Okay, let’s get real for a sec. You’ve probably seen a dozen TikToks of people living their best lives, funded by some mysterious “online business.” And a lot of them started with a simple blog. But when you start Googling, it’s a total information overload, right? Everyone’s screaming “USE MY PLATFORM!” and you’re just sitting there like that confused kombucha girl meme. What if I told you that finding the best blog platforms for making money isn’t some ancient secret? It’s totally doable, even as a teen. I was shocked myself! We’re about to break down the *actual* best places to start your blog, how to pick a topic that doesn’t feel like homework, and—most importantly—how you can start seeing real cash. We’ll explore free options for when your wallet is empty, what the deal is with platforms like WordPress and Blogger, and even peek at what people on Reddit are saying. Get ready, because your side hustle is about to get a major glow-up.
Before we dive in, remember this: making money from a blog isn’t an overnight thing. It takes time and effort. But think about it—you’re already online, you have opinions, and you’re passionate about *something*. Whether it’s sustainable fashion, reviewing the latest video games, or sharing your art, you have a voice people want to hear. The key is finding the right stage to share it on. This guide is your backstage pass to figuring that out, with no fluff and all the real talk. We’ll even get into how much you can realistically earn and how to land your first $1,000. It’s a journey, for sure, but one that can be super rewarding (and fun!). Let’s find the easiest blog platform to get you started right now.
Best blog platforms for making money for beginners
When you are just starting out, the ultimate thing you want is a platform that’s greater complex than your calculus homework. You need some thing intuitive, fast, and that may not make you want to throw your laptop out the window. For beginners, the focus need to be on ease of use and occasional expenses. You’re inside the experimental section, figuring out your voice and what you even want to blog approximately. The intention is to get your ideas on line with out a huge mastering curve. Think of it like learning to journey a bike—you begin with schooling wheels before you cross for the BMX.
Your excellent bet is an all-in-one platform, often referred to as a “website builder.” These structures bundle hosting, layout equipment, and blogging capabilities into one package. You may not should worry about the first rate-technical stuff proper away. Instead, you could recognition on what matters: developing first-rate content material. Many of these have drag-and-drop editors, which are actually as smooth as arranging your apps for your cellphone display. It’s all about getting your momentum going with out getting slowed down by way of code or complicated settings.
Wix: The Creative Powerhouse
Wix is like the Canva of website building. It’s incredibly visual and gives you a ton of creative freedom with its drag-and-drop editor. You can start with a template and customize pretty much everything. They have over 800 templates, so you’re bound to find one that matches your vibe. For a teen blogger who wants a highly stylized, unique-looking site without knowing any code, Wix is a fantastic starting point. Plus, their basic plan is free, so you can test it out before committing any cash. Keep in mind, though, that the free plan comes with Wix branding and a domain that’s a bit clunky (username.wixsite.com/sitename), which isn’t ideal for long-term monetization. But for getting your feet wet? It’s a solid choice.
Squarespace: The Sleek & Professional
If your aesthetic is more minimalist and professional, think of Squarespace as your go-to. It’s known for its stunning, award-winning templates that make your content look super polished right out of the box. While it doesn’t have a free plan (only a 14-day trial), its user-friendly interface is a huge plus for beginners. It’s a little less flexible than Wix in terms of design, but that can actually be a good thing—it prevents you from making design choices that look messy. Squarespace is perfect for visual blogs, like photography portfolios, art showcases, or fashion lookbooks. It’s one of the best blogging platforms to build a brand from day one.
Best blog platforms for making money free
Okay, let’s talk about everyone’s favorite price: FREE. When you’re a teen, you’re probably not trying to drop a bunch of money on a hobby that might not pan out. The good news is, you don’t have to! There are some genuinely great platforms that let you start a blog and even monetize it without paying a cent for the platform itself. This is your “no-risk” entry into the world of blogging. The trade-off? You usually get a bit less control, and your site will have the platform’s branding on it. But hey, free is free!
My friend, Liam, started his gaming review blog on a free platform. He just wanted a place to rant about the latest RPGs. He wasn’t thinking about money at all, just passion. But his posts were so good that he built a small audience. After a year, he was able to put up some simple ads and start making a little bit of lunch money from his hobby. That’s the power of starting—even on a free platform, you can test your ideas and build a community before you ever have to worry about costs.
Blogger: The OG Google Platform
Blogger has been around forever (since 1999!), and it’s owned by Google, which gives it a huge advantage: it’s incredibly easy to integrate with Google AdSense. AdSense is Google’s program for placing ads on your site, and it’s one of the most common ways bloggers make money. With Blogger, getting approved for AdSense can be a bit more straightforward once you have some content. The platform is super simple—maybe a little *too* simple if you want a fancy design—but it’s 100% free, you get a free `blogspot.com` domain, and it’s reliable. It’s a no-frills, straightforward option for anyone who just wants to write and try to earn from ads.
Medium: The Writer’s Community
Medium is a bit different. It’s less of a website builder and more of a social platform for writers. You don’t design a whole site; you just create a profile and start publishing articles. The huge advantage here is the built-in audience. Your articles can get recommended and distributed to Medium’s millions of readers, which is amazing for getting views early on. You can make money through the Medium Partner Program, where you earn based on how much time members spend reading your stories. The downside is you have zero control over the design and you can’t run your own ads or sell your own products directly. It’s one of the best choices if your primary goal is writing, not brand-building.
WordPress: The Two-Faced Giant
This is where things can get confusing, so listen up! When people talk about WordPress, they could be talking about two *very* different things: WordPress.com and WordPress.org. Understanding the difference is CRUCIAL for anyone serious about blogging for money. Think of it like this: WordPress.com is like renting an apartment, and WordPress.org is like owning a house. Both give you a place to live, but one gives you way more freedom (and responsibility).
WordPress.com: The Easy Route
This is the beginner-friendly, all-in-one version, similar to Wix or Blogger. It has free and paid plans. The free plan is quite limited—you can’t install your own plugins (which are like apps for your website) or run most types of ads. It’s a good starting point to learn the WordPress interface, which is valuable knowledge, but it’s not one of the best blog platforms for making money if you stick with the free version. You have to upgrade to their higher-tier plans to get real monetization freedom.
WordPress.org: The Ultimate Power Move
Now, this is the big one. WordPress.org is free, open-source software that you install on your *own* web hosting. This is known as “self-hosted WordPress.” It means you have to buy a domain name (like `yourcoolblog.com`) and a hosting plan (which is like renting space on the internet). This might sound complicated, but it gives you 100% control. You can install any theme, use any plugin, and monetize your blog in any way you want—ads, affiliate links, selling products, you name it. According to Forbes and other top tech sites, it powers over 40% of the entire internet for a reason. It has a steeper learning curve and a small upfront cost (hosting can be as cheap as $3/month), but it offers unlimited potential for growth. If you are serious about turning your blog into a business, this is the ultimate goal.
Still confused about what the best free options are? Don’t sweat it. The key is to just start. You can always migrate your content to a different platform later on if you decide to upgrade!
Free blogging sites to earn money
Let’s be clear: “free” and “earn money” can sometimes feel like they don’t go together. Many free platforms have restrictions on how you can monetize. For instance, they might not allow affiliate links or might have strict rules about sponsored posts. But don’t let that discourage you! There are still clever ways to earn, and some platforms are more monetization-friendly than others. The key is to read the terms of service carefully. Seriously, I know it’s boring, but a quick skim can save you a massive headache later.
Your strategy on a free site should be focused on building an audience first. Create amazing, shareable content. Get people to follow you on social media. Once you have a loyal following, you have leverage. You can direct them to a Patreon, sell merch through a third-party site, or use that audience as proof when you finally decide to move to a self-hosted blog. It’s about playing the long game.
Here’s a quick comparison of some options:
| Platform | Cost | Ease of Use | Monetization Freedom | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WordPress.org | Low Cost ($3+/mo) | Moderate | Total Control | Serious, long-term bloggers. |
| Wix | Freemium | Very Easy | Good (on paid plans) | Creative, visual blogs. |
| Blogger | 100% Free | Very Easy | Good (AdSense focus) | Simple blogs focused on ads. |
| Medium | Free | Insanely Easy | Limited (Partner Program) | Writers wanting a built-in audience. |
Popular personal blog sites
What are teens like you actually blogging about? Literally everything! The most popular personal blogs are often the most authentic. They aren’t trying to be a massive media company; they’re just one person sharing their world. Think about your own unique hobbies. Are you obsessed with K-pop? Do you have strong opinions on the best thrift stores in your city? Can you bake the most amazing (or hilariously bad) cakes? That’s your niche!
Some popular categories for personal blogs right now include:
- Gaming: Walkthroughs, reviews, and commentary on games like Fortnite, Minecraft, or Baldur’s Gate.
- Lifestyle & Fashion: Thrifting hauls, GRWM (Get Ready With Me) stories, sustainable fashion tips. It’s like being an influencer, but with more words.
- BookTok/Book Blogs: Reviewing the latest reads trending on TikTok. This niche has a super-passionate community.
- Art & Creativity: Sharing your digital art, bullet journal spreads, or craft projects. A visual blog on a platform like Squarespace would be perfect for this.
- Student Life & Productivity: Giving tips on studying, managing stress, or navigating high school drama. Think of it as being the wise older sibling for your readers. A topic like this has tons of options for linking to great free blogging platforms.
Best blog platforms for making money reddit
If you want unfiltered, brutally honest opinions, Reddit is the place to go. Communities like r/Blogging, r/JustStart, and r/SideHustle are filled with real people sharing their successes and failures. What’s the consensus there? Overwhelmingly, Redditors will tell you that for serious, long-term monetization, self-hosted WordPress (WordPress.org) is the undisputed king. Why? Because you *own* it. You’re not at the mercy of a platform changing its rules or shutting down.
However, Redditors are also practical. They’ll advise beginners to start simple. You’ll see tons of threads where people recommend starting on a free platform like Blogger just to see if you even *like* blogging. The vibe on Reddit is less about finding a magic-bullet platform and more about the grind: create good content consistently, learn basic SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and be patient. They’ll tell you that the platform is just a tool; the real work is in the writing and marketing. It’s solid advice, and a great reality check before you jump in.
Safety First: Blogging Without the Drama
Okay, serious talk for a minute. Putting yourself online comes with risks, especially when you’re a teen. Protecting your privacy and safety is non-negotiable. First rule: get your parents’ or guardians’ permission. Not only is it required by law for many platforms if you’re under 18 (especially for making money), but they can also be a great resource for navigating the tricky parts.
Here are some quick safety tips:
- Be Anonymous (At First): You don’t need to use your real name or show your face. Use a pen name and a cool avatar. Let your content speak for itself.
- Private Info is PRIVATE: Never share your address, phone number, or the name of your school. Be vague about your location (e.g., “a city in the Midwest” instead of “Columbus, Ohio”).
- Think Before You Post: The internet is forever. That embarrassing story might seem funny now, but how will you feel about it in five years? If you’re unsure, don’t post it.
- Handle the Hate: Trolls are a sad reality of the internet. Don’t engage. Just block, delete, and move on. Your mental health is way more important than winning an argument with an anonymous keyboard warrior. Knowing what’s the best free blogging platform also means choosing one with good moderation tools.
Conclusion
Whew, that was a lot! But you made it. The truth is, the best blog platforms for making money depend entirely on YOU—your goals, your budget, and your technical comfort level. If you want total freedom and long-term potential, self-hosted WordPress.org is your endgame. If you want to start for free and just test the waters, Blogger or the free version of Wix are amazing entry points. And if you’re a writer first and foremost, Medium could be your perfect home. Don’t get stuck in “analysis paralysis” trying to pick the *perfect* one. The most important step is the first one: just start writing.
Your voice is unique, and your story matters. Pick a platform, write your first post this week, and see what happens. You’ve got nothing to lose and a potential side hustle (and a whole lot of fun) to gain. So what are you waiting for?
Ready to start your journey? Share this article with a friend who has a story to tell! And drop a comment below with the niche you’re thinking of starting—I’d love to hear it!
Last updated: June 2025. The world of blogging changes fast! Check back with us here at zana.website for the latest updates and guides on the best blog platforms for making money.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best blogging platform to make money?
For maximum control and monetization potential, self-hosted WordPress.org is widely considered the best. It allows you to use any advertising network, affiliate program, or sell your own products without restriction. However, for beginners, platforms like Wix or Squarespace offer a great balance of user-friendliness and powerful features on their paid plans, making them strong contenders.
2. Which blog is best for earning money?
Generally, self-hosted blogs built on platforms like WordPress.org are best for earning significant money because they offer complete freedom. You control everything from design to monetization methods like ads, affiliate marketing, and direct sales. While platforms like Medium have built-in audiences, they limit your income potential to their specific partner programs and rules, giving you less overall control.
3. Which type of blog makes the most money?
Blogs in high-value niches tend to make the most money. These include personal finance, health and wellness, tech and software reviews, and business/marketing. These topics attract audiences willing to spend money on products and services, which makes them highly profitable for affiliate marketing and selling your own digital products. The key is choosing a niche you’re passionate about but that also has commercial intent.
4. Can you make $1000 a month with a blog?
Yes, absolutely! Making $1000 a month is a very realistic goal for a blog, but it takes time and consistent effort. It typically requires building a decent amount of traffic (thousands of visitors per month) and implementing a smart monetization strategy. This could be a mix of display ads, affiliate marketing for products you love, and perhaps selling a simple digital product or service.
5. What is the best blogging platform to make money on Reddit?
If you ask Reddit, the overwhelming consensus is that a self-hosted WordPress.org site is the best platform for making money. Redditors in communities like r/Blogging prioritize long-term ownership and unlimited monetization options. While they might suggest starting on a free platform to test your idea, they almost universally recommend moving to self-hosted WordPress once you’re serious about earning.
