I get asked so often about blogging. How to start a blog, how to make money blogging, how to create your own blog from the bottom up and the list goes on. I've decided to start blogging about it so I have something with pictures and links for people to read on their own time and follow step by step.
How to Create Your Own Blog and Make Money Blogging
The first decision is to decide if you want to work your blog as a business. If you want to make any kind of money on it then you need to be self-hosted and not on free blogger and definitely NOT on Free WordPress. The reason for this the FREE WordPress doesn't allow affiliate links and will shut your blog down for them, which means you can't make money. Blogger has been known to shut blogs down with no warning for no reason other than a traffic spike.
I started on Blogger and had to move from Blogger to the PAID self-hosted WordPress and wish I had just started there. The move was a headache and I lost some posts on the way not to mention time and money.
I will walk you through setting up your own self-hosted site and in the end, you will be ready to start blogging and sharing with the world. It's super easy I promise!!
How to start my own blog and make money?
I get asked this question a lot and it's really easy but it's one of those things that seem scary so I wanted to do this post pictures and all with the walkthrough to get you started!
First, you need to find hosting. Hosting is the space where your website sits and allows others to see it. I suggest starting with SiteGround. SiteGround is a great option for those on a budget and not making much money if anything from their blog yet. Hosting is less than $5 a month, I've seen specials as low at 33¢ month! Ok, ready to get started? Don't worry if images are different they are always improving their site so let's get started!
Get Website Hosting
Click here to head to SiteGround
Click the green “get started now” button
Pick your plan
Then choose your plan. You can upgrade at any time and if you are brand new just getting started to select the StartUp plan. If you are more advanced and have more than 1 website select a bigger plan.
Pick a Domain
What do you want your website name to be? Do a Google search make sure someone doesn't' have it claimed already or something like it. Then see if you can get the domain! It sometimes takes a few rounds to figure out an available name.
Domain Tips
Don't choose something close to what is taken. Like my site is THE Frugal Navy Wife, don't try to go for A Frugal Navy Wife. In many cases like mine, I own the trademark and can have your site shut down, plus the confusion is never good for the smaller site.
Pick a .com it might cost a bit more but people have a hard time remembering .net or .org instead of .com and if the .com is taken you need to pick a different domain that means it is already in use.
Make it easy to spell and type, if your last name is a complex last name don't use it. Don't use numbers or special characters. The hard it is to remember the fewer chances people will be back.
Consider SEO, is your blog about camping? Have the word camping or a variation of it in your domain. Something like CampingTripGuru.com where your keyword is upfront will rank for those searching anything camping related.
So if you need to get a domain do so on the left, if you already have a domain enter it on the right. Check to see if your desired domain is available in the box below
Enter Account Info
Enter your info on the next page it is self-explanatory. Make sure your email is correct because that where your info email will go!
Start A Site
Ignore my test sites above! Click the add new site button. This is adding a site to your account.
Domain… Again
Enter your domain, grab a new one. Basically let them know what the domain for this site will be.
Add a New Website
This is is where you can migrate a website or start your brand new one. So select start new website.
Then look at the drop-down menu and pick what you need. WordPress is the best to start with. You don't need WooCommerce unless you are starting a store. So just select WordPress.
Don't use ‘admin' or any variation. Make a unique username to prevent hacking!
Select Your Extras
I do suggest SG Site Scanner but you can always add either of these on later.
Payment Time
Now it's time to pay for any of those extras!
Site Set Up!
Click the website tab up at the top. Check out my Demo sites but your site will be here. Click on manage to get to the next step.
The on the left side click Install and Manage.
Again another chance to add WooCommerce if you need it.
Design your site!
Now it's time to design your website! I talk a bit about the best tips for themes in my Blogging 101 post. Keep in mind this is just the starter theme you can change it at any time.
From here the sky is the limit to design and getting set up!
Continue on your blogging journey by learning How to Make Money Blogging
Looking to take your blogging to the next level, whatever that might for you? See what you need to know to get started blogging and make money.
Danielle,
I clicked through your site and created my blog. I am now up to wordpress. My problem is how do I choose a background? I can’t find any information on this anywhere. I have looked in popular books and read as many sites as possible. Can you forward me some advice. Thank you so much for all of your help so far.
Sincerely,
LuAnn Frost
If you Google “Free WordPress Themes” You will find a ton and each one has a different spot to change them. NORMALLY it’s under appearance, then click on themes and then customize your theme.
I have sucessfully created and lauched my blog. It’s called http://www.piecesoffrost.com I would greatly appreciate it if you would add us as a link on your beautiful and amazing blog. If you can’t at this time I understand.
Sincerely,
LuAnn Frost
Danielle,
Thanks for clearly documenting the steps for getting a WordPress blog set up on Bluehost. You might consider adding another step about keeping the site patched. WordPress has experienced its share of vulnerabilities — as has other platforms — and it’s important to keep everything updated.
Cheers!