The Runaway Guide

Run Away & Travel The World

Duration On The Road:

6113 days

Countries Visited:

86

Current Location:

Stockholm
  • HOME
  • START
    • START A BLOG
  • DESTINATIONS
  • TOURS
  • RESOURCES
  • RUNAWAY GEAR
  • BLOG
  • ABOUT

How To Start A Travel Blog & Make Real Money

November 14, 2017 by The Runaway Guide 28 Comments

sri-lanka-sunsetCan you actually make money with a sports, fashion, food, travel or any kind of blog?

Most people either don’t believe it’s possible or feel that they lack the confidence, computer skills, and writing ability to begin.

In the beginning, I had held a similar skepticism, and complete lack of confidence.

But today, I’m making enough money through this blog to travel the world indefinitely.

This is exactly how I did it and you can do so as well…if you’ve got the guts.


 

Step 1) Overcome Your Fear

Starting anything new, especially something like a blog is nerve-racking. You’re worried that you won’t be able to learn the technical aspect of blogging. And you’re worried that no one will even care what you write.

But who cares. So what if only your friends end up reading your blog and your only fan is still your mom. So what if you don’t make a single dime.

In the end, you will have learned about blogging, practiced your writing, and come out stronger from the whole process.

You really have nothing to loose and everything to gain; a potential new voice, hobby, income source and travel filled life. And you’ve got me to help you do it. 

So put away your fears, and let’s get cracking on what could be a life altering endeavor.

Step 2) Chose A Title / Domain Name / Web Address

Your website title and domain name is the most important aspect of your blog. Below are a few questions to consider when choosing a name:

  • Is your title memorable?
  • Does is describe you and your niche?
  • Is it easy to type in?
  • Is it a title that people often search for?

Step 3) Register Your Domain With A Hosting Company

A hosting company will both register your domain name and keep your site alive on the web. So, which hosting company should you choose?

Having tried more than a few hosting companies, I have found Blue Host to be one of cheapest, most supportive and easiest to use. It costs just 2.95$/month and domain name registration (around 15$) is free, which means you can get your blog ideas started quickly and inexpensively.

Here’s the simple way to do it.

3.1) Click the Get Started Now button

Screen Shot 2014-12-04 at 11.01.29

Blue Host home page

 3.2) Choose A Plan

Screen Shot 2014-12-04 at 11.02.29

Choose a plan

I recommend choosing the starter plan to begin with as you can always upgrade to Plus should you need more space or want to add new websites in the future.

3.3) Register Your Domain Name

Register your domain

Register your domain

3.4) Choose Your Account Plan & Add On Options

Screen Shot 2014-12-04 at 11.14.14

Starter Plan for 12 months is recommended

If you can afford it, I would choose the 36 month plan as it will work out cheaper in the long run. In terms of ad ons, I would only recommend adding the site backup pro, should save your blog should you accidentally delete anything.

Step 4) Install WordPress

Blue Host makes it extremely easy to install WordPress. WordPress is a free software that all bloggers use to create and publish posts. Working on WordPress may seem overwhelming at first but you will quickly get the hang of it.

Simple WordPress installation through Blue Host

Simple WordPress installation through Blue Host

Step 5) Decide On Your Theme

A theme is a unique design for your site that can be uploaded onto WordPress. Although you can chose from hundreds of free themes, I highly recommend StudioPress . These themes are clean, simple to use, very fast to load, and search engine optimized. If you want to start your blog off right, this is a necessary investment.

An investment but definitely worth it.

An investment but definitely worth it.

Step 6) Create A Brand / Quality Content

Your primary goal is to create a brand that’s easily recognizable, entertaining, informative and trustworthy. In order to do this, you need to ensure that everything you publish is of the highest and most relevant quality. Think of what your readers or future readers want and then give it to them. This is the most important aspect in creating a successful blog.

My office on Koh Phangan, Thailand

My office on Koh Phangan, Thailand

Step 7) Social Media & Networking

In order for people to see your awesome articles you need to share it and network with others.

The best way to share your content is through Facebook, Twitter, Stumble Upon, & Google Plus. I recommend that you create an account for all of these social media platforms.

Another way to get your posts to new readers is by networking with other bloggers in your niche. By doing this, not only will other bloggers read your posts, but if they like them, they’ll share them with their readers as well.

Step 8) Build Back Links

In order to rank higher in Google search returns, it is important to build back links. Back links are links on other websites that point to your homepage or individual articles. The more links pointing to your site, the more google trusts you and the higher you rise in search results. Your main goal is to create quality content that people want to share and link back to. However, you can also actively build back links by:

  • Commenting on other blogs
  • Guest posting on other blogs
  • Doing interviews with other blogs
  • Asking friends for a reciprocal link

Step 9) How To Make Money

I wouldn’t recommend monetizing your blog until you have at least a few thousand page views/month. Doing so may hurt you and your brand’s reputation.. But when you’re ready, below are the methods I use to earn over 2,000$/month. 

  • Google Adsense
  • Donation Page
  • Affiliate sales: Ebooks, Travel Insurance, Flights, Accommodations

There are a few more ways to make money through a travel blog but you’ll figure those out along the way.

10) Start Your Blog Now

Starting a travel blog or any kind of blog requires considerable effort, time, energy, and unwavering conviction. But once you get it started you only need to work 10-15 hours a week to keep it going.

If a travel sustaining and location independent lifestyle is your dream, definitely go for it. It can be done. Start your  blog now! If a 16 year old runaway can do it, so can you!

Feel free to connect with me on Facebook if you have any questions.

*Some of the links included in this guide are affiliate links. These provide me with a small commission at no extra cost to you that helps me maintain this site and do what I love doing most, traveling the world. 

865
SHARES
FacebookTwitter

READ MORE

  • 5 Ways Travelers Can Make Money Online5 Ways Travelers Can Make Money Online
  • How To Make A Quick Buck In BangkokHow To Make A Quick Buck In Bangkok
  • 8 Ways To Run Away & Travel The World

Filed Under: Possibilities, Work Abroad Tagged: Location Independence, work abroad

Let Me Know What You Think!

  1. Laura says

    October 21, 2019 at 4:28 am

    Wow! I just started my travel blog a few months ago after traveling no-stop for almost 3 years and reading your post has given my hope and also inspired me to push on.

    Thanks you so very much.

    Cheers!
    Laura

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      December 4, 2019 at 12:38 pm

      Awesome, thanks for the message! Good luck with your blog, it’s looking great!

      Reply
  2. Lombok Wander says

    July 12, 2018 at 5:23 am

    Nice idea to make a money from blog !

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      July 19, 2018 at 10:59 am

      Thanks!

      Reply
  3. Ely Valendez says

    July 17, 2016 at 1:27 pm

    Thank you for this, and for your awesome blog, Leif. You are an inspiration. I just stumbled upon your site today while I am working on our own travel blog: travelmore.ph. Will definitely keep myself posted about your travels, and I am looking forward to meeting you in person sooner or later. All the best!

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      July 27, 2016 at 2:09 pm

      Thanks Ely, glad you like the guide! I’ll be in Guatemala Oct 25th if you’re around :)

      Reply
  4. New to this says

    November 26, 2015 at 2:10 pm

    Thank you for your postings, two weeks away from college graduation and free traveling is what I know my heart desires, but its safe to say that the nomadic lifestyle excites and intimidates me. Without my families support for my desired lifestyle I know I’m taking a huge risk to “just go” so I appreciate you sharing your experience and advise.
    much thanks

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      December 5, 2015 at 4:36 pm

      Hey! Glad you found it helpful. Let me know if you ever need any advice. Cheers-Leif

      Reply
  5. Marc says

    November 22, 2015 at 8:14 pm

    Found your site through Stumbleupon. Love what you have accomplish and I am the same way but instead of being alone, I ran away with my family, 5 years later and with two toddler, life is an adventure and I will not give that up for anything. Travel is better with family.

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      December 5, 2015 at 4:55 pm

      Hey Marc, that’s awesome you got the chance to travel with your fam at such a young age. My Mom and sis are actually going to join me in Guatemala for the first time for my Runaway Tour on Dec 27th. Really excited to show them around.

      Reply
  6. Deirdre says

    January 15, 2015 at 6:15 am

    Just found your site through Adventurous Kate – glad I did! Great information here – can’t wait to sit down and go through it! I also use Pinterest and Instagram for pictures.

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      January 23, 2015 at 8:52 am

      Hey Deirdre, cool! Glad to connect!

      Reply
  7. david more says

    November 13, 2013 at 9:25 am

    I am a 43 year old runaway from Australia, sitting still just does not appeal to me, my goal is to keep travelling indefinitely, no fixed home. Am working up to it, have to get brave about certain things….I may have to go ‘homeless’ this winter in france and work on the boats… I am inspired by your site….Thanks so much, being a traveller is a real art and something actually the world needs to break itself out of its hynoptic state! I like to think of people like Shams of Tabriz and other people from the past! Jai Mata Di!

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      November 14, 2013 at 11:50 am

      Hey David, good on ya! You should totally head over there. The winters can get chilly at night so be sure to bring a jacket/warm sleeping bag. That dude was cool! Ibn Battutah too! Glad you got in touch. Cheers! -Leif

      Reply
  8. laura says

    March 16, 2013 at 10:44 pm

    Awesome site!!! Love your spirit and layout.
    I’m launching my 10 year dream web-baby this month.
    Thank you for sharing your life!
    You rock! :)

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      March 17, 2013 at 11:38 am

      Thanks Laura, I appreciate it!
      Good luck with your site and let me know if you ever need any help.
      Cheers,
      Leif

      Reply
  9. Adam - Tropical Nomad says

    March 12, 2013 at 1:38 am

    Hey Leif,
    I am using Elegant Themes for my blog and they have very good support. It cost $39 per year. I started out with Traveler theme from Gorilla themes, which is a cool travel blog template but there support was dismal. When you are starting out, I think you really need good support, otherwise you spend a lot of time working on the theme and blog layout instead of writing content.

    Thesis looks really good though.. I might switch over yet, as elegant themes is recurring and after 20 years I do not want to have paid $800 themes!

    All the best

    Adam

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      March 17, 2013 at 11:41 am

      Thesis is good for seo and speed but it takes a while to learn how to use it.
      I heard woo themes is really good to start out on too but there is an annual fee which turned me off to it.
      I’ve heard good things about elegant themes as well.
      Good luck with it!

      Reply
  10. Bastiaan says

    March 8, 2013 at 10:36 am

    Thank you for this post! A simple and good guide to setting up a successful blog. I just started mine and i am currently writing all my articles for the website. You’re right… it takes a lot of effort and hours of writing before it actually pays off…. Mine doesn’t have much traffic yet.. mostly only friends. You’re post and you’re blog inspired me to continue what I started! Thankx for that and good luck with your blog!

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      March 8, 2013 at 8:28 pm

      Hey Bastiaan, thanks! Glad it was some help to you. Thanks, good luck with your blog too! Let me know if you ever need advice. Cheers, Leif

      Reply
  11. grasya says

    December 14, 2012 at 2:07 am

    inspiring.. my lifestyle travel blog just started to reap the benefits but its still far from to what superstar bloggers are getting.. at the moment, my online work is the main source of my travel fund but hopefully, in the future, my travel blog will fund my travels too ^_^

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      December 14, 2012 at 2:51 pm

      I hear ya. It’s tough and takes time. I’m in the same position. Whats your blog? Lets support each other!

      Reply
  12. Zara Backpack ME says

    May 9, 2012 at 10:27 pm

    Just adding REDDIT to point #6 above! Excellent to share links and increase traffic!

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      May 10, 2012 at 5:55 am

      REDDIT is a good one! I will add it. Cheers, -Leif

      Reply
  13. Ed says

    September 8, 2011 at 6:36 am

    Still thinking about purchasing that Thesis theme. It’s a bit expensive for my site but I know it will be worth it in the end as I have a number of blogs that I maintain and I’d like to use the theme for everything.
    Nice tips man!

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      September 9, 2011 at 3:43 pm

      Hey Ed, I have found thesis to be pretty good. Lots of support from them. But if you cant make the investment right now, you should check out weaver. Weaver is really easy to customize.

      Reply
  14. Micamyx|Senyorita says

    September 6, 2011 at 4:25 am

    Very nice and straight to the point tips! In my case, i need some focus. I have so many backlogs, but i am slowly but surely working on it. Adsense and some sponsored links helped me finance most of my travels :D

    Reply
  15. Nomadic Samuel says

    September 5, 2011 at 11:18 pm

    This is a great step-by-step guide to getting things started and eventually monetizing your blog. It’s a lot of work but if you’re passionate about it, well worth the effort.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Who Is The Runaway Guide?

When I was 16 I ran away from home and traveled the world with nothing but the clothes on my back. Over 10 years later and I'm still "on the run," surviving in style, thriving off adventure, searching for that elusive road to enlightenment, and cultivating the life of travel that I want to live. More...

Run Away To Guatemala!

Nov 4th - Nov 12th, 2019

Sign Up For Airbnb & Get...

More Runaway Resources






All Runaway Resources

Best Countries For Backpacking
Visa Requirements World Map
Top World Travel Experts
Best Travel Blogs
Runaway Tours
Resources

FEED ME

Budget
Prepare
Illicit
Work
Hideouts
Gear
Books

Contact / Partnerships

If you have any questions about traveling, Runaway Tours, or anything surrounding The Runaway Guide, send me a message through my Facebook page.

If you're interested in working with The Runaway Guide in any travel related capacity, please view the Partnerships page or email me at TheRunawayGuide (at) yahoo.com

Connect With Me On:

YouTube Twitter Pinterest Facebook

LinkedIn RSS RSS RSS

© Copyright 2012 The Runaway Guide · All Rights Reserved · Terms of use · Contact