The biggest mistake beginners make is chasing money instead of interest. I picked a niche I genuinely loved — digital tools and side hustles — something I could talk about endlessly. If you’re struggling to choose one, check out my guide on how to choose a profitable blog niche.
Researching Market Demand
I used Google Trends, Ubersuggest, and Ahrefs to find keyword trends. The goal? Find what people are already searching for but aren’t getting great answers. Here’s my post on best free SEO tools for beginners.
🛠️ Building the Website
Picking a Domain and Hosting (Best Hosting Services)
I chose a short, brandable .com domain and went with Bluehost. I also wrote a comparison between Bluehost vs. Hostinger for new bloggers.
WordPress vs. Other CMS Platforms
Still unsure which platform is right? Read my breakdown of WordPress vs. Wix vs. Blogger.
✍️ Content Creation Strategy
SEO Basics: Writing for Humans and Search Engines
If you’re new to SEO, don’t miss my beginner’s guide to on-page SEO.
Keyword Research and Tools I Used
I dive deeper into my process in this post: How to Do Keyword Research Step-by-Step.
Writing Evergreen Content That Ranks
Want to learn how to write content that ranks for months? Check out my article on writing evergreen blog posts.
💰 Monetization Methods
Google AdSense
If you’re not approved yet, read how to get AdSense approval on a new website.
Affiliate Marketing
I cover this in more detail in my guide to best affiliate programs for beginners.
Selling Digital Products
Here’s my walkthrough on how to sell digital downloads using Gumroad.
🚀 Driving Traffic to the Website
Organic SEO
You can see my full SEO checklist here: Ultimate Blog SEO Checklist for 2025.
Pinterest and Social Media
Pinterest is a goldmine. If you’re new to it, read my post on how to drive blog traffic with Pinterest.
Email Marketing and Building a List
Here’s my complete tutorial on building an email list from day one.
🤖 Automation and Outsourcing
Automating Content Posting
I explain how I use WordPress features in this guide on scheduling posts like a pro.
Outsourcing Content Creation
You can read how I hire and manage freelance writers in this post: Outsourcing Content Creation 101.
📈 Tracking Progress and Optimization
Tools I Use for Analytics
Learn more about how I set up tracking in my Google Analytics setup tutorial.
A/B Testing for Monetization Optimization
Here’s a breakdown of how I use A/B testing to increase blog income.
📊 Scaling the Business
Replicating the Model in Other Niches
Curious how to build a second site? Read: How to Scale a Blog Into a Brand.
Creating a Content Team
Check out my full guide on how to build a content writing team.
💵 My Monthly Passive Income Breakdown
If you’re curious about numbers, I publish monthly income reports here: My Blogging Income Reports.
🎓 Lessons I Learned
Quality Over Quantity
Read why I believe in writing fewer, better posts: Why 10 Epic Posts Are Better Than 100 Average Ones.
🧾 Conclusion
Building a passive income website takes effort, strategy, and patience—but the rewards are worth it.
❓FAQs
1. How long does it take to earn passive income from a website?
Answered in my article: How Long Before a Blog Makes Money?
2. Can I do this without technical skills?
Absolutely. Here’s a post on how to start a blog with no tech experience.