Since starting The LayaB I have gotten a ton of questions on how to start a blog or website. I am by no mean an expert but I am WELL researched and have a few quality sites under my belt so here we go 🙂
1. Figure Out Your Why
Why do you want to start a blog? What do you plan to talk about? What do you want people to take away from your blog? I would answer these questions first so that you have some direction.
2 & 3. Choose a Domain Name and Hosting
These can both be done at the same time using Bluehost!
I am a Bluehost affiliate and earn a commission if you sign up through my link. You will also get a discount!! Thank you so much for your support!
Hosting
Once you click the link, you will get started by selecting a hosting plan!
I suggest going with the Choice Plus plan so that you get the Domain Protection and Privacy included. This keeps all of your personal information from being public information (anyone can look it up). You can add it on later but the bundle is the best deal. — I did not add or remove anything from this plan!
NOTE: WordPress has a free SEO Plugin “Yoast SEO.” Here a few other options as well.
Domain
Now the fun part…choosing your domain 🙂 A few tips for choosing a Domain:
- Make sure it relates to you and your blog in some way
- Don’t make it too difficult, you want it to be easy for people to find and recall
- Your domain name will be your web address –Get excited
Once you have selected your domain you will enter all your personal information and pay.
You will then create and account and you are all set for Hosting 🙂
One you create you login you will answer questions about the nature of your site then you will be asked to select a theme.
4. Choose a Platform and Theme
After you have made your purchase and answered the final questions, it will be time to choose a theme. You will have the option to go free or premium, it is totally up to you. You can also purchase a template for WordPress from outside of this site (I got mine off Etsy by searching “WordPress Themes.” ) A good one will come with step by step directions on how to upload your theme to WordPress.
I will keep it short and sweet. A self-hosted WordPress site is the way to go. Period. I am suggesting you stay away from a free site so that you 1. own your content or site (it can be shut down any time) 2. you have the freedom to monetize.
NOTE: YouTube and Google have a ton of videos to help you as well.
From the Home screen, you will select the WordPress button at the top. You can also get back to this page from your confirmation email if you run out of time.
You will then be taken to your Dashboard. This is the page I have bookmarked in my browser. This is where you do everything, write a post, navigate to your customization page, check your stats, etc.
5. Customize Your Site
To start building your site you will go to Appearance – Customize. This is where the magic happens! — Again YouTube will be your best friend!
6. Publish Your Pages
Depending on the plans you have for your site, you may want to use Pages in your Menu. I used Categories and pages in mine but as you are building you will figure out what is best for you.
Home, About, Contact, Privacy Policy, Blog, Shop etc.
7. Write and Publish Your First Post
Dashboard- Post- Add new
Tip: Have at least 10 posts written before launching your blog. Here are some Blog post tips for you to save for later.
Final Steps
- Check your email and confirm the new domain that you created –It can take up to 48 hours for your domain to be permanent.
- If at any time you run into issues BlueHost customer services are one call/chat away
- Activate SSL –this will secure your site (add the https://)
- Log-into BlueHost — My site — Manage Site — Security — Activate your free SSL certificate for your site (this may take up to 24-72 hours)
From here you are ready to launch your site!! — Congratulations you have started a blog!
I hope you found this post helpful…again, I am not an expert, just sharing my knowledge on how to start a blog or website. Google and YouTube really carried me in the building of my website.
XOXO, Laya
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