🕵️ How To Start an Anonymous Blog in 11 Easy Steps

Starting an anonymous blog is an exciting opportunity.

There’s a real appeal in writing without revealing your identity, granting both privacy and the liberty to tackle touchy topics – and earn some money while you’re at it.

At Authority Hacker, we’ve spent over a decade helping 15,000+ students create profitable websites – including many anonymous blogs.

We’ve also cracked the code to making money from blogs. This is a small fraction of our earnings over the years:

This 11-step guide to starting an anonymous blog will help you find similar success.

Why Start an Anonymous Blog

Starting an anonymous blog comes with some unique and appealing advantages.

For one, you can make good money by blogging anonymously. It’s possible to earn cash through affiliate marketing, advertisements, and other methods.

Yet I know anonymity is not only about the money.

When you start an anonymous blog, it also helps to protect your personal identity, which lets you maintain a clear separation between your blog and your professional life.

But the pros of anonymous blogging don’t end there.

Perhaps the best advantage of being an anonymous blogger is the freedom to discuss sensitive topics. Your anonymous blog is a safe space to express your thoughts on subjects that matter to you.

Downsides of Anonymous Blogging

The unique advantages of blogging anonymously are not without their hurdles.

First, it’s important to understand that it can be harder to rank on Google. This is because Google tends to favor websites that provide public author information. Anonymity can put you at a disadvantage in this regard.

Additionally, connecting with your readers can be more challenging when you’re anonymous. You need to provide your audience with good reasons for trusting and building a personal connection with you.

Becoming an authority in your niche is another uphill battle. As you might imagine, establishing expertise while remaining anonymous takes finesse.

Moreover, anonymous blogs may have a lower monetization ceiling. The reason behind this is often reduced audience connection and ranking difficulties. In turn, this leads to less traffic and diminished trust in recommendations.

Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward developing strategies to overcome them.

Examples of Successful Anonymous Blogs

Before you start blogging anonymously, it’s helpful to research other anonymous blogs to see what makes them tick.

Here are some examples of successful anonymous blogs for inspiration:

One Frugal Girl

This personal finance blog provides insightful tips and strategies to help individuals lead more financially responsible and fulfilling lives.

Visit the site

Pragmatic Paranoia

This site provides practical and insightful content that empowers readers with knowledge and strategies to navigate the digital world securely and responsibly.

Visit the site

Money Mow

This anonymous finance blog helps people navigate a variety of financial issues and situations.

Visit the site

How To Start an Anonymous Blog in 11 Steps

I’ve broken down how to become an anonymous blogger into several manageable steps. Let’s get started!

1 Narrow Down Your Anonymous Niche

Choosing the right niche is a critical step in anonymous blogging.

A good anonymous niche shares a few key characteristics. It should:

• Have high traffic potential.
• Offer valuable products or services to promote.
• Be something you have a personal interest in or expertise about.

This combination sets the stage for a successful blog.

The software niche is a prime example, as it often offers significant traffic and endorsement opportunities.

Once you’ve selected an overall niche, narrowing it down even further is essential.

This fine-tuning is important because it allows you to focus your content and establish yourself as an expert in a specific area.

Again, let’s consider the software niche. You could focus on a variety of sub-niches, such as:

• Virtual private networks (VPNs). Focus on VPN reviews, online privacy, and data security. Provide guides on selecting the best VPN service for various needs.
• Video editing software. Highlight video editing software reviews and tutorials and offer recommendations for video creators.
• Project management tools. Discuss various project management software options, best practices, and productivity tips.
• Gaming software. Cover gaming-related software, such as game development tools or game optimization guides.
• Graphic design software. Explore graphic design software, tutorials, and design inspiration.
• Open source software. Discuss open-source software projects and their benefits. Create guides explaining how to use and contribute to them.

Yet, it’s not only about choosing a niche. To succeed, you must also qualify your niche ideas for traffic. Here’s a brief overview of the niche qualification strategy:

Start by making a list of successful blogs in your niche. Blog aggregators like Detailed can help in this task, or you can search Google for blogs in your niche.

You can also use the “Organic Competitors” section on Ahrefs. This tool can identify websites with content similar to that of any website you search for.

Analyze traffic levels. Get a free trial of SE Ranking and use their Competitive Research feature to see how much traffic websites in your niche receive.

Compare prospective sub-niches using Google Trends. This tool helps you understand the popularity of different sub-niches over time.

For more guidance on niche selection, check out our niche selection video.

Picking a niche is important, but don’t get caught up in analysis paralysis. Keep the momentum going by choosing a niche with solid traffic potential and moving on to the next step.

2 Create a Pseudonym

After choosing your niche, you may want to create a pseudonym or pen name to blog anonymously.

Introducing yourself to the online world through a pen name is a smart move for several reasons.

For one, it lets you keep your real name private and build an online profile around the pseudonym. You gain SEO benefits as Google recognizes your pen name as a legitimate author. This can help boost your blog’s visibility in search results.

A pseudonym also provides a distinct name and persona for readers to connect with. It adds a personal touch when you blog anonymously, helping readers relate to the content on a more human level. This makes it easier to build a following and monetize your site.

To get started, you can use the Reedsy Pen Name Generator to generate a pseudonym. This tool can help you come up with a unique and fitting pen name that suits your blog’s niche and style.

You can also use your pen name to create an anonymous email account.

3 Choose a Blogging Platform

The next step to starting an anonymous blog is selecting the right blogging platform. So, let’s break down the options.

A blogging platform is the software you use to create and manage your blog.

There are social blogging platforms like Medium or Blogger, which are simple to use and great for beginners. Yet, they come with some significant downsides.

• These platforms may require personal information when signing up. This contradicts the idea of anonymity, making them less suitable for anonymous blogging.
• You also have limited control and customization options. This makes it difficult to tailor the design and functionality of your blog to your liking.
• They can be hard to monetize.

For these reasons, the smarter choice for anonymous blogging is to build your own website. This option offers several advantages:

• There is no need to reveal personal information during the setup. You can blog anonymously, safeguard your identity, and protect your privacy.
• You have full control over your website. Third-party platforms can’t impose limitations on your site. You’re free to make decisions about the content, design, and functionality.
• No one can arbitrarily shut down your blog. This critical advantage ensures your content remains accessible to your audience.
• Compared to other platforms, it’s easier to monetize your blog through affiliate products and display ads.
• You can fully leverage search engine optimization (SEO) and social media to drive traffic to your website.
• Building an email list becomes possible. Email marketing diversifies your traffic sources, offering protection against potential algorithm changes.
• You’re building an asset you can sell. There’s a huge market for websites; you can sell yours for ~30x to 40x your monthly profits. We’ve sold multiple websites for 6-figure sums.

We recommend using WordPress.org for your anonymous blog. It’s important to note that this is different from WordPress.com.

WordPress.org provides the freedom to self-host your website. You get full ownership and control, making it an excellent choice for anonymous bloggers.

4 Choose Your Domain Name

Next, it’s time to choose a domain name for your anonymous WordPress blog.

A domain name is the web address visitors use to find your site. It’s your online identity, comprising the name of your blog with a domain extension, like “.net” or “.com.”

A good domain name is essential for several reasons.

For starters, your domain name is part of your brand identity. It should be memorable and reflect the essence of your site.

A strong name also lends credibility to your website. It gives the impression of professionalism and trustworthiness.

You also want a concise, easy-to-remember name that visitors can quickly type into their browsers. This ensures a smooth user experience.

Here are six tips for choosing the perfect domain name for your anonymous blog:

• Pick a relevant name. Your domain name should relate to the niche or topic of your blog.
• Stay concise. Keep it short and easy to spell. Long, complex names are harder to remember.
• Be unique. Stand out by choosing a unique name that isn’t easily confused with other websites.
• Avoid hyphens and numbers. These elements can make your domain name more challenging to remember and share.
• Include keywords. Consider including relevant keywords to boost your site’s SEO.
• Choose a “.com” extension. Whenever possible, consider selecting a name with a “.com” extension. Users widely recognize and trust it, enhancing your website’s credibility and memorability. If you find a great domain, but the .com extension is unavailable, read our list of .com alternatives.

If you’re having trouble finding a good domain name, I recommend using Brandsnap, an AI domain generator. To help you through this process, you can watch our video guide here.

To register your domain, I recommend using Namecheap. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also features reliable privacy protection options.

You can even use Bitcoin or a gift card as payment methods to enhance your anonymity.

To help you remain completely anonymous, don’t forget to enable privacy protection services. These services replace your personal information in the Whois database with the contact details of the privacy service.

5 Buy Web Hosting

Securing reliable web hosting is pivotal in setting up your blog.

A web host is a service provider that stores your blog’s data and makes it accessible online.

When it comes to web hosting, quality matters. Your web host impacts your site’s performance, speed, and overall user experience.

While Bluehost is a popular hosting option, we recommend SiteGround as a superior choice. It offers excellent performance, robust security features, and top-notch customer support. Take note that after the introductory first-year price, the rebill is higher. But the benefits make it well worth the cost.

Here’s a 7-step guide on how to get hosting with SiteGround:

Step 1: Go to Siteground’s WordPress hosting page.

Step 2: Choose the StartUp plan — it’s the most affordable option.

Step 3: Enter your domain name.

Step 3: Fill in your account information.

Step 4: Enter payment info and select subscription length. Note that the 12-month rate increases after your first year.

Step 5: SiteGround offers extra services, but you don’t need any of them for a new blog.

Step 6: Finally, you’ll need to point your domain to SiteGround. This step makes your WordPress website accessible on the internet. Follow this guide or reach out to SiteGround’s support team if you need help with this.

6 Choose a Theme for Your Anonymous Blog

Selecting the right theme is about finding the perfect look and functionality for your blog.

A theme is a pre-designed template for your website that determines its appearance and layout. It plays a significant role in how you present your content to your audience.

Moreover, it directly impacts your site’s user experience and overall aesthetics.

While free themes are a great starting point, they often come with limitations that can hinder your website as it grows.

That’s why we recommend opting for a free theme with an upgrade option. This gives you more flexibility and features to expand your website’s capabilities.

Three excellent free themes with premium upgrade options are Astra, Kadence, and GeneratePress.

Here’s how to install a theme in four simple steps:

Step 1: Go to your WordPress dashboard.

Step 2: On the left sidebar, select “Appearance” > “Themes.”

Step 3: Click “Add New.”

Step 4: Search for your chosen theme (e.g., GeneratePress) and click “Activate.”

And it’s as simple as that! You’re theme is installed and activated, giving your site a unique look and feel.

7 Decide on Design & Branding

Design and branding are key elements in creating a memorable and engaging website.

Begin by choosing a well-thought-out color palette. This provides a cohesive and professional appearance on your site. Harmonious colors also enhance the user experience and reinforce brand identity.

To easily create a color palette, I recommend using Coolors. It simplifies the process of selecting complementary colors that align with your personal brand.

A great logo is important for creating a strong visual brand – especially when you create an anonymous blog. It serves as a recognizable symbol of your site and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

For this task, I suggest using Canva Templates. This user-friendly platform makes it easy to create an anonymous blog logo that represents your website’s unique identity and captures your audience’s attention.

When using Canva, search for “[your niche] logo template” to find more relevant templates.

You’ll enhance your website’s professionalism by paying attention to design and branding. It’ll appeal more to your readers, strengthening your blog’s identity and impact.

8 Create Essential Pages

Now, let’s create the four essential pages every thriving website should feature. These pages showcase your brand’s personality, elevate user experience, and guarantee legal compliance.

Homepage

This is where visitors get their first impression of your site. Use it to introduce your niche, establish your brand, and display a clear overview of your content.

About Page

Your “About” page is an opportunity to connect with your audience — and you don’t need to share your real identity or details about your personal life to do this. You can and should share personal stories about why you blog anonymously or what makes your blog content unique.

Contact Page

Make it easy for your audience to reach out to you. Include a contact form or an anonymous email address to encourage interaction.

Privacy Policy + Terms and Conditions

These are essential for legal compliance and transparency. You can generate these documents easily using resources like PrivacyPolicies.com.

To create these pages, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Log in to your WordPress dashboard.

Step 2: Open the “Pages” menu.

Step 3: Click “Add New” to create a new page.

9 Start Creating Content

Next, let’s explore the key steps in creating content. The goal is to write blog posts that resonate with your audience and rank well in search engines.

Keyword-focused content is fundamental to your blog’s success. Using relevant keywords in your content draws organic traffic to your site. This strategy also provides opportunities to earn revenue through various monetization methods.

But you can’t choose any random keywords. It’s important to select the right keywords —  those with decent monthly search volumes and low competition.

Keywords with decent search volume show that people are searching for information on those topics. And when you opt for keywords with low competition, ranking for them is easier, especially as a new anonymous blogger.

To kickstart the content creation process, begin with comprehensive keyword research. I recommend using Ahrefs Keyword Explorer. Its extensive database and precise search volume data make it an invaluable tool for researching potential keywords.  

For instance, when I enter “gaming software” into Ahrefs, I get the following related keywords, search volume, and difficulty metrics:

Use these keywords to create 10 blog post titles that people want to read. Here are some examples:

• 7 Best Remote Desktop Software Programs for Gaming
• 5 Best Video Editing Software Programs for Gaming
• Logitech Gaming Software Not Detecting Game? Here’s What To Do

With target keywords identified, it’s time to craft engaging and informative blog posts.

Here are some tips for writing quality content:

• Create compelling headlines. Craft attention-grabbing headlines that pique curiosity and convey the content’s value. An effective title is often the first point of connection with your readers.
• Provide high-quality content. Focus on delivering informative, well-researched content that adds value to your readers. Quality content engages your audience and encourages them to return for more.
• Practice keyword integration. Integrate your chosen keywords naturally within your content. Ensure that they flow and don’t disrupt the reading experience.
• Add engaging visuals. Incorporate eye-catching visuals, such as images, infographics, and videos. These help to enhance the readability and engagement of your posts.
• Use a clear structure. Organize your content with a clear and logical structure. Use subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists. This helps to make your content easy to skim and understand.
• Add internal and external links. Include relevant internal links to other pages on your posts. Add external links to reputable sources to provide extra context and value to your readers.
• Engage the audience. Encourage audience engagement by asking questions, prompting comments, and responding to reader feedback.
• Proofread and edit. Thoroughly proofread and edit your posts to remove any errors. This ensures a polished and professional appearance.

By following these tips, you’ll create content that attracts readers and has the potential to rank well in search results. This drives organic traffic to your blog, setting the stage for monetization.

10 Promote Your Anonymous Blog

Your SEO-optimized content will gain attention over time. But promotion ensures your anonymous blog doesn’t remain a secret.

Here are some top strategies to help you connect with your audience and expand the reach of your blog:

• Social media engagement. Use social media platforms to share content and connect with your target audience. Concentrate your efforts on platforms that align with your audience’s preferences.
• Content outreach. Building relationships with influencers can significantly amplify your website’s reach. Reach out to fellow bloggers and website owners within your niche for potential collaboration or guest posting. Collabs are also great opportunities to secure valuable backlinks.
• Email marketing. An email subscriber list creates a direct line of communication with your readers. Regular newsletters and updates can help maintain reader engagement and encourage repeat visits.
• SEO optimization. Continue fine-tuning your blog content for search engine optimization. Improve your rankings by researching keywords and adding them to your site. Focus on user-friendly content and ensure your posts are well-structured.

11 Monetize Your Blog

Now, it’s time to explore ways to turn your passion into profit. These monetization strategies reward you for your hard work and help sustain and grow your site.

Affiliate Marketing

This powerful monetization method involves promoting niche-related products or services on your website. You earn a commission for each sale or action generated through your affiliate links.

Why it’s great: It’s an ideal way to generate revenue from your blog, especially when you have a loyal readership.

Getting started: Read our guide on how to start affiliate marketing and check out the best affiliate programs for bloggers.

Display Ads

This strategy involves placing relevant ads on your website. You earn money based on ad impressions, clicks, or other actions.

Why it’s great: It’s a reliable, consistent source of passive income that doesn’t require product creation.

Getting started: The simplest way to begin is by partnering with an ad network. While Google AdSense is a common choice, we suggest Ezoic for beginners due to slightly higher earnings. You can switch to higher-paying networks like Mediavine or Raptive when you get more traffic.

Selling Your Own Products

Selling your products or services is just that. It can include ebooks, coaching services, online courses, membership subscriptions, merchandise, and more.

Why it’s great: You have complete control over your revenue stream and brand-building opportunities. This method leads to higher profit margins when you have a dedicated audience.

Getting started: Research competitors and analyze what types of products are already offered in your niche. Identify gaps or opportunities where your products can stand out, and go from there.

Summing Up

I’ve laid out all of the main steps to starting an anonymous blog, but there’s so much more you need to learn.

Blogging is a complex subject with a steep learning curve, and I couldn’t hope to put everything you need to know in this post.

To help you bridge that knowledge gap, we’ve created a free training to teach you the most effective tactics when starting a new website.

Specifically, you’ll learn 7 blogging secrets that will make your new website 83% more successful.

Join the free training now.