This quick guide to starting a blog is condensed version of our How to Start a Blog series. Everyone learns differently. Some people like step-by-step instructions, while others prefer a short description and then they figure out the rest on their own. If you’re the later, this guide for starting a blog is for you. For more detailed tutorials, check out How to start a blog, the right way.
1. Pick a name for your new blog
Decide on a name for your blog that is relevant, timeless, and leaves you a little room to grow. Check to make sure the domain name is available. Also make sure that name you choose is also available on popular social media platforms. Consistency is best.
2. Purchase a server for your blog
Once you’ve decided on a name, it is time to purchase a self-hosted server for your blog. Head over to Just Host (our preferred hosting company for new bloggers) and purchase a plan. I recommend buying a 4 year plan, because it is cheaper in the long run. They give a full refund on any months not used should you decide to quit or move servers.
3. Install WordPress
WordPress is very simple to install on your sever. You can go to WordPress.org and download a .zip file and then install that file on your cPanel. Or, you can log in to your cPanel by visiting yourblog.com/cPanel and use Just Host’s WordPress installation process. No coding, no learning curve, just a “one click” install. Once installed, go and adjust your general settings.
4. Add a theme to your blog
A WordPress theme adds additional structures, functions, and visual display to your WordPress Blog. We recommend Genesis themes because they are beautiful, responsive, HTLM 5 current, and SEO enhanced. If you need help choosing a theme read our tips for picking out a great theme for your blog.
That’s it. You now have a blog!
Hello World! By default, WordPress has Hello World as your first blog post, go ahead and delete it and write your own blog post.
Now that your blog is set up, check out these tutorials:
- Protect your blog from spam
- Set up pages
- Write your About page
- Write your first post
- Create and upload a Favicon
- Create a Gravatar
- Create an Author box
- Set up social media accounts
- Set up a newsletter
- Install Google Analytics
- Write a privacy policy
- Create a Sitemap
- Launch! Submit your site to search engines
Hello Kristie,
I am a SUPER newbie at this and I must say out of ALL the books and blogs I have read your step by step approach has been exactly what I needed. I have accomplished so much by just following your guide than I have clicking around and opening every single “pin” I see. I am in the infancy stages right now and don’t plan to launch until Jan 2015. Thank you so much!
Thanks Sunny! I’m glad you’ve found my tutorials helpful. Can’t wait to see your blog when it goes live in 2015! Let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything else I can help you with.
Many people don’t realize how easy it is to start a blog. I’m a huge fan of blogs. Great simple tips.
It really is easy to start a blog, it’s keeping up with it that takes some work!