This is a complete guide for how to start a blog with WordPress in a few clicks.
To start a blog is easier than you know and today we are going to dive deep into installing it on the web. Reliable hosting is crucial to meeting your internet needs.
Seemingly the millions of options available when looking for the best web hosting services, you may be a little overwhelmed and in need of advice.
If you fall into the category of most people (including me when I first started), you know very little about web hosting.
If you already have a website, you know a bit more than most people, but the truth is that choosing a web host can seem a bit perplexing.
No matter which web hosting service you choose the additional features available in their packages, will vary from host to host.
When comparing web companies be certain that you are making comparisons based on the specific features required by your website:
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Automatic Billing
Do not choose a web host that does not offer automatic billing because there could be outages within the server and that outage can possibly last twenty-four hours or more. Also, you’re busy with the kids and all the other responsibilities, if you forget to pay your hosting bill well that stops your website from running and that would not be good.
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System Downtime
Make certain to read reviews to determine whether your potential web host has frequent periods of downtime. If your website is often inaccessible to visitors, this can lead to drastically negative consequences. Prime example, if you are running an online business, downtime directly translates into lost business because potential customers will not be able to access your website.
If you are selling products on your website it is also very important to choose a reliable company. If potential customers believe your website is unreliable, they may also feel uncomfortable conducting transactions on your website. So it is very important to choose a web host that does not have a crazy history of being offline frequently.
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How Much Can It Handle
If this is for a large website, you will need to figure out how much bandwidth you are using or will use. Depending on the amount of traffic your site gets, you will need to make sure the host can accommodate large files and downloads. If you have a host that cannot handle a large amount of traffic, then expect to encounter a lot of downtime.
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Potential Products
With web hosting companies, be sure to look for a service that offers a simple eCommerce system that is easy to navigate. Even if you do not initially plan to offer products for sale on your website, realize that this can be a valuable asset as your site grows and expands. You will save yourself a lot of time and energy if you can easily add this service later in the future.
You will save yourself a lot of time and energy if you can easily add this service later in the future.
Bluehost checks all of these boxes plus 24 hours seven days a week support. I am super busy during the day and mainly do most of my work on the computer late at night. Each time that I have contacted them there was always someone there available to assist me.
Following these tips will clear up any confusion you may have about obtaining the best web host for your needs. Considering how important this is to keep your website up and running, you really need to devote the necessary time and effort to finding the right one.
Previously in a post, I broke down the three key elements needed in order start your website, and if you have not read that post, go ahead and check out.
How To Set Up A WordPress 1-Click Install!
At this point, you should have your Bluehost account setup along with your domain name registration and are ready to install WordPress. Now you will not have to install this manually, this is the beauty of Bluehost, it can be installed with just one click of the button! No tech experience required. 🙂
Most people do not realize how easy and little time it takes to set up your actual WordPress website to start blogging. By now you have been researching your niche market and know your target market. Now it is time to bring this market to your own personal hub.
Once you are signed into Bluehost and are in your cPanel, look above at your categories and choose “Install Scripts.” This will then take you to the Mojo Marketplace. Once there click “Get Started” and in the next box choose the tab “Start From Scratch” and WordPress will be automatically selected.
Hit “Let’s Get Started” then click “Get Started” on the next screen. To get to the next page where the installation happens.
So on this next screen is where you will enter the domain name that you have already set up. Underneath there are three plugins preselected which set to get you started once you have installed WordPress.
MonsterInsights makes the viewing and understanding analytics easy. The plugin was created I believe for people like me who are not tech savvy and do not have a deep knowledge of coding. It is easy to integrate your Google Analytics account with MonsterInsights. For the most part, I try my best to keep things simple and if there are plugins that are simple and do not require coding or much coding, it’s a win for me.
WPForms allows you to create an unlimited amount of forms that you can create from scratch or and comes with access to pre-made templates. There is also the ability to customize these forms however you would like. It is a drag drop technology that makes it super easy to get started.
OptinMonster is a tool that helps to grow your email list. The software is easy to use with drag and drop system that allows you to easily create opt-in forms. This plugin makes it super easy to convert your website visitors into subscribers.
Once after adding your domain name click next and continue to follow the instructions from there.
See that wasn’t so hard, and you saved quite a bit of money by not hiring someone else. Once in WordPress, you will have to set up a password and have the option changing your username, otherwise, it will be admin.
Installing a theme
StudioPress themes are the most popular themes for WordPress users. Powered by the Genesis Framework you will get a mobile responsive design, solid security, SEO optimized code, and fast. I have tried other themes that are not built on the Genesis Framework and it is not easy. Once you establish an account you will have access to their one-on-one support and all their tutorials for each child theme.
Setting Up Your Blog
Now that you have an established domain name, hosting, and have installed your new website and installed your theme it is time to set do some basic set up. WordPress has a welcome video which will get you familiar with your Dashboard once you log in.
Make sure to have an about page, disclosure page, contact page created and set up social proof. Also, check out my post of essential plugins for bloggers that will help your blog along the way.
Invest In Your Business
Don’t try and reinvent the wheel, it could really frustrate you. Learn from experts in your niche so that you are able to grow your blog quickly and start making money sooner.
Also if you are wanting to boost traffic to your website, with the right kind of traffic I highly recommend my Blog Traffic Boost course. It is a 5 day email course where I share with you how to build the right targeted traffic to your website absolutely free!
Another course I recommend if one of the ways of monetising your blog is through affiliate marketing is investing in Michelle Schroeder-Gardner’s Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing. This lady is a boss seriously, and with her course, she breaks down in its simplicity how to be successful at affiliate marketing.
I know that there was a lot that is covered, but it should get you started on your way.