Last updated on November 12, 2025
Hey friend — if you’ve ever thought “I want to start blogging but I don’t have any money to invest”, let me tell you: you’re not alone. I’ve been in the exact same shoes. I sat there staring at the screen, wondering how I could launch something meaningful without spending a dime. It’s possible. And I’m going to walk you through exactly how I did it (and how you can too).
Why I Started My Blog for Free
To be honest, I didn’t start with big plans of earning a full income right away. I just wanted a place to share what I knew — about websites, tech fixes, and “how to” guides. I didn’t have a fancy budget. I had time, a laptop, and a bunch of ideas. That was enough. What’s important is you start somewhere.
What “zero dollars” really means
When I say “zero dollars”, I mean you don’t have to pay anything up-front: no pricey hosting, no custom domain (unless you want it later), no premium theme. Yes, you’ll face some limitations, but those are manageable — especially at the start. According to many free blogging platforms, you *can* start now without cash.
Step 1: Pick a free blog platform
This is where you’ll build your space. Some platforms are totally free and fairly simple. I used one myself just to test things out. Here are things you should check:
- It offers a free subdomain (like yourblog.platform.com).
- It lets you publish posts and pick from free templates.
- It allows some customization so your site doesn’t look like everyone else’s.
Best Free Platforms to Start a Blog
Alright, let’s talk about the fun part — where you can actually start your blog without spending a single cent.
I know it sounds too good to be true, but trust me, there are real, trusted platforms that let you begin totally free.
These are perfect if you’re just testing the waters or learning how blogging works before going all in.
1. WordPress.com
WordPress.com is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly platforms out there. You get a free subdomain like yourblog.wordpress.com, access to beautiful themes, and basic tools to grow your audience — all without paying anything.
Start with WordPress.com
2. Blogger (by Google)
Blogger has been around for years and it’s still solid. You get a free subdomain (yourblog.blogspot.com), simple setup, and Google integration for stats and monetization later. It’s great for personal or hobby blogs.
Start with Blogger
3. Medium
If you just want to write and share ideas — no design, no plugins — Medium is perfect. It already has an audience of readers who care about stories and ideas. You can even get discovered by publications inside Medium.
Start with Medium
4. Wix
Wix lets you build your blog visually — just drag and drop. You’ll get a free subdomain like yourblog.wixsite.com and access to templates that look professional even on the free plan.
Start with Wix
5. Substack
Substack is great if you love writing and connecting directly with readers through email. It’s free to start and designed for bloggers who want to build a loyal following. You can even earn later if you turn it into a newsletter business.
Start with Substack
To be honest, each of these platforms has its own vibe.
If you’re after full control and flexibility, go with WordPress.com.
If you just want to write without worrying about design, Medium or Substack might be your thing.
The important part is — just start. You’ll figure out the rest as you go.
Step 2: Choose a blog name and pick your topic
Don’t overthink this. Choose something you like, that reflects your topic, and won’t make you cringe later. My first blog name was totally silly — but it got me moving. Your topic should be something you feel comfortable talking about for a long time. Because yes — blogging takes time.
Step 3: Set up your blog and publish your first post
This is the fun part. Sign up for the platform, pick a template, write your first post, and hit publish. My first post was messy — I spelled things wrong, my images were too big, but you know what? I published anyway. That’s what matters.
Step 4: Promote your blog without spending money
Since you’re not spending cash, you’ll invest your energy. Here’s how:
- Share on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) — mention it like you’re telling a friend.
- Join relevant online communities (forums/groups) and share your posts when appropriate.
- Use the free blogging platform’s built-in tools: tags, categories, SEO settings.
Step 5: Keep going and grow your blog
Here’s where patience comes in. You won’t instantly have thousands of readers. I didn’t. I had a handful. But each post improved. I learned what worked. And you will too.
Write consistently. Maybe once a week. Maybe every two weeks. Whatever you can sustain. Your blog will evolve. Your voice will sharpen. People will start to notice.
Step 6: When to upgrade (and why)
Even if you start with zero dollars, at some point you may decide to invest. Maybe a custom domain to sound more professional. Maybe a premium theme to stand out. But only when you’re ready — when you’ve proven to yourself that you’ll stick with it.
My two cents of advice
Honestly, don’t wait for the perfect moment. I waited. Too long. And I missed some good opportunities. If you have the idea and you have time, start now. Use free resources. Make mistakes. Learn. Adjust. And don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.
Also: have fun. If you don’t enjoy writing, you’ll burn out. Create something that mirrors *you* — your voice, your quirks, your lessons. That makes your blog real. And people feel that.
What you’ll remember in six months
In six months you might look back and say: “Wow, I actually did this.” That blog that started for zero dollars? It became something you built yourself. And yes, you might upgrade things — but the foundation will be free, just like you started it.
This isn’t about making money overnight. It’s about building something meaningful with what you already have. Time, idea, willingness to learn — that’s enough.