In this post, I’ll show you exactly how much it cost to start a blog, breaking down every expense you might encounter.

Whether you’re considering a basic setup or aiming for a professional site, understanding these costs is essential.

I’ll cover everything from domain registration and web hosting to essential plugins, themes, and even optional investments like professional courses and equipment.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear picture of the financial commitment required to launch and maintain a successful blog.

So, if you’re wondering, “How much would it cost me today if I were to start a blog?” you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive right in…

How much does it cost to start a blog

Starting a blog can be as budget-friendly or as expensive as you make it.

Starting a blog can be both exciting and confusing, especially when it comes to figuring out the costs involved.

And according to some “experts”, starting a blog can be done for the slim cost of $0.

So can you start a blog for $0?

Yes, but it will take much more effort and it won’t work in the long run anyway.

Therefore, I disagree with the above statement, a good blog will cost a few bucks to run.

In fact, if I run the calculator on my blog, it costs around $1.000 per year to run.

There is always some money involved when starting a new blog.

And it doesn’t matter if you do it for fun or because you want to make a living on it. The costs are always there, it’s just a matter of how big they are.

So, let’s break down these costs and see just how much it cost to start a blog in 2024.

1. Domain name

One of the first steps in starting a blog is securing a domain name.

Think of the domain name as your blog’s unique address on the internet (e.g., www.yourblogname.com).

It’s like a tiny piece of digital land where the IP address is your post code.

And without a domain name, people would have to remember your unique IP address to find you, and that’s a lot of number to remember.

Having a catchy name is way easier for people to remember.

Average cost:

• $10 – $20 per year.

Why you need a domain name

A custom domain name isn’t just a web address; it’s a key part of your brand.

It gives your blog a professional appearance, adds credibility and builds trust with your audience.

Here’s why it’s so important:

1. Professionalism: A custom domain name like www.yourblogname.com looks more credible than a free subdomain like www.yourblogname.wordpress.com. It shows that you’re serious about your blog.
2. Branding: Your domain name is often the first impression visitors get of your site. A memorable, catchy name can help you stand out in a crowded market.
3. SEO Benefits: Search engines tend to favor custom domains over free ones.
4. Ownership and Control: With a custom domain, you have full control over your blog. You’re not tied to a particular platform and can switch hosts without losing your audience.

Tips for choosing a domain name:

1. Keep it short and simple: Aim for a domain name that is easy to spell and remember.
2. Avoid numbers and hyphens: These can be confusing and hard to remember.
3. Check availability: Ensure your desired name is available and not too similar to other existing websites.
4. Use .com: Always try to pick a .com domain, even if they are a tiny bit more expensive.

Where to buy a domain name?

There are many domain registrars where you can buy your domain name.

My favorite is Bluehost, which offers a free domain for the first year when you sign up for their hosting plans. This can be a cost-effective option for new bloggers since Bluehost is a all-in-one package with domain, hosting and WordPress.

Other alternatives:

• Namecheap: Known for affordable prices and good customer service.
• GoDaddy: Offers frequent discounts and a wide range of domain extensions.

Securing your domain name is the first investment you’ll make in your blogging journey, but it sets the foundation for your brand and online presence.

2. Web hosting

Once you’ve secured your domain name, the next critical step is choosing a web hosting service.

Web hosting is essentially renting space on the internet to store your blog’s files and make them accessible to visitors.

Without hosting, your blog won’t be visible online.

Average cost:

• Shared Hosting: $2.95 – $10 per month.
• VPS Hosting: $20 – $80 per month.
• Dedicated Hosting: $70 per month and up.

Why you need web hosting

Web hosting is the backbone of your blog. There is no question about it, you need this.

Here’s why it’s indispensable:

1. Website Availability: Hosting ensures your blog is accessible to visitors 24/7. A reliable hosting service minimizes downtime, keeping your blog online consistently.
2. Storage and Performance: Hosting services provide the necessary storage for your blog’s files and ensure your site runs smoothly. Better performance means a faster, more responsive blog.
3. Security: Good hosting providers offer security features like SSL certificates, firewalls, and regular backups to protect your blog from cyber threats.
4. Scalability: As your blog grows, you may need more resources. Quality hosting services offer scalable plans to accommodate increasing traffic and data needs.

Types of hosting:

1. Shared hosting: Ideal for beginners and small to medium blogs. It’s affordable because your blog shares server resources with other websites. However, it may have limited performance during high traffic.
   • Example providers: Bluehost, HostGator, SiteGround.
2. VPS hosting: A step up from shared hosting, providing more resources and better performance by giving you a dedicated portion of the server.
   • Example providers: InMotion Hosting, Bluehost, DreamHost.
3. Dedicated hosting: For bigger and more demanding sites. Now you get a whole server to yourself. Basically this means more speed, more security and more freedom to configure things as you want them.
   • Example Providers: WP Engine, Bluehost, SiteGround.

Where to buy web hosting?

For new bloggers, shared hosting is usually sufficient. It’s cost-effective and user-friendly, making it easy to get started without a large upfront investment.

Bluehost, which is my favorite, offers shared hosting plans starting as low as $2.95 per month, which includes a free domain name for the first year.

Popular hosting providers:

1. Bluehost: Known for affordability and ease of use, especially for WordPress users. Offers a free domain for the first year and excellent customer support.
2. Hostinger: Highly rated for its performance and customer service. It offers robust security features and is recommended by WordPress.org.
3. WP Engine: A premium option for those serious about blogging, providing top-tier performance and security specifically for WordPress sites.

Investing in a good hosting provider is critical for your blog’s success.

It ensures your site is always accessible, secure, and capable of handling growth as your audience expands.

3. Blogging platform

Choosing the right blogging platform is a decision that impacts the flexibility, control, and scalability of your blog.

A blogging platform is the software you use to create and manage your blog content.

And choosing the right platform depends on your goals, technical skills, and budget.

If you aim to grow your blog into a professional site, investing in a self-hosted WordPress.org setup is often the best choice. It provides unparalleled flexibility and scalability, allowing your blog to evolve as your audience grows.

Free Options:

• WordPress.com: A popular choice for many. It’s free to start but offers limited customization unless you upgrade to a paid plan.
• Blogger: Another free option, owned by Google, that is easy to set up but has fewer features and customization options compared to WordPress.

Self-Hosted WordPress.org:

• Cost: The software itself is free, but you’ll need to pay for hosting and a domain name.
• Flexibility: Offers complete control over your blog’s design and functionality.
• Customization: Thousands of themes and plugins are available to enhance your site.
• Best For: Those who want to build a professional blog with long-term growth potential.

Comparison of features and benefits:

1. WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org:
   • WordPress.com: Free, but limited customization and control. Good for hobby bloggers.
   • WordPress.org: Requires hosting and a domain, but offers full control and extensive customization options. Ideal for serious bloggers and businesses.
2. Blogger:
   • Pros: Free and easy to use, integrates well with other Google services.
   • Cons: Limited features, less control over your blog, and fewer customization options.
3. Wix and Squarespace:
   • Cost: Generally $12 – $40 per month, depending on the plan.
   • Ease of Use: Drag-and-drop builders make it easy to design your blog without coding skills.
   • Customization: While not as flexible as WordPress.org, they offer a variety of templates and integrated features.

4. Themes and templates

The look and feel of your blog is critical for how the user experience your site. So don’t let a bad design ruin a good blog.

This might sound like a lot of work, but it’s really not.

I am a big advocate for using templates and already done designs instead of having to do everything from scratch.

Sometimes it’s actually okay to be a bit lazy and take advantage of things that are already done for you.

While there are many free themes available, investing in a premium theme can significantly enhance your blog’s professionalism and functionality.

Average cost:

• Free Themes: Basic but limited customization.
• Premium Themes: $30 – $130 per year.

Why invest in a premium theme

Here’s the deal, when you start a blog, you want to keep that momentum going and not get slowed down.

By using a premium theme you can significantly increase the speed of which you can build your website compared to using free themes.

Simply starting with a website design that is close to what you like and just changing a few things is a massive time saver.

And saving time here is a good thing, because web design can quickly devour many days of your time.

Here are some other benefits:

1. Professional Design: Premium themes offer high-quality designs that can make your blog look polished and professional.
2. Customization: They come with extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor your blog to your specific needs.
3. Support and Updates: Premium themes usually include customer support and regular updates to ensure compatibility with the latest WordPress version and security standards.
4. SEO Benefits: Well-coded themes can improve your site’s performance and search engine rankings.

Where to buy a premium theme?

Now that you understand why you should get a premium theme, how do you know which one to pick?

That’s a fair question since there are a few to choose from.

Below you can see a few popular alternatives:

1. ThemeForest: Offers a vast selection of themes for various niches, starting at around $30.
2. Elegant Themes: Known for the Divi theme, which includes a powerful drag-and-drop builder.
3. Astra: A lightweight theme that’s highly customizable and works seamlessly with Elementor.
4. GeneratePress: Known for its speed and flexibility, making it a great choice for any type of blog.
5. Kadence WP: A lightning fast website builder that is very easy to learn and use.

Or you could use my favorite premium theme builder called Elementor, which is my go-to recommendation if you’re on a slim budget but still want full control.

Why choose Elementor:

1. Drag-and-drop interface: Elementor’s intuitive interface makes it easy to design your blog’s pages exactly how you want them.
2. DFY templates: Access to hundreds of pre-designed templates that you can customize to fit your brand.
3. Responsive design: Ensures your blog looks great on all devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
4. Cost: While Elementor offers a free version, the Pro version, which unlocks all features, starts at $59 per year.
5. Flexibility: Elementor can be used with almost any WordPress theme, allowing you to enhance your existing theme or build completely custom layouts.

Using Elementor, even those with no design experience can create a stunning blog. It’s a cost-effective way to achieve a professional look without hiring a developer.

So do you need a premium theme – No definitely not…

But I believe that this investment is well worth it for the enhanced aesthetics, functionality, and potential SEO benefits.

5. Keyword research

Keyword research tools are in my mind essential if you want to start a professional blog, which is why I feel like they need to be included in the startup cost of your blog.

Being able to conduct good keyword research before you start writing can definitely change the outcome of your efforts.

Writing content that your audience is actively searching for is a sure way to keep growing your blog.

Also knowing what types of content you have the chance to rank for in your current situation can help you get the momentum going much faster.

So, investing in at least one keyword research tool can significantly enhance your blog’s SEO and content strategy.

Average cost:

• Free Tools: Available, but with limited features.
• Paid Tools: $0 – $100+ per month, depending on the tool and plan.

What keyword research tool to buy?

Below you’ll find what I believe are solid alternatives if you want to up your keyword research game.

SpyFu:

Free Version: Offers limited searches and data.

Paid Plans: Start at $39 per month. SpyFu provides detailed insights into competitors’ keywords, backlinks, and ad campaigns, making it a powerful tool for competitive analysis and keyword planning.

Ubersuggest:

Free Version: Includes a decent amount of keyword suggestions, SEO difficulty scores, and content ideas.

Paid Plans: Start at $29 per month or you could pay $299 once and get lifetime access. Ubersuggest offers extensive keyword data, site audit features, and competitive analysis, all at a very affordable price.

Ahrefs:

Free Tools: Offers limited access through Ahrefs Webmaster Tools.

Paid Plans: Start at $129 per month. Ahrefs is a comprehensive SEO tool that provides in-depth keyword research, backlink analysis, content exploration, and rank tracking. It’s highly regarded for its extensive data and accuracy.

AnswerThePublic:

Free Version: Provides a limited number of searches per day.

Paid Plans: Start at $12 per month. AnswerThePublic visualizes search queries in a unique way, helping you discover questions and topics your audience is interested in. It’s excellent for brainstorming content ideas.

Google Trends:

Free Tool: Google Trends is completely free and provides valuable insights into trending topics and search interest over time. It’s useful for identifying seasonal trends and understanding the popularity of search queries in different regions.

Investing in keyword research tools can provide a significant return by helping you create targeted, high-quality content that ranks well in search engines.

Whether you choose a free tool like Google Trends or a premium option like Ahrefs, these tools are essential for any serious blogger looking to grow their audience and visibility.

6. Essential plugins and tools

In WordPress, plugins is the name of the game. Here you can install tons of different functionalities into your site.

This can be plugins that help you with SEO, security, backups, and more, enhancing your blog’s performance and user experience.

From my experience, you can get pretty far by only using the free versions of the plugins, but sometimes you need more than what the free version offers.

So plan ahead and set aside a portion of your budget for future premium plugins.

Average cost:

• SEO Plugins: $0 – $89 per year.
• Backup Plugins: $0 – $70 per year.
• Security Plugins: $0 – $99 per year.

What plugins should you have installed?

There are a bunch of plugins to choose from when you work with a WordPress site. All of which can add functionalities that can make your site more unique, faster and more optimized.

Below you’ll see the plugins that I think are essential for any blogs success.

SEO plugins

It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or a hobbyist, optimizing your content for SEO is always a good idea

By using these tools it will become easier for you to write content that is well optimized both for human readers and search engines.

Resulting in people liking your content more and search engines now have an easier time understanding what the content is about.

Yoast SEO: One of the most popular SEO plugins, Yoast SEO helps optimize your content for search engines and readability. It offers a free version with basic features and a premium version at $8.82 per month, which includes advanced functionalities like social previews and internal linking suggestions.

All in One SEO: Another excellent choice for SEO, this plugin offers comprehensive tools to improve your site’s search engine rankings. The free version is robust, and the premium version starts at $124 per year, providing advanced features like schema support and WooCommerce integration.

Backup plugins

Taking backups of your site is something you should do every once in a while, especially if you are making big changes at once.

Here are two good tools you can use.

UpdraftPlus: This plugin is essential for creating backups of your blog. The free version allows you to backup your data manually, while the premium version, starting at $87.50 per year, offers automatic backups and additional storage options.

Duplicator: A powerful plugin for backing up and cloning your site. The free version is great for basic needs, while the premium version, starting at $99 per year, offers advanced features like scheduled backups and cloud storage integration.

Security plugins

Safety is always a good thing to budget for when you start your blog.

You’ve probably heard about Sitelock which can sneak into your WordPress subscription if you don’t pay attention. It works but there are alternatives out there…

Wordfence: A comprehensive security plugin that offers free and premium versions. The free version provides essential protection, while the premium version, at $119 per year, includes advanced features like real-time threat defense and malware scanning.

MalCare: Known for its one-click malware removal, MalCare offers both free and premium versions. The premium version starts at $149 per year and includes advanced security features like firewall protection and regular malware scanning.

Performance optimization

Having a site that is optimized and loads quickly is a big factor when it comes down to user experience.

No one wants to wait for a site to load anymore.

Speed is king…

Hummingbird: This plugin helps speed up your site by optimizing various performance aspects. It includes a free version with basic features, while the premium version offers advanced options like full-page caching and performance reports, starting at $180 per year (including other plugins like smush and broken link checker).

Smush: An image optimization plugin that helps reduce image file sizes without compromising quality. The free version is sufficient for most bloggers, while the premium version offers additional features. A pro licence gives you Hummingbird as well as 10 other plugins.

7. Design and branding

Creating a visually appealing and memorable blog is critical for attracting and retaining readers.

While content is king, the design and branding of your blog play a significant role in its success. Investing in good design and branding can help differentiate your blog and establish a professional presence.

Average cost:

• Logo Design: Free with tools like Canva, or up to $500 for a professional design.
• Custom Graphics and Images: Free stock photos vs. paid options, which can range from $1 to $50 per image.

Why invest in design and branding

It’s very simple…

1. First Impressions Matter: A professional design makes a strong first impression, encouraging visitors to explore your blog further.
2. Brand Identity: Consistent branding helps build your blog’s identity, making it easily recognizable and memorable.
3. Trust and Credibility: A well-designed blog conveys trust and credibility, making visitors more likely to return and engage with your content.

Where and what to buy?

Logo Design:

• Free tools: You can design a simple, clean logo using free tools like Canva. Canva offers a range of templates and design elements that make it easy to create a logo even if you have no design experience. Or if you’re artistic yourself, Inkscape is a good tool to play around with, which is free to use.
• Professional designers: If you prefer a more polished and unique logo, consider hiring a professional designer. Platforms like Fiverr and 99designs offer logo design services starting at around $100, with prices going up to $500 or more depending on the designer’s experience and the complexity of the design.

Custom Graphics and Images:

• Free Stock Photos: Websites like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay offer high-quality stock photos for free. These can be a great resource for enhancing your blog posts without incurring additional costs.
• Paid Stock Photos: For more unique or specific images, consider using paid stock photo sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Prices can range from $1 to $50 per image, depending on the licensing and quality.
• Creating Your Own Images: Tools like Adobe Express and Canva allow you to create custom graphics and images. Canva offers a free version with many features, while the Pro version costs $120 per year and provides access to additional elements and templates.

Investing in design and branding is a key component of building a successful blog.

The free resources will actually get you very far for once, but IF you want that extra premium feel on your site, consider hiring an expert.

8. Email marketing

Building an email list is one of the most effective ways to grow and engage your audience.

Actually, this is something you should work on form day one if your dream of becoming a professional blogger.

Email marketing allows you to connect with your readers directly, promote your content, and monetize your blog through product recommendations and sales.

Average cost:

• Free Plans: Available from several providers, often with limited features.
• Paid Plans: $10 – $50 per month, depending on the provider and features.

Why you need email marketing

When you calculate and estimate how much it will cost to start your new blog, remember to include a good email marketing tool.

Because having direct access to your followers inbox is a great way to grow.

Plus, it allows for:

1. Direct Communication: Email allows you to reach your audience directly, bypassing the noise of social media and search engines.
2. Engagement: Regular newsletters keep your readers engaged and coming back to your blog.
3. Monetization: Email marketing can drive sales of your products, affiliate products, or services.
4. List Building: An email list is a valuable asset that you own and control, unlike social media followers.

What email marketing service to buy?

Here are my favorites that I believe will suite any budget, no matter how slim.

Mailchimp:

Free Plan: Includes basic features for up to 500 contacts, making it a great starting point for new bloggers.

Paid Plans: Start at around $10 per month, offering more advanced features like A/B testing, automation, and custom branding.

ConvertKit:

Free Plan: Available for up to 10,000 subscribers, with limited features.

Paid Plans: Start at $15 per month, including advanced features like unlimited visual automation builders and premium support. ConvertKit is known for its user-friendly interface and powerful automation tools, tailored for bloggers.

ActiveCampaign:

Free Plan: Not available, but they offer a 14-day free trial.

Paid Plans: Start at $8 per month (1.000 contacts), offering advanced email marketing automation, CRM features, and extensive integrations. ActiveCampaign is a robust choice for those looking to leverage email marketing for more comprehensive customer relationship management.

Whether you choose a free alternative to start with or invest in a premium powerhouse like ActiveCampaign, the benefits of building and engaging an email list are substantial.

9. AI tools to speed things up

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have revolutionized the way bloggers create and manage content.

These tools can significantly speed up various aspects of blogging, from content creation to SEO optimization, making it easier for you to produce more and stay competitive (even as a solo blogger).

Therefore I believe that any bloggers budget should include a post for at least one AI tool.

Cost:

• Free Trials: Most AI tools offer free trials with limited features.
• Paid Plans: Typically range from $10 to $100+ per month, depending on the tool and plan.

What AI tools to consider?

Writesonic:

Overview: Writesonic is an AI-powered content generator that helps you create high-quality blog posts, articles, ads, and more in seconds. It offers a variety of templates and tones to suit different content needs.

Cost: Free trial available; paid plans start at $12 per month.

Features: Blog ideas and outlines, full-length blog posts, SEO meta tags, and more.

Usage: Ideal for generating any type of written content from ads to full-blown (3K+ words) SEO optimized articles.

ChatGPT (more advanced):

Overview: Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT is a versatile AI language model that can assist with content creation, brainstorming, editing, and more. It can generate human-like text based on the prompts you provide.

Cost: Free version available with limited features. Paid plan is needed to take full advantage of the platform ($20/month).

Features: Text generation, idea brainstorming, content editing, and conversational assistance.

Usage: Perfect for generating ideas, drafting content, and refining text to improve readability and engagement.

Surfer AI (expensive, but oh so good):

Overview: Surfer is an SEO optimization tool that also comes with a unique AI writing assistant. It’s built with the soul purpose of generating high quality articles designed to rank well in search engines.

Cost: Free trial available; paid plans start at $219 per month.

Features: SEO optimization and AI article generation.

Usage: Excellent for generating long-form SEO optimized articles while at the same time optimizing your site for SEO

10. Additional costs

While the essentials like domain, hosting, themes, and plugins are the most important things for getting your blog off the ground, there are some additional costs to consider.

So here you will find expenses that will enhance your blogging experience and efficiency.

These optional investments can help you produce higher-quality content, streamline your workflow, and grow your blog more effectively.

Average cost:

• Professional Blogging Courses: $50 – $200
• Outsourcing Content: $10 – $100 per post
• Good Computer (Stationary or Laptop): $1.000 – $5.000

Professional blogging courses

Investing in a blogging course can provide you with valuable knowledge and skills to grow your blog more efficiently. These courses often cover a range of topics including content creation, SEO, monetization strategies, and marketing.

• Cost: $50 – $200
• Benefits: Structured learning, expert advice, and actionable tips.
• Examples: Courses offered by ProBlogger, Blog Growth Engine, and HubSpot.

Outsourcing content:

As your blog grows, you may find it beneficial to outsource some of your content creation.

Hiring freelance writers or content creators can ensure a steady flow of fresh, high-quality content without overwhelming yourself.

• Cost: $10 – $1.000 per post
• Benefits: Saves time, ensures consistent content updates, and can improve content quality.
• Platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.

Good computer (stationary or laptop):

A reliable computer is essential for any blogger.

This made a huge difference from me.

For years I worked with a potato computer, thinking it was okay…

It was slow, took forever to start and, honestly, it was ready to die. The graphics card was from 2004 and had been used in four of my earlier computers, so it was a bit…sluggish.

So I saved up and invested in a brand new sort of upper mid tier stationary computer, and oh-boy what a difference it made.

I saved 30 minutes a day in start up time alone.

So investing in a good desktop or laptop is definitely worth it if you can afford it. Blogging becomes much more fun when you don’t have to fight a slow computer.

• Cost: $1.000 – $5.000
• Benefits: Faster processing speeds, better performance, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Recommendations:
  • Laptops: Go up a bit in price to get a computer that lasts longer.
  • Desktops: Mid-tier gaming computers are great for bloggers.

While these optional costs are not necessary to start a blog, they can provide significant advantages as you grow and expand your blogging efforts.

Consider these investments as your blog gains traction and you start to see consistent growth and engagement from your audience.

Common questions about bogging costs

Conclusion

There you have it, now you know just how much it can cost to start a blog in 2024.

Starting a blog involves several costs, from securing a domain name and hosting to investing in themes, plugins, and tools.

We’ve covered essential expenses like SEO plugins and web hosting, as well as optional costs such as professional courses and quality equipment.

By understanding the cost to start a blog, you can plan a realistic budget that aligns with your blogging goals.

Remember, it’s possible to start small and scale up as your blog grows.

Balancing cost and quality is key; invest in areas that will have the most impact on your blog’s success.

Now I’d like to hear from you:

What’s your biggest concern about the cost to start a blog?

Let me know by leaving a comment below right now.