When I first decided to start my blog, I had no savings, no fancy equipment, and no real idea what I was doing. I just knew I had stories to tell, knowledge to share, and a growing desire to earn money online. Like many beginners, I assumed blogging would require hundreds of dollars in investment, plus technical skills and expensive software. But I was determined to prove myself wrong — and I did.
After weeks of research, testing free tools, asking for advice, and being extremely careful with spending, I managed to launch my first blog for just under $100. And the best part? It worked.
🎥 Watch: My Budget Blogging Journey
1. Domain + Hosting with Bluehost — $35.40
The first decision I made was to get my own domain name. While I could’ve used a free platform like Blogger or WordPress.com, I wanted to build a real brand from day one — and that meant owning my own site.
I chose Bluehost because it’s beginner-friendly and includes a free domain name for the first year. Their basic hosting plan had everything I needed, and I scored a deal that cost only $35.40 for 12 months.
👉 Click here to get Bluehost at a discount
2. My Laptop — Already Owned (But Here’s an Affordable Option)
I already owned a basic HP laptop that I used for school. It wasn’t fancy, but it was enough to run Google Docs, browse the internet, and manage my blog. If you’re just starting and don’t own one yet, you can still find reliable machines on a tight budget.
💻 HP Stream Laptop – Lightweight and affordable
This one is great for students, bloggers, and freelancers. It’s not a powerhouse, but it’ll help you get things done without breaking the bank.
3. Affordable Tools I Bought on Amazon — $48.97 Total
To improve my comfort and productivity, I bought a few essential tools. These weren’t just “nice to have” — they made a real difference in how I worked every day.
- Wireless Mouse: Logitech M185 – Reliable and super easy to set up.
- HD Webcam: Logitech C920x – Crisp video quality for calls, interviews, and future YouTube videos.
- Notebook: A5 College-Ruled Planner – Helps with brainstorming, planning posts, and staying organized offline.
- LED Desk Lamp: Clip-on Light – A must for working late nights or in low-light rooms.
Even though they were affordable, these tools gave me a big productivity boost. They also made my small workspace feel more like a real blogging setup.
4. The Free Tools I Still Use Today
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that you don’t need premium software to get started. There are so many powerful free tools out there for new bloggers. Here are the ones I used — and still rely on today:
- Canva (Free): My go-to for creating blog graphics, Pinterest pins, and social banners.
- Google Docs: Simple, reliable, and cloud-based — perfect for writing drafts.
- Pixabay & Pexels: For free stock images that make blog posts look polished.
- Ubersuggest (Free version): Great for beginner keyword research and seeing what people are actually searching for.
Using these tools helped me stay under budget and still produce professional-quality content.
5. Blogger Theme — Free & Clean
While Bluehost gave me the freedom to install WordPress, I originally started experimenting on Blogger to get the hang of things. I chose a free template, customized the fonts and colors, and made it feel like “me.”
If you’re just testing the waters, Blogger can be a great starting point. It's simple, free, and has zero hosting fees — you just point your domain there.
6. My Total Cost Breakdown
Here’s how everything added up:
- ✅ Bluehost Hosting + Domain: $35.40
- ✅ Amazon Accessories: $48.97
- ✅ Software & Tools: $0 (Free)
Total Launch Cost: $84.37
Not bad, right? It’s proof that with a little creativity, you don’t need a big budget to take the first step.
7. What I Would Do Differently
Looking back, there are only a couple of things I’d change:
- I’d probably invest in a slightly better Blogger or WordPress theme — you can get great ones under $10 on Etsy or Themeforest.
- I’d also take a basic blogging course earlier. I learned everything by trial and error, which took longer than necessary.
But even with a basic setup, I was able to start publishing posts, attracting readers, and building my voice online.
💡 Key Takeaways for Beginners
- You don’t need to wait for the “perfect time” — just start.
- Use what you already have (even if it’s not perfect).
- Invest small, but smart. Focus on tools that directly help with writing, publishing, or comfort.
- Free tools can take you surprisingly far — don’t underestimate them.
Conclusion: Start Small, Grow With Time
You don’t need to spend a fortune to start a blog. You just need a plan, a laptop, and a few budget-friendly tools. Starting with under $100 taught me how to focus on what matters most: writing good content, sharing my experience, and helping others who are just getting started.
If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” or “more money” — stop waiting. The best investment is starting today with what you’ve got.
👣 Ready to Start Your Blog?
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💬 Got questions or need help starting your blog? Leave a comment or reach out — I'm happy to guide you!
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