Interested in becoming an anonymous blogger?
Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of anonymous blogging – what it entails, why it might be beneficial, and how to get started.
But first, let’s address the fundamental question: is anonymous blogging even possible?
Content Outline
Can You Blog Anonymously?
You can totally run a blog without revealing your identity. There’s no requirement to share personal details, like your real name.
Many blogs are actually anonymous, meaning the person behind them keeps their identity private. If you ever find a blog without a name on the “About” page, chances are it’s anonymous.
What is a pseudonym?
A pseudonym is like a pretend name that people use, kind of like a nickname. Authors and journalists often use them. Online, people might use a pseudonym if they’re worried about getting criticized for their opinions.
But in the blogging world, using your real name can make you seem more trustworthy and authoritative. If your blog gets popular, your readers might want to know who you really are. And if you’re like most bloggers, you’d want recognition for your blog’s success under your real name. So, the question is:
Should I use my real name on my blog?
In normal situations, it’s a good idea to use your real name on your blog. This helps create a personal brand that people can relate to and trust. Sharing your identity through blogging can also bring many benefits.
For example, you can make important connections, become an expert in your field, improve your chances of getting hired by top companies, attend events representing your blog, and leave a lasting impact.
However, that doesn’t mean anonymous blogging is useless.
Benefits of Blogging Anonymously
Several surprising yet valid reasons exist for blogging anonymously:
1. Freely express your opinions
With an anonymous blog, you can express yourself without worrying about backlash. You can freely share your beliefs, whether they’re about politics, religion, or personal matters. Using a pseudonym means you won’t be targeted online for your views. Nobody will judge you for what you say.
2. Protect other people’s identities
If you choose to blog anonymously, it helps keep the identities of people in your stories safe. For example, if you want to write about things you dislike about your boss, staying anonymous prevents readers from figuring out who your boss is.
Even if you don’t mention their name, readers could still guess their identity based on where you live and work. This could lead to your boss facing public embarrassment or harassment online. By staying anonymous, you can avoid such situations and protect people’s privacy.
3. Keep your blogging and personal life separate
As a full-time blogger, it can be tough to keep your work life separate from your personal life. People you know in real life might have problems with what you write on your blog.
Also, readers who don’t agree with you might try to use your personal information to challenge your ideas. For example, imagine you work as a social media manager and write about how social media can be harmful. Your bosses, clients, and coworkers might wonder if they should trust your work because of what you’re saying.
4. You enjoy writing privately
Sometimes, you might do things without a clear reason that others can understand. When it comes to anonymous blogging, you might do it just because you like having a made-up name.
Surprisingly, some people feel uneasy about sharing their personal info on the internet. They prefer using a fake name for things like commenting on Facebook, talking about private issues, or blogging.
5. It’s in your contract
If you have a non-compete agreement with your employer, they might forbid you from making a website that promotes to rival companies.
Even if you’re not directly advertising your services, sharing your expertise on your blog could attract potential clients who need your skills.
Keeping your blog under wraps can definitely prevent these kinds of conflicts.
6. You’re just testing the waters
What if you want to start a blog about something completely different from what you’re known for?
You probably don’t want the success or failure of your new website to reflect on your reputation, do you?
Using a pseudonym can help you keep your reputation separate, even if your new website doesn’t do well.
This is often seen in online marketing, where people run multiple websites on different topics to make money.
7. Your real name isn’t brandable
Sometimes, blogging anonymously is a smart business move. To stand out and be memorable, you need a catchy name for your blog.
Some people have names that are easy to remember, like “Neil Patel,” “Brian Dean,” and “Rand Fishkin.” But if your name is hard to say or remember, using a pseudonym can be a good idea.
8. You’re trying to expose something
Finally, online privacy is important for staying safe.
Some people use blogs to expose controversial things like corporate secrets, political scandals, or unethical business practices.
You might not be interested in doing that, but if you are, it’s crucial to keep your real identity hidden.
Disadvantages of Blogging Anonymously
Anonymous blogging can be a good way to make money, but it comes with some drawbacks:
1. Limited social media reach:
You can’t use your personal social media accounts to promote your blog. You’ll have to create separate accounts for your anonymous blog.
2. Lack of authority:
Since you’re hiding your identity, you can’t take credit for your work. This can make it harder to build credibility and be seen as an expert.
3. Lower engagement:
People tend to trust and engage more with content from real people. With an anonymous blog, you might struggle to get readers to interact with your content.
4. Password management:
Managing multiple accounts and passwords can be tricky. Without a password manager, it’s easy to forget login details.
5. Limited anonymity:
If you want to make money from your blog, you may have to link your bank account to payment channels. While your identity will still be hidden, it’s important to be cautious when blogging about sensitive topics.
How to Run a Blog Anonymously and Still Make Money?
Fortunately, anonymous blogs can still be monetized like regular blogs.
Your future income will be affected by the decisions you make now.
An anonymous blog can be created on a variety of blogging platforms.
Where can I blog anonymously?
You can create an anonymous blog on popular platforms like WordPress and Blogger.com. These platforms allow you to hide your identity while sharing your thoughts and ideas. Additionally, there are privacy-focused websites like Write.as that encourage anonymous blogging. So, you have a few options to choose from when starting your anonymous blog.
1. WordPress
If you’re thinking about making money with your anonymous blog, WordPress is a great option to start with. Here’s why:
Ease of Use: WordPress is user-friendly, making it easy for beginners to set up and manage their blogs.
Customization: You can customize your WordPress blog with various themes and plugins to make it unique and suit your preferences.
Monetization Options: WordPress offers various monetization options, such as displaying ads, affiliate marketing, selling products or services, and more.
SEO-Friendly: WordPress is designed with search engine optimization (SEO) in mind, helping your blog rank higher in search engine results and attract more visitors.
Community Support: There’s a vast WordPress community where you can find help, resources, and advice to grow your blog.
Now, let me explain you the the steps of creating a WordPress blog:
1. Sign Up: Go to the WordPress.com website and sign up for an account.
2. Choose a Domain: Select a domain name for your blog. This will be the web address where people can find your blog online.
3. Select a Plan: Choose a WordPress plan that suits your needs. There are free and paid plans available, each offering different features and customization options.
4. Set Up Your Blog: Follow the prompts to set up your blog, including selecting a theme, customizing your site’s appearance, and adding essential pages like About, Contact, and Privacy Policy.
5. Create Content: Start creating content for your blog. Write posts on topics that interest you and your target audience. Make sure your content is engaging, informative, and relevant to your niche.
6. Promote Your Blog: Once you’ve published your posts, promote your blog on social media, forums, and other online platforms to attract readers and grow your audience.
7. Monetize Your Blog: Explore different monetization options like affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, selling digital products, or offering services to generate income from your blog.
By following these steps, you can create a WordPress blog and start making money with your anonymous blogging venture.
2. Blogger
If you prefer writing blog posts instead of spending time building a website, you can use Blogger to kickstart your blogging journey. Blogger is a free platform that’s designed to prioritize content creation over website development.
Here’s why Blogger might be a good choice for you:
1. User-Friendly Interface: Blogger offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to start blogging without any technical knowledge. You can quickly set up your blog and start publishing content within minutes.
2. Free Hosting: Blogger provides free hosting for your blog, eliminating the need to invest in web hosting services. This means you can focus on creating content without worrying about hosting fees.
3. Customization Options: While Blogger may not offer as many customization options as other platforms like WordPress, it still allows you to personalize your blog to some extent. You can choose from a variety of templates and customize them to match your branding and style preferences.
4. Integration with Google Services: Being a Google product, Blogger seamlessly integrates with Google Analytics, AdSense, and Search Console. Your blog’s performance can be tracked, monetized, and optimized for search engines this way.
6. Built-in Social Sharing: Blogger comes with built-in social sharing features that allow you to easily share your blog posts on popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. This can help you expand your blog’s reach and attract more readers.
To get started with Blogger, follow these steps:
1. Sign Up: Log in to your Google account and sign up for a Blogger account.
2. Create Your Blog: Once logged in, click on the “Create New Blog” button and follow the prompts to set up your blog. Choose a title, address (URL), and template for your blog.
3. Customize Your Blog: Customize your blog by selecting a template and making adjustments to its design, layout, and colors. You can also add widgets, gadgets, and other elements to enhance your blog’s functionality.
4. Write and Publish Posts: Start writing and publishing posts on your blog. Use the built-in editor to format your content, add images, and include links. Don’t forget to optimize your posts for search engines by using relevant keywords and meta descriptions.
5. Promote Your Blog: Once your blog is live, promote it to attract readers. Engage your audience by sharing your posts on social media, participating in online communities, and participating in online forums.
3. Write.as
Write.as is a simple platform designed to make blogging easy, from writing to publishing. It’s perfect for authors, students, activists, and bloggers who want a clutter-free environment for writing.
Here’s why Write.as might be the right choice for you:
1. Minimalistic Interface: Write.as offers a minimalist interface that eliminates distractions, allowing you to focus solely on your writing. The clean layout and simple design make it easy to compose blog posts without any unnecessary clutter.
2. Distraction-Free Writing: With Write.as, you can write without any distractions. The platform provides a distraction-free environment where you can concentrate on your thoughts and ideas without being interrupted by unnecessary elements or notifications.
3. Privacy and Anonymity: One of the key features of Write.as is its focus on privacy and anonymity. You have the option to publish your posts anonymously or under a pseudonym, allowing you to express yourself freely without revealing your identity.
4. Ease of Use: The platform is incredibly user-friendly, making it accessible to users of all skill levels. You don’t need any technical knowledge to start blogging on Write.as. Simply sign up, start writing, and publish your posts with ease.
5. No Ads or Tracking: Unlike some other blogging platforms, Write.as is ad-free and does not track your activity. This ensures a more private and secure blogging experience for both you and your readers.
To get started with Write.as, follow these steps:
1. Sign Up: Visit the Write.as website and sign up for an account. You can choose to create a free account or upgrade to a paid plan for additional features.
2. Start Writing: Once logged in, you can start writing your blog posts directly on the platform. Write.as provides a clean and distraction-free writing interface where you can focus on your content.
3. Customize Your Blog: Customize your blog’s appearance and settings to match your preferences. You can choose from a variety of themes and customize them further to create a unique look for your blog.
4. Publish Your Posts: When you’re ready, simply publish your posts to make them available to your audience. You have the option to publish anonymously or under a pseudonym if you prefer.
5. Engage with Your Audience: Write.as allows readers to leave comments on your posts, providing an opportunity for engagement and discussion. You can respond to comments and interact with your audience directly within the platform.
4. Telegra.ph
Telegra.ph is a simple tool for anonymous blogging that focuses on distraction-free writing.
Here’s how it works:
1. Title and Name: You start by giving your post a title. Then, instead of using your real name, you can choose to use a fake name or pseudonym.
2. Write: Once you’ve set the title and name, you can start writing your post. Telegra.ph provides a clean and minimalist writing interface, allowing you to focus solely on your content without any distractions.
3. Publish: When you’re done writing, simply click the “Publish” button. Your post will be published instantly, and you’ll be given a unique URL that you can share with others.
Telegra.ph is perfect for anyone who wants to blog anonymously without any hassle. You can express yourself freely without worrying about setting up a blog or revealing your identity. It’s a straightforward tool that makes anonymous blogging easy and accessible to everyone.
5. Wix
Wix is a website builder that’s great for making blogs because it’s both easy to use and has lots of useful features. It offers a mix of free and paid options, and you can simply drag and drop elements to design your blog without needing any technical skills.
So, you can have a blog that looks professional without spending a lot of time or effort on it.
How to promote your blog if it is anonymous?
Promoting an anonymous blog is just like promoting any other blog. You can still share it on social media, in comments, through ads, and on platforms like Reddit.
But first, let’s come up with a cool fake name for your anonymous blog identity.
How to choose a pen name for your blog?
You can pick any fake name you like for your anonymous blog. Some authors use creative ones like “Mrs. Silence Dogood” or “Lemony Snicket.” Famous writers have also used pseudonyms, like Stan Lee, who was actually Stanley Martin Lieber. If you’re stuck, you can try using a pen name generator tool, like the one by Reedsy.
- Ethnicity-based: Consider using a name from your own ethnicity if it matches your audience’s background. For instance, if you’re targeting readers from the UK, a British-sounding name might resonate well.
- Anagrams: You can create anagrams by rearranging the letters of your name or other words. For example, if your name is Paul March, you could rearrange it to become “Chap Lamur.”
- Reflect your niche: Try to include relevant words in your pseudonym that relate to the topics you’ll be writing about. For example, if you’re writing about food, you could use names like “BBQ Barry” or “Honey-Dipped Hannah.”
- Past nicknames: Think about any nicknames you had in the past, especially ones from your childhood. You can modify these to create a unique pseudonym that still reflects your identity.
- Just use your first name: If you have a common first name like John or Megan, you could simply use that. While it’s not the most creative option, it still adds a personal touch to your blog.
How to Promote Anonymous Blog?
Let’s talk about how to gain quality traffic to your blog once you’ve chosen your pen name.
1. Promoting your blog on social media
Just like regular bloggers, anonymous bloggers can use social media to get more people to read their posts for free.
To start, you can add a social sharing plugin to your blog. This makes it easy for both you and your readers to share your posts on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
It’s also a good idea to ask your readers to share your posts with their friends and followers. This can help your posts reach a wider audience.
But don’t rely solely on your readers to promote your blog. You’ll need to do some work yourself to build up your social media presence. You can do this by joining groups related to your blog’s topic, sharing your content regularly, and connecting with other users.
For example, you could create an official Facebook page for your blog, similar to what Megan did with her blog “Mom’s Got It Made.” This gives you a dedicated space to share your posts and interact with your audience.
2. Guest blogging
Even if you’re blogging anonymously, you can still take advantage of guest blogging opportunities to grow your audience. Guest blogging involves writing posts for other websites in your niche, which can help you get more traffic and improve your search engine rankings.
Here’s how you can successfully guest blog:
1. Find relevant websites: Look for websites in your niche that accept guest contributions. You can find these by researching authoritative websites in your industry or by looking at your competitors’ backlink profiles.
2. Reach out: Once you’ve found potential websites, reach out to them to pitch your guest post idea. Some websites may have a registration form for guest contributors, while others may prefer email pitches.
3. Review guidelines: Make sure to review the website’s guest posting guidelines before submitting your pitch or post. Some websites have specific content requirements or formatting guidelines that you’ll need to follow.
4. Add backlinks: Ideally, the website will allow you to include backlinks to your own blog within the content of your guest post. If not, you can still usually include backlinks in your author bio.
5. Promote your guest posts: After your guest post is published, be sure to promote it to your own audience. You can also build additional links to your guest posts from other websites to help increase their visibility and improve their search engine rankings.
3. Email marketing
Even if you’re blogging anonymously, it’s still important to build an email list. This allows you to regularly communicate with your audience by sending newsletters and targeted messages.
To get more subscribers, you can use strategies like offering incentives, such as a free eBook, to encourage people to sign up for your email list.
Once you have your email list, you can send different types of emails to your subscribers, including:
1. Welcome email: A message that thanks new subscribers for joining your list and introduces them to your blog.
2. Weekly roundup of posts: A summary of your latest blog posts sent out on a regular basis to keep subscribers informed.
3. New product or service promotion: Announcements about any new products or services you’re offering.
4. Birthday email: A special message sent to subscribers on their birthdays to make them feel appreciated.
5. Special discount or offer: Exclusive deals or promotions offered to your email subscribers.
To send out these emails, you’ll need to use an email marketing service.
4. Paid ads
Once your blog starts making money, consider running ads to attract more visitors. Facebook Ads are a good option because they have a lot of users and allow you to target specific audiences.
But remember, ads only work well if you have a clear plan for turning visitors into customers.
How to Make Money with an Anonymous Blog?
The time has come to discuss anonymous blog monetization strategies now that we’re talking about monetization.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Affiliate marketing
You can earn money through affiliate marketing without revealing your identity. It involves promoting other companies’ products and earning commissions for each sale made through your referral.
2. Ad placements
Many anonymous blogs, such as Disease Called Debt, earn money by showing ads on their site. While it may not make as much money as affiliate marketing, it’s simpler because you don’t have to create special content to promote products.
3. Sell your own products
Another way to make money is by creating and selling your own digital products. For example, many people sell eBooks on Amazon using a pen name. This means you can write and sell books without using your real name.
4. Build an online course
Selling online courses under a pseudonym is possible, but it might be more engaging for your students if they know who you are. However, if you prefer to remain anonymous, you won’t be able to record videos that show your face.
5. Ask for donations
If you love blogging and your content is valuable, you can ask your audience for donations. You can use platforms like Patreon or simply add a PayPal donation button to your website.
Popular Anonymous Blogs
Here are some examples of popular blogs created by anonymous bloggers:
1. Disease Called Debt
This blog talks about managing debt, but the owner’s name is kept secret. Even though they share their personal debt story, they don’t mention their name anywhere on the site.
2. MoneyMow
The creator of MoneyMow goes by the name “Carl,” but it’s not his real name. Besides his age and location, there’s no other information about his identity – even his photo only shows his back.
3. Hustle Escape
Hustle Escape is a blog about self-improvement covering topics like productivity, psychology, personal finance, and minimalism. Despite the simple design and mysterious blogger, the site earns money through affiliate links.
4. Mom’s Got It Made
This blog discusses parenthood, self-care, and DIY projects. The author uses the name “Megan,” but it’s unclear if it’s her real name or not.
❓Why should I consider blogging anonymously?
Blogging anonymously allows you to express yourself freely without the fear of judgment or repercussions on your personal or professional life. It's particularly useful if you're discussing sensitive topics, whistleblowing, or exploring creative writing without constraints.
👉How do I handle feedback and criticism?
Handling feedback and criticism is part of being a blogger, even anonymously. Constructive criticism can be valuable for growth, so it’s important to stay open-minded. However, remember to safeguard your mental health and privacy, avoiding engagement with trolls or harmful comments that could lead to doxxing or personal attacks.
👀How do I promote my anonymous blog without revealing my identity?
Promote your blog through social media channels created specifically for your blog, using your blog’s brand name or pseudonym. Engage with communities interested in your blog's topics. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is also a critical tool for attracting organic traffic without personal exposure.
👍How do I choose a blogging platform for my anonymous blog?
Select a blogging platform that emphasizes privacy and security. Popular choices include WordPress, Blogger, and Medium. Look for platforms that do not require personal information for signing up or allow you to use a pseudonym and an email address that doesn't link back to you.
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Conclusion
So, that’s how you can make money by blogging anonymously. Just remember, blogging anonymously is just like running and making money from a regular blog. The only thing is, you have to do everything while keeping your identity hidden behind a fake name.
I suggest taking a break first. Then, when you’re ready, start by picking a fake name and a blogging platform to create your site on. Good luck!
