Ep. 069R — How to Start a Blog

Michelle's RV lifestyle proves you can achieve financial freedom on far less than you think—without sacrificing experiences or happiness. Jonathan and Brad unpack the Monday episode with Michelle from Making Sense of Sense, then share the complete technical roadmap for launching your own blog. Whether you're building skills for career growth or exploring a passion project, they cover domain registration, hosting choices, WordPress setup, and why starting an email list early matters more than you realize.

Key Topics and Timestamps

• 00:01:08 Listener Experiences and Weekend Reflection
  Brad shares his family trip to Roanoke, Virginia, discussing the outdoor activities they enjoyed.

• 00:02:57 Discussion on Michelle's Lifestyle and Savings
  Exploration of Michelle's RV lifestyle and her approach to achieving a high savings rate despite high earnings.

• 00:04:46 Strategies for Starting a Blog
  Jonathan argues for the importance of starting a blog even if not intended for monetization, citing its value in building skills.

• 00:13:21 Understanding Affiliate Marketing
  Discussion on how to leverage affiliate marketing effectively while offering genuine advice.

• 00:16:01 Technical Aspects of Launching a Website
  Key steps for getting started include registering a domain, choosing a hosting service, and setting up a WordPress site.

• 00:33:01 Email List Importance
  Building an email list early on enables direct connection and engagement with your audience.

Key Takeaways

• Consider blogging as a hobby to enhance valuable skills, regardless of monetization goals. 00:05:09
• Choose an authentic and memorable brand name for your blog or website. 00:19:01
• Use WordPress for easy website setup and functionality. 00:22:01
• Establish a good email list strategy from the outset to stay connected with your audience. 00:33:01

Notable Quotes

• "You can have that same lifestyle on a heck of a lot less than $100,000 a month." 00:03:48
• "The barrier to entry is so incredibly low in terms of dollars and cents." 00:07:41
• "If you build the skill set, if you have this book, even if it hasn't become a million dollar blog, if you have built the skill set and can demo that, that then becomes your resume." 00:46:29

Resources

• GoDaddy for Domain Registration 00:21:11
• SiteGround Hosting 00:26:41
• ConvertKit Email Marketing 00:36:34

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I start a blog with low investment?
  Purchase a domain for around $10 and choose affordable hosting options. Use user-friendly platforms like WordPress. 00:07:41

• What is the importance of an email list?
  An email list enables direct connection and engagement with your audience, crucial for online business. 00:36:55

• What are some recommended hosting services?
  SiteGround and Big Scoots are noted for excellent performance and customer support, along with competitive pricing. 00:26:01