When I first decided to start my blog, I had no savings, no fancy equipment, and no idea what I was doing. I just knew I had stories to tell, knowledge to share, and a desire to earn money online. Like many beginners, I assumed blogging would require hundreds of dollars in investment, but I was determined to find a way. After researching tools, testing free platforms, and being careful with spending, I managed to launch my first blog for just under $100 — and you can too.
🎥 Watch: My Budget Blogging Journey
1. Domain + Hosting with Bluehost — $35.40
One of the first steps in blogging is getting your own domain name and hosting. While platforms like Blogger are free, owning your domain gives you full control and looks professional. I chose Bluehost because it’s beginner-friendly, reliable, and comes with a free domain for the first year. I paid only $35.40 for 12 months using their basic plan and a promotional discount.
👉 Click here to get Bluehost at a discount
2. My Laptop — Already Owned (But You Can Get a Budget One)
I already owned an entry-level laptop which worked perfectly for writing, editing, and running my blog. But if you need one, you don’t have to break the bank. Here’s a reliable and affordable option:
💻 HP Stream Laptop – Lightweight and affordable
This laptop is great for browsing, writing, and managing a blog. Plus, it’s light and energy-efficient — perfect for students or freelancers starting out.
3. Tools I Bought on Amazon — $48.97 Total
To boost my setup, I bought a few affordable accessories:
- Wireless Mouse – reliable and affordable: Logitech M185 Wireless Mouse
- Webcam for Video Calls – top-rated Logitech C920x: Logitech C920x HD Pro Webcam
- Notebook for planning – lined spiral notebook: A5 College-Ruled Journal
- LED Desk Lamp – clip-on dimmable lamp: Airlonv LED Desk Lamp
These tools helped me stay organized, improve my video quality for Zoom calls or tutorials, and create a cozy, focused workspace at night.
4. Free Tools I Used (And Still Use)
Starting on a budget means making the most of free tools. Here are a few that I used — and still recommend:
- Canva Free: Used for creating logos, social media graphics, and blog banners.
- Google Docs: Perfect for writing drafts and accessing them anywhere.
- Ubersuggest: Great for basic keyword research and checking what content people are searching for.
- Pixabay & Pexels: For royalty-free images to use in blog posts.
5. Blogger Theme — Free and Clean
I launched my site using the free Blogger platform and customized one of their simple themes. It might not look like a premium WordPress blog, but with a bit of tweaking, you can make it look professional. Blogger gives you the freedom to publish without monthly costs — and it's great for getting started without tech stress.
6. My Total Cost Breakdown
Here’s a quick look at what I actually spent:
- ✅ Bluehost Hosting + Domain: $35.40
- ✅ Amazon Tools: $48.97
- ✅ Canva, Blogger, Docs, SEO Tools: Free
Total: $84.37
7. What I Would Do Differently
If I were to start again, I’d spend a little more time choosing a cleaner theme or investing in a cheap premium one (some are under $10 on Etsy or Themeforest). But even without that, my blog works and gets traffic.
Conclusion: Start Small, Grow Fast
You don’t need to spend a fortune to start a blog. You just need a plan, a laptop, and a few budget-friendly tools. Starting with under $100 taught me how to focus on what matters: writing good content, sharing my experience, and helping others get started too.
If you’ve been putting off starting your blog because of money, I hope this post shows you that it’s possible. You can always upgrade later — what matters most is just getting started.
👣 Take Your First Step Today
Got questions or need help? Leave a comment below or reach out — I’m happy to guide fellow beginners!
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