How to Start a Wordpress Blog

Today I’m going to switch gears from my usual architecture type post and answer a question I have been receiving more and more lately; How did you start your blog? I’ll go over the technical and financial aspects of starting a blog as well as the reason why to start a blog!

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So Why Start a Blog?

There are many reasons why you might want to start a blog! Obviously, one of the main reasons people look to start a blog is for the extra money it can provide as possible side hustle. And their exactly right! Blogging can be another income stream for you if, just like anything else, you put in the time and effort.

Blogging is not easy, it is not a get rich quick scheme, and it is not completely passive income. It takes a lot of work, but can be very fulfilling if you are writing about a topic you love! It can be a great side hustle, and even your sole income! Plus, everyone has something they are passionate about that could be their blog topic! Because of the incredibility low start up cost, the possibilities are endless!

Are you ready to start your blogging journey? If so, then let’s get to it, shall we!

First, Brainstorm and Pick YOUR Perfect Blog Topic

What is your Career?

So, if you haven’t noticed already, my blog’s content is definitely focused around the fact that I am an architect. For me, my career, architecture, and the business surrounding architecture is something I can talk about all day. I have plenty of opinions and personal stances concerning my career that I can always reflect on and give advice about.

But it is actually even more than that! I’m not just an architect. I’m a young architect, a woman architect, a business owner, wife, dog mom, etc. I have a broad career audience and a narrow audience that I can reach.

So, naturally, look at you own career or even where you are in school as possibilities of a blog niche.

What are your Interests?

So if your career isn’t something you think you can write about for days, no worries! What about your interests or hobbies? We all have them and the more specific the better! Writing about what you are interested in makes the “work” that goes into a blog feel easy and fun! Plus, if you truly are interested in the topic your readers will be able to pick up on that.

What are you good at?

Got any special skills, gifts, or talents? Do people often ask you to help them with specific tasks? Write about that! I bet a lot of people can use the skills that you are good at to help them in their lives and a blog is a perfect place to showcase it! You have the ability to write post, create video content, or even podcasts within your blog.

Good a cooking? Create a Food blog and create recipes! Do friends like to take you shopping for your fashion advice? Maybe a Fashion or Style Blog is in order for you! The point is, is that we all have something valuable we could share with the world if we want to, you just have to figure out what that is for you!

Once you have your topic figured out, follow the next 3 easy steps to start your WordPress Blog on Bluehost! The best hosting site!

Step 1: Select Your Hosting Site

The next step requires being a little more technical, but believe me, if I can do it, so can you! Just follow my steps and you’ll be up and running in no time!

Earlier I spoke about how cheap it was to start you own blog, and it is! The one thing I would make sure to do is start a WordPress (.org) site through Bluehost.

Personally, I use and would recommend Bluehost as your hosting site. They have great customer service and I have yet to have any issues with them! At one point while setting up my blog, I even decided to change over my entire domain name. Within just a few hours and one email later, I had my new domain name; no hassle or issues!

I’ll also state that Bluehost is one of the top 2018 web hosting companies and you can start your blog for as little as $3.95/month if you use my link below!

Bluehost will offer you a few annual packages. The best deal per month (and the one I went with) is the 36 month plan. It has the lowest monthly rate, but is a little bit more up front. However, if you decide you would rather close your domain and account in the future, Bluehost will refund you any months you have not used. So it’s somewhat of a win-win!

So why else should you go with Bluehost instead of another hosting company? Well, if you ever want to make money off your blog, freelance, or something of the sort, than Bluehost is a must! If you want to advertise your own business, a WordPress website through Bluehost will allow you to do it (many others make it too difficult!) If you hear the phrase “self-hosted” this is what it kind of means. You are able to own your own website.

So, if you are ready to set up your blog through Bluehost and create a WordPress site, just keep reading!

Step 2: Register Your Domain

So this is a fun part! What do you want your domain (or blog) to be called? You domain and blog name DO NOT have to be the same; however, it does make branding a little easier if it is.

One tip I recommend is to make sure to grab a “.com” website. The others will all do, but everyone is used to having a “.com” roll off their tongue, so I would just make something work. I know, a lot of good names will be taken, but get creative! I ran through multiple ideas for names because my first was taken!

Another good tip is to keep you name somewhat short; mainly just so it is easier for your audience to remember! And lastly, try to make it relate to your blog topic (again for easy reference!)

You can get your domain name directly through Bluehost which makes the entire process so much easier. When selecting your Package, I recommend the Basic package as this is really all you will need. But, again, I would purchase it for 36 months to get the best monthly rate! If you ever decide you want to upgrade to a Plus or Prime package the process is pretty simple.

While purchasing your package they will also have a few extras you can add on. Again, the only one I would recommend is the Domain Privacy Protection. The other extras you can forgo for now and add later if you think you need them.

Step 3: Install WordPress on Bluehost

This step might sound intimidating, but working through Bluehost makes it so easy (and Free!) Once you create your password, Bluehost will walk you through the exact steps you need to take to install WordPress.

First, you will need to pick a theme. You can always change it later if you decide you don’t like it. There are plenty of free ones to start with but eventually I would recommend finding a more professional theme. There are so many designs out there to choose from, all at different prices! Just get looking!

You will then select the “Start Building” button. Selecting whether your site is Business or Personal will be the next step for you to take. For my Blog, I just selected Personal.

And BOOM! You are now the proud owner of a WordPress Blog through Bluehost! Now is the time to work on your overall design, layout, and obviously content, content, content! So write that first blog post, I know you are dying to!

Having trouble navigating initial setup or the WordPress site? I get it, and am here to help! Send any comment or emails my why and I will be glad to help you through the startup of your blog!

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