Creating a blog has never been easier, you can now do it within 20-minutes. You don’t need any previous experience.
Anybody can make a blog!
You may be worried about taking action, but believe me, if I can do it, you can. Our step-by-step guide walks you through the process.
There are a lot of benefits to having your own website. Blogs are now synonymous with companies. If you have a business or service, then you can gain from articles of your own. Content is king, your customers want information.
If you wish to do it for fun, then, again- it is no hassle. Setup a blog to be proud of, whether its to showcase your writing, photography, travel or to share your thoughts.
Why Start a Blog?
There are lots of reasons to create your own blog:
• To add to your CV/résumé
• Display your portfolio
• Use to gain leads for your business
• Offer more information about your business
• Share your thoughts with like-minded readers
• For fun and to get creative
In this article, we will get straight to it. Offering you a practical walk-through, rather than discussing the process of choosing content and a niche etc…
Pick a Domain Name
Assuming you have already chosen your niche and the subject of your content, it is time to pick a website.
A domain, is the name of the site. The URL will brandish the site’s name. If it is a portfolio you wish to exhibit, then you may want your name- e.g DanielTreasure.com.
Don’t waste too much time on this, you can always change it at a later date. Think of a brand name or title that works well for your site and the preferred niche.
Domains move fast, once you have one in sight and you’re happy with it, purchase it. You can set your site up and add the domain at any time for cheap.
I used 123-Reg to find my domain name, take a look here, type your idea in and it will show you the possibilities.
Choose a Hosting Package
There are a number of hosting packages. If you are simply looking to run a small or medium-sized blog, I wouldn’t worry about it too much.
It’s easy to go down a rabbit-hole of hosting services. Which one’s faster, what it effects and how much it costs, 123-reg or wherever you’re getting your domain will have you covered.
Personally, I prefer to keep everything in one place- from domain to hosting, it makes for a seamless setup.
You will see all of the hosting options here.
Install WordPress
This is where some people get confused, but it’s simple, honest!
You won’t be part of the WordPress blog platform, you will be merely activating WordPress software, to manage your content.
Once, activating your host, you can use the settings to ‘Install WordPress’. If you have any issues during this step, 123-Reg have on-hand support, via live chat.
This all happens in the background of the website.
You don’t need to be well-versed in this or any other software. Simply install it via the host and then you can log-in.
If you are struggling to log in, type in the URL toolbar- www.ExampleWebsite.com/wp-admin.
You can then log-in, although this should have already been followed via e-mail.
Add Your Theme Design
The technical stuff is mostly done with, for now!
Lets get into the fun. If you want a stunning website that’s easy to navigate, then you should search the free WordPress themes. There are many to pick from, if you are starting out then you can check out free themes here.
The theme is responsible for how your website looks.
Add New Page
There are countless tutorials on YouTube, for every aspect of using WordPress.
Nonetheless, adding a new page is simple. Once logging into your site you will see ways to add new pages, manage the menu and add posts.
Figure out what your site is for, and start adding appropriate pages.
You may wish to add the following About, Contact, Home, Privacy Policy and Blog.
Install Plugins
A big strength of WordPress, is the ability to download useful plugins.
Anybody can create plugins, find ones with great ratings. You can use a number of them to add to your site.
Here are some that I recommend when starting.
• Yoast SEO– This software helps you understand SEO. Enabling you to be seen by Google and capture more traffic.
• WP Super Cache– This speeds up your website, offering automatic cache features.
• Slimstat– Use this or Google Analytics, to understand what your readers are viewing and how many visitors you are attracting.
• Mail Chimp– The best way to keep your readers invested in your content, photos or products, is to have them subscribe via their e-mail. It is a great way to keep them up-to-date.
• Simple Share Buttons Adder– Make it easy for your content to be shared via Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook etc.
Now you’ve broken through that mental barrier, get creative and enjoy your new website. The possibilities are endless! Goodluck!