When it comes to blogging, there are many different ways to go about it – one of which is creating an anonymous blog. This can be a great option for those who want to share their thoughts and experiences without revealing their identity. However, there are some key things you should know before getting started.
In this article, we will discuss six of the most important factors you need to keep in mind when creating an anonymous blog. As you read, you’ll learn how best to protect your identity, monetize your blog, and other relevant information that will make this process as smooth and safe as possible.
Know How to Safeguard Your Anonymity
The process of creating an anonymous blog is a little different than those where the owner’s identity is public because you have to take extra precautions to ensure your anonymity is preserved at all times.
The key steps to achieving this are to follow the steps listed below:
- Hide your IP address VPN
- Use an anonymous email account
- Use an anonymous blogging platform
- Use a pseudonym
- Limit inclusion of personal information
By following the steps, you establish numerous security measures to ensure your identity is safe, not only from the public but also from hackers and other individuals who might go to extreme lengths to discover who you are through less conventional tactics.
While this process is typically lengthier and more painstaking than going the non-anonymous route, they are crucial because once your identity is known, it is virtually impossible to hide it again.
Use the Best Online Content Management Systems
Coding your own blog from scratch is definitely an option for anyone who has the knowledge and skill, and might make it easier to increase your blog’s overall security to protect your identity.
However, most people don’t have the time or training to do this, which is why content management systems, also known as web hosts, are so popular.
These sites allow you to build crisp, professional-looking websites in minutes, but they are not all made alike. Some online content management systems are better for anonymous blogs than others.
The top online content management systems we recommend for an anonymous blog include:
- WordPress
- Blogger
- Write.as
- Telegra.ph
- Wix
- Ghost
- Notepin.co
These websites will automatically equip your blog with numerous safety measures to ensure its content and information are protected.
Additionally, they have numerous plug-ins and widgets you can add, like “Hide My WP” to further maintain your anonymity.
Understand It’s a “Give and Take” Situation
Before you fully commit to creating an anonymous blog, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve heavily weighed the pros and cons of this approach.
Anonymous blogs aren’t for everyone, and while they come with several advantages, there are also obstacles and challenges you’ll have to overcome as well that you wouldn’t otherwise be faced with in a traditional blog.
The most influential pros and cons of anonymous blogs are as follows:
| Pros of an Anonymous Blog | Cons of an Anonymous Blog |
| Work and personal life separation, freedom to write about difficult or controversial topics without fear, shame, or judgement, protection from internet trolls or stalkers, opportunity to try something new or outside your area of expertise, adds an element of mystery to your brand | Increased monetization challenges, can be harder to build a community and connect with your audience, can be difficult for people to deem your content as trustworthy or credible, increased costs for security and other protective measures, limited options to extend your blog influence |
Most people find anonymous blogs appealing for their ability to keep their personal identity safe from strangers and allowing them to voice their opinions freely in a safe space (hopefully, for the right reasons).
Still, this comes at a cost, most notably in your ability to connect with your audience, monetize your blog, and expand your influence. As a result, it isn’t a decision to be taken lightly.
Be Aware of Your Monetization Options and Limitations
Monetization for anonymous blogs is a con we briefly discussed in the previous section.
However, we’d like to expand upon it here because while it is a more prominent obstacle for anonymous blogs to become profitably monetized, it isn’t impossible.
The first thing you need to be aware of is the fact that most advertising networks will not accept anonymous bloggers. This includes Google AdSense, which is one of the more popular ways for bloggers to make money. There are a few reasons for this, but the primary ones have to do with trust and verification.
Another reason why monetization is a challenge for anonymous blogs is that you are not the face of your brand like you would be for a traditional blog.
This makes it harder to promote your blog and to get people to trust you enough to buy products or services from you because that recognizable brand figure is absent.
Can I Make Money?
That being said, there are still a few ways you can make money from your anonymous blog. One way is through affiliate marketing.
Affiliate marketing is a process by which you promote other people’s products on your blog and earn a commission on every sale that you generate.
The key to successful affiliate marketing is finding products that are relevant to your niche and writing persuasive reviews of those products.
Another way to make money from your anonymous blog is through sponsored posts. Sponsored posts are basically advertisements masquerading as blog content.
You get paid to write a post that promotes a product or service, and the company that’s paying you gets the benefit of having their product or service mentioned on your popular blog.
Honesty Might Be the Best Policy
A quick tip that a lot of successful anonymous bloggers have mentioned from personal experience is that sometimes, the most notable cons or hurdles of an anonymous blog can be overcome with a hefty dose of honesty.
By this, we don’t mean that you should tell everyone who you are, as that would defeat the purpose of an anonymous blog. What you can do is maybe provide an explanation as to why you’ve decided to hide your identity.
Coming clean about your reasonings to your audience will make them more likely to be compassionate about your decision and, consequentially, less reserved about trusting your brand and content.
Some might even relate to your reasonings, causing them to feel more connected to you and eager to join your community.
A great place to put this declaration would be in your “About” page. It doesn’t have to be your life story.
In fact, it shouldn’t since you’ll want to refrain from providing too much personal information on an anonymous blog.
But simply putting a small paragraph explaining why you created the blog and your primary reasons for anonymity can go a long way.
Be Cautious with Social Media
While social media can be a powerful tool to help promote your blog and grow your audience, it can also be detrimental to anonymity if not used correctly.
First and foremost, avoid using your real name or any other personal information when creating social media accounts for your blog. Doing so will completely defeat the purpose of having an anonymous blog in the first place.
In addition, be cautious of the information and photos you share on social media, as they could potentially lead back to your real identity.
For example, if you frequently post photos of yourself at a certain location, it wouldn’t be too difficult for someone to figure out where you live or work.
Final Thoughts
Creating and maintaining an anonymous blog might seem like more effort than it’s worth, especially if it’s easier to profit by going the more traditional route.
However, we’re here to tell you that it can be done! There are more successful anonymous blogs out there than you might think. Some examples include Mom’s Got it Made, Mosul Eye, and The Guyliner.
With enough time, dedication, and blogging skills, your anonymous blog could one day join the list of the most profitable and successful anonymous blogs on the internet.
