How To Start a Book Blog and Make Money

do you want to learn How to start this blog?

My life changed when I started blogging. When I started Making Sense of Cents (the blog you’re reading now!), I had no idea that sharing my writing would allow me to earn a full-time income doing what I love. did.

Starting a book blog can be a great online business for you. By starting your own book blog, you can create a space to share book reviews and recommendations and connect with your community.

The great thing is that starting your own book blog is easier to accomplish than you might think. You don’t need to be a technical expert or have any special skills. With a little guidance in today’s article, you can set up your blog, choose a niche, and start writing content that reflects your unique voice as a reader.

Quick note: There is a free course on how to start a blog. You can join by clicking here. Over 80,000 people have already taken this course. This free course will teach you how to create a blog from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.

my blog history

Over 10 years ago, I decided to start a blog called Making Sense of Cents on a whim. I came across an article about a blog and decided to share my experience. At first, blogging was just a hobby.

At that time, I had no idea that you could actually make money blogging. About 6 months later, a fellow blogger introduced me to an advertiser, and that’s when I made my first $100.

At that point, I realized that I loved blogging and was amazed that I could actually make money blogging.

Since then, my blog has grown in ways I never imagined and I’ve been able to earn over $5 million through my blog. It completely changed my life and gave me financial freedom and the opportunity to work from anywhere. And today, I want to help you launch a successful book blog.

What is this blog?

A book blog is a website where people share their thoughts about books. Book lovers read books and write their impressions on their blogs. We also talk about book-related topics, such as author interviews and upcoming releases.

A book blog can focus on one genre, such as mystery or romance, or cover a wide range of genres. You can choose what you want to write about based on your interests and passions.

Examples of topics covered in book blogs include:

• Book review – In-depth reviews of new books and classic favorites
• book list – Contains lists of recommended books such as “Best Money Books of the Year” and “Top 10 Mystery Novels”
• Author interview – A conversation with the author about the writing process, inspiration, and upcoming projects
• Book and movie comparison – Reviews on how well the book was adapted into a movie or series
• reading assignment – Host or participate in a challenge such as “Read 50 books in a year”
• Upcoming releases – Highlights of new or upcoming books that readers should look out for.
• Book club discussion – Ask questions and analyze books, start or join book club discussions
• book goods – Review or share book-related products such as bookshelves, bookmarks, book-themed clothing, posters, stickers, tote bags, etc.

Recommended reading: What is a blog? How can a blog make money?

Why should you start a book blog?

Starting a book blog is a great idea for many reasons.

Share your love of reading and connect with others who also enjoy reading. This can lead to new friendships or interesting discussions about your favorite stories.

Other benefits of starting a book blog include:

• earn money – If your book blog becomes popular, there are ways to make money from it. You can earn money through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate links. Some bloggers get paid to review books.
• creative outlet – Book blogs are a place for self-expression. You can also write reviews, share your reading assignments, and post creative content like fan fiction and author interviews.
• help the author – By reviewing and promoting books, you can support authors and help them reach more readers. Your review might convince someone else to pick up a book they otherwise wouldn’t.

For me, starting a blog has brought so much good to my life, so I’m very happy.

How to start a book blog

Below, we will explain step-by-step how to start a book blog and make money.

1. Choose a niche for your book blog

The first step in learning how to start a book blog is deciding what you want to write about.

Choosing a niche for your book blog will help you stand out and attract readers. It’s important to find a specific focus area that you’re passionate about.

Choosing a niche allows you to narrow down your audience. Instead of trying to please everyone, you can focus on specific groups of readers who share your interests.

Being niche also makes it easier to create content. Once you know your focus, blog post ideas will come naturally.

Additionally, specializing in a niche allows you to establish yourself as an expert. Readers will trust your opinion and come back again and again.

There are many popular niches for book blogging. These include:

• young adult novels
• mystery novels and thriller novels
• romance novel
• fantasy
• science fiction
• historical novel
• children’s books
• Biography
• books made into movies

moreover!

2. Start a self-hosted WordPress blog

To start a book blog, we recommend using a self-hosted WordPress site as your blogging platform. This means that unlike free platforms, you will own your blog and its content.

WordPress is the place to write and manage your blog posts. Think of this as your blog’s home base. You can log in, create a new post, add photos and links, and share it with your readers. It’s a simple tool that helps you control everything from how you write your blog to how it looks.

WordPress is great because you don’t need to know how to write code to build a blog or website. It’s easy to use and has lots of options to customize your site.

My blog “Making Sense of Cents” also uses WordPress.

Here are the steps to start a self-hosted WordPress blog.

1. Use a web hosting service. A popular choice for new bloggers is Bluehost.
2. Install WordPress. Most web hosts allow one-click installation. It’s quick and easy.

You can find my complete tutorial on this here: How to Start a WordPress Blog with Bluehost. If you need more details or want to see a screenshot of exactly what to click, we have step-by-step instructions.

Moreover, with my tutorial you can get a free domain name at the lowest price.

3. Decide on a blog name and purchase a domain

Choosing a name for your book blog can seem difficult. But don’t let that stop you from starting.

Here are some tips for choosing a blog name for your book.

• Keep it simple. Make sure your blog name is easy to spell and easy to remember. Avoid long or complex words. You want people to have no trouble finding your blog.
• Think about the content of your blog. What do you write about? Who will read it? Write down words that describe the focus of your blog. This brainstorm will help you come up with a good name.
• If you’re having trouble thinking of a name, use a thesaurus. This may lead to new ideas or similar words that are more effective.
• To make your blog name stand out, try something catchy. Use humor, rhyme, and alliteration. A memorable name helps attract readers.
• If you’re still having trouble, consider using your own name. It’s easy and many bloggers have had success with it.
• We strongly recommend using “.com” for your domain and no other domains. This is simply because most people are used to typing “.com” and it’s easier to remember.

Once you have a blog name, you need to purchase a domain. A domain is the web address that people use to find your blog.

By the way, when you sign up with Bluehost, your domain name (or blog name) is free! Click here to get your free domain name.

4. Design your blog layout

Once you have paid for your blog, the next step is to design your site. Your site’s design is important because it’s what readers see when they read your blog posts.

There are three things you can do when designing your book blog.

1. Design your own book blog (this can be difficult to learn, but it’s definitely doable with free WordPress themes).
2. Pay a web designer for a custom design (but this can be expensive).
3. Get a ready-made blog layout – This is the method we recommend for new bloggers.

My favorite option is to get a ready-made design.

They are more affordable and look better than custom designs. A ready-made blog design site that I recommend is Restored 316. Choosing the ready-made blog design route will save you a lot of time and allow you to take the next step towards monetizing your blog. I highly recommend this.

Finally, make sure your blog is mobile-friendly (blog designs sold at Restored 316 are typically mobile-friendly!). Many readers access your site from their mobile phones, so test your layout on a variety of devices.

If you want to get ready-made blog designs that are easy and affordable, click here (this is what I recommend).

5. Create important pages on your blog

A successful book blog starts with setting up your important pages.

These pages are important because they help readers easily navigate your site and find the content they’re looking for.

Key pages should include:

• Home page – Your homepage is the first impression visitors get from your blog. A clear, uncluttered homepage helps readers quickly understand what your blog is about and explore it further. This should be welcoming and easy to navigate. Make it clear that your blog is focused on books and include links to key sections such as book reviews, recommendations, and author interviews.
• Overview page – This is the place to tell your story. Share information about yourself, why you started a book blog, your favorite genres, and what readers can read on your blog. This helps you build a personal connection with your audience.
• Contact page – Make it easy for your readers to contact you by including your email address. This allows readers, authors, and potential partners to contact you.
• Privacy policy page – Explain how we use the data on the site. This is important to build trust and comply with legal requirements. You can search online for legal templates or purchase ready-made privacy policies here.
• disclosure page – If you make money through affiliate links, book promotions, or sponsored posts, please let your readers know. This keeps your blog transparent and trustworthy.

6. Start a social media account for your book blog.

Creating social media accounts will help your book blog grow by making it easier for more people to find your book reviews and recommendations.

Social media platforms you can start with include:

• facebook
• pinterest
• Instagram
• Twitter
• TikTok

You don’t have to be active on all of these platforms, but it’s a good idea to claim your blog name on each one so others can’t use your name.

Once you’ve set up your social media accounts, you can add links to your blog’s homepage so your readers can easily follow you and stay up to date with the latest book reviews, recommendations, and book-related content.

7. Create a blog post plan

A blog content plan is a way to organize and plan what you’ll write and publish on your blog. This will help you stay on track and ensure your posts support your goals, like getting more readers.

A good content plan usually includes a list of topics, post titles, when each post will be published, and the purpose of each post (promote something, solve a problem for your readers, etc.).

You can also include SEO keywords, image ideas, ways to promote your post, and more.

All in all, this is like a roadmap for keeping your blog organized and productive.

Planning content for your blog doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as a list of blog posts you want to write. It really depends on how organized you want to be. For example, you can jot down ideas for blog posts like this:

1. 10 must-read books for summer
2. How to start a reading habit and keep it going
3. Top 5 Favorite Fictional Characters of All Time
4. A beginner’s guide to starting a book club
5. How to read more books even with a busy schedule
6. 10 books that changed my life
7. Book review: (insert book title)
8. How to organize your bookshelf like a pro
9. Top 5 audiobooks for long drives
10. How to get free books: A guide to book exchanges and libraries
11. 10 underrated books you should read
12. Books or movies: which is better?

8. Write your first blog post

Your first blog post is important. This is your chance to introduce yourself and set the tone for your blog.

You can start with a catchy title. Things like “Welcome to my book blog” or “Why I love reading” work well.

Next, tell our readers a little about yourself. Please share why you love books and why you started this blog. This allows your readers to connect with you.

Next, I’ll give you an overview of what I’ll be covering in my blog. Would you like to review a book? Do you want to share reading tips? Let readers know what to expect.

End your post with a call to action, such as asking readers to leave a comment or follow your blog.

9. Find out how to make money with a book blog

You can earn money from your book blog by running ads, promoting affiliate products, writing book reviews, and selling your own products.

Each way you can earn extra income (or even full-time income someday!) while sharing your love of books.

Here’s a breakdown of each way you can make money with your book blog.

• display advertising – One way to make money is to run display ads on your blog. You can register with advertising networks such as Google AdSense to place ads on your site. We get paid when visitors view or click on these ads. The more visitors you have, the more revenue you can earn.
• affiliate marketing – Another way to earn money is through affiliate marketing. You can enroll in programs such as Amazon Associates. If you mention the book, you can use a referral link. If someone makes a purchase through that link, you receive a commission. It’s a great way to earn money by recommending your favorite books. For more information, check out our free e-book, Affiliate Marketing Tips for Bloggers.
• Book review – You can also earn money by writing book reviews. Authors and publishers may pay you to review their books. For the best places to get paid to write book reviews, see 16 Best Ways to Get Paid to Read Books.
• product sales – You can also create and sell your own products. Think of items that book lovers will enjoy. You can sell bookmarks, book-themed mugs, and even your own writing.

Recommended reading: 13 ways to get free books online and have them shipped

10. How to grow a book blog

To drive readers to your book blog, you need to share your blog so others can find it.

Here are some ways to increase page views.

• Share book reviews and blog posts on social media platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. For example, I create Pinterest pin images for every blog post, which is a great way to attract new readers to your blog.
• Write guest posts on other book blogs and websites. This allows you to introduce new readers who are interested in your book.
• Email marketing is also a great option. We recommend finding ways to encourage your readers to subscribe to your newsletter and send them updates on new book reviews and recommendations. If you’re looking for a way to send newsletters or emails to your readers, Convertkit is for you.
• Respond to comments and emails from readers. By building a relationship with them, you can encourage them to share your blog with others. I would be happy if someone replied to my comments and emails, so I always reply to emails and comments.
• Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to help your blog appear in search results when people are looking for book reviews or related book topics.

My favorite guide to different strategies for growing a blog is 21 Strategies I Used to Grow Monthly Pageviews from 17,000 to 400,000+ in 10 Months. This guide by my friend Lena is full of great information on how to increase page views for your blog. If you’re feeling stuck or are a new blogger, check out this resource. Lena has grown from 17,000 to 400,000 monthly pageviews and shares all of her best tips in this resource.

FAQ

Starting a book blog can be fun and rewarding. Below are some of the frequently asked questions people have about becoming a book blogger.

Is a book blog profitable?

Yes, book bloggers can make money. You can earn money through ads, affiliate links, and sponsored posts. Some bloggers sell their own books or sell services such as editing or consulting.

How can I create a book blog for free?

You can start a book blog for free using platforms like WordPress.com, Blogger, and Wix. These platforms have free templates and hosting. Just sign up and start writing. However, if you want to make money with your book blog, we strongly advise against using free platforms. We recommend using self-hosted WordPress.

What are some examples of book blogs?

Examples of book blogs include “That Artsy Reader Girl,” “Pretty Little Memoirs,” “She Reads Romance Books,” “The Uncorked Librarian,” “Traveling Book Junkie,” and “Everyday Reading.”

What is the best way to use Instagram to share blog posts for my book?

Instagram is a great place to share your book blog posts. You can do this by sharing a photo of the book, a reading corner, or a quote from the book. It is also very helpful to use popular hashtags like #Bookstagram to reach a wider audience. You can also interact with other book lovers through comments and likes.

What makes a book blog interesting? How can I set it up that way?

Interesting book blogs have a unique voice and perspective. They typically interact with readers by sharing personal stories and insights about the books they read, as well as asking questions.

Is it worth starting this blog?

Yes, if you love books and want to share your thoughts on your favorite books, it’s worth starting a book blog. It gives you a creative outlet and allows you to connect with a community of fellow book lovers.

How to start a book blog – Overview

I hope you enjoyed this article on how to start a book blog and make money.

I’ve been running this blog you’re reading for quite some time now, and this is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Starting a book blog is a great way to share your love of reading with others and connect with a community of book lovers. With a little guidance, you can create your own book blog, share reviews, and build a platform that reflects your unique voice as a reader.

Reminder: There is a free course on how to start a blog. You can join by clicking here. Over 80,000 people have already taken this course. This free course will teach you how to create a blog from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.

Want to know how to start a book blog?

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