If you’ve ever thought about starting a blog, you’ve probably talked yourself out of it just as fast. There are already millions of websites out there. AI is writing faster than humans. And honestly, who even clicks on blogs anymore, right?

I get it. But here’s the truth: blogging isn’t dead—it’s just grown up a little. You can’t throw up a single post and expect to make rent money, but if you’re willing to put in a little effort and time, you can absolutely build a small, steady income from your own corner of the internet.

Can Blogging Still Be a Side Hustle?

Blogging is not something you start today and get rich tomorrow. It takes time. But can you spend a few hours a week setting something up, writing one post a day, and eventually build up to a few extra hundred bucks you didn’t have before? Absolutely.

Through a previous, very half-hearted blogging venture—I’m talking sporadic posting, zero SEO knowledge, and no real plan—we still managed to put up about 200–250 articles in a year and brought in roughly $150 to $200 a month. Not bad for something I barely had time to nurture. And if that had been taken seriously? It could have been so much more.

Do Personal Blogs Actually Make Money?

Yes, they can. I’ve seen people who aren’t professional writers and honestly aren’t even that great at it still build sites that became genuine sources of income. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being consistent. Every post you write is another little worker bee out there, bringing traffic (and ad revenue or affiliate income) back to you over time.

Even a small personal blog can earn money through ads, affiliate links, or sponsored posts once it gains traction. You don’t need to niche down to the point of misery; you just need to be relatable and helpful. Talk about what you love, answer questions people actually search for, and show up regularly.

How Much Do Blogs Make Per 1,000 Views?

The unfortunate truth is that there really isn’t a set-in-stone answer. What you make per 1,000 views depends on your niche, your audience, and who’s advertising on your content at the time. But if—and I do mean if—you have decent quality content, you can usually expect to earn somewhere around half a cent to a penny per view. That works out to roughly $5–$10 for every 1,000 views.

That might not sound like much, but here’s the thing: sometimes, you’ll hit on a topic advertisers love. And when that happens, your RPM (revenue per thousand views) can jump dramatically. I’ve seen individual posts pull in $30–$60 per 1,000 views simply because they landed in a high-paying niche or season.

So while there’s no one-size-fits-all number, it’s fair to say your earnings per 1,000 views will always come down to your RPM—and your RPM is influenced by what kind of content you’re putting out, who your audience is, and how valuable that topic is to advertisers.

What About AI? Isn’t It Taking Over Blogging?

Here’s the thing: AI can help you, but it can’t replace you. Sure, AI can write generic how-to articles, but it can’t write your story. It can’t describe the feeling of staying up at midnight, typing with one hand while holding a fussy baby with the other. It can’t talk about how it felt when you made your first $10 online or the chaos of trying to build something while juggling family, work, and life.

If anything, AI has leveled the playing field. It helps with ideas, outlines, and even editing—but your personal experiences and honesty are what make readers stick around. So, don’t fear AI. Learn to use it as a tool, not a threat.

Is It Too Late to Start a Blog?

It’s never too late. The internet isn’t “full.” It just rewards people who keep showing up. Blogging in 2025 is about being genuine, giving people value, and showing them something real in a sea of copy-paste content.

If you can commit to writing 2–3 posts a week, optimize your content, and learn the basics of SEO, you can absolutely make money blogging. It’s not instant gratification, but it’s long-term payoff.

Where Should You Start?

If you’re ready to stop scrolling and start building, I highly recommend starting with Hosting.com. You can set up your own website for super cheap—especially if you catch one of their sales or promos. They offer a WordPress hosting option and even an AI site builder that helps you set everything up step by step. You make the choices, and it builds a gorgeous, ready-to-use site.

Just to give you an idea, during their Black Friday sale, I grabbed a domain name and an entire hosting plan for a year for just $56. That gave me twelve months to come up with another $110 to renew. In that time, I could easily build a site that makes that back (and more). Blogging doesn’t have to be an expensive risk—it can be a smart, low-cost side hustle you grow at your own pace.

The 80/20 Rule for Blogging

The 80/20 rule basically means 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. In blogging, that translates to focusing your time on what actually brings in traffic and income: creating quality posts, promoting them, and improving what’s already working. Don’t waste hours tweaking your logo or obsessing over the perfect tagline. Get content out there. Refine as you go.

Final Thoughts: Is Blogging Still Worth It?

Yes. A thousand times yes. Blogging is still one of the most beginner-friendly ways to create an income stream online. It’s flexible, creative, and something you can build on your own schedule. The key is to treat it like a business—not a lottery ticket.

I’ve watched too many people prove it’s possible, including myself. If you stay consistent and realistic, your little corner of the internet can turn into something powerful—something that pays you back for showing up.

So, is blogging still worth it in 2025? Only if you’re ready to make it worth it.