In this guide, you’ll learn the basics of setting up and running blogs for beginners. Then, I’ll show you a description of what you need to do and links to blog posts published on this blog. Not so long ago, you had to be a techie to be able to set up a website or blog. Today, you can be online with a professional presence after following some instructions.
I chose the WordPress platform because it’s ubiquitous in blogging circles. Not only that, but you’ll also find a plethora of information online. Finding relevant information is especially helpful if you’re rolling your sleeves and doing the work yourself.
1. How to choose a domain name
Before you begin your technical work, you’ll get creative. First, you must choose a domain name. If you think about it, you can change and update almost any blog part as you go along. Nearly means that you should think about what your domain name will be since you probably won’t be changing anytime soon unless you do a total rebranding.
It’s a fun process. It’s recommended you take enough time to think about it and follow a process where you’ll be happy with the results.
Read this post about How to Choose a Domain Name to get up to speed fast.
2. Choose a web host
Now that you have a domain name, you need web hosting. Sure, you can choose a free blogging platform, but that doesn’t come with its caveats. First, most of your readers won’t take you as seriously as if you had your own space on the web.
From a branding perspective, you want them to remember your domain name, so they associate you with your content and offers. Choosing a web host is a must if you want to be considered an option.
You have many options at your disposal, and it’s essential that whatever option you choose, you get speed, reliability, and ease of use.
For more information, look at Choose a Web Host
3. Install WordPress
WordPress began as a blogging platform. Businesses and people use it for projects such as Magazines, Web Apps, corporate sites, and almost any other function you can imagine. However, that doesn’t mean WordPress has deviated from its roots. Today, it’s the de facto platform for bloggers, whatever their background.
You have many options to install it since it’s based on the PHP programming language and uses a database to store your content and the information needed to run your blog. However, one of the most used and coveted options is the one-click install.
Most web hosts guide you through the installation process, which can be easy. You can have a running blog or website in just a few minutes. You fill in the blanks and click through the installation process to have a ready platform for blogging.
If you want to dig deeper, visit Install WordPress
4. Choosing a WordPress template
Now that you have your blog up and running, you may notice your blog doesn’t look the way you like. When it comes to designs, you have free and paid (also known as premium options) at your disposal. Today, the market provides many design options and offers according to the blogger’s taste.
Is it worth spending thousands of dollars initially for a custom template? Probably not. You can get up and running quickly with a suitable design for less than $75. A tip is to choose “blog templates.” This way, you won’t spend time choosing functionality you won’t use.
The more focused your WordPress template is, the less chance it is bloated with extra code. In addition, speed is critical as a search engine ranking factor. To learn more, read Choose a WordPress theme.
5. Publishing your first WordPress post
By now, you are ready to publish your first post. Programmers have a rite of passage. When testing a new programming language, their first program usually prints the words: “Hello World.”
In the world of blogging, it’s almost the same. Once you publish your first post, you’re technically a blogger.
A large portion of your efforts as a blogger will happen inside the admin section. Although the WordPress admin section is intuitive, a little hand-holding can speed up the process. You may want to check out Publish Your First WordPress Post.
6. Blog Promotion
You can have the best content in the world, but to be known to your target audience, you can (and should) promote your blog. You will find many ways to be in front of your desired reader. One suitable option is to focus on one of two tactics, tackle the other two, and so on. A step-by-step attitude will avoid overwhelming.
Some ways to promote your blog will feel natural to you, and others may take some time to get acquainted. But don’t worry; they will feel second nature after you get the hang of it. To read about ways to promote your blog, look at Blog Promotion.
7. Monetize your blog
Now that you have everything you need to blog, you can monetize your efforts. The good news is that you have various options at your disposal. As an example of this, you can:
- Sell an eBook
- Affiliate Marketing
- Ads
- Paywalls
- Premium content
- Selling Services
- Offering online courses
- Offline events
As you can see, there is always the perfect choice to monetize your blog according to your goals. The world is your oyster if you provide value to your target market and create high-quality content. To take a deeper look at the subject, read How to Monetize a Blog.
Conclusion
Taking a step-by-step approach to achieving a goal is logical and recommended in this case. Running blogs for beginners is getting simpler. Following a step-by-step procedure will bring you closer to your goals. Blogging can be a part of a content marketing strategy and a powerful one. Whether you’re learning the ropes (we all are) or a seasoned expert, you can get up and running in record time.
