Last updated on November 12, 2025
I remember asking myself the same thing when I was starting out. I had all the ideas in my head, but no clue how much I’d need to actually bring my blog to life.The good news? You don’t need thousands of dollars or a tech degree to build a blog. Whether you want something simple or a professional setup, I’ll break down everything you need — and how much it really costs in 2025.
1. The domain name — your online address
Your domain name is what people type to find your blog (like yourblogname.com). Think of it as your home address on the internet.
Most domains cost around $10–$20 per year.
You can get one from trusted registrars like:
My tip? Go for a simple .com if it’s available — it looks more professional and is easier for readers to remember.
2. Web hosting — where your blog lives
Hosting is like renting space on the internet for your website’s files. Without it, your blog won’t actually appear online.
For beginners, shared hosting works perfectly fine. It’s affordable, fast enough, and most plans include a free SSL certificate (that’s the little lock in your browser bar for security).
Common hosting prices:
- Budget shared hosting: $2.95–$6.95/month
- Managed WordPress hosting: $10–$30/month
Some popular hosting companies I’ve personally used and can recommend:
- Hostinger — very beginner-friendly and affordable.
- Bluehost — officially recommended by WordPress.
- WordPress.com — if you want a free or hosted plan to start with zero setup.
If you’re just testing the waters, you can even start for free on WordPress.com or Blogger.
You can always upgrade later once you’re ready for more control.
3. WordPress — the free blogging platform
WordPress itself is completely free.
You can download it from WordPress.org and install it on your hosting.
It’s the world’s most popular blogging platform — and for good reason. It’s flexible, beginner-friendly, and you can make your blog look however you want with themes and plugins.
To be clear: WordPress.org is self-hosted (you need your own hosting), while WordPress.com hosts for you (with limited control).
Both are great options, but if you want to own everything and grow long-term, go with the self-hosted WordPress.org route.
4. Theme and design — making your blog look good
Here’s the fun part — choosing your blog’s design. You can pick from thousands of free or paid themes depending on your taste and budget.
Free themes: WordPress has a huge library of them. Many are beautiful, responsive, and easy to customize.
Premium themes: Usually cost around $30–$80 one-time and often come with better features and support.
Some trustworthy theme marketplaces include:
Personally, I started with a free theme called “Astra,” then upgraded later when I wanted more customization options.
So don’t feel pressured to buy right away — start free, get a feel for things, and upgrade when you’re ready.
5. Plugins — adding useful features
Plugins are like apps for your blog. They add features like contact forms, social sharing buttons, SEO tools, and backups.
Most plugins are free, but a few premium ones are totally worth it if you’re serious about growing your site.
Must-have free plugins I recommend:
- Yoast SEO — for optimizing posts for Google.
- WPForms Lite — to create simple contact forms.
- UpdraftPlus — for automatic backups.
- Site Kit by Google — to track your traffic easily.
Optional premium plugins (for scaling):
- Elementor Pro — $49/year for advanced design tools.
- Rank Math Pro — $79/year for deep SEO insights.
6. Branding and logo (optional but nice to have)
You don’t have to spend a fortune on a logo.
Honestly, when I started, I made mine using Canva for free — and it looked great.
Later, you can invest in a professional design for $30–$100 if you want something more unique.
But don’t let that stop you from starting — simple is often better in the beginning.
7. Optional extras — if you want to level up
Once your blog starts gaining traction, you might want to invest in extras like:
- Email marketing tools (like Mailchimp or ConvertKit) — free for beginners, $10–$30/month as you grow.
- Premium stock photos (like Shutterstock) — $20–$50/month, or use free ones from Unsplash.
- Security plugins — many are free, but premium protection runs around $30–$100/year.
8. Realistic total cost to build a blog
Here’s a realistic breakdown depending on your budget level:
Starter (Free or very low budget)
- Domain: $10–$15/year
- Hosting: Free (on WordPress.com or Blogger)
- Theme: Free
- Total: $0–$20/year
Mid-level (best for beginners who want full control)
- Domain: $12/year
- Hosting: $36–$72/year
- Theme: Free or $40 one-time
- Logo/Plugins: $20–$50 (optional)
- Total: Around $70–$150 for the first year
Professional setup
- Domain: $12/year
- Hosting: $120–$300/year
- Premium theme: $50–$80 one-time
- Plugins & tools: $100–$200/year
- Total: $250–$500/year
You can always start small and scale up as your blog grows. Most successful bloggers began on a shoestring budget — the key is consistency, not perfection.
Final thoughts — start simple, grow smart
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that starting your blog doesn’t have to break the bank.
You can literally launch a full, working site for under $100 — and that’s often all it takes to begin something great.
My advice? Don’t get stuck planning every tiny detail or overthinking costs. Just start with what you can afford, learn along the way, and upgrade when you’re ready.
Because trust me — the best investment isn’t in fancy tools, it’s in your consistency.