How Much Does It Cost to Start a Blog on Bluehost?

Starting a blog can be an exciting journey, but navigating the costs is often confusing.

Believe me, I’ve been there and understand how overwhelming it can sound!

Don’t worry, though – with my in-depth research and experience on Bluehost, one of the most affordable hosting providers around, we’ll unravel this mystery together.

In this post, we’ll break down the cost to start a blog on Bluehost including web hosting plans, domain registration and other potential expenses you need to know about.

Get ready for some clarity!

Key Takeaways

  • Starting a blog on Bluehost requires choosing a web hosting plan, with options ranging from $2.95 to $13.95 per month.
  • Domain name registration for your blog typically costs around $10 to $15 per year, but Bluehost offers a free domain for the first year of service (Choice Plus).
  • Additional costs might include themes, plugins, and design customization, but they are not mandatory and can be gradually invested in as your budget allows.
  • The cost to start a blog on Bluehost (bootstrapping) is around $46, yearly.

Cost of Starting a Blog on Bluehost

A blogger calculating how much does It cost to start a blog on Bluehost.
  • @jasonoudotcom
  • @jasonoudotcom

This page have some affiliate links. In other words, if you buy from my links, I may get a commission. And some of the images were sourced from Unsplash+ (Getty Images, Lalal Azizli).

When starting a blog on Bluehost, there are several costs involved to get your website up and running.

So let’s look at the following expenses.

Web hosting plans

Starting a blog on Bluehost requires choosing a web hosting plan. Bluehost provides a variety of plans to fit different needs and budgets.

Let’s take a look at the different options available: (By the way. Do note that the hosting plans will increase after the term finishes.)

Plan Pricing Hosting Features
BASIC $2.95/mo* (Save 40%) 10 GB SSD Storage, 1 Website, Free Domain 1st Year, Custom WP Themes
CHOICE PLUS $5.45/mo* (Save 50%) 40 GB SSD Storage, Free CDN, Unlimited Websites, Free Domain 1st Year, Custom WP Themes
ONLINE STORE $9.95/mo* (Save 35%) 100 GB SSD Storage, Free CDN, Unlimited Websites, Free Domain 1st Year, Custom WP Themes, Exclusive Store Theme, Store Analytics
PRO $13.95/mo* (Save 20%) 100 GB SSD Storage, Free CDN, Unlimited Websites, Free Domain 1st Year, Free Dedicated IP, Custom WP Themes

Table A – A breakdown of the cost to start a blog on Bluehost (12-month plan) for both WordPress Hosting & Shared Hosting. For more details, check out the Bluehost pricing card here.

Remember that your blog’s hosting plan must align with your blogging goals, especially if you aim to monetize your blog.

You might want to start with a lower-cost plan when your blog is new, and then upgrade as your blog grows and its needs change.

Domain name registration

When starting a blog on Bluehost, one important step is registering a domain name. A domain name is the web address that people will use to visit your blog (like www.myblog.com).

The cost of domain name registration can vary, but on average it’s around $10 to $15 per year.

You’ll need to renew your domain annually to maintain ownership of it.

However, if you choose Bluehost ‘Choice Plus’ as your hosting provider, they offer a free domain for the first year of service, which can save you money.

Just keep in mind that after the first year, you’ll need to pay for the renewal fee.

Additional costs (themes, plugins, design customization)

After setting up your blog on Bluehost, there might be some additional costs to consider for themes, plugins, and design customization.

Here are a few important things to know:

  1. Themes: You can choose from thousands of free and paid WordPress themes. Free themes are a great starting point, but if you want more options and customization features, a premium theme is the way to go.
  2. Plugins: Plugins are like tools that add functionality to your blog. There are many free plugins available that can enhance your website’s performance, security, SEO, and more. Some popular paid plugins offer advanced features and support.
  3. Design Customization: If you want a unique look for your blog, you might need to hire a designer or use design services to customize your website’s appearance. This cost will depend on the complexity of the changes you want to make.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Blog on Bluehost?

Counting the cost to start a blog on Bluehost.
  • @jasonoudotcom
  • @jasonoudotcom
The cost to start a blog on Bluehost, the most budget-friendly option is the “PLUS” plan. This is priced at $2.95 per month for a 12-month term, normally $10.99. And when you add the cost of a new domain name (Namecheap, $5.98). The total cost to start a blog on Bluehost is around $42 (in the first year). Now. My assumption is based on you bootstrapping your blogging business. Which means, you will be using a free WordPress theme and the free plugins. And Yes. I know you can get a better deal when you sign up for a 3 year plan on Bluehost. But that’s a. Big. Commitment. Why? Because, if you’re unsatisfied with their service or find a better option later, you’re still locked into the contract for three years! Plus. The up-front fee is more.

Cost to Start a Blog on Bluehost FAQs

Still wondering, “How much does it cost to start a blog on Bluehost“. Let’s look at the following questions.

What is the cost to start a blog on Bluehost?

Starting a blog on Bluehost can have different costs. This includes hosting plan expense, domain name expenses, and setup costs. The cheapest plan is the Basic plan at $2.92 a month. But you will have to register a domain name, which will cost you between $6-$11 a year.

Does it cost more to start a WordPress blog?

No, the hosting plans are the same. Starting a WordPress blog may require extra fees for website creation and design. Only if you wish to. However, WordPress offers strong online presence compared to other platforms.

Are there any cheap options for hosting a blog?

There are free hosting options or cheap blog hosting providers out there, but they may not offer the same services as paid ones like Bluehost do.

Will I face more costs after starting my Blog?

Yes, there will be monthly blogging expenses such as writing costs, marketing and maintenance charges that come along with having an active online marketing system.

How much does it cost in total during the first year of starting my Blog on Bluehost?

The total first-year cost of starting a blog is $42. This might change based on your choices of plans or added services like Ecommerce but you should always keep an eye on the ongoing budget of your content management system.

Is Bluehost good for starting a blog?

Bluehost is ideal for starting a blog due to its user-friendly interface, one-click WordPress setup, reliable uptime, and affordable plans. With 24/7 support and a free domain for the first year, it’s a top choice for new bloggers seeking value and ease.

Is Bluehost too expensive?

Bluehost is affordable as it offers shared hosting from $2.95 to $13.95 monthly. Their priciest options are the dedicated hosting, priced between $99.99 and $139.99 each month. Yet, these plans give the best value for money!

How Much Does It Cost to Start Blog on Bluehost – Conclusion

Starting a blog on Bluehost can be an affordable option for blogging beginners.

The cost to set up a blog is typically between $42 and $168, with monthly maintenance costs ranging from $50 to $200.

Bluehost offers hosting plans starting at around $36 per year.

With promotional offers, you can start a blog on Bluehost for as low as $2.95 per month.

To answer your question as to, how much does it cost to start a blog on Bluehost. And in the most economical way.

It is $42 in the first year.

So, if you’re ready to start your blogging journey, consider Bluehost as an affordable option.

Cost to Start a Blog on Bluehost FAQS

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Resources To Grow Your Business With

Bluehost

Bluehost is a great starting point for beginners or bloggers who want to switch to a reliable web hosting service. And it gives you the best bang for your buck - starting at $2.95 a month*.

With the entry-level hosting plan, you'll get a high up-time, reliable customer support, FREE domain name (first year) and 30 day money back guarantee.

You can sign up with Bluehost here.

WPX Hosting

It's a web-hosting service I love using.  It specializes in WordPress hosting, and depending on what package you opt for, you can host 5 or more sites on one account. The best bit is - the quick turnaround in support is top notch.

For bloggers who have an established blog, this is a fantastic option.

You can learn more about this service here.

Aweber

Building an email list of a growing audience is essential for the longevity of any business.  This autoresponder service is easy to use, and it is a great starting point for someone looking to kickstart their email campaign.

You can try their free account here.

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