts or live streaming to their blog. It all can cost about $200-$500. 

So how much does it cost to start a blog in terms of hardware? The range is from $0 to $2,800. Beginners can avoid investing so far, full-time writers might spend $1,100 – $2,800. Luckily, those are one-time purchases. 

Hosting

Photo by Kelvin Ang on Unsplash

Are blogs free to start? Well, only if you post on third-party platforms. But it is a bad idea as you’ll have no domain name and you’ll have very little control of it. And if the site goes down, so is your page. The best idea is to launch your blogging website. 

The best combination, for now, is WordPress (free) and BlueHost (affordable hosting option). Why BlueHost? Well, it is cheap, effective, has great customer support, and gives a domain name for free. It also has in-build security solutions, like a free SSL certificate. 

The hosting blog price depends on the type of subscription you choose with BlueHost, for example:

  • Basic for $2.95 per month; 
  • Online stores for $12.95; 
  • Managed WordPress for $9.95;

So a beginner will be fine with $2.95 but a full-time blog cost is $9.95 (with advanced features). 

Domain Name 

If you decide on another hosting, you’ll have to pay for the domain name separately. How much to start a blog with your name? Well, it depends on the provider:

  • GoDaddy – $10-20; 
  • Name Cheap – $9;
  • Google Domains – $12.

Other costs to start a blog

Blog Design/Theme/Layout 

The cost of starting a blog also depends on what features of the website you are interested in and how custom your design will be. Some might be good with plain text, others need to incorporate multimedia and various infographics. There are hundreds of free themes on WordPress which are good only for hobby writers. They are not very functional and often do not allow even to change the color. 

More custom and advanced themes can cost around $30 – $60. 

Customization of a standard or paid theme without any changes in structure can cost about $500. If you want something truly unique and functional, the price goes up to $2,500. 

If you want to add more plugins to your site, they will also come at a separate price. Plugins add features to the website, like WooCommerce, SEO, or advanced security. Some plugins are free, but the best ones are, of course, not. 

The free ones are:

  • Instagram feed – directly adds your feed to the site;
  • Google Analytics (must-have for everyone);
  • WooCommerce (it might add costs if you process a high amount of orders later but it is free to start);
  • Envira Gallery Lite.

How much does a blog cost if you want some advanced features? Well, here are some plugins you might need:

  • Yoast SEO ($89 annually); 
  • WP Forms ($79 annually) – adds any type of forms to your site;
  • WP Rocket for fast caching ($49 per year); 
  • Zero BS CRM for customer management ($204 per year); 
  • Live Chat ($192 per year).

There are tons of various plugins and the final cost depends on which one of them you need. 

So beginners can do fine with $0 and free themes, but those who want to grow their blog and earn money with it may pay up to $1,173 ($3,173 if you order custom theme development). 

Content 

Is blogging worth it? Yes, it is. Let those prices do not discourage you. It is a valid way to earn money and even make it a full income source. But no business can go far without investment. And content creation is another factor in blogging services pricing. 

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

If you are an enthusiast who writes for fun and no commercial purpose, you do not need authors and editors. Just skip this part. But if you want to turn it into a serious business, if you want to work in some great writing niche full of competition, you’ll need to understand that you won’t be able to provide so much quality content on your own. Especially if you add podcasts, videos, courses, etc. And you’ll need to take care of brand collaborations, content plan creation, social media, etc. 

An hourly rate for a copywriter in the US is about $25. Depending on the type of content, you can hire someone for the range of $15-50 per hour. A content editor will also cost about $26 per hour.  The monthly budget for copywriting and editing can be about $250 to $500. 

Advertising

This is another step that is not crucial for hobby writers. But for those who want to earn money with blogging, it is a must-have to create some advertising budget. 

  • Mailchimp is free to create emails lists but only up to 2,000 addresses; 
  • ConvertKit is the optimal choice for professionals and email marketing – $41 per month (automated emails, tagging subscribers based on their interests for audience separation, great metrics on the audience);
  • Social media ads ($0.16-1 per click)); 
  • Google Ads ($1-$50 per click); 

Overall, the marketing and advertising budget for a full-time blogger is in the range of $49-$1,000 per month. 

Software 

A lot of useful software is free, for example, Google Docs. But if you are serious about growing your business, here are some solutions to consider:

  • Grammarly – proofreading tool, from $0 to $12 per month; 
  • Buffer – social media scheduling tool  – $10 monthly. 

There are also a lot of other tools out there, for voice recognition, photo, and video editing, or digital drawing. It all depends on what programs you personally need. 

Security 

Photo by FLY:D on Unsplash

If you’ve chosen BlueHost, you’ll get basic security for free. It is quite enough for those who do it as a hobby. But more advanced security will cost a bit more: 

  • WordFence plugin ($99 annually); 
  • CloudFare Pro Plan (the most advanced measure) – $240 per year. 

To Sum Up

I hope, I’ve fully answered the question “Does blogging cost money?”.

For a conclusion, let’s break down costs into three tiers. 

1

A beginner can save lots of money on free solutions and pay about $50 to start with basic hosting and a paid WordPress theme. 

2

A part-time blogger in the middle will spend about $1,200. 

3

And a full-time professional that wants the most ROI might spend from $2,500 and up.

Vasy Kafidoff
Vasy Kafidoff

Vasyl Kafidoff is the founder and mastermind of KAFIDOFF.COM. He has a strong interest in education, modern technology, marketing, and business management.

If Vasy is not working, you can find him somewhere in the world attending a Rock Concert with his mates.

Personal website
  • How Much Does It Cost To Have A Blog?
    This is one of the widely asked questions – how much does it cost to have a blog? At the first glance, it shouldn’t be very expensive. Someone who views blogging as a hobby can start for a fairly small price. But blog prices for those, who want to make blogging their main source of […]
  • Eye-opening freelance writing niches
    Overall, freelance writing niches can be divided by one of two factors – the topic and the type of content you create. The topic is pretty simple – is the thing you write about most, like tourism or parenting. Content type writing niches revolve around the form of your texts, whether it is a listicle […]
  • How to find a writing mentor and keep him close?
    Writing is a solitaire profession. Writers are usually loners that sit on their laptops and put words together to create meaning. But it doesn’t mean that you have to be alone all the time. Actually, writing mentorship is not only a common thing but very beneficial.  Whether you are a beginner looking for a specific […]
  • Why create a writer’s portfolio?
    A writer’s portfolio is an essential tool to get more clients and build a personal brand. It is not a simple business card; it is a presentation of your skills and expertise. Some might think that it is not that big of a deal to have one.  But in reality, any professional writer needs to […]
  • Usage of infographic in your blog
    Infographic is a visual representation of data, concept, or a process. You’ve probably seen a lot of them online. They are used in blog posts, articles, presentations, and website landing pages. The wide use of infographics is quite understandable – it is a sure way to make your writing more engaging.  It is a great […]

Eye-opening freelance writing niches

Overall, freelance writing niches can be divided by one of two factors – the topic and the type of content you create. The topic is pretty simple – is the thing you write about most, like tourism or parenting. Content type writing niches revolve around the form of your texts, whether it is a listicle blog post, ebook, or landing page. 

Photo by Keenan Beasley on Unsplash

The highest paying writing jobs always have to do with niche specialization. First of all, when you focus on only one type or subject, you get better at it. You gain more background knowledge and can do it faster and better. Secondly, you get much more effective at pitching your services and finding constant and loyal customers. 

In any case, every beginner freelance writer needs to focus on a particular niche or a couple of them. If you are looking for freelance writing niche ideas, here is a list of what is trending right now. 

Most Lucrative Writing Niches According to the Subject 

Let’s start with some profitable freelance writing niches for topics that are in high demand now. Of course, it is important to choose a niche you are genuinely interested in, but here are some suggestions. 

1. Finance, Banking, Investment 

This is an old but gold topic to cover. It can be anything in the range of personal budgeting and tips to be more cautious with money and up to serious investment advice. It depends on your liking and the level of expertise. 

And this topic can be given in various forms, from blog posts to podcasts or video scripts. Overall, it is both profitable and broad enough to be set with things to write about for life. 

2. Cryptocurrencies 

The most profitable freelance writing niches wouldn’t be full without this one. I’ve put it aside from the previous one as it requires different knowledge and approach.

The main benefit of this topic is that it is trending and tracks a lot of attention right now. But the downside is that it is hugely specialized and requires a lot of background research. Not to mention that you have to always follow all the latest news. 

3. Sustainability 

Yet another one from popular freelance writing niches as of today. It concerns all issues about the environment, economy, society, and sustainable consumption. One can advise on how to be an eco-friendly traveler, how to reduce waste in everyday life, how to dress up green, or how to advocate for appropriate regulations. 

4. Parenting

Well, this one never goes away. It is a period in life that the majority of people are familiar with or will be in the future. That’s why there is always a demand for such interesting content.

And there are numerous opportunities for ads and brand deals when it comes to products for children. But the only thing is – you need to be a parent for this. 

5. Digital Marketing and Social Media

This is also among lucrative copywriting niches that are in high demand now.

Photo by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash

Digital marketing changes the way companies advertise themselves and reach the audience. And social media changes the way we interact with each other and the content.

It is a fast-developing subject that many professionals and individuals are interested in. So if you know a thing or two about digital marketing and social media, it is a valid option. 

6. Education

Education is one of the best freelance writing niches whether you are writing for students, teachers, educators, or new programs available. One can give tips, review new methods and tools, give advice on colleges, etc. It is all up to personal preference. In any case, there is a huge audience there. 

7. Healthy Lifestyle

In this niche, I combine all content regarding alternative health products, eating healthy, and living cautiously. Fitness guru, yoga content, and other parts of balancing one’s well-being are also here.

The main goal is to help people to live and feel better. And there is a tremendous market for that, including collaborations with companies. 

Niches for Freelance Writers by the Type of Content

Now, let’s talk about the types of writing one can earn with. I will not cover some well-known writing jobs as copywriting, blogging, or creating content for social media calendars. Those are pretty well-known. Let’s go through some less popular. 

8. Technical Manuals and Tutorials

Yeah, not the most exciting idea, but it is a valuable skill. Such writing deals with specific style and terminology. It is better to have some technical background or be interested in technology. And you’ll need to explain everything in very simple words. 

9. Video Scripts

It is a lot like writing movie scripts, but for advertising or entertaining videos.

One can write for companies that are interested in video marketing. Others can create scripts for internet personalities and YouTubers. Overall, it is a very creative task that also pays well. 

10. White Papers

This niche concerns all the official texts for brands and companies that usually do not directly promote their products or services. They are often B2B and can differ in the topics (depends on the industry and company’s core activity). 

11. Ultimate Guides

These are not just usual blog posts. These are long (from 2,000 words) and well-researched texts that cover the topic extensively. You can write such texts for your own website or outside clients. The core here is to be very objective, fact-based, and give answers to all popular inquiries on this particular subject in one reading. 

12. Case Studies 

It is one of the types of writing for companies and corporations. Case studies are aimed at the target audience.

They illustrate how the product or service has helped previous customers and can help the new ones. It features the problem, the solution, statistic results, and conclusion. It is formal yet marketing-based writing. 

13. Landing Pages

A landing page is the one you land on when you click on a website from a search result’s list. This niche is trending as well as digital marketing and all things online presence.

Everyone needs a website now with a great landing page. To be an expert one needs not only to be a good copywriter and marketer but also to know SEO rules and guidelines. 

14. Advertorials

It is a combination of journalism and marketing at one. These are articles printed in the magazines with the “advertisement” mark on them. Basically, it is a well-written and useful article that also promotes specific products or services. 

15. Brochures

It is a somewhat rare niche, but if you find a way into it, it is quite profitable. Brochures can be devoted to anything, from an industry-specific conference to a medical product.

Photo by Jason Yuen on Unsplash

The opportunities are great. And it is less formal usually than white papers. One will need to be great at copywriting and marketing. 

In Summary

Whether you decide to focus rather on the topic or the type of writing, choosing a niche is crucial for success. It is exactly what makes one from a part-time freelancer to a full-time high-end professional. Select topics that are close to your interests and experience. 

Vasy Kafidoff
Vasy Kafidoff

Vasyl Kafidoff is the founder and mastermind of KAFIDOFF.COM. He has a strong interest in education, modern technology, marketing, and business management.

If Vasy is not working, you can find him somewhere in the world attending a Rock Concert with his mates.

Personal website
  • How Much Does It Cost To Have A Blog?
    This is one of the widely asked questions – how much does it cost to have a blog? At the first glance, it shouldn’t be very expensive. Someone who views blogging as a hobby can start for a fairly small price. But blog prices for those, who want to make blogging their main source of […]
  • Eye-opening freelance writing niches
    Overall, freelance writing niches can be divided by one of two factors – the topic and the type of content you create. The topic is pretty simple – is the thing you write about most, like tourism or parenting. Content type writing niches revolve around the form of your texts, whether it is a listicle […]
  • How to find a writing mentor and keep him close?
    Writing is a solitaire profession. Writers are usually loners that sit on their laptops and put words together to create meaning. But it doesn’t mean that you have to be alone all the time. Actually, writing mentorship is not only a common thing but very beneficial.  Whether you are a beginner looking for a specific […]
  • Why create a writer’s portfolio?
    A writer’s portfolio is an essential tool to get more clients and build a personal brand. It is not a simple business card; it is a presentation of your skills and expertise. Some might think that it is not that big of a deal to have one.  But in reality, any professional writer needs to […]
  • Usage of infographic in your blog
    Infographic is a visual representation of data, concept, or a process. You’ve probably seen a lot of them online. They are used in blog posts, articles, presentations, and website landing pages. The wide use of infographics is quite understandable – it is a sure way to make your writing more engaging.  It is a great […]

How to find a writing mentor and keep him close?

Writing is a solitaire profession. Writers are usually loners that sit on their laptops and put words together to create meaning. But it doesn’t mean that you have to be alone all the time. Actually, writing mentorship is not only a common thing but very beneficial. 

writing mentor

Whether you are a beginner looking for a specific niche or a more experienced author, a creative writing mentor can guide you, inspire, and help to find your unique voice and style. 

Why Do You Need a Mentor? 

Let’s start with what your offline or freelance mentor can help with. You should not expect them you become your BFF or devote all their time to you. But there are several major benefits that writing with mentors can offer. 

  • Accountability. This is a person that will hold you to your words, deadlines, and duties. It gives a boost of motivation to continue; 
  • Inspiration. A writing mentor is someone you look up to, someone that can inspire you to overcome writer’s block or challenge to expand your creative limits;
  • Improvement. Due to their experience in the field, they can provide valid feedback and criticism on your works. It is the best way to improve your writing skills and find new ways to approach them;
  • Developing style. Writing mentors will help to find your unique voice and style, something that makes you stand out. 
  • Professional advice. Also, someone who has been in the industry for a long time can advise on publishing options and help to make the right decisions. 
  • Support. Working in the creative field is not easy and can be overwhelming. Sometimes a word of advice or a little support can go a long way. Your mentor will help you to move forward in the right direction and not bail off when it becomes hard. 

It is all about cooperation, being more focused, and achieving goals with the help of someone more experienced and knowledgeable. A mentor generally sees a big picture, something that you do not notice, and encourages you to go further. 

How to Find a Writing Mentor? 

how to find a writing mentor
Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

There are several ways to find a mentor. First of all look for someone busy in the same writing sphere. For example, if you are a comedy author, it is better to find someone with a similar experience. And also look for someone who has similar interests and values, someone you can look up to. 

You can find mentor writing in several places, such as: 

  • Writing groups online or offline; 
  • Professionals courses, events, seminars; 
  • Joining professional organization; 
  • Reaching out to someone individually. 

Look for a person with experience and a career path you’d like to follow. And make sure that this person is available or has an interest in sharing their knowledge. 

How to Reach Out and Keep Relationship

The first rule is not to rush into mentorship right away.

After all, it is a relationship, so be patient the same way you’d be in other personal relations. You might have several candidatures and be not sure which one is the best for you or who is willing to work with you. 

Show Professional Admiration

When you first reach out to the person you want to be your mentor, who them the professional admiration rather than personal emotional involvement. Be honest and tell why you look up to them and why you think their advice can help you. 

Present Yourself 

Another thing to remember is that you need to pitch yourself. After all, if it is a well-known author, they can be getting such messages all the time. Show them why you will be a suitable mentee for them.

Tell them about what types of advice you are interested in and why. How their mentorship can help you achieve your goals. 

Ask Something Specific

Do not ask right away something like “will you be my mentor?”. You both do not know each other well enough to make such a decision. At first, you can reach out with a proposal to meet for a coffee. Keep the meeting short, up to an hour, and have specific questions to ask. 

If the meeting is not available, you can reach out with a couple of specific questions via email or public social media. 

Follow Up 

After the meeting or initial response with your writing mentor – follow up and be grateful. You can also propose help from your side – like assistance with something. You need to show that you are serious about your intention and interested in further cooperation. 

Mention that you’d like to meet again or have another professional conversation online. You can even propose a date or specific subject. 

Ask for Feedback 

In the beginning, you’ll need to be proactive with pushing these relations. But keep it professional and not too much. Always ask for feedback and expert opinion on your work.

IMPORTANT! Be ready to hear something that is not entirely flattering – it is completely normal and will help your growth. 

And when you are sure that both of you are ready for mentorship, commit to it. Do not be afraid of a challenge or stepping out of your comfort zone. Such inconveniences will help to find new creative powers and form a unique style. 

Lets finalize

Finding a mentor is a great opportunity to become a better writer. Even though the writing is a solitary process, you can hugely benefit from expert advice and guidance.

Remember to be grateful, respectful, and open to suggestions.

Have you ever been using assistance from writing mentors? Share your experience in the comment section below 😉 

Vasy Kafidoff
Vasy Kafidoff

Vasyl Kafidoff is a founder and mastermind of KAFIDOFF.COM. He has a strong interest in education, modern technology, marketing, and business management.

If Vasy is not working, you can find him somewhere in the world attending a Rock Concert with his mates.

Personal website
  • How Much Does It Cost To Have A Blog?
    This is one of the widely asked questions – how much does it cost to have a blog? At the first glance, it shouldn’t be very expensive. Someone who views blogging as a hobby can start for a fairly small price. But blog prices for those, who want to make blogging their main source of […]
  • Eye-opening freelance writing niches
    Overall, freelance writing niches can be divided by one of two factors – the topic and the type of content you create. The topic is pretty simple – is the thing you write about most, like tourism or parenting. Content type writing niches revolve around the form of your texts, whether it is a listicle […]
  • How to find a writing mentor and keep him close?
    Writing is a solitaire profession. Writers are usually loners that sit on their laptops and put words together to create meaning. But it doesn’t mean that you have to be alone all the time. Actually, writing mentorship is not only a common thing but very beneficial.  Whether you are a beginner looking for a specific […]
  • Why create a writer’s portfolio?
    A writer’s portfolio is an essential tool to get more clients and build a personal brand. It is not a simple business card; it is a presentation of your skills and expertise. Some might think that it is not that big of a deal to have one.  But in reality, any professional writer needs to […]
  • Usage of infographic in your blog
    Infographic is a visual representation of data, concept, or a process. You’ve probably seen a lot of them online. They are used in blog posts, articles, presentations, and website landing pages. The wide use of infographics is quite understandable – it is a sure way to make your writing more engaging.  It is a great […]