How to Start a Blog of Your Own: Beginner Tips for Lifestyle & Mom Blogging
- Brittany Miller
- Oct 1, 2025
- 9 min read
I’ll be the first to admit—I am not the most tech-savvy person. Honestly, when I first thought about creating a blog, I felt completely overwhelmed. There are so many platforms, so many opinions, and it all looked more complicated than it really is. But here’s the truth: learning how to start a blog of your own is actually not that scary. If I can do it, so can you.
I’m sharing my journey into lifestyle blogging and mom blogging because I know what it’s like to sit at the starting line, staring at a blinking cursor, wondering, “Can I really do this?” The answer is yes, and you don’t need to be an expert coder or a marketing guru to start. All you need is your story, your perspective, and a willingness to learn along the way.
If we haven’t met yet, I’m Brittany — a mom of five, home renovation enthusiast, and a business owner who’s all about keeping life real and doable. I know firsthand how messy, beautiful, and overwhelming motherhood can feel, and I share from that space of “in the trenches” right alongside you.
Here, you’ll find encouragement, practical tips, and honest conversations about balancing family, work, and your own sense of self. My hope is that you’ll walk away feeling a little lighter, a little more seen, and a whole lot more equipped to create a life that works for you and your family. Follow me on Instagram @brittanynmiller_ for more.
Table of Contents
7 Steps to Starting Your Own Blog
You Do You, Boo
Step one of starting a blog? Decide what you want to talk about. This sounds simple, but it’s the foundation for everything else. What makes you interesting or unique? What do you feel passionate about sharing with others?
For me, that answer was motherhood. I was in the thick of diapers, sleepless nights, and figuring out my new identity as a mom. Writing about it felt natural. But I also wanted space for personal reflections, lifestyle tips, and little lessons I was picking up along the way. That blend gave my blog its personality—it wasn’t just another “mom blog,” it was my mom blog.
If you’re wondering how to start a blog of your own, my advice is to pick one bigger umbrella topic—like parenting, wellness, food, or travel—and then allow yourself space to add personal touches. It’s easier to market your blog and grow an audience if you’re known for one focus area rather than being all over the map.
Once you’ve nailed down your focus, you’ll also need a blog name. Don’t rush this! Your blog name is the first impression people get of your brand. I actually wrote a whole separate post about my naming journey (linked here), but here’s what worked for me: I said it out loud. Yep, just spoke it. Talking it through with friends and hearing the name outside of my own head was what gave me clarity.
So, take your time. Brainstorm, scribble down ideas, test them out on friends, and don’t be afraid to let the right name find you. Trust me, you’ll know it when it clicks.
Research Your Options
After choosing a name, the next step is setting up your actual blog. And this is where things can get overwhelming—fast. I remember typing “how to be a blogger and make money” into Google and instantly drowning in a sea of articles, ads, and hosting options. Cue panic mode.
Instead of reading every review and comparison chart, I defaulted to what I knew: GoDaddy. Was it the best choice? Maybe not. But sometimes making a decision and starting is better than staying stuck.
Looking back, I realize there are free blogging platforms like Blogger.com and Wordpress.com that are perfect for beginners. They don’t require upfront costs, and you can still create something professional. In fact, if I hadn’t already paid for GoDaddy, I probably would’ve gone with one of them.
If you’re just figuring out how to start a blog of your own, here’s my advice:
Take advantage of free resources. Many local libraries or community centers offer blogging and podcasting workshops (I actually took one myself).
Don’t get stuck in research mode. Pick something that works for you now. You can always upgrade later.
Remember, your first blog doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to exist.
Choosing A Domain: .Com vs. .Ca
This was one of my biggest debates: should I choose a .com or a .ca domain? On one hand, I wanted to represent Canada (proud Canadian mom here 🙋♀️). On the other, .com felt more familiar and global.
In the end, I went with .com because of advice from Grayson and the fact that GoDaddy had a promotion running. But here’s the kicker—by not choosing .ca, I missed out on marketing opportunities geared toward Canadian businesses. If your blog is focused on lifestyle blogging or mom content with a Canadian angle, a .ca domain can actually help you stand out.
Lesson learned? Think about your audience. If you’re aiming to connect with moms worldwide, .com might be the better choice. If you want to proudly wave the Canadian flag, go with .ca.
Paying for a Hosted Blog
Here’s where the money conversation comes in. I won’t lie—hosting a blog with GoDaddy was pricey. Between the domain, templates, and “extras,” I probably spent around $200–$300 upfront. For me, that investment was motivating. I had skin in the game, which pushed me to keep going when things got hard.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
Free platforms exist, and they’re worth exploring if budget is a concern.
Paid hosting can be limiting. GoDaddy, for example, has templates that don’t allow for much customization. If you want to change something major, you’re stuck.
Alternatives like Wix and Squarespace are more user-friendly and customizable at a lower cost.
Would I do it the same way again? Probably not. But I also don’t regret starting. My advice if you’re researching how to be a blogger and make money: don’t let the tech or cost hold you back. Start simple, and grow as you go.
Designing Your Website
Finally—the fun part! I loved bringing my vision to life, even though it took some time (and a lot of trial and error).
Here’s what helped me most:
Keep your design true to you. I’m a “less is more” kind of person with pops of color, so that’s what my blog reflects.
Have content ready before launch. Write an “About Me” page, draft a few posts, and gather some clear, bright photos. This makes your blog feel established from day one.
Remember: consistency matters. If you add new pages later, stick to your design style so your blog feels cohesive.
Designing your blog is where your personality really shines through. Whether you’re starting a lifestyle blog, a
mom blog, or something completely different, this is the moment you bring your story to life.
Location, Location, Location
Even though your blog isn’t physical, promotion is everything. Once I launched mine, I realized just how important it was to get traffic from places like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
My biggest tip? Set up Google Analytics right away. It’s free, and it gives you so much insight into what’s working (and what isn’t). I also recommend using Facebook Pixel if you plan on running ads, and experimenting with Pinterest—it’s basically a visual search engine and can drive massive traffic if you use it well.
Pro Tip: One of the best things I've done for my blog in terms of getting traffic is taking the Blogging for Bingeable Brands course from The Kara Report which taught me all about SEO (it's not as complicated as you'd think), since implementing the strategies from the course my blog traffic has tripled!
Code “BRITTANYMILLER” to save 25% ↓
Know Your Strengths
Here’s the truth: no one is great at everything. And blogging is a mix of writing, photography, tech, and marketing. You’ll burn out if you try to do it all perfectly on your own.
For me, writing wasn’t my strongest skill, so I leaned on my best friend (an English major) to help with editing. For photography, I relied on Grayson, who had a professional camera. These small collaborations made my blog stronger without costing me a fortune.
If you’re serious about learning how to be a blogger and make money, know where to invest your time and where to ask for help. Maybe that means hiring an editor, outsourcing design, or just asking a friend with a good eye for photos. Play to your strengths and get support where you need it.
Using ChatGPT for Blogging
I’ll be honest—ChatGPT has quickly become one of my favorite blogging sidekicks. It’s like having a brainstorming buddy on call 24/7. You can use it to come up with blog name ideas, spark fresh content topics, or even outline your posts so you’re not staring at a blank page wondering where to start.
But here’s the thing: ChatGPT should never replace you. Readers don’t come to your blog for robotic, cookie-cutter content—they come for your stories, your personality, and that human connection they just can’t get from AI. The truth is, search engines like Google are getting very good at spotting AI-written blogs. If your posts read like they were written by a machine, Google won’t rank them. That means less traffic, fewer readers, and more frustration on your end.
Instead, I recommend using ChatGPT as a support tool. Let it help you brainstorm, plan, and organize—but make sure the writing itself reflects your voice. Share your experiences, your humor, your perspective. That’s what will keep people coming back and what will eventually turn casual readers into loyal fans.
How to Make Money with Your Blog
One of the best parts about blogging is that it doesn’t just give you a creative outlet—it can also create real income streams. When I first started my mom blog, I dipped my toes into affiliate marketing. That’s when you earn a small commission for recommending products through programs like Amazon Associates or brand-specific affiliate programs. It wasn’t life-changing money at first, but it felt amazing to know my blog could actually pay me back.
Fast forward to today, and my blog has become a core part of my business, Brittany Miller Socials. Now, the content I publish positions me as an expert and attracts clients to my products and services. Honestly, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to start my business blog if I hadn’t first experimented (and stumbled a little) with my mom blog.
Your income streams will probably shift as you grow, and that’s completely normal. You might start with affiliate income, then move into digital products, coaching, or even courses. The key is to keep experimenting, pay attention to what you love doing and what resonates with your audience, and allow your blog to evolve with you.
Final Thoughts on How To Start A Blog Of Your Own
Starting a blog of your own doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to have it all figured out right away. I didn’t—and honestly, I’m glad, because the process taught me so much along the way.
Whether you’re dreaming of lifestyle blogging, starting a mom blog, or figuring out how to be a blogger and make money, remember this: your story matters. The way you see the world is unique, and someone out there is waiting to hear it.
So, take the leap. Your future self will thank you.
FAQs About How to Start a Blog of Your Own
Is it expensive to start a blog?
Not necessarily! If you choose a free platform like Blogger or Wordpress.com, you can start for $0. Paid options like GoDaddy, Wix, or Squarespace range from $5–$30 per month. The biggest upfront cost is usually your domain name, which can be as little as $10–$20 a year.
How do bloggers actually make money?
Bloggers can earn income through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, ad revenue, selling digital products, or even offering coaching or courses. It usually takes time to build traffic before monetization happens, so patience is key.
Do I need to be a good writer to start a blog?
Not at all. Blogging is more about sharing your story and connecting with your audience than writing perfectly. Tools like Grammarly can help, or you can ask a friend to edit. What matters most is that your voice feels authentic.
Which platform is best for beginners?
Wordpress.com and Blogger.com are great free options. Wix and Squarespace are good middle-ground platforms if you want more design flexibility without the steep learning curve. If you’re aiming to scale and monetize seriously, Wordpress.org (self-hosted) is usually the most powerful long-term choice.
Personally, I've worked with blogs on GoDaddy, Wix and Shopify so I can only speak to those options but from what I've seen, most blogging platforms offer similar features and functionality so it really isn't as important as you'd think.
How much time does blogging take?
That depends on your goals. Writing a post might take a few hours, but add in editing, photography, and promotion, and you’re looking at 5–10 hours per week to start.
Over time, you’ll find a routine that works for you and the more blogs you have the more potential traffic opportunities there are so you may not need to spend as much time promoting your blog later on.
Do I need social media to grow my blog?
Technically, no—but it helps a lot. Platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook can drive consistent traffic to your blog. Think of social media as your marketing arm: it’s where you share and promote what you’ve created.
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