How to Start a Profitable Blog in the Netherlands in 2025

How to Start a Profitable Blog in the Netherlands (2025 Guide)

So, you’ve been thinking about starting a blog here in the Netherlands? Nice move! Blogging in 2025 is still one of the smartest ways to share your passion, build an audience, and even make some money on the side. Whether you live in Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Rotterdam, the opportunities are endless.

Before you continue to read this awesome article, you may have missed our post on How to Start a Faceless Blog in 2025 (No Face, No Problem)

Think about it: people are always searching for cycling routes, vegan hotspots, expat survival tips, and even tech startup news. And the Dutch love their internet (we’ve got one of the highest internet usage rates in Europe), so the demand for good content is already there.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through step by step how to start a blog in the Netherlands — from picking your niche and setting up your site to promoting it and making money. I’ll also share real examples so you see what’s possible.

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Why Blogging Works in the Netherlands

Here’s the thing — blogging here isn’t just some “American influencer” trend. It works really well for us Dutchies too, and here’s why:

1. We’re online all the time. Almost everyone here scrolls, reads, and searches daily.
2. Most Dutch people are bilingual. That means you can write in Dutch and English, and reach both local readers and international ones.
3. Our niches are strong. Travel, cycling, sustainability, food, and lifestyle — those are HUGE in the Netherlands.
4. Brands are ready to pay. Whether it’s Bol.com, Coolblue, or small local cafés, companies here are open to partnerships with bloggers.

👉 For example, imagine writing about hidden gems in Rotterdam. Locals love it, but so do international tourists. That’s double the audience, and double the chance to earn.

Read Also – 10 effective keyword research techniques for improved organic SEO traffic

 

 

 

Choosing the Right Platform (Keep It Simple)

When it comes to blogging platforms, you don’t want to get lost in endless tech talk. Here’s what really works in 2025:

• WordPress (self-hosted) – Flexible, powerful, and perfect if you want to grow big and make money.
• Wix – Super easy if you’re not techy. Drag and drop, done.
• Squarespace – Great if you care about design and want everything to look modern and clean.
• Medium or Substack – Best if you only want to write and not deal with design.

👉 Example: If you’re a student in Utrecht who just wants to write about Dutch cycling culture without worrying about design, Wix is fine. But if you’re serious about building a business blog that makes money, WordPress is the way to go.

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Step-by-Step: how to start a Blog in the Netherlands and U.S

Step 1: Pick a Niche

This is where most people get stuck. Don’t try to blog about everything. Instead, think: What do I know well? What are people asking about?

• Amsterdam food spots?
• Cycling routes across the Netherlands?
• Expat life in Dutch cities?
• Startup and tech culture?

👉 Example: Eva, who moved to Utrecht, started a bilingual blog about expat life. She writes in both Dutch and English so internationals and locals can benefit.

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Step 2: Get a Domain and Hosting

Pick a short and clear domain name. If you want Dutch readers to trust you, get a .nl domain.

• Example: fietsavontuur.nl or veganrotterdam.nl
• Hosting: Try TransIP, MijnDomein, or SiteGround. They’re reliable in Europe and won’t cost you much.

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Step 3: Set Up Your Blog

• Choose a theme that looks good on mobile (Dutch people are always browsing on their phones).
• Keep the menu simple: Home, Blog, About, Contact.
• Add your own photos — it feels more real than stock pictures.

See Also – How to Optimize a LinkedIn Profile in 8 steps

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Step 4: Use the Right Tools (if WordPress)

A few plugins can make life easier:

• Yoast SEO → Helps your posts show up on Google in Dutch and English.
• TranslatePress → Makes your blog bilingual in one click.
• Pretty Links → Organize your affiliate links.
• WP Rocket → Makes your blog load fast (very important for Google rankings).

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Step 5: Write Your First Blog Posts

Don’t overthink it — just start. Some Dutch blog ideas:

• “Best Cycling Routes in Utrecht (2025 Update)”
• “10 Vegan Cafés in Amsterdam You’ll Love”
• “How to Survive Housing as an Expat in the Netherlands”

Tips:

• Mix Dutch and English keywords. For example: “beste fietsen Amsterdam” and “best bikes Amsterdam.”
• Write like you’re talking to a friend. Dutch readers appreciate honesty and directness.
• Keep posts clear, short paragraphs, use lists.

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Step 6: Promote Your Blog

A blog without readers won’t make money. So, get the word out:

• Share posts on Instagram with Dutch hashtags like #amsterdamblogger or #fietsroute.
• Use Pinterest (yes, it works really well for Dutch travel and food blogs).
• Join Facebook groups for Dutch bloggers and expats.
• Start an email list with a freebie like “Top 5 Hidden Cafés in Utrecht.”

👉 Example: A blogger in Rotterdam got her first 5,000 monthly readers just by posting her food blogs in a local Facebook group.

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Step 7: Make Money from Your Blog

Now the fun part: turning your writing into income.

Ways to earn in the Netherlands:

• Affiliate marketing – Join programs like Bol.com or Coolblue and earn commissions.
• Sponsored posts – Local cafés, travel companies, and Dutch brands will pay for features.
• Google Ads – Once you get traffic, ads can bring steady income.
• Digital products – Ebooks, guides, or courses.

👉 Example: Eva, the expat blogger, made €3,000 in one year selling a simple ebook: “Living in the Netherlands: A Quick Guide for Expats.”

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FAQs – How to Start a Profitable Blog in the Netherlands | Step by Step Approach|

Is blogging still worth it in 2025?

Yes! Blogs are still one of the top ways people search for information. Social media is fast, but blogs bring long-term traffic from Google.

Should I write in Dutch or English?

Both! Dutch builds local trust, English brings internationals. Even better if you do bilingual posts.

How much does it cost to start?

Around €50–€100 to get your domain, hosting, and theme.

How long before I make money?

It depends, but usually 6–12 months of consistent posting. Some niches (like Dutch travel or expat tips) can start earning faster.

Do I need to pay taxes?

Yes. If you earn money from your blog, you need to declare it to the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority). If you make it a serious business, register as a freelancer (zzp’er).

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Real Example: Eva’s Blog

Eva moved to Utrecht in 2023. She saw how hard it was for expats to find housing, cycle safely, and understand Dutch culture. She launched a blog called Living Dutchly.

• First posts: “How to Rent in Utrecht” and “Top 10 Cycling Routes.”
• Traffic: Grew by sharing posts in expat Facebook groups and using Pinterest.
• Income: She joined Bol.com’s affiliate program, partnered with local bike shops, and sold her €15 ebook.

Now in 2025, her blog brings in about €2,500 per month. Not bad for something she started as a hobby!

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Conclusion |How to Start a Profitable Blog in the Netherlands in 2025|

Starting a blog in the Netherlands is easier than you think. The secret is to:

• Pick a clear niche (don’t try to write about everything).
• Use a simple platform (WordPress or Wix).
• Write content that answers real Dutch questions.
• Share it consistently.
• Monetize smartly with affiliates, ads, and products.

Blogging here isn’t just about money — it’s about connecting with people, building trust, and creating something that’s yours.

So, if you’ve been waiting, now’s the time. Buy that domain, set up your blog, and publish your first post this week. Who knows? By next year, you might be sharing your own success story.