How to Start A Blog in Kenya and Make Money Online As a Beginner in 2024

Are you a passionate individual from Kenya eager to share your thoughts, experiences, and expertise with the world? If the idea of starting a blog and making money online in Kenya intrigues you, you might be wondering where to begin and how to turn your passion into a rewarding online venture. πŸŒπŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺ

The good news is that you’re not alone – many aspiring Kenyan bloggers face similar challenges.

Imagine having the freedom to express yourself while also earning income from your blog. Blogging in Kenya is a dream that can become a reality with the right guidance and dedication.

In this article, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step process starting a blog in Kenya, from selecting the perfect niche to choosing the right blogging platform.

But that’s not allβ€”I’ll delve into strategies to monetize your blog, helping you unlock the potential of making money blogging in Kenya. πŸ’»πŸ’‘πŸ“πŸ€

Lets get into it…

Blogging in Kenya

Blogging in Kenya has become a popular way for individuals and businesses to share their thoughts, ideas, and expertise with the world.

You’re reading our blog here right now, and this post will guide you on how to successfully begin your new blog to build a robust audience and start earning money in Kenya.

Read Also: Profitable Online Small Business Ideas In Kenya

illustrated succesful woman kenyan blogger Starting a new Blog in Kenya

Why Start a Blog?

There are many reasons to start a blog, both personal and professional. Here are a few:

  • Establish yourself as an expert: Consistent blogging on a specific topic can position you as a thought leader in your field. This can be helpful if you’re looking to grow your business or career.
  • Making money: Blogging can be a profitable way to earn money, often more than a traditional job. Bloggers can monetize their blogs in many ways.
  • Marketing your business: Blogging can help drive traffic to your website, generate leads, and build trust with potential customers. It can also help your business establish authority in its industry and continue to attract new customers over time.
  • Personal development: Blogging can be a great way to learn new things and challenge yourself. It can also help you develop your time management and organizational skills.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to start a blog is up to you. But if you’re looking for a creative outlet, a way to connect with others, or a chance to learn and grow, then blogging could be a great option for you.

How do I Start a Blog In Kenya and Make Money?

To start a blog in Kenya and start making money online, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a niche or topic you want to write about.
  2. Purchase a domain name and web hosting.
  3. Choose a blogging platform.
  4. Set up your blog using WordPress themes & plugins.
  5. Create content high-quality content.
  6. Promote your blog.
  7. Monetize your blog β€” Make Money Blogging In Kenya

Step #1: Choose a Profitable Blogging Niche

When starting a blog in Kenya, choosing the right niche or topic is a crucial first step. Your blog niche is the specific subject or area that your blog will focus on.

It’s essential to select a niche that you are passionate about and have a good understanding of. This will make it easier for you to create valuable and engaging content for your readers.

Additionally, consider the potential audience for your chosen niche in the Kenyan context. Understanding the local audience’s interests and needs will help you tailor your content to resonate with them.

Furthermore, it’s important to assess the profitability and sustainability of your chosen niche. While passion is key, you also want to select a niche that has the potential to attract a significant audience and possibly generate income.

Some niches are more lucrative than others, so conducting research on the popularity and demand for different topics in the Kenyan market can help you make an informed decision.

Additionally, consider the competition within your chosen niche. A healthy balance of demand and competition is vital for the success of your blog.

Use tools like Google Keyword Planner (free), Semrush (paid) and UberSuggest (free) to gauge search volume and identify profitable blogging niches with manageable competition.

Some of the best blogging niches for beginners include:

  1. Digital marketing
  2. Tech and AI
  3. Blogging and making money online
  4. Health and fitness
  5. Personal finance and investing
  6. Recipes and food
  7. Personal development and self-care
Highest earning blog niches
The Blog Niches Making the Most Money

Step #2: Purchase a domain name and web hosting

With the blogging niches identified, now you can purchase a domain name and web hosting for your blog. This is a crucial step in the process, as it sets the foundation for your blog and determines its online presence.

Choose a domain name: Your domain name is the unique address that people will use to access your blog.

For instance, our site’s (PeerViral) domain name is www.peerviral.com.

It should be easy to remember, relevant to your blog’s content, and

When choosing your domain name:

  • Keep it simple, memorable, and related to your niche.
  • Consider using a .KE or .com domain: Using a .KE domain can help establish a local presence and build trust with Kenyan users.
  • Avoid using hyphens or numbers.
  • Consider using keywords related to your niche to help with search engine optimization (SEO).
  • Avoid trademark infringement: Make sure your chosen domain name does not infringe on any existing trademarks.

Be sure to check if your desired domain name is available for purchase. You can use domain registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains to check the availability of your desired domain name.

Purchase a domain name: Once you’ve chosen a domain name, you need to purchase and register it from a domain registrar. This will give you exclusive rights to use the domain name for your blog.

Make sure to choose a reputable registrar with good customer support and a reliable service. Choose a domain registrar from options like Namecheap, KENIC, Safaricom, Kenya Website Experts, GoDaddy, HostPinnacle, Webhost Kenya, and Truehost Cloud.

Select a web hosting provider: Web hosting is the service that stores your blog’s files and makes them accessible to visitors.

There are many web hosting providers to choose from, each with different plans and features.

You can choose from various web hosting providers, such as Safaricom, SasaHost, HostGator, HostFiti, Bluehost, Namecheap, and WordPress.org.

πŸ’‘ Make sure to select a web hosting company that offers good performance, reliability, and customer support.

Choose a hosting plan: Purchase your hosting plan from a reliable web hosting company in Kenya and follow the provider’s instructions to set up your hosting account.

Web hosting providers typically offer different plans, such as shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated hosting.

For a new blog, a shared hosting plan is usually sufficient. This type of hosting allows multiple websites to share the same server resources, which can be more cost-effective.

Set up your web hosting: After choosing a web hosting provider, you’ll need to set up your hosting account.

This typically involves providing your personal and billing information, as well as choosing a username and password.

Step #3: Choose A Blogging Platform

After purchasing a domain and web hosting, the next step is to choose a blogging platform where you’ll start blogging.

There are several blogging platforms available, but three of the most popular ones are WordPress, Blogger, and Tumblr. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and a variety of customizable templates, making it easier for beginners to set up their blogs.

Each platform has its own strengths and caters to different needs, so it’s important to consider factors such as your technical expertise, the type of content you plan to create, and your long-term goals for the blog.

Additionally, these platforms often offer resources and support for beginners, including tutorials and forums where you can seek advice and connect with other bloggers.

Ultimately, the platform you choose should align with your blogging objectives and provide the features and support you need to create a successful blog in Kenya.

πŸŽ―πŸ’»PRO TIP: When choosing a blogging platform, consider your needs, skills, and goals.

  • If you want a platform with a wide range of features, customization options, and strong SEO capabilities, WordPress is the best choice.
  • If you’re a beginner or prefer a simple interface, Blogger might be the right choice for you.
  • And if you’re looking for a platform that has a strong community aspect to share short-form multimedia content, Tumblr could be the best option.

⚠️ Please note that while it is possible to create a blog website for free using platforms like Blogger, Tumblr, or wordpress.com, there may be limitations such as not having a custom domain and restrictions on placing ads.

Step #4: Set Up Your Blog Using WordPress

WordPress is the most popular blogging platform, with over 60 million websites using it.

It offers a wide range of features, including customizable themes, plugins, and a user-friendly interface. WordPress is also SEO-friendly, making it easier for your blog to rank higher in search engine results.

Plus, there’s a huge community of users and developers, which means you can find plenty of support and resources online.

Install WordPress

To install WordPress on your web hosting, you have a few options to choose from. Let’s walk through the steps:

One-Click WordPress Installation: Many web hosting providers offer a simple, one-click installation process for WordPress, making it super easy to get started even if you’re not tech-savvy.

Manual WordPress Installation: If your hosting provider doesn’t have the one-click option or you prefer more control over the process, you can go for a manual installation. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Download WordPress from the official WordPress website at wordpress.org and grab the latest version of WordPress.
  2. Unzip the downloaded file and upload its contents to the main directory of your hosting account. You can do this either using an FTP client or your hosting provider’s file manager.
  3. Set up a MySQL database and user for your WordPress installation. Most hosting providers offer a control panel or cPanel where you can easily do this.
  4. Configure wp-config.php: Locate the wp-config-sample.php file in your WordPress installation’s root directory, rename it to wp-config.php, and edit it to include your database information.
  5. Run the Install Script: Now, open your web browser and enter your domain name. You’ll be guided through the WordPress installation script. Just follow the instructions on the screen, and you’ll be done in no time.

Remember, these steps are the basics of installing WordPress on your web hosting. Keep in mind that the process might vary slightly depending on your hosting provider and their control panel.

After installation, you can log in to the WordPress dashboard and begin customizing your blog.

Choose a Theme: A theme is a collection of files that control the look and functionality of your blog.

Choosing a theme is an exciting part of the process as it sets the visual tone for your blog. WordPress offers a wide range of free and premium themes, allowing you to find one that suits your content and personal style.

When selecting a theme, consider the overall look and feel you want to achieve. Do you prefer a clean and minimalist design, or a bold and colorful layout?

Additionally, ensure that the theme is responsive, meaning it looks good and functions well on both desktop and mobile devices.

Some popular themes include Astra, Divi, and Twenty Twenty-One.

Customize your theme: Once you’ve chosen a theme, you can customize it to match your brand and preferences.

This may involve changing the colors, fonts, and layout of your blog. You can also add custom images, logos, and other design elements to make your blog unique.

In addition to design, you’ll also need to set up essential features for your blog, such as navigation menus, widgets, and social media integration. These features help your readers navigate your blog easily, find the content they’re interested in, and share it with their networks.

It’s also a good idea to set up essential pages, such as an “About Me” page and a “Contact” page, to give your readers more information about you and a way to get in touch.

Install plugins: Plugins are additional pieces of software that can be installed to extend the functionality of your blog.

There are plugins for everything from SEO optimization to social media integration. Some popular plugins include Yoast SEO, Jetpack, and WPForms.

Step #5: Create High-Quality Content

Creating high-quality, engaging, and informative content is at the heart of a successful blog in Kenya.

Your content should resonate with your audience and provide value to them. To achieve this, you need to understand your audience’s needs, interests, and pain points.

Conduct research, surveys, and feedback sessions to gather insights into what your audience wants to read about.

Once you have a clear understanding of your audience, focus on producing well-researched and valuable content that addresses their questions, concerns, and interests.

This could involve sharing personal experiences, providing in-depth guides, or offering expert insights on relevant subjects.

πŸ‘‰ For instance, if you’re passionate about technology, you could write about the latest innovations in the Kenyan tech industry or provide tutorials on using popular gadgets.

When creating content, focus on quality over quantity.

Maintain an engaging writing style that captivates your audience. This could include using storytelling techniques, incorporating visual elements such as images and videos, and encouraging interaction through comments and social media.

SEO for Blogs: Another important aspect of creating content is to use SEO techniques to optimize your blog posts for search engines.

seo for website
Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for getting your blog to rank on search engines like Google and Bing.

Make sure to use relevant keywords in your blog post titles, headings, and body text to improve your search engine rankings and attract more organic traffic. However, avoid keyword stuffing and focus on creating content that provides value to your audience.

You can also use tools like Yoast SEO, RankMath, and AIOSEO to help you optimize your blog for search engines.

Finally, be consistent in your content creation.

Set a publishing schedule and stick to it. This will help you build a loyal audience and establish yourself as an authority in your niche. Remember, creating high-quality content takes time and effort, but it’s worth it in the long run.

Step #6: Promote Your Blog

Once you have set up your blog and started creating content, it’s time to promote it.

Promoting your blog in Kenya involves leveraging various online platforms to increase its visibility and attract a wider audience. Without promotion, your blog won’t get the traffic it needs to make money.

Here are some effective ways to promote your blog:

Using social media, forums, and other online platforms

Social media is one of the most powerful ways to promote your blog in Kenya.

Create business social media accounts on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for your blog to share your blog posts and engage with potential readers.

Visual content such as images and videos can be creatively used to showcase your blog’s content and attract more visitors. It’s important to tailor your message to each social media channel and encourage sharing to reach a wider audience.

Utilizing relevant hashtags and joining groups or communities related to your blog’s niche can further expand your reach and connect you with like-minded individuals who may be interested in your content.

Forums and online communities are another valuable avenue for promoting your blog. Participating in discussions and providing helpful insights within these platforms can establish you as an authority in your niche.

By including your blog link in your forum signature or when relevant to the discussion, you can attract users who are already interested in the topics you cover.

However, it’s important to be genuine and avoid spamming, as building a positive reputation within these communities is crucial for long-term success.

Guest Posting

Additionally, guest posting on other blogs within your niche can help you reach a wider audience and drive traffic back to your own blog.

By providing valuable content to other bloggers, you can showcase your expertise and attract their readers to explore your blog.

This collaborative approach can be mutually beneficial and is a great way to expand your reach within the blogging community.

Step #7: Monetize your blog β€” How To Make Money Blogging In Kenya

Stylized woman blogging on laptop. There's several ways to monetize your blog and start earning money online.

Once you’ve started your blog and gained a following, you may be wondering how to make money blogging in Kenya as a beginner. Monetizing your blog is crucial to making money online in Kenya.

There are several effective methods to generate income from your platform, such as:

Earn Money Through Blogging In Kenya via Display Ads

Displaying ads is a popular way to monetize your blog in Kenya.

Once your blog gains traction and attracts a significant readership, you can partner with ad networks to display ads on your blog and earn money based on the number of clicks or impressions.

This can be in the form of display ads, video ads, or other formats.

As your traffic grows, so does the potential income from advertising.

Google AdSense is a popular advertising program that enables publishers to run ads on their website/blog. To set it up, you need to follow the platform’s instructions and add a code script. Once accepted, you can display ads and make money from your blog.

You can also sell ad space directly to companies or use ad networks such as Media.net, Infolinks, and PropellerAds.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the most lucrative passive income side hustles to make money from your blog. It involves promoting products or services on your blog and earning a commission for any sales made through your unique affiliate link.

Affiliate marketing is particularly appealing because it allows you to align with brands and products that resonate with your content, thereby enhancing the value you offer to your readers.

You can sign up for affiliate programs through companies like Jumia, Kilimall, Travelstart, Amazon, ShareASale, or Commission Junction.

You can post affiliate links in your blog where paying customers can click and purchase the products or services. You can also do product reviews for the products you are promoting to educate your readers on the products, translating into sales.

Sponsored Posts

Another income avenue for monetization is through sponsored posts. This involves collaborating with companies or brands to create content that highlights their offerings.

Sponsored posts should seamlessly integrate the brand’s message with your own authentic voice and style.

By being transparent with your audience about sponsored content, you can maintain their trust while capitalizing on the opportunity to earn income.

Selling Products or Services

Selling your own products or services is another way to monetize your blog. You can offer digital or physical products or services related to your niche.

πŸ‘‰For example, if you have a blog about fitness, you can sell fitness equipment, workout plans, or nutrition guides.

You can also sell your own merchandise, such as branded t-shirts, jewellery, hand-made items, and educational toys.

Finally, you can turn your blog into an e-learning platform and sell online courses on topics related to your niche. You can create courses on topics that you are knowledgeable about and that your audience is interested in.

You can use platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Thinkific to create and sell your courses.

To sell products or services through your blog, you’ll need to set up an e-commerce platform or payment system. This can be done through platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, or PayPal.

Remember to keep your products or services relevant to your blog’s niche and audience, and to provide value to your customers.

By using these monetization strategies, you can start making money from your blog in Kenya. However, it’s important to balance monetization with providing valuable content to your readers. Focus on creating quality content and building relationships with your audience, and the money will follow.

Click here to learn more about Blog monetization in Kenya & Make money with a new Blog

Ready to Build A Successful & Profitable Blog In Kenya Today?

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of this guide on how to start a blog in Kenya and make money online. By now, you should have a good understanding of the key steps involved in creating a blog, choosing a niche, creating content, and monetizing your blog in Kenya.

Remember, starting a blog is a journey, and it takes time and effort to build a successful blog. But with the right mindset, tools, and strategies, you can achieve your goals as a blogger in Kenya and earn money doing what you love.

By following these steps to start a blog in Kenya and staying committed to your blog, you can build a successful online business and earn money doing something you love. So go ahead, take the first step, and build a successful and profitable blog in Kenya.πŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺπŸ’»πŸ“

Sam is an experienced freelance writer, blogger, trainer, and internet marketer. His passion lies in helping people like you start a business or side hustle and earn extra money, offline and online. You can also follow him on Facebook and Twitter

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