If you are looking to start your own blog, you need to keep the following steps in mind because they highlight the entire process:
1. Choose a blogging platform.
2. Choose the domain name and web host.
3. Install WordPress to your web host account.
4. Blog design.
5. Blog launch.
You are going to learn how to start a blog using WordPress, so it is important to avoid skipping over any steps of this tutorial.
Step One: Choosing A Blogging Platform
What is a blogging platform? It is the software used to launch, update and manage your blog. You can use a platform to add pages, content and media, as well as other aspects of your blog. It is also known to bloggers as a CMS (Content Management System).
You can find a variety of open-source platforms, and many of them are supported by web hosting companies. The following list features several well-known, and frequently used, blogging platforms:
WordPress: With a customizable CMS, it is the most popular platform in the world today.
Drupal: It is popular among experienced bloggers, but it is not an ideal platform for your first blog.
Joomla: It takes a while to learn, but it is another popular CMS platform.
Ghost: Another platform that has bloggers talking.
Avoid Using A Free Blog Platform
While you may be wondering why Blogger is not on the above list, it is recommended to avoid using a free platform for your own blog. The same can be said for WordPress.com, which is the free version of the CMS platform. It may be tempting to use a free platform because you are not investing any money upfront, but this is an example of the risk not being worth the reward, and the decision to start your blog on a free platform could cost you later.
Basically, a free platform can shut your blog, or their entire platform, down at any moment. You may have violated a minor rule without realizing it, or maybe the platform has run into problems and needs to shut down. The worst part is they may not even issue a warning, so you may not be able to recover the content and media already added to your blog. This means you are going to have to start over on a new platform, which is going to cost time and potential earnings.
Limited Customization
Your customization on a free platform is limited to the free plugins and widgets, and there are not going to be as many features as a self-hosted blog. There is no ability to customize your theme on free platforms, so you have to use the free limited themes.
Sub-Domain
There is something about your own domain that adds a professional look to your blog. Unfortunately, this is not an option with free platforms. You may be able to add a portion of your chosen domain, but that is it. Instead of your own domain, your URL is going to look like this: [YOURBUSINESSNAME].blogspot.com.
As far as SEO (Search Engine Optimization) goes, search engines such as Google are going to rank a custom URL over sub-domains on Blogger and WordPress.com. If your blog is not ranking high in the search results, it is going to be difficult to generate traffic and earnings.
Lack of Earnings
Speaking of potential earnings, it is nearly impossible to make a good amount of money on a free platform, if you make any money at all. Without your own domain and hosting, you are going to be limited on the ads and affiliate links you can place on your blog. In fact, some free platforms may not allow you to post any ads or affiliate links at all. Pair that issue with the SEO issue, and you are going to be working extra hard to drive traffic to a blog that may not generate any earnings.
Limited Space
You are not going to have a lot of website space to work with on a free platform. There are many users who are also using website space, so this is going to cut down on your own space. Nowadays, blogs and websites rely on content with images and videos to attract their visitors. For this reason alone, it is recommended to start a self-hosted blog.
The lesson? A free platform is going to restrict your blog in more ways than one. In addition, it is more difficult than you think to start on a free blog and then move it to a self-hosted blog. It is better to start on a self-hosted blog from day one. A basic web hosting package may be as little as $5 per month.
When you opt for a self-hosted blog, you have control over your domain name, plug-ins, custom theme, content and monetization. The best part is your content is backed up regularly, so you do not have to start over if anything happens to your blog.
WordPress: A Recommended CMS Platform
If you are looking to start your own blog, you need to keep the following steps in mind because they highlight the entire process:
1. Choose a blogging platform.
2. Choose the domain name and web host.
3. Install WordPress to your web host account.
4. Blog design.
5. Blog launch.
You are going to learn how to start a blog using WordPress, so it is important to avoid skipping over any steps of this tutorial.
Step One: Choosing A Blogging Platform
What is a blogging platform? It is the software used to launch, update and manage your blog. You can use a platform to add pages, content and media, as well as other aspects of your blog. A blogging platform is also known as a CMS, which stands for Content Management System.
You can find a variety of open-source platforms, and many of them are supported by web hosting companies. The following list features several well-known, and frequently used, blogging platforms:
WordPress: With a customizable CMS, it is the most popular platform in the world today.
Drupal: It is very popular but not ideal for those who are just starting their first blog.
Joomla: It takes a while to learn, but it is another popular CMS platform.
Ghost: Another platform that has bloggers talking.
Avoid Using A Free Blog Platform
While you may be wondering why Blogger is not on the above list, it is recommended to avoid using a free platform for your own blog. The same can be said for WordPress.com, which is the free version of the CMS platform. It may be tempting to use a free platform because you are not investing any money upfront, but this is an example of the risk not being worth the reward, and the decision to start your blog on a free platform could cost you later.
Basically, a free platform can shut your blog, or their entire platform, down at any moment. You may have violated a minor rule without realizing it, or maybe the platform has run into problems and needs to shut down. The worst part is they may not even issue a warning, so you may not be able to recover the content and media already added to your blog. This means you are going to have to start over on a new platform, which is going to cost time and potential earnings.
Limited Customization
Your customization on a free platform is limited to the free plugins and widgets, and there are not going to be as many features as a self-hosted blog. There is no ability to customize your theme on free platforms, so you have to use the free limited themes.
Sub-Domain
There is something about your own domain that adds a professional look to your blog. Unfortunately, this is not an option with free platforms. You may be able to add a portion of your chosen domain, but that is it. Instead of your own domain, your URL is going to look like this: [YOURBUSINESSNAME].blogspot.com.
As far as SEO (Search Engine Optimization) goes, search engines such as Google are going to rank a custom URL over sub-domains on Blogger and WordPress.com. If your blog is not ranking high in the search results, it is going to be difficult to generate traffic and earnings.
Lack of Earnings
Speaking of potential earnings, it is nearly impossible to make a good amount of money on a free platform, if you make any money at all. Without your own domain and hosting, you are going to be limited on the ads and affiliate links you can place on your blog. In fact, some free platforms may not allow you to post any ads or affiliate links at all. Pair that issue with the SEO issue, and you are going to be working extra hard to drive traffic to a blog that may not generate any earnings.
Limited Space
You are not going to have a lot of webspace to work with on a free platform. There are many users who are also using webspace, so this is going to cut down on your own space. Nowadays, blogs and websites rely on content with images and videos to attract their visitors. For this reason alone, it is recommended to start a self-hosted blog.
The lesson? A free platform is going to restrict your blog in more ways than one. In addition, it is more difficult than you think to start on a free blog and then move it to a self-hosted blog. It is better to start on a self-hosted blog from day one. A basic web hosting package may be as little as $5 per month.
When you opt for a self-hosted blog, you have control over your domain name, plug-ins, custom theme, content and monetization. The best part is your content is backed up regularly, so you do not have to start over if anything happens to your blog.
WordPress: A Recommended CMS Platform
There are many established bloggers who recommend using WordPress on your domain. It is easy to set up and offers the following advantages.
User-Friendly Interface
WordPress is a very user-friendly platform. It has a navigable interface to take care of all your blogging needs. You can add, edit and remove content, change your theme, add and remove plug-ins and basically manage your entire blog through WordPress. The best part is your updates happen in just a few minutes.
Designed For Bloggers
WordPress is designed for bloggers, so you can rest assured that the platform has been designed with your needs in mind. You can enjoy the convenience of built-in blogging functions and plug-ins, such as email sign-ups or social media posts. Once again, it only takes a few minutes to make these updates. This gives you total control over your blog because you can edit and update it at any time.
Secure Platform
Security should always play a part in choosing a platform for your blog, and you can take comfort in knowing WordPress is a secure platform. Everything from your plugins to your password is secure, so you do not have to worry about your information falling into the wrong hands.
Supportive Community
In addition to the customizable, user-friendly, secure platform, you are also part of a supportive community.
Step Two: Your Domain Name and Web Hosting.
This section is focused on choosing a domain name and web hosting for your blog. It is recommended to register both with the same company, which is why these two tasks go hand-in-hand.
Domain Name: Your domain name is your website address, which is also known as your URL or blog name. It should be short and memorable, but it should also be a name that represents your blog. If possible, try to stick with .com to keep your blog recognizable to your visitors.
Web Hosting: Your web host is what makes your blog accessible to your visitors. You can choose from a range of packages and services across various companies. It is also best to choose a company that works with WordPress, as this platform only charges around $3 to $4 per month for domain registration and web hosting.
Bluehost: A Recommendation For Your Domain and Web Hosting
There are many bloggers who recommend Bluehost for your first blog. In fact, WordPress.org has been recommending Bluehost since 2005. Bluehost is affordable, easy to use and offers 24/7 support.
In addition, Bluehost also holds promotions, such as signing up for web hosting for just $2.95 per month. You can even get a free domain name for the first 12 months. For an additional $12 per year, you can sign up for Domain Privacy Protection. This way, visitors cannot find your personal information. If you are not satisfied with Bluehost, contact them within 30 days to receive a refund. Please note Bluehost pricing is subject to change.
How To Start A WordPress Blog On Bluehost
The following steps are going to help you start a WordPress blog on Bluehost.
1. Click the “Get Started Now” button.
2. Choose a hosting plan that works for your blog. If you choose a basic plan, you can upgrade to a Plus or Prime plan later.
3. Register your domain name. If you already have a domain name, you can assign it to your blog. If you do not have a domain name, you can select one as long as it is available.
4. Proceed to the next page and fill out the domain registration form.
5. Select your payment plan and if needed, additional services.
6. Fill out the billing information.
7. Click submit and wait for your email from Bluehost with your login information. It may wind up in your spam folder, so be sure to check that folder if it is not in your inbox.
8. Choose a password for your WordPress dashboard login that is easy for you but difficult for everyone else. You can proceed after creating your password.
Step Three: Install WordPress On Your Web Hosting
Now that you have signed up for Bluehost, you want to check out the following steps for installing your WordPress platform.
1. Log into your Bluehost account. If you do not remember your login details, you can find them in the welcome email.
2. Click on the blue “Start Building” button.
3. Wait several minutes for WordPress to load on your hosting account.
4. If you do not need additional help, click the “I Don’t Need Help” button, and then click the “Bluehost” menu at the top left of your screen.
5. Use the menu to add, edit and manage your theme, plugins, posts and pages.
Step Four: Choose Your WordPress Theme
You have signed up for Bluehost and built your WordPress blog, and now it is time to add an appealing, functional WordPress theme. You can choose a free or paid pre-designed template, but this is a matter of personal preference and what works for your blog.
The following list includes just a few places to find WordPress blog themes.
– WordPress Library
– StudioPress
– Mythemeshop
– Themeforest
It is important to choose a theme that works for your blog and niche. The selection ranges from formal blogs with a professional layout to art blogs with creative licenses. You also want to ensure you are using a theme with a responsive design. This way, visitors can check out and navigate your blog from almost any mobile device.
How To Install A Theme On Your Blog
Now, you are going to learn how to install a theme on your blog. The steps are going to vary per free and purchased themes.
Add A Theme From Your WordPress Dashboard
You have the option of adding a theme directly from your WordPress dashboard.
1. Log into your WordPress dashboard and hover your mouse over the “Appearance” tab.
2. Click on “Themes” to open up your themes page.
3. Browse through the free themes that are available on your dashboard.
4. If you find a pre-loaded theme that works for your blog, click the “Activate” button.
Browse A Wider Selection of Themes
The next method is helpful if you are not happy with the pre-loaded themes on your dashboard.
1. Click “Add New” to access a wider selection of free WordPress themes.
2. Use the search function to look for themes, where you can filter your search by specific features or categories. You can also check out the “Featured,” “Popular,” “Latest” and “Favorites” tabs.
3. Once you are happy with your theme, click the button to add it to your blog.
Uploading A Purchased Theme
Another option is to upload a theme you purchased from another website, which is going to be a Zip file on your computer.
1. Hover your mouse over the “Appearance” tab and click “Themes” and then “Upload Themes.”
2. Find your theme and upload it as if it were an email attachment.
3. Fill in the necessary details such as your blog name, logo and social media accounts.
Regardless of which method you use for uploading your theme, you can switch back to your old theme or upload a new theme whenever you want.
Step Five: Launch Your Blog
You have worked hard for this moment, and now it is finally time to launch your blog for the world to see! Once you are satisfied with the finished product, simply click the “Launch” button on your Bluehost account, fill in the name and tagline and your blog is ready for your target audience.
Other Hosting Companies
I should note that one of the other hosting companies that had an account with is Hostgator. HostGator has made WordPress a breeze! Optimized WP Packages for as low as $9.95 a month! You should consider check out Hostgator’s WordPress plans.
FAQ’s For Starting Your Blog
As a bonus, here are several frequently asked questions and answers for starting your own blog.
1. Do people still find blogging to be relevant?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, blogging is more popular than ever. It allows you to share your ideas and information with others. You can share your hobbies and interests or showcase your product and services. In addition, blogging is also a great way to improve your writing.
2. How do people make money from blogging?
There is no big secret or get-rich-quick scheme for making money from your blog. It is best to blog about a hobby or interest because it comes more naturally when you are passionate about it. Try to monetize your blog through elements such as e-books, affiliate links and advertisements. Put in the work and do not give up regardless of how slow or hard it is at first, and you are sure to be a success.
3. How long does it take to create and update your blog?
If you already have ideas in mind, it can take just 20 minutes to create your blog. As for adding, editing and promoting your content, it may take a few hours per post or page. However, the work is worth the reward.
4. Can I start my own blog for free?
Of course, as there are many free blogging platforms, including WordPress.com and Blogger.com. Remember, it is best to avoid using a free platform if you intend to make money from your blog.
5. How do I create and set up an email address for my blog?
You can create and set up an email through Bluehost. Bluehost walks you through the steps for setting up a free email address on their official website.
6. How can I drive more traffic to my blog?
There are several ways to increase the traffic to your blog, including search engine optimization (SEO), link building and social media marketing. It is best to research (or discuss) white-hat (fair and reliable) techniques from reputable companies.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase.