How to Start a Blog in Kenya (An Make Money)
Starting a blog in Kenya can be an exciting and potentially profitable endeavor for aspiring bloggers and online entrepreneurs.
With Kenya’s growing internet penetration and rising popularity of blogging, there is ample opportunity to establish a successful blogging business.
However, as a beginner, it can be challenging to know where to start and how to earn money from blogging.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key steps of launching a money-making blog in Kenya from scratch.
We will cover choosing a niche and blogging platform, setting up your site, creating compelling content, growing your audience, and monetizing through various strategies.
By the end, you will have a solid roadmap to take your passions and ideas and turn them into a thriving blog that earns income.
So let’s get started on your journey to becoming a successful Kenyan blogger!
Table of Contents
Step 1 – Choose a blogging platform
The first major decision you need to make when starting a blog in Kenya is choosing a blogging platform.
This will be the foundation upon which your entire blog is built, so it’s important to make the right choice from the start.
Here are some of the top blogging platforms to consider for beginners:
WordPress.org
WordPress is by far the most popular blogging platform, powering over 30% of all websites.
The open-source WordPress.org allows you to fully customize your site.
However, it does require some technical skill to set up and maintain. The major pros of WordPress are its SEO-friendliness, extensive plugin ecosystem, and huge community support.
The self-hosted WordPress route gives you full flexibility and control over your site.
WordPress.com
WordPress.com is the free hosted version of WordPress.
The major advantage is that it handles all the technical aspects, so you can simply focus on writing.
However, you have less control over customization and monetization options. WordPress.com is best for beginners who want a simple, low-maintenance blogging solution.
Wix
Wix is a user-friendly drag and drop website builder. It has stylish templates ideal for blogs and integrated ecommerce functionality.
However, flexibility is limited compared to WordPress. Wix works well for image-heavy blogs like fashion, photography, food etc.
Blogger
Blogger is Google’s free blogging platform that is incredibly easy to use. However, features and monetization options are limited compared to self-hosted platforms. Blogger allows for quick setup and works well for simple hobby blogs.
Medium
Medium is a popular blogging host known for its clean interface. It has a strong community and built-in audience.
However, Medium restricts monetization and you don’t own your content.
Overall, Medium is better for established bloggers rather than full-time blogs.
When weighing the options, WordPress emerges as the best blogging platform, especially WordPress.org for greater creative freedom and monetization avenues.
Step 2 – Setting up your blog in Kenya
Once you have decided on a blogging platform, the next step to start a blog in Kenya is the actual setup process.
For this section, we will focus on getting WordPress installed and configured since it is the best platform for monetizable blogs.
Here are the key steps to setting up a blog on WordPress:
Purchase domain and web hosting
A domain name (e.g example.com) is your unique site address on the internet.
For WordPress hosting, you will need a web hosting provider that offers optimized WordPress hosting in Kenya.
Popular options include Truehost Bluehost, HostGator, and SiteGround.
Aim for at least basic managed WordPress hosting.
Costs to start a simple blog in Kenya
To start a simple blog in Kenya, you can expect to incur the following costs:
- Web hosting and domain registration: The cost of web hosting in Kenya can range from Ksh 1,500 to Ksh 7,000 annually, depending on the hosting provider and the specific plan chosen.
- Domain name: The cost of a domain name in Kenya typically ranges from Ksh 1,000 to Ksh 2,500 per year.
- Additional costs: If you plan to hire a freelance writer for content, the cost can range from Ksh 200 to Ksh 500 per article.
These are the basic expenses involved in starting a blog in Kenya.
Install WordPress
Most WordPress hosting providers offer 1-click WordPress installation.
Alternatively, you can manually install WordPress by uploading the WordPress files via FTP to your host server.
Your hosting provider will guide you through the installation process.
Choose a WordPress theme
The theme controls the appearance and layout of your blog.
Pick a mobile-responsive theme that aligns with your niche and content style.
Popular free themes for starting out are Astra, GeneratePress, OceanWP.
Avoid bloated multipurpose themes. You can install and switch themes later.
Install essential plugins
Plugins add extra functionality to WordPress. For beginners, essential plugins include:
- Yoast SEO – for optimizing content
- Akismet – for spam protection
- Smush – for image compression
- Jetpack – for security, performance, SEO
Configure basic settings
Under WordPress Settings:
- General: Site title, tagline, admin details, date format etc.
- Permalinks: Change permalink structure to SEO-friendly
- Reading: Blog pages and syndication settings
- Discussion: Article comments settings
- Media: Image sizes
Create your homepage
Setup your blog front page as a static page and assign a homepage template. Create your “About Me” and “Contact” pages. Add a basic blog post.
Enhance security
Security is crucial for WordPress. Some key measures: Strong passwords, limit login attempts, disable file editing in WordPress, regular backups, avoid outdated plugins.
With those fundamentals set up, your WordPress blog is ready for content creation and growth!
Step 3 – Create compelling content
We are now at the 3rd step on how to start a blog in Kenya and make money.
See, creating high-quality, valuable content is the most important part of growing a successful blog in Kenya.
Your content is what draws readers in, keeps them engaged, and establishes your authority in your niche.
Here are some tips for creating compelling content as a beginner blogger in Kenya:
Choose a specific niche
The most effective blogs focus on a specific niche rather than covering broad topics.
Choose a niche you are genuinely passionate about and have in-depth knowledge of.
Common profitable niches include personal finance, travel, food, parenting, relationships, and health/wellness.
Perform keyword research
Using Google’s Keyword Planner, identify keywords and phrases people search related to your niche.
Optimizing for search helps content get discovered. Aim for long-tail, low competition keywords.
Create practical, useful content
Focus on providing genuinely helpful information readers can apply.
For example, a personal finance blog could cover topics like ’10 tips to create a budget as a student’.
Solve people’s problems and answer their questions.
Mix different content formats
Combine long-form articles with shorter posts like tips, roundups, interviews, listicles, reviews etc.
Videos, infographics, and podcasts also diversify content.
Have a consistent publishing schedule
Posting consistently, ideally 2-3 times per week, keeps readers engaged. It also boosts your site traffic and authority over time.
Write strong headlines
Headlines are the first thing readers see, so make them captivating. Use emotional triggers like “How to”, “X ways to”, “The beginner’s guide to”.
Include visuals
Images, illustrations and graphics make content more eye-catching and digestible.
Ensure you have proper image licensing.
Promote your content
Leverage social media and email lists to promote your new content.
Guest posting on other sites in your niche also expands reach.
Creating remarkable, high-value content tailored to your audience is the key to building a popular blog in your field.
Focus on quality over quantity and provide truly useful information to your readers.
Step 4 – Building an audience
Creating great content is only the first step to start a blog in Kenya and make money.
To build a successful blog, you need to grow an engaged audience that keeps returning to your site.
Here are some effective tactics for building your readership:
Leverage social media
Promote your blog content on social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Linkedin. Post snippets, images, quotes to engage followers. Use relevant hashtags and mentions to connect with more users.
Build an email list
Email marketing helps build direct relationships with readers. Offer a lead magnet like a free ebook in exchange for emails. Send newsletters with blog updates and valuable content.
Interact with your audience
Respond to all comments on your blog posts. Ask for feedback and suggestions for future topics. Feature user-generated content when relevant.
Join blogging communities
Participate in relevant blogging groups on Facebook, Linkedin and forums to connect with those in your niche. Share advice and be helpful.
Enable subscribers and commenting
Allow readers to subscribe for email/RSS notifications of new posts. Disqus and Facebook comments facilitate engagement.
Promote content amplification
Add share buttons for various social platforms. Encourage readers to share content with friends if they find it useful.
Do outreach and collabs
Contact relevant bloggers or brands in your niche for guest posting opportunities, link swaps, and product reviews. Getting featured on sites with existing traffic helps expose your blog.
Claim and optimize online profiles
Set up your blog’s Facebook page, X (formerly Twitter) profile, and other social accounts. Completely optimize them to attract followers searching for you online.
Produce shareable content
Create highly informative posts, detailed guides, controversial takes, and emotional personal stories most likely to resonate and get shares. Check analytics to identify your hits.
Make the most of SEO
Use target keywords, metadata optimization, backlinks, site speed, etc to improve search visibility and traffic. This expands reach to readers searching for your niche.
Add value consistently
Consistently produce content that provides true value for your target audience.
Build trust and loyal readership.
With a smart audience-building strategy combining organic and promotional tactics, your blog can gather a regular following within your niche. Focus on delivering value, being helpful and developing relationships.
Step 5 – Monetizing your blog in Kenya
Once you’ve built an engaged audience, it’s time to start generating real income from your blog in Kenya.
Here are some of the top ways for beginners to monetize their blogs:
Google AdSense
Google’s ad network is one of the easiest ways to earn from traffic by displaying targeted text and display ads. You earn per click or impression. Requirements are original content, good traffic and a non-objectionable site.
Affiliate marketing
Sign up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, FlexOffers etc. Promote their products/services on your site and earn commissions from sales, leads or traffic generated. Allows monetizing without your own products.
Resource: Affiliate Marketing In Kenya For Beginners
Sell digital products
Create your own digital products like ebooks, courses, templates, graphics, WordPress themes etc. and sell through your site. Adds another income stream and solidifies your brand.
Sponsorships
Accept paid sponsorships from relevant brands who provide a product/money in exchange for reviews, features, ads etc. Disclose all sponsored content. Big traffic is required to attract sponsors.
Consulting/Freelancing services
Offer your expertise as a consultant or freelance writer to clients. Blogging showcases your knowledge and skills in your niche.
Sell advertising
Once you have significant traffic and email lists, directly sell custom advertising packages on your blog and newsletters.
Your strong audience and metrics will attract advertisers.
Paid memberships/Premium content
Offer exclusive paid content and benefits that free readers don’t get access to. For example, paid courses, videos, email newsletters, workshops, Q&As etc.
Crowdfunding
For established blogs with loyal community, crowdfunding on platforms like Patreon where readers fund your work through recurring payments.
Physical products
Sell own branded physical merchandise like clothing, accessories, crafts, journals, stickers related to your niche.
Requires setting up ecommerce operation.
With persistence and hard work, it is possible to build multiple solid income streams from a blog in Kenya.
Never rely on a single model.
Aim for diversification and experiment to see what works for your audience and niche.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a specific niche you’re passionate about and start your blog in Kenya on a platform like WordPress
- Create practical, useful content consistently and promote it across channels
- Grow your readership by building relationships and delivering real value
- Monetize through multiple options like affiliate marketing, advertising, products, and consulting
- Persistently refine your strategy based on data and feedback to maximize income
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Blogging