Starting a blog is one of the most powerful ways to build an audience around your interests, skills, or business. But if you‘re new to blogging, where do you begin?
Studying examples of successful blogs can provide a blueprint for your own site. In this post, we‘ll explore over 40 of the top blogs across 15 popular categories.
Analyzing how these sites engage readers and monetize their work can help you make smart decisions as you launch your blog. Let‘s check them out!
Contents
Why WordPress Remains the Best Blogging Platform
Most of the blogs featured here are powered by WordPress, and for good reason. As an open source content management system (CMS), WordPress offers unparalleled flexibility compared to other options.
-
WordPress powers over 43% of all websites – from personal blogs to Fortune 500 company sites.
-
With thousands of customizable themes and plugins, you can create a site tailored to your niche and evolve its capabilities over time.
-
Intuitive tools like the block editor make it easy for non-coders to build professional blogs.
-
A global community of developers creates new features, updates, and security patches.
-
Users have full ownership and control over self-hosted WordPress sites.
For these reasons and more, WordPress has become the world‘s most popular CMS. Those starting a blog are wise to leverage its capabilities from day one.
Now, let‘s explore some standout blogs across different categories killing it on WordPress.
Marketing & Social Media Blogs
OptinMonster
OptinMonster helps over 1 million websites convert visitors into subscribers and customers. Its blog shares proven lead generation and conversion optimization strategies.
With opt-in forms, popups, site surveys, and other tools, OptinMonster increases email list growth by up to 600% for users.
Social Media Examiner
Since 2011, Social Media Examiner has provided daily articles and online courses to help marketers master social platforms.
With over 450,000 email subscribers, it‘s one of the largest blogs dedicated to social media. The blog covers everything from Facebook ad campaigns to starting a successful YouTube channel.
Backlinko
Created by online marketing expert Brian Dean, Backlinko teaches proven SEO and content marketing strategies.
The data-driven blog has helped over 500,000 businesses improve website visibility and traffic. Posts offer step-by-step SEO guides based on detailed experiments.
Business Blogs
Neil Patel
From analytics to SEO and marketing automation, Neil Patel‘s blog helps companies accelerate growth.
His advice comes from working with Fortune 500 companies like Amazon, Google, HP, and Microsoft. Posts like How to Choose a Profitable Niche for Your Online Business offer invaluable market research.
Shopify
As a leading ecommerce platform, Shopify uses its blog to teach entrepreneurs how to start, run, and grow online businesses.
Posts offer advice on business fundamentals like writing business plans, managing cash flow, and streamlining operations. The blog has helped over 1.75 million businesses boost sales.
The Work At Home Woman
Since 2009, Holly Reisem Hanna‘s blog The Work At Home Woman has empowered readers to successfully earn a living online.
With posts like How to Start a Blog and Make Money and 50+ Legitimate Work from Home Jobs, the blog cuts through the noise around remote work opportunities.
Lifestyle Blogs
Cup of Jo
New York-based Joanna Goddard launched Cup of Jo in 2008 to share design inspiration, relationship advice, recipes, and travel tips.
The blog now reaches over 2.5 million readers per month. Joanna‘s elegant photography and heartfelt writing make readers feel like they‘re chatting with a friend.
Mark‘s Daily Apple
Mark Sisson promotes a Primal lifestyle of eating real foods, exercising effectively, and reducing stress through mindfulness. His blog‘s motivating success stories showcase the benefits.
With over 200 million site visits, Mark‘s Daily Apple has helped thousands adopt healthier, more purposeful lifestyles.
Making it Lovely
Nicole Balch‘s Making it Lovely inspires readers to create beautiful, livable spaces on a budget.
Her site chronicles DIY renovations on her Victorian home and offers approachable decorating ideas. In 2021, the blog drew over 5.5 million pageviews.
Food & Cooking Blogs
Cookie and Kate
Cookie and Kate features simple, meatless recipes developed by self-taught home cook Kate Jones.
Vegetarian dishes like black bean chili, falafel bowls, and her famous veggie enchiladas appeal to Jones‘ over 1.4 million monthly site visitors.
Love and Lemons
Since its launch in 2011, Jeanine Donofrio‘s Love and Lemons has become a go-to resource for plant-based recipes.
Jeanine transforms fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains into creative dishes that carnivores enjoy too. Her vibrant photography makes everything look irresistible.
Spend with Pennies
Lifestyle blogger Brittany Mullins helps home cooks preparing for a family make affordable, tasty meals on a budget.
From 5-ingredient recipes to meal plans and grocery shopping tips, her site equips readers to get dinner on the table without breaking the bank.
Health, Fitness & Wellness Blogs
Mind Body Green
As a leading wellness site, Mind Body Green publishes 600+ articles per month to over 15 million monthly readers.
MBG covers natural health, relationships, nutrition, mindfulness, productivity, and more. Its mission is providing a roadmap to a healthy, fulfilled life.
Yoga With Adriene
Through free yoga videos, articles, and tools, Yoga With Adriene welcomes all people and bodies to the yoga practice.
Founder Adriene Mishler‘s encouraging style has garnered over 10 million YouTube subscribers eager to learn. The blog covers mat recommendations, anxiety relief through yoga, and more.
Nerd Fitness
Nerd Fitness applies roleplaying game principles to make health and fitness more fun and approachable.
With beginner-friendly workout plans, recipes, and habits guides, the blog empowers everyday people to level up their lives through small changes.
Travel Blogs
Nomadic Matt
Nomadic Matt helps budget travelers explore the world through trip planning advice, destination recommendations, and insider tips.
Founder Matt Kepnes traveled to 100+ countries before launching his site. His detailed guides and first-hand experience make planning affordable, memorable adventures easy.
Legal Nomads
After developing odd health symptoms in 2008, former attorney Jodi Ettenberg began traveling the globe seeking answers.
Legal Nomads documents her food-focused treks through Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Ettenberg offers unique insights into incredible destinations.
Uncornered Market
Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott have traveled to over 100 countries collectively since 2006. Their blog and resources help other couples plan their own meaningful, affordable adventures.
From North Korea to the Himalayas, they provide unexpected perspectives on overlooked destinations.
Photography Blogs
Digital Photography School
With over 5 million readers per month, Digital Photography School is one of the top sites for improving photography skills.
Their ebooks, courses, and blog cover must-know concepts like lighting, equipment, post-processing, and macro photography so you can capture pro-level shots.
Expert Photography
Award-winning photographer Jason Row offers tips and tutorials to help fellow photographers improve their craft on Expert Photography.
Specific techniques around long exposures, Levitation photography, lighting, Photoshop, portraits, and more allow readers to recreate amazing effects.
Click It Up a Notch
Husband and wife photography team Carli and Jared Van Over capture stunning travel and lifestyle images around the globe.
Beyond useful camera gear reviews and photography tutorials, their blog offers intimate, honest stories from their nomadic journeys.
DIY & Home Decor Blogs
Remodelaholic
Remodelaholic empowers DIYers to transform their homes through approachable tutorials and before and after makeovers.
Cassy‘s step-by-step instructions make renovations like kitchen cabinet facelifts, floor tile, and adding built-ins seem totally manageable.
Reality Daydream
Reality Daydream features achievable DIY projects using affordable products from stores like IKEA and Target.
Young House Love alum Ashley Embry proves you can recreate designer looks without designer budgets. Her posts demystify décor and upgrades.
Love Create Celebrate
Erin boasts over 7 million pageviews from DIYers looking to personalize their homes on a budget.
From Dollar Store flips to upcycled furniture revamps, her creativity transforms basic items into chic, Pinterest-worthy designs anyone can tackle.
Career & Finance Blogs
Afford Anything
Real estate expert and early retiree Paula Pant teaches readers how financial independence is achievable for regular people.
Her candid money advice empowers 9-5 workers to reach FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) just like she did.
Making Sense of Cents
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner started earning online income starting at age 19. Today, her blog and courses teach others money skills.
From budgeting to investing in real estate, she gives side hustlers and online business owners financial empowerment.
I Will Teach You To Be Rich
Since launching in 2004, Ramit Sethi‘s blog has helped over 500,000 people implement personalized money strategies.
His straight-talking articles cut through money myths, with tips to save on expenses, negotiate job offers, and earn passive income.
You Can Launch a Successful WordPress Blog Too!
Looking at these diverse blogs, creating your own might feel intimidating. But with the right tools, your dream blog is totally achievable.
Here‘s what you need:
- Domain name: Your blog‘s custom web address
- Web hosting: To store and deliver your blog‘s files
- WordPress: The software used to build and manage your blog content
The good news? Top-rated web host Bluehost lets you start a blog for less than $3 per month. Their easy WordPress installation helps you get set up fast.
We recommend the self-hosted WordPress.org for full control over your site. Compared to free platforms, the possibilities are limitless.
Browse themes, experiment with features, and engage readers using WordPress‘s intuitive tools. Consistency and hard work will be key to growing your blog.
Let this post‘s examples motivate you in creating a site you‘re proud of. Your unique perspective could inspire someone else‘s journey one day too!
