“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” Albert Einstein
Blogging is a very complex topic regardless of how often it’s discredited and discussed. It can be a great way to make a living, some extra money on the side or just a hobby to add some flavour to your every day’s life routine. Either way I’m going to be honest, blogging is not easy and it can take an incredible amount of time to plan the whole ‘shabang’ – like photo shoots, writing posts, strategizing, and building relationships. Many would love to do this for a living and I would encourage everyone to try it. However, one of the biggest questions I hear asked is where do I start?
Today I’ll be getting back to basics and talking about how to start a blog from scratch.
Choose your platform wisely
There are many platforms to choose from and each has its own pros and cons. The platform I have been using from the inception of my blog is WordPress.org. Did you know that WordPress.com and WordPress.org are actually two very different platforms? Often beginners confuse the two which leads them to choose the wrong platform.
You might be thinking that you could easily start your blog on Blogger or WordPress.com instead so you don’t have to worry about purchasing hosting or maintaining your site. It can be free, though there are paid plans as well.
However, if you want any kind of flexibility, plan to monetize your site, or want your site to grow in the long run, WordPress.com can be very limiting. For example, you won’t be able to install your own “plugins” or “themes” unless you pay for the expensive business plan. Plugins and themes are one of the most helpful things about the WordPress software because they make it easy to customize your site, so that’s a pretty big loss. One of the worst case scenarios is that your site can be deleted at anytime if WordPress.com think your site violates their Terms of Service and you wouldn’t want that!
If you are still not convinced and would like to find out more about the pros and cons of using the self-hosted WordPress.org and free WordPress.com hosting service click here for more info.
I personally use the self-hosted WordPress.org that gives me all the freedom that I need to manage my website and I definitely recommend that you do the same. I like WordPress because it’s robust and can easily be modified to fit my needs in terms of coding and functionality.
Select your plan
Like all websites, you will need web hosting with your WordPress.org. This is where your website files are stored on the internet.
I personally have been using Bluehost from the very start of my blog. It’s affordable and very easy to set up and use.
You can start your own blog for as low as $3.95/month (normally it’s $7.99/month)! They’re a great reliable web host and I’ve personally had a great experience with them over the past 18 months.
A few great perks about Bluehost:
It’s super easy. Once you sign up, only 1-click separates you from installing WordPress.
Free WordPress installation
Free domain available
Tech support! Live chat and phone support options available 24/7. I’ve used it a number of times and I found the Bluehost team very knowledgeable and incredibly helpful
Self-hosted website which means you OWN it. Your site will NOT be turned off because someone decides that it is against their terms of service (as long as you are not doing something illegal). You are in full control.
Your design options are limitless which means your site will look super professional making it easier to build trust with readers and companies
If you change your mind, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee
I initially started with a $3.95 a month plan however my email storage had run out very quickly and I had to upgrade to $5.95. I would recommend the latter option to avoid the admin burden with changing plans further down the line.
Choose and Register Your Domain
You probably already have some direction as to what you would like to blog about, but if not, this is the time to think about it and choose the right domain. Simply put, you have to make an honest assessment of your strengths, interests, and desires. This is the best place to start and don’t over or underestimate yourself!
Type your chosen name in the domain you want and it will tell you if it’s available. If you already have a domain, you can add that to the other box and connect your domain to hosting after you’ve set up your account.
Complete your account set up & choose package extras
The longer the plan you select, the better deal you get! I highly recommend doing the 36-month plan to take advantage of those savings. You do have to pay upfront, but the savings are so worth it. Paying month-to-month is inefficient and it will end up costing you more than you want to pay. If you’re unsure about blogging, then start with the 12-month plan. It’s a little bit more than the 36-month plan, but still very affordable.
It’s also definitely worth exploring what extras you may find useful. There are several more options to pick from here and the one that I do recommend is Domain Privacy Protection because it will keep your personal contact information private!
After you’ve selected your plan and added your personal and payment information, you’ll be asked to enter a password for your account. Make sure it’s a secure one that you’ll remember and not one you’re using everywhere else!
Install WordPress with one click
The final step is to actually install WordPress on your new Bluehost hosting platform.
Once you’ve logged into Bluehost, navigate to the top menu area and click on ‘WordPress tools’ from the top menu bar, it’s the second item I highlighted in yellow.
This will open the next page where you have to select your domain. You don’t need to select a ‘Path’. Drop in your site title or blog name (not the url) and then select your username, password and email and select ‘Install WordPress’.
Log in
You’ll be notified once the installation is completed. Login to your WordPress admin account and start blogging away!
To sign in, go to your URL and add the extension ‘/wp-login.php’. It’ll look like this “http://yourdomain.com/wp-login.php” or “http://yourdomain.com/wp-admin”. Either one will take you to the same place. Type in your username and password.
Select a theme
A lot of bloggers hire developers to design their blogs and this can come at the hefty price tag. This is one of many things I love about WordPress, there are literally hundreds of thousands of free and premium themes that look incredibly professional and are super easy to install and configure. I created my own website without the need of reaching out to developers and you can do it too.
To install a theme, login to your WordPress blog and go to “Appearances” > “Themes” and select the button that says “Upload New”. Once the theme is uploaded, select Install and follow your theme’s instructions to get it set up. All themes come with lots of instructions so make sure you’ve read through all the documentation.
Now it’s time to play with widgets, plugins and create your very first post. Once you are happy with your website it’s time to launch it.
If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below or ask here! Make the subject line “Bluehost Help” or “Blog Design Help” so I can get back to you quickly!
Special thank you to Bluehost for partnering with me on this post.
Awesome post. Such some essential tips.
Such a useful guide! I remember myself 2 years ago going through the same choices while starting a blog! One thing for sure, it involves more work than people think and at the same time I´d also encourage everyone to try cause it´s just such a unique and creative form of self-expression….
Have a great weekend!
Anna
http://atlifestylecrossroads.com
Thank you Anna xx
Oh, this is such a useful post! I am sure anyone thinking about having their own site can pick on this wisdom and excel! <3
Xoxo,
Marieta
https://ootdinstyle.wordpress.com/2018/10/13/day-and-night/
https://youtu.be/EbjzSs-N4z0
thank you Marieta xx
Awesome tips for anyone that wants to start their own blog! https://mariannyc.com/2018/10/11/portugal-2018/
thank you Mariann xx
Thanks for sharing! Very helpful! 🙂
Shoot for the stars | ☆ ☆ ☆ | Facebook page | ☆ ☆ ☆ | Instagram
Thanks babe xx
I love Blue Host!
same here xx
This is a really helpful post! I made the rooky mistake of signing up for WordPress.com instead of .org and am going to wait until my subscription runs out to switch over (which is going to be pain!)
Thanks Gabrielle xx
Such a great and helpful post for anybody in need! Bluehost is my secert weapon lol
x Nicole
http://www.nicolegramcko.com
Thank you Nicole xx
This is a great guide for beginners!
And you also added very good tips.
I hope this helps people who want to follow their passion.
Thanks Thomas x
Thanks for sharing dear. These are really useful tips. The content is ok but the upkeep and other technical issues are more complex.
http://www.glitsxgrace.com/2018/10/13/common-practices-could-that-damage-hair/
Have a wonderful weekend. XO
Thank you Nicole xx
Great information for sure. I have had a blog for a number of years now and I must say this is all very useful information.
ALLIE OF
http://WWW.ALLIENYC.COM
Thanks babe xx
Great read! I see you really enjoy writing about it <3 You did well!
Thank you Carmelatte xx
Wish I knew this when I started blogging, but thank God I’m finally there now. So many hurdles, but informed now. This is a great post for beginners. Agree with you. 🙂
https://www.missymayification.co.uk
Thank you Missy xx
Great tips. The easy part is the content for most people. The hard part is the back end functions! So many trials and errors, and I’m sure there are quite a few people who are benefitting from your post.
xoxo,
AMY | LITTLE LUXE LOOKBOOK
Thank you Amy xx
such great tips for anyone wanting to start their blog! I’m a wordpress girl for sure <3
xx
http://thedemeler.com
Thanks babe xx
a lot of tips online but this is pretty clear and easy to follow
Thank you for sharing
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2018/10/one-mistake-bloggers-make-that-hunts.html
Thank you Melody xx
This is a good post and inspiration for anyone looking to start a blog. I have a few friends who now want to start one.
Thank you beautiful xx
Nice on you to share these tips. I’m happy with WordPress too though I get ‘Resource has reached limit’ error sometimes, have you encountered this error too?
http://www.busyandfab.com
No, I have never seen this error!? Have you found out a bit more about it? xx
wow great post!have a lovely day!xoxo
https://chiaradipalma92.blogspot.com/
Thank you Chiara xx
If only I had read this when I was starting out! Great info!
Thank you babe xx
Great tips! I will send this post to my friends considering starting a blog!
x,
S | Je M’appelle Chanel
Thank you Chanel. I hope they found it useful xx
Thanks for visiting….have a great day!
Thank you Ivana xx
Have a lovely day dear!
Chiara – http://shesinfashionblog.com
Thank you Chiara xx
Thanks for sharing your blogging tips . So useful and insightful! I love wordpress.org as well and currently using a pipdig theme which is so user friendly !
fashionflylivefree.com
Thank you sweetie! xx
That is so true dedication and love are essential in blogging. Lovely tips here Thank you so much xoxo Cris
https://photosbycris.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-world-of-vintage-shades.html
Thank you Cris xx
Thanks for sharing these tips!
Vivian | LIVE IN LOVE
IG | @viviyunn_
~
Thank you Vivian xx
Great tips, thank you for sharing!
Have a wonderful day!:)
jointyicroissanty
Thank you beautiful xx
Yes yes yes, always go for the org one. I love WordPress, this is an incredible detailed review! Well done.
https://yukovablog.co.uk/5-steps-to-better-body-skin/
Thank you Julia xx
It took me so long when I was trying to set up my blog! I wish I had a guide like this to help me back then! Thanks for sharing!
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
Thanks Didier! x
These are all amazing tips! Such a complete guide!
xx Elisa
http://www.francinesplaceblog.com
DIY & LIFESTYLE BLOG
Thank you Elisa xx
I love this! SO helpful and inspiring! You look lovely!
http://www.jessicabroyles.com
Thank you Jessica xx
Such a great post and especially gor blogging beginners the perfect guide I guess! 🙂
♥
xxx
Tina
http://styleappetite.com/en/marrakesch-dress-code-die-leo-pants/
Thank you Tina xx
Highly informative post
http://www.stylebasket.in
Thank you beautiful xx
Thanks for sharing all of this, I started with blogger and then moved over to WordPress. Is was a huge learning curve for me when I first started.
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Thank you Laura xx
This is a great post on how to start a blog. Bluehost definitely makes the process so much easier and they are so helpful!
Diana | cettedame.com
Thank you Diana xx
Love that you’re showing step by step how to create your own blog site! Very useful and helpful!!!
http://www.fashionradi.com
Thank you Radi xx
These are all great tips for those looking to start new websites and I truly love your choice of quote to open this blog post darling! Hope you’re having a fantastic weekend so far 🙂
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
Thank you Gabrielle xx
Great blogging tips!
You look fabulous even when working
and I love looking at your pics.
I am not usually as well-dressed like you
when I am blogging.
Ann
https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/
Thank you Ann xx
Thanks for sharing your tips on how you setup your website. I went the easy and cheap route, haha! I just use blogger!
Hope that you are having a lovely weekend! It’s going to be a rainy one here!
Away From The Blue Blog</a
Thank you beautiful xx
Great tips you have here dear. Love that quote from Albert Einstein, so powerful and inspiring. Anyway, love your photos, so elegantly pretty!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Thank you Jess xx
This is a helpful and important post! Thanks for sharing your experience and you are so right, that blogging is not that easy as it may seem. Beautiful blue dress btw! Happy weekend!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Thank you Rena xx
Thank you so much for this great advice!
Kisses from Germany
xxMaj-Britt
https://majstatement.com/
Thanks babe xx
Such an interesting post !
I’ve been using wordpress.com since a while.
But now I’m thinking about changing it into wordpress.org
But I’m worry about all the code part haha.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Thanks Margot xx
Awesome tips! These photos are gorgeous!
XOXO,
Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Thank you Vanessa xx
First of all, I absolutely love that cobalt dress you’re wearing. Adorable photos. You look great! Glam even when blogging at home:). Secondly, these are really great tips. My blog is still hosted on blogger but I do plan to move it to another platform some day. I didn’t know about the difference between WordPress. com and WordPress. org. The 36 hosting plan on WordPress.org sounds like such a great deal….and super easy to use. Thank you for sharing these tips.
Thank you Ivana, I’m glad you found the post informative xx
This is a very informative post! Thanks for sharing!
xo Yvonne
https://www.aproposh.com
Thank you Yvonne xx
This is such great advice, babe! I wish this post was around when I started blogging, ahah!
http://www.petiteelliee.com
Ellie xx
thank you Ellie xx
You nailed it with explaining how to start a blog! I agree with these steps!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
ah thanks babe! so glad you liked it xx
What a great post darling, thanks for the insight.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you Lovely xx
Great job, darling… very helpful post!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
Thank you Paola xx
This is a very useful and detailed post! Great job!
I have started on blogger and ended up on WP.
Don’t Call Me Fashion Blogger
Facebook
Bloglovin’
I’m so glad you found it useful beautiful xx
so glad you found this post useful Francesca xx
What a cool post dear ! Creating my blog was the best decision I ever made 🙂
http://www.pardonmyobsession.com/
Thanks Caroline. Same here, I just love creating content and getting all creative! xx
Very useful tips! I do work with WordPress, it’s simply the best.
xx Simone
Little Glittery Box
I couldn’t agree more Simone! Have a fabulous weekend xx
These are great tips for starting a blog. I actually use Bluehost as well. The only thing I’d like to mention is that despite buying their Domain Privacy Protection, I had contact them to turn it on. Despite the fact that my information was only available for a less than a day, I spent months getting spam calls and trying to get it off the internet. This might have been a mistake on their part, but I would contact them to make sure just in case.
Kathrin | Polar Bear Style
wow this is not a great experience. Mine was on from day 1 and that was the first thing I checked. Have a great weekend Kathrin xx
Such a detailed and helpful post! Wish I had this when I started! I had absolutely no experience with web design or blogging so I taught myself everything! Oh, the power of google 😉
xo, allie
http://www.champagne-tuesdays.com
Thanks Allie. I learnt everything myself too and there is a lot to learn! Have a lovely weekend xx
These are great tips for starting a blog. I am wordpress.com gal as well.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you Kathrine. Have a lovely weekend xx
I love Blue Host! I’m planning a rebrand soon when my domain expires and they are going to help me with redirects!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
They are super helpful. I’ve reached out to them many times and I never got disappointed. Have a lovely weekend Jennifer xx
A very interesting article that will be helpful for a lot of people for sure! I’ve started web design in 1995 if I remember correctly … it was very different than now 😉 You had to learn HTML and code yourself. Then software like Dreamweaver and Frontpage arrived (awful) and it changed a lot the game. I think now everyone is able to start a blog website in minutes 😉 I’m using the free version of WordPress because my blog is a hobby and I have no intention to monetize it but you’re right … you need to take the other version if you want something more professional. Now just be careful that from a security point of view … it’s a nightmare and you can’t patch yourself the software. Best approach would be to host everything from your own infrastructure but that’s again a different level (even if there are some not too complex solution to do so)
Have a great day and your blue outfit is beautiful!
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/10/01/the-big-cities-in-burgundy/
Very true, even though my blog is a hobby I like to be able to use plugins and customised html coding. I like changing and improving not just the content but also visuals of my website and this is fairly limited with WordPress.com. plus I don’t need to worry about getting my website shut down one day. There are certainly a few perks coming with WordPress.org Have a fabulous weekend xx
Such wonderful tips as always … love ♥️ the falling leaves too!
🍂🌸🍁ROSES FOR FRIDAYS 🍂🌸🍁 | by mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
Thank you Mia! I really like this little feature 🙂 Have a lovely weekend xx