Blogging software

Install blogging software and set up a blog

Now it’s time to get your domain name and web
hosting account, and create your new blog. Bellow you will find our recommended hosting provider — Bluehost. This section provides detailed information to help you signup for web hosting account and set up a WordPress blog.

Step 1

Go to bluehost.com. Click on the 'get started now' button

Step Two

You should start by selecting your plan. If this is your very first one, you should go with the basic one – at least until you explore your options. The one called plus should be able to cover all your needs once you get your blog going, and you should consider the pro version once your popularity skyrockets.

Step Three

Your domain name has an important say when it comes to the future success of your blog, so you should take your time to come up with something new. Just type in a desired domain in this “new domain” box and BlueHost will show you whether it’s available or not. If not, it will provide you with a list of similar names for you to choose from.

Step Four

After you pick out your domain name, BlueHost will take you to the registration page where it will be required from you to fill in your personal info including the billing data. A couple of minutes is all you need.

Step Five

Pay additional attention to your hosting options. Obviously, the 12 month package has the lowest price, but the other two are great when you want to make a long term investment. You can feel free to uncheck the rest of the boxes – you can always get them later when you find them necessary.

Step Six

After you check that terms and regulations box, you’re ready to log in. Visit BlueHost’s homepage and you’ll be able to see their login button in the upper right corner. Type in your domain/username and your password.

Step Seven: 

Once you’re logged in, you’re ready to install WordPress. Under the website section, you should be able to see a WordPress icon.

Step Eight: 

Once you click install, BlueHost will take you to a short WordPress description, after which it will be required from you to check your domain name.

Step Nine: 

If you check their “show advanced options” box, you’ll be able to type in your username, site title and password, but you should be aware of the fact you can change either one of them later, other than your username.

Step Ten: 

Once you check and double check every letter you have entered, click “install now” and the installation process will begin.

Step Eleven

Once your installation is complete, you will receive an email about your credentials, after which you can browse through various themes and templates in order to find the one according to your needs.

Select a blog design and layout

After Wordpress is installed, the first thing your blog needs is a face (design and layout). The design of your blog can be easily changed with the Themes. The default theme that comes with your WordPress blog installed is Twenty Sixteen — while it’s a good starter theme, you could select a theme that is more unique to your blog and compatible with your niche.

Choose a theme that looks great, but also works for your unique content needs. Your readers will first notice the overall appearance of the blog, before even taking a look at the content.

Action steps

Once your installation is complete, you will receive an email about your credentials, after which you can browse through various themes and templates in order to find the one according to your needs.

1. Read the description: Most themes come with a short description of features and functionality. By reading it, you should have a rough idea if the theme matches your needs and how customizable it's.
2. Preview the theme: Preview the theme to get an idea of the overall look and layout.
3. Check the ratings: Popular themes will have star ratings that are visible in the preview and under theme details. They should give you a clear idea how good the theme is.
4. Check for responsiveness: Aim for a responsive design that will work on desktop browsers and mobile devices. This is recommended by Google.

If you find a theme that takes your breath away, cool down. Once you install a theme you like, don’t be surprised if it doesn’t look quite right. Your theme is just a skeleton of your blog. To make it appealing, you’ll have to fill in content (text, photos, videos, etc.).

Conclusion

Congratulations! Now you have your own domain name, hosting space and your blog is set up. Next, you will need to get familiar with the Wordpress dashboard, learn how to make desired changes to your blog, start your content creation and promotion in order to become a successful blogger.