Now is the time, you want to pull the trigger and start a blog, but how? You’re just 5 minutes from being a bonafide blogger with this super simple tutorial, complete with pictures!
How To Start A Blog In 5 Minutes
I am frequently asked how to get into blogging. It can be super rewarding, but also incredibly hard. Trying to explain the ups and downs and everything in between can be extremely overwhelming, but if there is one thing that is super simple, it’s straight up starting a blog. Since you are here, I am assuming you want to take that leap as well. If you are looking for general tips on starting a blog, check out my overview post on starting a food blog HERE.
So how do you start a blog in 5 minutes? Just follow the tutorial below, using Bluehost, which is great for a brand new adventure since it’s super inexpensive and easy to set up.
step one: go to bluehost.com and pick a plan
To keep costs low, I recommend going with the basic plan, as it’s only $4/month, which is less than a single Starbucks coffee, holla! You can easily upgrade the plan later as your site’s traffic increases.
step two: purchase your domain
If you came from my overview post, you’ve likely already done the research and know what your brand is going to be. If not, you can easily do some quick research on available domains. Not sure what a domain even is? It will be your website’s URL! My domain is asimplepantry.com, for reference.
Add your basic info.
Select what you’d like your plan to include. I know there are tons of options, but the most important one, in my opinion, is the domain privacy protection, which shields your address and personal info from public viewing. If you choose to skip it initially, you can always add it later.
Finally, you’ll add your billing info, check out the legal jargon, and hit submit. BAM! The domain is yours!
step three: set your password
Now that it’s times to set up your site, you need to start with a strong password. Be sure to save it somewhere secure, or memorize it.
step four: install wordpress
Now that your password is set up, it is time to login to the C-panel so you can set up WordPress on your site. It’s a snap to use, and easy to install. Start by heading to bluehost.com and logging in.
Once logged in, you will see a page that looks like the image below. Click on “cpanel” in the second toolbar and from there head to the section labeled “website.” Click on the second option, listed as “Install WordPress.”
Once you’ve clicked on the “Install WordPress” icon in the previous step it will take you to the below page. Click “Start,” then select your domain from the dropdown box,
Check the admin username and password to be sure they are what you want and record them, since that will be how you login to your blog after installation. I recommend using an unusual username that isn’t associated with your domain at all (example, if your domain is bestfoodblogevar.com, you don’t want your admin username to be bestfoodblogevar), and a very complex password. Your blog is an investment, so protect it from the very beginning with a super strong login.
Once you’ve recorded your username and password, hit “Install Now,” and try not to lose your mind with excitement as your website comes to life.
step five: log in and get to work
In general, to log in to your brand new WordPress site, you will need to go to http://YOURWEBSITENAME.com/wp-admin, but you can easily follow the instructions upon the completion of your WordPress install.
Congratulations, you are officially a blogger!