Start a WordPress Blog with Bluehost: 5 Quick and Easy Steps

A step by step guide to starting a WordPress blog with Bluehost; it’s simple and straightforward. Best of all, you do not have to be a techie.

A 5-Step Process to Start a WordPress Blog Created for the Newbie Blogger.

3 Key Terms

• Host – A company that provides the storage space, services and technologies needed so people on the Internet can view your content
• WordPress – WordPress is the most popular website management system. You create and manage your blog with WordPress.
• Domain Name – The name that you give to your website that establishes its unique identity is called a Domain Name. Try always to use .com, it is what everyone knows.

To Host or Not to Host?

In all of my research, I have come up with a simple answer to this question. If you are planning on monetizing your WordPress blog at any point in time by using affiliate links or advertisements, then you have to self-host.

If you want to blog as a hobby with no aspiration to use this as a side hustle, then you probably do not need self-hosting. You can easily set up a blog for free with WordPress or Blogger if this is your goal.

What if I choose not to self host my WordPress blog?

• You will be limited when customizing your blog. Theme selections are minimal. And you will not be able to use plugins to enhance the functionality and individuality of your blog.
• Your content is not yours.
• Your website is not secure.
• Many ad networks and affiliates will not approve you.

And what do I get if I choose self-hosting for my WordPress blog?

• Your content is yours.
• Control over the customization and individualization of your blog is all yours.
• You can add multiple plugins to enhance the look and functionality of your blog.
• Create a professional look and feel in order to easily be approved by affiliates and ad networks so you can begin monetizing your blog.

Why Choose Bluehost?

• Bluehost is relatively inexpensive at $3.95 per month. However, you will be required to pay for the whole year of hosting upfront.
• Bluehost is user-friendly. If I can do it, so can you!
• One free domain is included for one year (if the domain is available).
• You can upload WordPress with one click, and that is a true statement.
• Tech support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• You will be self-hosted, therefore your content is yours.
• You will have the capability to monetize your blog with advertisements and affiliates immediately.
• And most importantly, you will look like the real thing!

Let’s get this party started.

Step 1 Choose your hosting plan and sign up for Bluehost right here.

You can purchase your domain name directly through Bluehost with one of the plans listed below. My first year of blogging, I chose the basic plan. Blogging was all new to me.  I had no clue where I was going with it, although sometimes I still feel that way. When I recently renewed, I chose the choice plus, with more website space, more domains, and more email options.

In the beginning, all you need is basic.

You can always upgrade if need be.

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a domain name for your WordPress blog.

• Take your time. Don’t be too hasty or too eager.
• Brainstorm first then narrow it down.
• Make your domain name relevant to your blog.
• Use keywords in your domain name.
• Try to be under 15 characters, definitely under 20 characters.
• Don’t be afraid to use your name. I wish I would have.
• Make it unique, but memorable.
• Keep it clear and simple.
• Make it evergreen.
• Look around social media to make sure that someone else is not using your chosen domain name as a handle.

One more thing.

There are several different extras offered by Bluehost at this point. Skip it for now. Uncheck those boxes. You can always add this later if necessary.

Step 3 Install WordPress.

I know, it’s getting real.

How exciting is this? You are only one click away. Bluehost will guide you through this process, so pick and theme and start building.

Step 4 Pick a theme for your WordPress blog.

The Theme!

A theme creates the look of your blog. Let’s talk about this for a minute. There are thousands of themes to choose from. Choosing a theme is important, but you don’t have to lose sleep over it. Don’t become too involved or overwhelmed with this step.

You can try a theme, and if you don’t like it, you can switch themes relatively smoothly with only minor adjustments. You may like a theme at first, but then realize it doesn’t fit with your brand or website, or you may wish for more ways to individualize.

What is important in a theme?

• How it looks (obviously).
• How it reads on mobile AND desktop.
• Page speed, some load slower than others.
• Options of customization. It is great to have themes that are already designed and set up for us. But, it is important to be able to personalize your site.

How did I pick my theme?

I tried many and I didn’t like any of them. I started to look at what other bloggers were doing and how their website appeared and asked around. A number of bloggers were using the ASHE theme. I tried it and it fit.

Step 5 ~ Start building your WordPress blog.

Sign in to your WordPress dashboard. Everything happens here…designing, writing, editing and publishing.

If you are ready to take this step a bit further, read this post, How to Start a Travel Blog in 11 Easy Steps. This post adds the next six steps that you will need to further perfect your blog.

This blogging journey has been fun, educational, challenging, and confidence-boosting.

Many people out there are experiencing the same things as you. They are there to network and grow with you. Then there are the experts, still willing to help out a newbie by providing guidance, education, and support.

Simply Blogging.

In order to move forward in your quest of becoming a true blogger and capitalize on this new side hustle, let me make a suggestion. I want to refer you to the best blogging mentor and teacher, Sasha Lassey from Everyday She’s Sparkling.

Her course, Simply Blogging, will give you further tools for success in your blogging journey. She explains the process of setting up a WordPress blog in simple terms from beginning to end. Click here to learn more about this awesome class.

Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing

Once you are up and running with your new blog, you will be ready to dive into affiliate marketing. No one teaches this concept quite like Michelle Schroeder-Gardner in her course titled, Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing. Michelle earns over $50,000 a month in affiliate marketing. She teaches strategies and tips so you can begin to monetize your blog. You can check out further specifics on her course by clicking here.

My final thoughts for you as you embark on your blogging journey.

Take it step by step.

Learn as much as you can.

And most of all, have fun.