Blogging website

I am starting a new blogging website in WordPress, it will be used for building an email list and promoting affiliate links.
Design clean and simple but also attractive.
I need to be able to write text and get into the blog pages easily and add images easily.
I do not want to be overwhelmed with different widgets and plugins so set to the most efficient and cost-effective.
Videos from sellers will be embedded.
Autoresponder code to be embedded.
what do you recommend?
How quickly can you do this?
What is your cost for the initial design and set-up?
what are your costs for ongoing maintenance?

Please do not use AI in your reply.