This super easy tutorial will walk you through exactly how to start a blog, including screen shots.
I absolutely love blogging. It is the perfect mix for satisfying both my introverted and extroverted sides.
You can be very social and interact with a lot of people from all over the world – it’s such a fun way to make new friends! The blogging community is really supportive and wonderful.
And then when you have an introverted day, you can hermit out in your house in your pajamas and write.
For people who like their freedom and flexibility (I’m raising my hand over here and waving it enthusiastically), blogging has all that too. You set your own hours of writing, editing, and it can lead to part-time or full-time income. Wahoo!
I know it can sound intimidating when you haven’t started a blog yet but I promise you it is simple and should take less than 15 minutes to start up.
Grab a cup of coffee and let’s go!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
I chose Bluehost to host my blog because it has such a stellar reputation, is inexpensive, and is very user friendly, even for someone with no experience at all.
If you sign up by using this link, you will get a free domain name!
Here is a video tutorial for the visual learners:
HOW TO START A WORDPRESS BLOG TODAY
Step 1: Figure out what you want to blog about
Everybody has something to say. What makes you excited? Do you have ideas about parenting? How about health or fitness? Maybe you have some great recipes to share. Maybe you are very interested in travel or languages or keto food.
Look to see what your passions are, what topics makes your heart beat a little stronger, and write about that.
If you need a bit of inspiration, read this: 10 inspiring quotes on living your own unique life
If you still have some fears or doubts, you are not alone! Read this post: Doubts and fears about starting a blog… and how to get over them
If you love reading food blogs and your passion is baking and cooking, check out this post specifically on how to start a food blog
Step 2: Brainstorm domain names based on your blog topics
I strongly recommend you have a good brainstorm session before you do anything next.
The reason for this? The first name you choose might be already taken.
I know this from experience because it happened to me. I was all set on a name and then I found out it wasn’t available.
Don’t get discouraged if this happens to you! Just have a good list of possible names and try them out to see which one is free. You will find something you love.
Once you figure out your domain name you can move on to step three…
Step 3: Choose your hosting plan
Click HERE to start the process.
Click on the green “get started now” button.
Now you will select your hosting plan.
For most people starting out, all you would need is the basic plan. This is the plan I chose.
Step 4: Register your domain
Now you get to enter in the domain name you chose.
If you really can’t decide quite yet between a couple of domain names, no worries! You can choose later.
Bluehost will give you a free credit for a domain name and you can enter it later.
Next you will enter your account information.
Now go through your package information. I chose the 36 month plan because that gives you the cheapest price.
You can also choose a 12 or 24 month plan if that suits you better. I debated getting the 24 month plan but ended up choosing the 36 months as it was only four dollars more for that whole third year.
I unchecked a couple of boxes but would recommend that you keep the domain privacy protection.
There are many reasons why you might want this but one important reason is to control your personal information and privacy, including hiding your personal address, phone number and e-mail.
Step 5: Install WordPress
This is another exciting step and it’s so easy!
WordPress is free when you sign up for hosting through Bluehost. You will log into your account, find the Website section, select Install WordPress, and then click on the Install button.
That is it!
Optional bonus step: Choose a premium theme
This step is optional and you don’t need it to start a blog.
I surprised myself by deciding to buy a premium WordPress theme. I’m a frugal living blogger, folks, and I have been known to overfrugalize at times (as a student in university I didn’t have a bed for a month because I was waiting to buy a super cheap one). So I thought for sure I was go for free, and you absolutely can!
But I fell in love with the theme I have now while browsing different options so I got it.
If this is something you’re interested in, check out premium StudioPress Themes for WordPress here.
To start your own blog, click here to start now!
If you sign up through that link, send me an email to let me know and I will send you a printable I put together for bloggers – 72 awesome blog post ideas for when you have writer’s block.
And now to grow your traffic: How to Increase Blog Traffic Fast – 3 Proven Ways
You did it! You officially started a blog. Now start writing some great posts and get your ideas out there. If you have any questions please reach out and email me at suchot at thecuriousfrugal dot com. I would be happy to help if I can!