How To Start A Profitable Blog Today, Step by Step
This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through getting hosting for your site and installing WordPress as a blogging platform. It’s my recommended beginner setup, and it doesn’t require any tech skills. Simply follow all the steps and you’ll have your blog!
Part 1: Signing Up With Bluehost
This section will walk you through signing up with a host. I chose Bluehost, which is one of the most popular hosts, and also perfect for beginners.
Step 1
Go to Bluehost and click “Get Started Now”.
Bluehost will be your host, which is the first part of the equation. Your host allows your website to be online, so we’re able to see it.
Step 2
I recommend that you select the basic plan. This is perfect if you only want to create 1 blog, and it’s also the cheapest option.
Step 3
You need to find a good domain name that isn’t taken. I recommend going with a .com, but whatever floats your boat. Click next.
Enter the domain name you want. Bluehost will give you suggestions if it’s already taken. Keep in mind that most good domains are taken, so brainstorm all you want.
Step 4
Fill out your information for your account.
Step 5
Select the package you want. You can leave the extra options unchecked, as they’re not necessary.
Bluehost offers 3 packages for this plan. You can either be billed for 1 year, 2 years, or 3 years. You get the biggest discount by selecting the 3 year plan, and if you’re serious about making money with your blog, I recommend you select the 3-year package.
Part 2: Installing WordPress
Now that you have a host, you need to install a blogging platform on it. WordPress is the most popular platform for pro bloggers, and it’s also what I use.
Installing WordPress is super easy.
Step 1
Log into your Bluehost account, and click on “cPanel” at the top left. Click the WordPress icon where it says “Install WordPress“.
Step 2
Click “Start“.
Step 3
Select the domain you just created, and click “Check Domain“.
Step 4
Enter your blog’s name. You also need to pick a username and password for your WordPress account. You’ll use this account every time you want to edit anything on your blog. Be sure to create a secure password.
Click “Install Now“. When it’s done installing, go to the next step.
Step 5
Go to www.yoursite.com/wp-admin/ and sign in using the admin username and password you chose above.
Comments
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Suzana Rose
I would 100% recommend switching if you’re planning on monetizing your blog or building a brand. It’s simple once you get past the hump!
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melissa
what about squarespace?
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Suzana Rose
I don’t personally use Squarespace because I love the options WordPress gives me, but I’ve heard it’s a good paid option and easy to use as well.
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alexis
I have weebly, but I been trying to transfer everything over to wordpress, but I think they are all bunch of somethings that dont deserve the job that they have, especially when they don’t know what they are doing half the time. I would like to join wordpress, but I need everything transfer from weebly, but if not, I guess I will stick to weebly.
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Krishna
I currently blog on WordPress with my own domain through their Premium plan. Is it still better if I’m using Bluehost?
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Sara
Either I am doing something wrong or this is not up to date. Purchased blue host and but I am not seeing Part 2 for installing wordpress accurately when I try to finish the next steps
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Erika
Hello! I have a blog through WP and do not have Bluehost and was told I didn’t need it. Can you let me know when/why someone would need Bluehost? Thank you!
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Suzana Rose
Hi Erika, hosting is a must since your blog will basically be yours and not depend on a third-party. You don’t need Bluehost specifically (it’s just my rec since they make it simple for beginners) but you can choose any hosting company.
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Joslyn
I currently have a Wix blog that has been super helpful since starting my blog this October! is it worth switching over to WordPress?? I’m super intimidated by self-hosting.