If you want to know how to start a blog. You’re in the right place. Using Bluehost and WordPress.org you can start a blog in minutes for just a few dollars. A blog or website that’s all yours!
What this guide will show you
In this guide, I’ll show you how, step by step, you can set up your own self-hosted WordPress blog. (Plus, if you use my link, you’ll receive discounted hosting and a free domain name!)
Overview
The steps you’ll take to start your blog:
- Purchase your hosting package
- Choose your domain name
- Install Wordpress
- Start using Wordpress
- Hints & Tips.
Purchase Your Hosting Package
Step 1: How to start a blog – Find a host.
A host provides a home for your site. Every site on the internet sits on a server somewhere in the world. The host provides that space for your site. Free services are available, like Blogger or WordPress.com. The similar names, WordPress.com and WordPress.org can cause confusion. If you want to create a blog the provides you with an income, you must be sure to use WordPress.org.
The steps provided in this guide are for starting a self-hosted WordPress site which is preferable to the free site at WordPress.com which does not allow the common forms of earning an income from your blog.
Yes, starting your blog as a self-hosted site is an investment but ultimately you get what you pay for. Plus, it gives you control over your website or blog. Trust me, it’s better to get it right from day one than try to change later.
Start by clicking here to go to Bluehost* (this link will open in a new window so you can reference these instructions as you work). I’ve been a paying customer of this company for over 2 years and can vouch for them.
Click the green Get Started Now button.
Step 2 – Select your hosting plan.
Choose the plan you’d like to start with. If you’re just starting out, or you’re operating on a bootstrap budget, it’s probably best to choose the Starter plan. You can always upgrade at a later date. Bonus: all plans come with one free domain – just make sure you use this link.
Click the Select button for the plan of your choice to move to the next step.
Choose Your Domain Name
Step 3 – Choose Your Domain Name.
Your domain name is your web address. For example, smartmoneysimplelife.com is my domain.
If you already own a domain name, enter it in the box on the right. (See also: What if You Already Have a Domain Name? for more information)
If not, enter a brand new domain name in the box on the left. (See Hints & Tips for choosing a domain below). Make sure .com or the correct extension of your choice is selected from the drop down menu beside it.
Click the Next button.
Step 4. Enter Your Account Details
Enter your account details.
Double check all the information you enter. Especially your email address as all your login information will be sent to this address.
Step 5. Select the Details of Your Host Package
Initially, the only added extra you need to consider is Domain Privacy Protection.
If you already own your domain name you might have included this option when you made your purchase. If you don’t already have Domain Privacy Protection and you’re registering your domain name with your private address, you need to seriously consider adding this option to your package.
Continue on to complete your purchase. You’ll be asked if you want to add any upgrades. If you’re just starting out, you probably don’t need them.
After completing your purchase, check your email. You’ll find a welcome email from Bluehost with your control panel (cpanel) login info. Keep this information somewhere safe for future reference.
Install WordPress
Step 6: Login to your Bluehost cpanel
Go back to Bluehost and click the Login button in the top right corner of your screen. You can also use the link to your cpanel contained your Bluehost welcome email.
Login to your Bluehost account and go to hosting > cpanel.
Step 7. Install WordPress
On the cpanel page, scroll down to website builders and find the Install WordPress icon.
Click the Install WordPress icon, then click Install and choose the domain you are installing WordPress to.
You will then set up your WordPress login information.
Step 8. Login to Your WordPress Blog
To log into your WordPress blog, type your domain name plus /wp-admin (www.yourdomainname.com/wp-admin) into your internet search bar and hit <Enter>. The login screen for your blog is then displayed. Enter your user name and password and you’re logged into your very own WordPress site. Congratulations!
What if You Already Have a Domain Name?
Connecting your Domain Name Servers To Bluehost
If you already have a domain name that you bought on a site like Ziphosting or GoDaddy, it’s easy to connect your domain name to Bluehost.
These are the Domain Name Servers:
- ns1.bluehost.com
- ns2.bluehost.com
Here are some general directions for connecting your domain to Bluehost. Most domain managers are set up in a similar way so these general steps should guide you through the process. Please note: the specific labels might vary but the process will be the same.
To modify, add, or delete name servers (DNS) for your domain(s):
- Log in to your domain Account Manager.
- Select Manage Domains (or similar).
- Select the domain name you wish to modify, then click Set Name Servers.
- Enter your updated name server information in the spaces provided under the Name Servers heading and click Save Changes at the bottom. Your entries should look like this:
- ns1.bluehost.com
- ns2.bluehost.com
Start Using WordPress
Your very own WordPress blog is now ready to use.
Recommended Blogging Resources
Here at Smart Money, Simple Life, we want your blog to be successful so we’ve put together a list of the blogging resources we (or bloggers we trust) use. You can even download your own copy for free! Download
Hints & Tips
Tips for choosing a domain name:
- Select the .com extension whenever possible.
- Make your domain name easy to say and spell and therefore easy to remember.
- Don’t use hyphens, numbers, obscure terms or anything that might be confusing to your readers.
- If you’re not sure what name to use, use your name.
- Be creative and brainstorm combinations and phrases if you’re having trouble finding the name you want.
- Think about your subject matter and make sure your domain name makes sense.
