When I first decided to start my own travel blog, I already had experience with how to start up a blog. So when I decided to start travljunkie.com (now theglobalwanderess.com), it took me a few minutes to figure out what I needed to do.
However, in the beginning before I had any real blogging knowledge, I thought it was a complicating process. I couldn’t figure out what I needed to do first and spent a few hours reading articles.
Finally, I was able to understand the process and since then have explored my different options with hosting sites, web creators and everything else that goes into a blog.
So as someone who has been a newbie in the blogging world, here’s my simple instructions on how to start a blog.
Step 1: Figure out what kind of blog you would like to start
When I started The Global Wanderess (known as Travl Junkie at the time), I was traveling every month. The more I would travel, the more I was learning about different countries. I had so much to share, that I couldn’t just post it on Facebook. So I ended up creating my travel blog, to share with other people.
Before you can begin with a blog, you may want to figure out what you want to write. Do you want to write about lifestyle, makeup, football? If you have no idea what you would like to write about, I suggest using a free blogging platform before you buy your own domain. You can have a free site with wordpress.com, wix.com, blogspot.com etc…
Step 2: Choose your hosting plan
There are plenty of hosting sites to choose from, but the one that I recommend the most is Bluehost. I have been with Bluehost for a while now and have had no problems with them. The best part is that it is easy to setup a blog with Bluehost. To get started, go to Bluehost and choose the plan that is right for you.
Step 3: Get your Domain
Some people like to do this first, but I always recommend looking into the hosting site first because they may just offer the domain for free with the plan.
I once made the mistake of paying for my domain and then realizing that I could get it for free through Bluehost. If you get to a point where you feel confused with the purchasing process, Bluehost offers a live chat and they can walk you through the process step by step.
To check the availability of your desired domain name, use the domain name checker below.
Step 4: Building your site
When you first log in to the C-panel on Bluehost. You will notice that there is a section called helpful resources. This section will help you build your site.
When you click on ‘getting started’, you will find a whole page full of tips. This will help you get your site up and running. Also, there’s a section for building your site, which gives options as to what sites can be used with Bluehost.
I tried a few of the sites they have available, but WordPress met my needs more than the others. So I ended up with WordPress.
Step 5: Installing WordPress
If you decided to go with WordPress, then all you need to do is click on the install WordPress link. You can also do the following:
1. Login to your Bluehost C-panel
2. Find the website section and select Install WordPress.
3. Click the install button
4. Choose the domain name to install it to
5. Edit the username and password for the new WordPress installation.
6. Click “advanced options” and you can change those settings.
7. Click the install now button
That’s it! You should now be able to use your username and password on a link that looks like this http://www.yournewdomain.com/wp-admin. This is your access to your new blog.
Remember, if you sign up through this tutorial, you’ll receive a special offer of shared hosting at $3.95/month for 36 months, as well as a free domain name for a year!
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Disclaimer: The links in this post are affiliate links, which means that I will make some commission. However, my thoughts on Bluehost are very much real and I will never recommend something that I haven’t tried.
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