Let me tell you something — when I first heard people talk about blogging as a side hustle, I honestly thought it was too late to start. I figured the space was too crowded or only for tech-savvy people. But fast forward to today, and I’m proud to say blogging is not only my creative outlet, but also one of the smartest financial decisions I’ve made. Here’s why I chose blogging as my side hustle and why you might consider it too.
1. I Needed Flexibility
One of the biggest reasons I got into blogging was flexibility. Between my studies and other responsibilities, I couldn’t commit to strict hours or punch a clock every day. With blogging, I work on my terms — whether that’s early morning, late night, or even weekends. There’s no boss breathing down my neck. That freedom alone makes blogging worth it.
2. It's Low-Cost to Start
You don't need thousands of shillings or dollars to get started. In fact, I started my blog without buying anything upfront. No expensive tools, no fancy cameras — just my laptop, ideas, and time. That affordability was a big deal for me as someone who was still figuring out online income.
3. I Had Stories and Lessons to Share
We all go through things. We learn, we grow, we fail, and we try again. Blogging became a platform for me to share my experiences — especially around online work, freelancing, and tech tips. Writing about what freelancing taught me about money felt natural. It wasn’t about trying to impress anyone — it was just me, being real.
4. Blogging Builds Digital Skills
I’ve learned so much just from managing my blog. SEO, content writing, basic HTML, affiliate marketing, analytics — all of these are skills I now have under my belt. These skills open more doors, whether it's landing freelance gigs or offering services to clients. Honestly, blogging turned me into a better digital creator.
5. It Can Actually Make You Money
I’ll be honest, I didn’t start blogging expecting big earnings. But over time, with consistent effort, my blog started getting views. I added Amazon affiliate links, explored AdSense, and realized this could be more than a passion project. If you're curious, here’s a post on high-quality laptops I recommend for freelancers — that post alone started bringing in clicks and conversions.
6. I Control Everything
Unlike social media platforms where your account can be banned or your reach limited, my blog is mine. I own it. I control the content, the layout, and the monetization. That’s powerful. Even better? It keeps growing as long as I keep showing up with new content.
7. I Get to Help Others
This one matters a lot. The comments I get, the messages from readers who say, “Hey, your post helped me,” — that’s the best feeling ever. I’m not some guru. I’m just sharing what I know and hoping someone finds value in it. Just like I believe freelancing is the future of work, I also believe personal blogs still matter — especially when they’re authentic.
8. I Needed a Side Hustle That Could Grow Over Time
Some side hustles only pay when you show up. Blogging, on the other hand, keeps working even when you’re not. A post I wrote weeks ago can still bring in views today. That passive potential is why I stick with it. The more I publish, the bigger my reach and income possibilities become.
9. It’s a Creative Outlet Too
I don’t just write to make money. I write to express myself. Whether it's sharing a tech tip, breaking down freelancing scams, or telling a personal story — blogging gives me that freedom. It's like having my own digital journal, only that others get to benefit from it too.
10. I Can Do It Alongside Other Projects
I’m a computer science student and also exploring freelancing, affiliate programs, and more. Blogging fits right in. It complements everything else I do online. Even when I’m not writing, I’m improving my site design, learning SEO, or thinking about content ideas. It’s a side hustle that evolves with me.
11. The Opportunities Keep Growing
Thanks to my blog, I’ve discovered partnerships, affiliate networks like Amazon and PartnerStack, and even potential brand collaborations. I never imagined that my little blog could open these doors. But it has. And it's still growing.
12. You Can Start From Anywhere
I live in Garissa County, Kenya. I don’t have a big studio or a media team. Yet I run a blog that reaches readers around the world. That’s what I love about blogging — it breaks down borders. If I can start with limited resources and still make progress, so can you.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been thinking about starting a blog as a side hustle, this is your sign. It’s not too late. You don’t need a lot of money. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to start — share what you know, be consistent, and stay true to your voice. Blogging has changed my life in so many ways. And it might just do the same for you.
Thanks for reading. If you found this helpful, feel free to check out more posts on makahilmaalim.com — I write about freelancing, online work, tech tools, and real lessons from my journey.
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