“Start for free today and make money blogging!”
“Blogging for money is so easy!”
“Earn passive income in your sleep!”
The promises plastered across every platform if you’re searching for ways to gain financial freedom or earn passive income online.
But here’s the truth: there’s no such thing as a free lunch — especially online. Even though someone can sign up for the Amazon’s free Affiliate Marketing program
Hi, I’m Kay Cleary.
After over a year of researching digital marketing and affiliate programs — and nearly $1,000 spent on the wrong tools, overhyped courses, and shiny distractions — I finally figured out where beginners should start if they want to make money online and build something real:
👉 Start a blog.
Not because it’s easy. Not because it’s instant.
But because blogging gives you a foundation that you own, and you can grow from.
Why Start with a Personal Brand Blog (Not Just Instagram or TikTok)
This isn’t a “ditch social media” post. I love TikTok and Instagram for sharing and connecting. But I think blogging is the best place to start, especially if you want to establish income generating assets and build a brand that lasts.
Here’s why:
- You own it. No algorithm changes or random bans.
- It’s searchable forever — blog posts keep working months later.
- It gives you space to learn skills: writing, SEO, design, storytelling.
- It’s anonymous-friendly. You can build in silence until you’re ready to show up bigger.
- It gives you a hub — so that if you want to grow on IG, TikTok, or YouTube later, you have a place to send people back to.
Most creators start with social media and then scramble to build a website later. I did it in reverse — and I’m glad I did.
How you can Make Money Blogging
Once I got past the hype and fake screenshots, I started learning the real ways bloggers make money. No, it’s not one overnight post or going viral — it’s small, intentional steps that build over time:
- Affiliate Marketing (I.E. – Amazon’s free Affiliate Marketing program)
You recommend products and if someone buys through your link, you get a small commission. I’m doing this right now with my second blog! - Digital Products (I.E. – Sell these on Etsy to access another search engine)
Think guides, templates, eBooks, or courses. You create it once and sell it on your blog. - Ad Revenue (Eventually, but super effective was to earn passive income online)
Once you build traffic, you can apply for ad networks that pay you to run display ads on your site. - Services or Offers
A blog positions you as an expert. Whether you’re a virtual assistant, coach, or product creator, your blog becomes your portfolio.
You don’t need to do everything at once. I started with learning web building and how to write helpful content people actually search for by diving deep in how SEO works.
Why I Created a Second Blog Just for Affiliate Products
You might be wondering:
“Why run two blogs? Wouldn’t it be easier to keep everything in one place?”
Totally fair question — and trust me, I asked myself the same thing.
But here’s the thing:
If you’re thinking about using Google AdSense (or other ad networks) to monetize your blog in the future, they care about quality content — not just product roundups.
I learned that if your site is mostly Amazon product lists or affiliate-heavy content, AdSense might not approve you. They want to see helpful, well-written posts that offer real value to readers.
So here’s what I’m doing instead:
- Blog #1 → This one (the one you’re reading now): my personal story, tutorials, tips, and value-packed posts focusing on how to develop a brand. This is my AdSense long game.
- Blog #2 → Dedicated to Amazon “must-haves” and product roundups. Quick reads, small commissions, super niche. This is my affiliate short game.
A blog is more than content — it’s one of the few income generating assets you can build as a beginner. Each post you write can continue to bring in readers and income long after it’s published.
What I Wasted Money On (So You Don’t Have To)
Before I got clear, I got confused — and spent nearly $1,000 on things I didn’t need.
- ✖️ Overpriced “start a blog” courses that just repeated free info from YouTube
- ✖️ Fancy landing page builders that weren’t beginner-friendly
- ✖️ Done for you Digital Products that I had no business trying to sell
- ✖️ Templates and tools that looked cute but didn’t help me actually grow
I was chasing “done-for-you” everything — because I was overwhelmed. But what I really needed was to learn one platform and stick with it. That’s what changed everything.
What Actually Worked: My $75 Setup
After a lot of trial and error, here’s what I wish I’d done from the start:
✅ Got a hosting plan through Bluehost – so I could fully own my site (and domain name)
✅ Used WordPress.com – because it’s affordable, flexible, and not as scary as it looks once you play around
✅ Chose a clean, simple theme – not a $200 one I’d regret later
✅ Focused on just writing helpful blog posts and learning what SEO is and how to effectively use affiliate links
With that setup, I created:
- One blog to document my story and build a brand
- One blog for affiliate posts (like Amazon must-haves)
And I did it all for around $75.
It took me 3 months to get comfortable, but now I know how to update my site, write my own content, and make small tweaks — without hiring anyone.
Why This Feels Like Financial Freedom (Even If It’s Not Passive Yet)
No, I’m not making $10K/month. Yet.
But I know I’m building something real.
Blogging has given me:
- A way to create content that lasts
- A reason to learn skills I can take anywhere
- A business foundation I can build on for years to come
This isn’t a side hustle that burns you out after 3 months.
It’s a slow-build asset. A future-proof skill. A digital space that’s yours.
Final Thoughts: Start Slow, But Start Smart
If you’re thinking about starting a blog — not for clout, but for long-term income and freedom — know this:
✨ You don’t need to be perfect.
✨ You don’t need to be fast.
✨ You just need to start with a plan.
Set your budget. Pick your platform. Choose your first niche or topic. And write your first post. Learn as you go. Done is better than perfect.
Need help on where to start with creating your personal brand?
Send me an email at Kay@ClearMoneyMoves.com!
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If you’re serious about learning how to develop a brand and turn it into one of your first income generating assets, stick around. I’ll be sharing every step I take — the wins, the wasted dollars, and the tools that actually work. Join our newsletter today!
“What I love about blogging is that it becomes your home base. It’s where all your social traffic can point, and where you can build a brand that isn’t tied to a single platform.”
“When I say you can earn passive income in your sleep — I don’t mean you’ll get rich overnight. I mean you can build a blog post once, and it can continue to bring in revenue through affiliate links or ads months later.”
“Most people think blogging for money is outdated — but in 2025, it’s still one of the best ways to create long-term, flexible income on your own terms.”