Making Money By Creating Your Own Website

Creating your own website is one of the most rewarding and sustainable ways to build an online income.
At its core, it means setting up a website around a topic you care about or have experience in, such as budgeting, fitness, DIY, travel, or personal finance and then monetising it through content, products, or partnerships.
It’s not a get-rich-quick route, but rather a long-term project that grows month by month.
Once your website starts attracting consistent visitors, it can generate passive income through affiliate links, ads, digital products, or sponsorships. The beauty of this side hustle is that you own it. It’s your platform, your content, and your rules.

Pros of Creating Your Own Website

Low Start-Up Cost: You can start for under £50 a year.
Full Control: You own your platform: no social media algorithms or app restrictions.
Multiple Income Streams: From affiliate marketing to sponsorships and products.
Passive Potential: Older posts and pages can keep earning for years.
Builds Authority: Great for personal brands, small businesses, or side hustles.
Scalable: You can expand into a brand, YouTube channel, or online course later.

Cons of Creating Your Own Website

Takes Time to Grow: Traffic and income build gradually.
Learning Curve: SEO, web design, and writing take practice.
Ongoing Maintenance: Sites need updates and fresh content.
No Instant Results: It can take months to see your first income.
Consistency Needed: Regular updates build trust and visibility.

How to Start Your Own Website

Choose a Niche

Start with a topic you genuinely care about and something you could write or talk about often..

Popular website niches include:
Personal Fitness
Healthy Living
Personal Finance / Budgeting
Home Improvement / DIY
Travel or Van Life
Parenting or Education
Hobbies (gardening, photography, tech reviews, etc.)

Ask yourself:
“What do I know enough about that could help others?” That’s usually your niche.

Pick a Domain Name

Choose a domain that’s short, clear, and brandable. You can buy domains from sites like:
Namecheap
GoDaddy
SiteGround
Bluehost
IONOS (UK)

Host Your Site

You can get affordable hosting from Hostinger (plans around £3–£8 per month).
Sign up to Hostinger Here for a 20% Discount.

Build Your Website

Use a beginner-friendly platform like WordPress.org the most popular and flexible option for long-term growth.
Choose a clean, mobile-friendly theme and focus on useful content, not fancy designs.

Create Quality Content

Write articles, guides, or reviews that solve real problems for your readers.

Examples:
“10 Ways to Save Money on Groceries”
“Best Budgeting Apps for 2025”
“How to Start a Side Hustle With £0”

The more useful your content is, the more people will find and trust your site.
Use free SEO tools like:
Ubersuggest
Google Keyword Planner
Rank Math or Yoast SEO plugins

Monetise Your Site

Once your website gets some regular visitors, you can start earning through:

Affiliate Marketing
Earn commissions by recommending relevant tools, apps, or services (e.g. budgeting or investing platforms).

Digital Products
Sell eBooks, guides, templates, or checklists that provide value.

Sponsorships
Collaborate with brands who pay for featured posts or mentions.

Display Ads
Once you have higher traffic, apply for ad networks like Google AdSense or Mediavine.
(Or stay ad-free if you prefer a cleaner experience as many readers appreciate that.)

Donations or Support
Offer a “Buy Me a Coffee” button or donation option to stay community-driven.

Promote Your Site

Drive traffic by sharing your content on:
Social media (Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook)
Reddit or niche forums
Quora (by answering questions)
You can also collaborate with other creators or guest post on similar sites to grow faster and build backlinks.

Helpful Tools

Canva to create graphics and featured images.
Google Analytics to track visitor stats.
Ubersuggest a SEO tool (Search engine optimisation.
MailerLite to build an optional email newsletter

Personal Experience

“Building debt-free.co.uk started as a hobby to help others and that’s where every great website begins.
Focus on helping people first, and the income follows naturally.”

It’s a slow burn that rewards patience and consistency.
Creating your own website isn’t just a side hustle, it’s an investment in yourself.
You don’t need to be a web designer or a tech expert — just a message, a mission, and the determination to keep improving one page at a time.

Disclaimer

The side hustle ideas shared on this page are for general information and inspiration only.
We have no affiliation with the platforms or companies mentioned, and results can vary.
Earning money online carries some risk. Income is never guaranteed, and success often depends on time, effort, and personal circumstances.
Always research each opportunity carefully before getting involved.