Starting and growing a travel blog in 2025 can feel like a minefield.
With the internet ever-evolving and Google updates causing carnage, it’s important to be strategic.
I’ve been travel blogging for 10 years now, and this is what I’d do if I was starting a new blog in 2025.
Build Your Travel Blog: The First Steps
1. Carefully Consider Your Brand Name
Choosing the right name for your blog is one of the most important decisions you’ll make!
Your brand name should be memorable, easy to spell and relevant to the travel niche you’re targeting.
So take time to brainstorm names that reflect your blog’s mission and values!
In 2025, it’s all about growing community and being the person behind your blog. So these days I would actually recommend you include your name – just like I have!
2. Buy Domain and Hosting
Next, you will have to create a website for your blog.
Don’t worry, this doesn’t have to be complicated! You can use a user-friendly website builder with AI features, which will already have pre-generated templates.
It typically has drag-and-drop functionality, so you don’t need any coding experience or specific knowledge.
You can simply focus on making sure the website reflects your personality and style!
Don’t forget to create all essential pages, like home page, about me, contact, privacy policy, etc.
3. Make Sure It’s Mobile-Friendly from the Beginning
In 2025, the majority of web traffic comes from mobile devices.
Make sure your blog’s design is responsive and looks great on any screen size.
Choose a theme that automatically adjusts to different devices or manually test your site to ensure it’s user-friendly across all devices.
Mobile-friendly sites not only to enhance the user experience but to also improve your SEO rankings (more on them in a moment!).
4. Set Up Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a must-have tool for any blogger.
It provides insights into your audience’s behaviour, such as where they come from, what they’re interested in, and how long they stay on your site.
Set up Google Analytics early on to track your blog’s performance and measure its growth – this data will help you make informed decisions about content and marketing strategies.
Growing Your Travel Blog
5. Focus on Quality Content
Quality content remains essential in 2025.
But it’s not just about producing well-researched articles; it’s about offering genuine, first-hand insights that resonate with your audience.
Readers trust bloggers who write from personal experience, especially when it comes to travel.
If you’re sharing recommendations, tips or itineraries, ensure you’ve actually been to the places you’re writing about – personal experiences not only engage your readers, but they also help establish your credibility as a travel expert!
6. Learn the Basics of SEO
SEO has undergone major changes in recent years, and Google’s frequent updates have had a huge impact on how bloggers are ranking their content.
Algorithm shifts like the “Helpful” Content Update have made it harder for many bloggers to maintain high rankings – and many of us have abandoned SEO all together.
But I still think it’s important to learn SEO if you have a website.
Focus on understanding keyword research, on-page optimisation, and creating high-quality, user-focused content.
7. Use Pinterest
Pinterest is one of the most powerful traffic drivers for blogs in 2025.
With its visually-driven format, eye-catching pins are crucial for attracting attention.
Invest time in creating well-designed pins and mastering Pinterest SEO by using relevant keywords.
Regularly pinning to both your boards and group boards helps maintain visibility. The more you pin, the greater your chances of increasing traffic to your blog!
8. Write for Facebook
Facebook continues to be a major source of traffic for bloggers. Create shareable, engaging content that encourages interaction from your followers.
Start by using paid ads to drive traffic to your page and blog.
Once you have a steady stream of visitors, focus on writing newsy or click-y articles that catch attention and spark conversations.
Aim to join Facebook’s bonus programme, which rewards creators with extra earnings based on engagement and content performance.
9. Build a Newsletter
An email newsletter is one of the most effective ways to build a loyal following.
By offering exclusive content, tips and updates to your subscribers, you create a direct connection with your audience.
Use your newsletter to keep readers engaged and updated on new posts, special promotions or travel news.
Offering incentives, such as a free e-book or a travel checklist, can encourage sign-ups and foster a dedicated community around your blog.
10. Think of Other Ways to Grow Traffic
Don’t just rely on traditional social media channels – look for alternative ways to grow your audience.
Platforms like Reddit can drive substantial traffic if you engage with relevant communities and provide valuable content.
You can also tap into niche online forums, Facebook groups, and other interest-based communities to attract a targeted audience. Experiment with different strategies to see what works best for your blog.
11. Consider Other Platforms
YouTube has proven to be a powerful tool for bloggers, especially for those in the travel niche.
If you’re not already using YouTube to supplement your blog, consider creating travel videos to expand your reach.
YouTube provides an excellent platform for visually-driven content and offers numerous ways to monetise through ads and affiliate marketing. It’s now my favourite platform!
Follow these steps to build and grow your travel blog, and you’ll create a strong online presence and a loyal following. Stay consistent, be creative and be prepared to embrace change to thrive in the ever-evolving world of blogging in 2025!
