Now is the perfect time to start a blog – even if you are not tech-savvy and don’t have an understanding of coding or web design.
With this step-by-step guide on how to set up a blog in WordPress and a few tools, you can start your own professional blog in less than 30-minutes.
I'm going to walk you through the same process that I used to start my blog while helping you avoid some of the mistakes that I made.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Choose A Domain Name
Your domain name is a crucial part of your website. It can help or hurt you, so it’s essential to choose a name that works for your site.
But wait, how can a name make that much difference?
- It’s the first thing people see. The right domain name can make a good impression, and a bad name can turn people away.
- It helps with SEO. Keywords in your domain name can improve your SEO ranking.
- It creates your brand. Your domain name can increase brand recognition.
Before settling on a specific domain name, find out if the name is available on social media sites, and if there are any trademarks registered to the name.
You can use Knowem to search your potential domain name to see if it's available on social media and if it's trademarked.
By now, you should have an idea of some possible names, but if those aren't available, or it's not exactly what you're looking for, then try a name generator.
I used Lean Domain Search to find names for some of my other sites.
Step 2: Pick A Hosting Package
I chose HostGator when I started my blog, and I'm glad I did, their customer service is fantastic, and their site is beginner-friendly.
They even offer a 45-day money-back guarantee, so there's no risk; if your not happy, you get a full refund! How great is that?
If you have your name picked out then you're ready to choose a hosting package for your site and register your domain name.
Take into consideration that if you purchase a year of hosting with Hostgator, you'll get a free domain!
Go to the HostGator Managed WordPress Hosting page and choose one of the following packages:
Choose a plan and click on the ‘Buy Now!’ button. On the next screen, you can add your domain name to the order.
Step 3: Register Your Domain Name
Enter your domain name on the screen shown here.
Step 4: Check Your Email
Now check your email, HostGator will send you a link to your cPanel, you need that information for the next step.
Step 5: Log Into Your HostGator Account
To install WordPress, click on the control panel link from your HostGator welcome email, and enter your username and password when prompted.
Step 6: Install WordPress
Once you're logged in to the homepage click on Launch cPanel.
Step 7: Click On WordPress Installer
Go to the popular links section in your cPanel and click the WordPress Installer Icon.
Step 8: Select Your Domain Name
After you click the WordPress Installer Icon, you'll be asked to select your domain name; it should already be listed, you just have to click on it. Leave the directory section blank and click “next.”
Step 9: Signup For WordPress
Sign up for WordPress by filling in the following information:
- Blog Title – Enter the name of your blog.
- Admin User – Choose a unique user-name to help prevent your blog from being hacked.
- Name – Enter your first and last name.
- Admin Email – Enter your personal email address.
Step 10: Installation Complete
That's it, you did it, you have completed the setup of your blog!
Step 11: Login To Your Site
Click on the login button, and it will take you to the login page for your new website. Be sure to bookmark the login page so you can get back into your site or you can always type yourdomainnamehere.com/wp-admin/ to login to your site.
Step 12: Install Your Theme
By default, your site will come with a basic WordPress theme, but I suggest changing it to a theme that suits your style. I recently started using the Astra theme on one of my other sites, and I love it, it is very easy to use, and it has a clean look.
To choose a new theme, go to Appearance>Themes, then click ‘Add New.’ The next screen will give you the option to choose a theme that represents your style.
Simply click ‘Install’ on the theme you choose and then click ‘Activate’ after the install is complete.
You Did It!
Congratulations, you've successfully completed this tutorial on How To Setup a Blog In WordPress on HostGator! When your ready to monetize your blog, be sure to check out these tips.