How to Start a Blog in Canada & Make $10k/month [Beginner’s Guide]

Think blogging is just for influencers in sunny California? Think again. Whether you’re in Toronto, Vancouver, or a cozy small town in the Rockies, you can start and grow a thriving blog that makes you money, this time around, with no border restrictions, just pure Canadian hustle.

The best part? You don’t need a fancy degree or a trust fund to start. With just a laptop, Tim Hortons ‘ Wi-Fi, and you are good to go. If you are very serious about this, you can start making pulling in $5,000/month (or more) before you even finish your first year. That’s enough to cover rent in Vancouver and still afford poutine.

Canadian bloggers are cashing in through ads, affiliate marketing, and even selling their own products, turning their passion for everything from tech reviews to wilderness camping into full-time incomes. The barrier to entry? Lower than -30°C winter morning. The payoff? Life-changing.

Ready to turn your ideas into income? Let’s get started.

Canadian Blogs Making Big Money

Here are 3 real examples of successful blogs and how much they earn:

1. Oh She Glows (Vegan Food Blog)

🌱 What it’s about: Easy plant-based recipes and healthy eating tips.
💰 Earns: $12k – $15k/month
👀 Visitors: 1M+/month
💡 Money sources: Ads, affiliate links, sponsors, and cookbook sales.

2. Marie Forleo (Business & Marketing Blog)

🚀 What it’s about: Advice for entrepreneurs and online business owners.
💰 Earns: $10k – $14k/month
👀 Visitors: 500K+/month
💡 Money sources: Online courses, affiliate marketing, and sponsors.

3. MapleMoney (Personal Finance Blog)

💵 What it’s about: Saving, investing, and managing money (for Canadians).
💰 Earns: $8k – $12k/month
👀 Visitors: 300k – 400k/month
💡 Money sources: Affiliate links (credit cards, banks), ads, and sponsors.

Key Takeaway: These blogs started small, grew an audience, and now make a serious income. You can do it too!

Section 2:

What you need to start a blog in Canada

Here are the things you need to set up your blog and get it ready to start creating content;

  • 💻 Device – Any laptop/smartphone works (even old ones!)
  • 🌐 Domain + Hosting – Get both for $2.75/month via HostGator Canada (includes free domain & WordPress)

🚀 Best Option for Canadians: HostGator

  • ✔ Blazing-fast Canadian servers (no lag for local readers)
  • ✔ FREE domain name (save $15 − $20/year)
  • ✔ 1-click WordPress install (get started in minutes)
  • ✔ 30-day money-back guarantee (zero risk)

💰 Start for less than $3/month → Get HostGator Canada Hosting Here

Note: At the end of your sign-up with your web hosting [e.g., HostGator], that is when you have the option to install the generally used web version of WordPress within your hosting account to start building and managing your blog site.

How to Start a Blog in Canada Step by Step and Make Money  

Quick steps to get you started in 5 minutes

  • Step 1: Choose a profitable niche
  • Step 2: Use HostGator to get started
  • Step 3: Choose your preferred HostGator hosting plan
  • Step 4: Choose your domain name
  • Step 6: Adjust to your hosting plan subscription period
  • Step 6: Create your HostGator account
  • Step 7: Within Your HostGator Account, Install WordPress
  • Step 8: Manage your blog on WordPress and get used to its settings

Step 1: Choose a Profitable Niche

Starting a blog in Canada? The first and most important step is choosing the right niche. A well-defined niche helps you attract the right audience, rank higher on Google, and monetize effectively.

What is a Blog Niche?

A niche is a specific topic or industry your blog focuses on. Instead of writing about “everything,” you specialize in one area to:
✔ Stand out from generic blogs
✔ Build authority faster
✔ Attract loyal readers who care about your content
✔ Make money through targeted ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsorships

Why Your Niche Choice Matters

  1. Lower Competition – Narrow topics rank more easily than broad ones.
  2. Better Monetization – Brands pay more for specialized audiences.
  3. Long-Term Growth – Passion = Consistency = Success.

Profitable Blogging Niches in Canada

Here are some high-demand niches with strong earning potential

  1. Personal Finance – “Canadian Investing & Tax Tips”
  2. Travel in Canada – “Best Ski Resorts in BC”
  3. Tech & Gadgets – “Best Laptops for Canadian Students”
  4. Health & Fitness – “Winter Workout Routines”
  5. Parenting – “Raising Kids in Toronto”

📌 Need more niche ideas? Explore:
→ Most Profitable Blogging Niches
→ 200+ Blog Topic Ideas

How to Pick the Best Niche for You

✅ Passion + Profit – Do you enjoy the topic? Can it make money?
✅ Audience Demand – Check Google Trends & Reddit discussions.
✅ Low Competition – Avoid oversaturated topics (e.g., “make money online”).

💡 Pro Tip: Combine two interests (e.g., “Affordable Vegan Recipes in Canada” = food + budget-friendly).

Step 2: Use HostGator to get started

Action Required – Head over to HostGator to get started

Here’s what you get with HostGator:

  • Secure and reliable web hosting
  • A free domain with your plan
  • 1-click WordPress setup
  • 30-day money-back protection

🔥 Use our discounted HostGator link to lock in your rate — less than $3.50/month!

how to start a blog

Step 3: Choose a Hosting Plan

Next Step – Choose Your HostGator Hosting Plan

If you’re just starting out, the Hatchling Plan is a great choice. It’s simple, affordable, and perfect for new blogs that don’t need advanced features or high traffic capacity.
And don’t worry — you can always upgrade your plan or switch hosting providers in the future if needed.

hostgator web hosting plans

Step 4: Claim a Free Domain Name of Your Choice

Action Required – Enter the domain name of your blog

choose a domain name with hostgtor starting a fashion blog

Key Factors When Choosing Your Blog Domain Name

  1. Memorable & Easy to Spell
    • Choose a name that’s simple to recall and type. Avoid complicated words, hyphens, or numbers.
  2. Reflects Your Niche
    • Include relevant keywords so visitors instantly understand your blog’s focus.
  3. Short & Brandable
    • Aim for 6–14 characters—shorter names are easier to remember and share.
  4. Clear Pronunciation
    • Avoid confusing letter combinations (e.g., “Xcellnt” vs “Excellent”).

📌 Need inspiration? Check out these Creative Blog Name Ideas for unique suggestions!

Step 5: Select Your Hosting Plan Subscription Period

Action Required – Set your hosting subscription period based on what fits your current budget. This option is available under your existing plan.

hostgator checkout page when starting a site

Step 6: Complete Your Account Signup

Action Required – Finish setting up your account before completing checkout.

Just enter your email and create a password to get started with HostGator.

HostGator billing page during check out

Review your sign-up and order details to ensure it’s how you intended, and then check out.

Step 7: Access WordPress After Logging into HostGator

Just Signed Up? Here’s How to Get WordPress Running:

Complete the Setup – Follow the on-screen instructions at the end of your HostGator sign-up to set up WordPress and create your WordPress.

🔁 Alternative Way to Access
– Log in to your HostGator dashboard
– Go to the “Websites” or “WordPress” section
– Click the 1-click installer to launch WordPress

🚀 You’re In! Now You Can:
– ✍️ Start writing blog posts
– 🎨 Design your site to match your style
– ⚙️ Tweak key settings to get everything running smoothly

💡 Pro Tip: Bookmark [yourdomain].com/wp-admin for quick future access.

Step 8: Get Comfortable Managing Your Blog on WordPress

Once your blog is live with HostGator, you’ll be spending most of your time inside WordPress. At first, it might feel a bit overwhelming—but don’t worry! Give it a week or so, and it’ll start to feel second nature.

Need help getting started? Check out the video below for a quick walkthrough of using HostGator and WordPress to run your blog.

Section 3: How To Grow Your Blog

Your location in Canada doesn’t limit your blog’s potential—unless you’re creating content specifically for a Canadian audience. Otherwise, readers from around the world can discover your blog through Google and other platforms.

Here’s how to grow your blog step by step:

  • 🔍 Discover blog post ideas and write compelling content
  • 💰 Learn how to monetize your blog the smart way
  • 🚀 Drive consistent traffic to your site

Finding Winning Blog Topics: 3 Proven Methods to Generate Post Ideas

1. Smart Keyword Research

  • Use Google Autocomplete by typing your topic to see popular searches
  • Try AnswerThePublic for question-based ideas
  • Leverage tools like Ahrefs or Ubersuggest for trending keywords

2. Analyze Your Competition

  • Study top blogs in your niche for content gaps
  • Monitor social media discussions around competitors’ posts

3. Use Idea Generators

  • HubSpot’s Blog Ideas Generator for quick suggestions
  • Portent’s Content Idea Generator for Catchy Headlines
  • BlogAbout for keyword-based titles

Need more inspiration? Check our curated list of blog post ideas across niches.

Monetization Strategies That Work: Best Ways to Monetize Your Blog and Make Money

1. Display Advertising

  • Start with Google AdSense (beginner-friendly)
  • Upgrade to premium networks like Mediavine or AdThrive as traffic grows
  • Consider direct ad sales to niche-relevant brands

2. Affiliate Marketing

  • Join programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale
  • Create honest product reviews and “best of” lists
  • Build a dedicated resources page with affiliate links

Pro Tip: Combine multiple income streams for stability. See our complete monetization guide for advanced strategies.


Driving Targeted Traffic: Most Effective Traffic Generation Methods

1. Master SEO Fundamentals

  • Conduct keyword research for high-potential terms
  • Optimize posts with proper headings, meta descriptions, and internal links
  • Ensure mobile-friendliness and fast loading speeds

2. Leverage Social Media

  • Share content on platforms where your audience hangs out
  • Use Pinterest for visual content with proven strategies
  • Engage in relevant Facebook Groups and subreddits

3. Quality Content is King

For a complete traffic playbook, see our blog promotion guide.

Bonus Resources

Tools to Accelerate Your Growth

Success Metrics

Simplified Summary

Imagine this: You’re earning $3,000 − $15,000+ per month from your Canadian blog – working when you want, from anywhere (hello, Banff coffee shops or Toronto co-working spaces!).

Why blogging beats a regular job in Canada:
✅ Escape the 9-5 grind – No more commuting in 30°C winters
✅ Unlimited income potential – Top Canadian bloggers make $100K+/year
✅ Tax advantages – Write-offs for home office, tech, and more
✅ Location freedom – Work from your couch or a Costa Rican beach

Real Canadian Blogging Success Stories:

  • “Personal Finance Canada” makes $45K/month from affiliates
  • “Travel Alberta” earns $22K/month from ads and sponsorships
    See more income proof here

Your 4-Step Blueprint to Start Today

1. Choose Your Money-Making Niche: Top Canadian Niches:
• Personal finance (TFSA/RRSP tips)
• Canadian real estate
• Immigration guides
• Local travel (best ski resorts, hidden gems)
• Canadian tech/AI trends

2. Get Hosting + Domain
👉 Best Canadian Hosting (Optimized for .ca sites)

  • Free domain included
  • 1-click WordPress install
  • 24/7 Canadian support

3. Design Your Canadian-Focused Blog
• Use Canadian colors/themes (red/white, maple leaf accents)
• Localize content (“Best Banks in Canada 2025”)
• Add Canadian trust signals (CDN spelling, local references)

4. Monetization Strategies That Work in Canada

💰 Beginner Options ($1k − $5k/month):
• Google AdSense
• Amazon Canada affiliates

💰 Advanced Options ($10K+/month):
• Mediavine/AdThrive ads
• Sponsored posts with Canadian brands
• Sell digital products (Canadian tax guides, etc.)

Canadian Blogging Advantages

• Higher ad rates – Canadian traffic earns 2-3X more than global averages
• Less competition – Fewer .ca blogs than .com
• Trust factor – Canadian readers prefer local sources

How Soon Can You Earn?
• Month 1-3: Setup and first posts
• Month 4-6: First $500 − $1,000 months
• Year 1: Real part-time income ($3K+/month)
• Year 2+: Full-time income potential

Ready to Start Your Canadian Blogging Journey?

🚀 Click Here to Launch Your Blog (Special Canadian pricing)

P.S. The best time to start was 5 years ago. The second-best time is Today.

Share your love

Newsletter Updates

Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter