How To Start a Blog In 3 Easy Steps

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 See how to start your own blog in 3 easy steps!

Have you been thinking about starting a blog?  Are you unsure how to get started?  Blogging is a great way to express your thoughts, share your interests and even make money!  Yes, you can make money blogging!  

In 2014 I started blogging and I absolutely love it!  I had always wanted to have a “website”, but wasn’t sure what kind of website.  My love of fashion prompted me to start this fashion and style blog, Classy Yet Trendy.  In just under a year, this blog reached 34,000 views in a month!  Now, my blog brings in over 270,000 views a month!  I monetize my blog by participating in several affiliate programs, I receive free products to feature on my blog and I sell e-books here too.

I’ve expanded my blog to include an online store where I sell my seasonal capsule wardrobe e-books.  I not only monetize my blog, but I have turned my hobby into a small business as well!  You can too!

Are you ready to start your own blog?  Read on, to find out how!

I recommend starting your blog on the WordPress platform.  You can start small, but if your blog grows, you can even turn it into a business and make some serious money!

You may be asking, What is a Blog Platform?  It is the service that turns a regular website into a functioning blog.  There two popular blog platforms: Blogger and WordPress.  What is the difference?  Blogger is owned by Google.  It is free and since it is operated by Google, it is highly reliable.  It worked well for me for over a year.  Although, it is limited with its design capabilities.  Also, if you want to use Google Analytics or add special features to your blog like Pinterest or affiliate programs, you have to manually enter code in your template.

I am now using WordPress, with self-hosting by BlueHost.  Wordpress is easy to use and is user-friendly.  There’s so much more you can do with WordPress.  Unlike Blogger, if you want to add special features or code to your blog, you can easily add a “plugin”.

Which blogger platform do you pick?

If you are wanting to blog occasionally or just share your thoughts and interests, then Blogger would be fantastic.  If you want to have a full-blown blog with lots of photos, the possibility of high traffic and really monetize your blog, then I recommend going with WordPress!   What is Hosting for your Blog?   Hosting is like renting space on the Web to display your blog.  It’s where all your images and blog design reside.   It takes only about 15 minutes to sign up for a blog.  Are you ready?  So, let’s get started!

There are three steps to having your own blog: 1) Choose a Domain Name and the Hosting, 2) Install WordPress and 3) Make it look great!

 

1. Choose a Domain Name and Hosting

To have a professionally looking blog/site, you need a “.com” domain name.  To decide on a name for your domain, you must first decide what your blog will be about.  My blog, Classy Yet Trendy, is about fashion, beauty and lifestyle.  So, my domain name is www.classyyettrendy.com.  Ideally, you want your blog name and domain to be the same, so people can remember it easily.  Think of several domain names, because, since the internet has been around for years, chances are a few will be already be taken.  Keep your list handy, because we’ll use it in just a minute.   Let’s go ahead and sign up for hosting at BlueHost.  When I was deciding on where to have my blog hosted, I did lots of research on the internet for reliable hosts.  I found that lots of bloggers who use WordPress also use BlueHost.  BlueHost’s servers are able to keep up with lots of traffic, are reliable and are budget-friendly when it comes to paying for hosting.   First go to BlueHost, then click on the “Get Started Now”.  Next, you’ll choose the pricing plan.  I recommend going with the “Starter” plan, because you can always upgrade later, if needed.

Click the BlueHost button to start your blog! 
 

Follow these screen shots to set up your blog:

  Here’s where you will enter your first choice for your domain name.  Enter it in the “New Domain” box.  Don’t worry if your first choice taken, just go to your next favorite one on your list.     Next, you’ll choose your add-on’s if you want any of them.   If you’re not sure if you will need any of these options, click on the “More information” underneath each one and it will explain. Lastly, enter your name, address and billing information.  Voila, you have finished the Hosting signup.

2. Install WordPress

 

You will need to install WordPress on your BlueHost space.  This will let you design your blog.  Sign in to BlueHost.  Go to the “website” section and look for the WordPress icon.  Click on it.

 

 

On the next page click the “Install” button in the “Do it yourself FREE” section.

 

Make sure your domain is in the “http:” box and click the “Check Domain” button.

Check the terms and conditions box and then click the “Install Now” button.

Once you get the message that says “Your install is complete!” you’ll want to click on the “View Credentials” button and write down your Admin URL, Username, and Password.  You’ll need these the first time you log in and start using WordPress.

 

Type your Admin URL (www.yourdomainname.com/wp-admin), where “yourdomainname” is what you established, into your web browser. You’ll see a login screen like the one below.

Enter your Username and Password (in the screen similar to the one below) you copied down from the previous step.

 

 

Now you’re ready to start creating your blog!

 

3. Make It Look Great!

 

Now that you officially have your own blog, you need to pick a theme to make it look great.  What is a theme?  It’s a predesigned template as to how your blog will look.

 

Here are some places to get a theme:

 

My #1 recommend theme seller is Restored 316.  I am currently using their Tickled Pink Theme here on Classy Yet Trendy and I love it!

Another great theme I have on my food blog, UrbanGirlBakes.com is the Foodie Theme with the Genesis Framework.  What is the Genesis Framework?  It’s a framework that allows you to add widgets, customize your theme, ensures that updates are compatible with your theme, ensures your site loads quickly and is great for SEO (Search Engine Optimization).   The Foodie Theme is the #1 selling theme for its clean design, easy customization and reliability.  Check out the author’s site, Shay Bocks Foodie Theme, to find out more about this theme.

Read More: Top 20 Best WordPress Blog Themes

After you install your theme, you can upload your images and start blogging!  There you have it!

 

  BONUS: Add-on Features and Plugins