**Table of Contents**
1. **Choose a Niche**
2. **Select a Blogging Platform**
3. **Get a Domain Name and Hosting**
4. **Install WordPress**
5. **Choose a Theme**
6. **Install Essential Plugins**
7. **Create High-Quality Content**
8. **Optimize for SEO**
9. **Apply for Google AdSense**
10. **Place AdSense Ads on Your Blog**
11. **Drive Traffic to Your Blog**
12. **Monitor and Improve**
**Step 1: Choose a Niche**
- **Why it matters**: Your niche determines your audience and AdSense earnings potential.
- **Tips**:
- Pick a niche you’re passionate about or have knowledge in.
- Choose a niche with low competition but decent search volume (e.g., "home gardening tips," "budget travel for students").
- Avoid overly saturated niches like "make money online" or "tech reviews."
**Step 2: Select a Blogging Platform**
- **Recommended Platform**: WordPress.org (self-hosted).
- **Why WordPress**: It’s flexible, SEO-friendly, and AdSense-compatible.
- **Alternative**: Blogger.com (free but less customizable).
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**Step 3: Get a Domain Name and Hosting**
- **Domain Name**: Choose a short, memorable, and niche-related name (e.g., "styleSpotlight.com. ng").
- **Hosting Provider**: Use affordable hosting like:
- Bluehost
- SiteGround
- Hostinger
- **Cost**: Typically $3–$10/month for beginners.
**Step 4: Install WordPress**
- Most hosting providers offer a 1-click WordPress installation.
- Follow the setup wizard to install WordPress on your domain.
**Step 5: Choose a Theme**
- **Why it matters**: A clean, responsive theme improves user experience and AdSense approval chances.
- **Free Themes**: Astra, GeneratePress, or Neve.
- **Customization**: Keep the design simple and easy to navigate.
**Step 6: Install Essential Plugins**
- **SEO**: Yoast SEO or Rank Math.
- **Caching**: WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache (improves site speed).
- **Security**: Wordfence or iThemes Security.
- **AdSense Integration**: Site Kit by Google or Ad Inserter.
**Step 7: Create High-Quality Content**
- **Start with 5–10 Articles**: Focus on helpful, original, and engaging content.
- **Content Ideas**:
- How-to guides
- Listicles
- Product reviews
- FAQs
- **Word Count**: Aim for 1,000+ words per post for better SEO.
**Step 8: Optimize for SEO**
- **Keyword Research**: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or Ahrefs to find low-competition keywords.
- **On-Page SEO**:
- Use keywords in titles, headings, and meta descriptions.
- Add alt text to images.
- Internal linking between posts.
- **Site Speed**: Optimize images and use caching plugins.
**Step 9: Apply for Google AdSense**
- **Requirements**:
- At least 10–15 quality blog posts.
- A professional-looking blog design.
- Clear privacy policy and about page.
- **Steps**:
1. Sign up for a Google AdSense account.
2. Submit your blog URL for review.
3. Wait for approval (usually 1–2 weeks).
**Step 10: Place AdSense Ads on Your Blog**
- **Ad Placement**:
- Above the fold (visible without scrolling).
- Within content (e.g., after the first paragraph).
- Sidebar or footer.
- **Tools**: Use Ad Inserter or Site Kit by Google for easy ad placement.
**Step 11: Drive Traffic to Your Blog**
- **Free Methods**:
- Share posts on social media (Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter).
- Comment on niche-related forums and blogs.
- Use SEO to rank on Google.
- **Paid Methods**:
- Run Google Ads or Facebook Ads for faster results.
**Step 12: Monitor and Improve**
- **Analytics**: Use Google Analytics to track traffic and user behavior.
- **AdSense Performance**: Monitor CTR (Click-Through Rate) and RPM (Revenue Per Mille).
- **Content Updates**: Regularly add new posts and update old ones.