How to Create a Blog

So you wish to start out a blog. That’s great! Not solely is blogging a good diversion, however with a blog, you'll categorical yourself during a distinctive means, facilitate others with issues you’ve overcome, establish yourself as Expert, and even build cash.
If you’re new blogging, it very helps to urge started off on the correct foot and have somebody to assist you avoid mistakes.
That’s why I’ve place this page along for you, to provide beginners a quick, foolproof guide to beginning a blog, while not having to be told hypertext mark-up language or waste it slow reading long, boring tutorials. In fact, over 9,500 folks have already setup blogs victimization this guide!
I’ve place this guide along for you, to steer you thru the method to setup.

by techspracticalss

Your blog is in five simple steps.
Here’s a way to begin a blog:

1. select a blogging platform.
2. Register a site name and hosting.
3. Style your blog.
4. Add posts and pages.
5. Begin growing your blog.

The goal of this page is to assist you start the correct means. From years of coaching job and serving to folks with their blogs, I’ve found that a lot of folks build mistakes once beginning a blog, generally leading to them abandoning the project altogether. We have a tendency to don’t wish that to happen.
So i need you to require the time to totally scan this post. It’s regarding 4000 words long (20 minutes), thus get comfortable and put aside some time; I’m about to walk you thru the complete method of fixing your self-hosted blog, thus you ‘get it right the primary time’. And if you have already got a blog, sign in for my FREE course below for excellent recommendations on a way to get readers, establish yourself, and even build money!
Don't have the time to dive in right now? No problem!
Enter your email to return back to the present post later.
Once your blog is ready up, you may conjointly get a FREE bonus blogging course!
SIGN UP
Ready to produce your blog today? Alright, let’s get right into it.

Step 1: select the correct blogging platform (Word Press)
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Before you'll even begin worrying regarding however your blog can appear as if, you’ll got to select your blogging platform.
There’s plenty to settle on from. you're ready to produce a blog with many alternative blogging platforms, like Word Press, Tumblr, Blogger and more…
However, only if there ar over seventy two million active users using Word Press these days, it’s clear that platform is that the boss. Even my very own blogs and sites are designed with the Word Press blogging platform. Here’s why:
• It’s FREE for everybody to use (including themes, layouts, and add-ons that a lot of alternative blogging platforms don’t provide).
• It’s super simple to line up.
• It’s secure; Word Press is usually change their code and keeping everything sound and secure, thus there’s seldom a worry of getting your blog come back below hacking attacks. No surprise Facebook, NASA, and even university blogs are victimization Word Press.
• It’s extremely customizable. There are many free themes and plugins that add additional practicality to your blog, from contact and subscribe boxes to plugins that improve blog performance and additional.
While the opposite blogging platforms are typically all pretty OK, nothing, in my opinion, has ever equated to matching the liberty and customization choices that Word Press offers. Thus while not a doubt, escort Word Press. Particularly once you are simply beginning out.

Why you shouldn’t produce a blog on a free blogging platform
without a doubt, you would like to self-host your Word Press blog.
Think about it – what noted, winning blogger you recognize is employing a free blogging web site like “startbloggingonline.freeblogs.com” rather than their own name like “StartBloggingOnline.com”, for example?
It’s not simply that – free blogging platforms produce other issues too – including…
• You don’t management your content – the blogging platform will. They might shut you down anytime, and for any reason. Don’t believe me? scan this.
• The net address of your blog are going to be long and exhausting to recollect (like yourfreeblog.blogspot.com) rather than a catchy, branded address you decide on.
• You’re not allowed to advertise on most free blogging platforms, creating it abundant more durable to ever build cash from blogging.
All of those limitations apply to the WordPress.COM blogs. What you actually wish is to self-host a Word Press blog– it’s identical code while not all the limitations!
If I were you, I’d begin with a self-hosted blog on my very own domain from day one. Fixing a blog like this can be means easier and fewer costly than you're thinking that.

Finding {a domain|a net site|a site} name and web hosting supplier
Now to the exciting part! to line up a self-hosted blog on your own name, you’ll would like 2 things:
Domain name – this may be your personal blog address wherever folks notice you over and yet again. for instance, Google’s Domain is computer network.Google.com. Your new blog name are going to be computer network.YourBlogName.com, except you’ll select what’s about to be behind Your New Blog. The value of a site name is sometimes $10/year, however if you follow this guide all the means, I’ll show you the way to urge one for less expensive.
Web hosting – this may be the house of your blog address and content that’s on the blog. While not net hosting, you’ll be unable to use your domain. Think about it as a pc disc drive that stores all of your content on your blog (images, blog posts then on). The value of net hosting is sometimes somewhere between $2-5 per month.
It’s but a vented low at Starbucks – thus it won’t break the bank. However it’s a very important investment to your blog success.

Where ought to I buy my name and hosting?
When it involves hosting, there are solely 2 things that matter.
• Page load speed – the common quantity of your time (in seconds) it takes your blog to load.
• Uptime – ninety nine.9% isn’t enough (it’s forty two minutes of time period per month). You ought to be aiming for 100 percent.
There are many totally different net hosting suppliers. all of them provide you with the same service (domain + hosting) with the same value, however since I’ve controlled and monitored several noted and counseled net hosting firms like Bluehost, iPage, Godaddy etc…
I currently solely use and advocate computer network.HostGator.com for domain names and net hosting.
Why? Nothing has ever equated to HostGator in terms of blog load speed and period (see below):

HostGator has nice performance, they're simple to use and it’s most likely the simplest choose for beginners.
However, you'll continuously escort another net hosting as long as it’s quick, reliable and offers unlimited storage. This helps you to avoid issues shortly.
Now that we’ve more experienced the fundamentals of blogging platforms, it’s time to start out walking the walk! With future step, we’ll get your blog created and running. If you’re not prepared nonetheless as a result of you continue to got to think about a site name or can’t created a blog promptly, that’s okay. Click here to sign in so once you’re prepared, you'll develop right wherever you left off.

Step 2: created a blog on your own name (self-hosted Word Press)
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If you don’t have a hosting or a site name nonetheless – don’t worry. I’ll be showing this during a minute…
At the tip of this step (2), you may have a completely operating self-hosted Word Press blog on your own domain name! Sounds promising, huh?
If for a few odd reasons you don’t wish to use HostGator, you'll continuously select another hosting supplier. I can’t promise they’ll be that sensible, however the registration and also the setup method ought to be somewhat similar. Some hosting firms don't have one-click install for Word Press. If that’s the case, see this guide for putting in Word Press manually (not counseled for beginners, though).

1. Go to www.HostGator.com and so click “Start Your Word Press Blog”.
Remember: Since I’m victimization HostGator alone too, I’ve negotiated a reduction for those that use this guide (72% off). This discount ought to be applied mechanically. Enjoy


2. Choose a site name for your blog
Already have a site name?
Just write it within the right box (I already own this domain) and keep moving to future step by scrolling down slightly.
How do i select an honest domain name?
Choosing a nasty name is one among the foremost common mistakes I see bloggers build. Make sure you decide on a site name that is…
1. Simple to recollect – Don’t select a nonsense name, one thing powerful to spell, or an extended name jam-packed with dashes. “www.best-tech-gadgets-in-the-world.com” won’t ever stick in someone’s head, however one thing like “www.techgeeks.com” rolls off the tongue.
2. Distinctive and Descriptive – you wish a reputation that reflects WHO you're and what you care regarding. Be artistic Associate in Expert build an identity you’re excited about!
3. Trustworthy – Domain extensions like “.com”, “.org” or “.net” ar the foremost widespread, with “.com” being the one the majority think about initial. Try and avoid crazy extensions like “.rocks” or “.biz”, as these are less usually used, harder to recollect and not as trustworthy .
Type the name you wish to use within the box, then click “next”. If the name is on the market, you’ll be ready to claim it. If it’s not obtainable, select another one.

If the name you wish isn’t obtainable, HostGator can show you some alternatives that are similar – otherwise you will record a replacement name and check out once more. I’d recommend you utilize one thing that ends with .com, .net or .org

3. select your blog hosting set up
I recommend the “Hatchling” set up for currently – you'll continuously upgrade later if you choose you wish additional advanced options, however you get quite enough with the offspring.


4. Complete your registration
Once you’ve chosen offspring set up and located a reputation you prefer that’s obtainable, you’ll got to register it by fixing your contact and charge info.
You’ll even have an opportunity to customise your package slightly. this can be an opportunity to save lots of some extra money, thus don’t skip it! Apply discount code “STARTBLOG”


I would take a glance at every of those extra services to ascertain if you wish any of them. I don’t believe they're necessary for you at this stage.
5. Log in to your new account and install Word Press blog
It may take a couple of minutes for HostGator to register your account, thus wait. You ought to get a confirmation email once your account is prepared.

Once you’ve logged in to your electrical device (all the knowledge you would like for that ought to be in your inbox), it’s time to put in Word Press. Thankfully, this takes only one click!
• Log-in to your Hostgator electrical device
• At the highest click “Get Started With Word Press Today”
• If Word Press isn’t there for a few reason, scroll down slightly bit on the electrical device and click on on “Quick Install” below the code & Services section. Explore the highest of the page, within the left sidebar section for WordPress.
Once clicked, you’ll be mechanically transferred to Mojomarketplace.com – don’t panic, this can be simply a website that helps HostGator install platforms (like WordPress).
You should straight off see a screen wherever you’re offered to “Install” or “Import” WordPress.
Click “Install” to urge to future step.
When you’re finished, “Install WordPress”. Once you’ve done that, you’ll see a loading bar at the highest of your page that may eventually tell you that your WordPress blog has been put in and you’ll see your log-in credentials.


6. Log in and examine your new blog
Once the installation completes, you’ll get Associate in Expert email that shares your login info, as well as Associate in Expert “Admin URL”. (In case you uncomprehensible that notification bar)
To log in to your blog, click the admin URL. If you forget this URL, it’s merely computer network.yourblog.com/wp-admin (where “your blog” is your domain name).

Congratulations – you currently shrewdness to create a blog victimization WordPress. You’ve put in WordPress and created your blog, all on your own! As you'll see, it had been very easy and simple.
Now that your blog is ready up, sign in for my FREE blogging course for recommendations on a way to get readers, earn money, and individualize your blog. Or scan on to be told a way to style your blog and build your initial post.

Step 3: coming up with your blog
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In this section, I’ll show you some WordPress blog basics, including:

Sample of a made-to-order WordPress blog (SmartPassiveIncome.com)
• Changing your blog’s style
• Installing new plugins/features
• Making your blog computer programme friendly
If you’ve created your blog, you’re currently able to begin victimization WordPress and customizing your blog. I promise – it’ll be pretty simple and fun at identical time.
Remember: you'll log in to your blog by about to computer network.yourblog.com/wp-admin/ and victimization the credentials you created with HostGator or the other hosting company you used.

Changing Your Blog’s style (Themes & Layouts)
WordPress blogging platform uses style templates referred to as “Themes” to work out however your website ought to look. dynamic your blog’s layout and style is as straightforward as putting in a replacement theme.
There are over two thousands professionally designed, fully-customizable and free themes to settle on from – thus you’ve got plenty of choices. If you wish to ascertain premium themes and styles just like the Genesis Framework, head over to Themeforest.net

Here’s a way to notice and install a subject you love:
When you log sure the primary time, you’ll see a dashboard or admin panel that appears one thing like this:


Mouse-over the “Appearance” tab within the WordPress sidebar, then click on “Themes”.


On future screen, you’ll see many themes are already put in. If you don’t like those, click the “Add New” button at the highest, or the nice massive “Add New” sq. to start out finding out a subject.

Now, you’ll see tabs wherever you’ll notice featured, widespread and novel themes, moreover as a “Feature Filter” and search bar.


I really just like the “Feature Filter” choice, as a result of you'll select themes in bound color schemes, choose specific layouts and even select themes with inbuilt advanced options.
Just select the choices you wish, then click “Apply Filters” on the hand aspect. If you’re finding this difficult, simply search by keyword – there’s no wrong way!


When you’ve found a subject you prefer, click “Install”. You’re nearly done!
Once the theme has been put in, all that’s left to try and do is click “Activate” on future screen:


Configuring your blog to be computer programme friendly
There are some things you’d got to do to create your blog additional computer programme friendly. Search engines don't like 2 things:
1. Ugly and clumsy URL-s – http://yourblog.com/2012/04/topic-a/author-Karen/how-to-start-a-blog. {a much|a means|a far} higher way is to use: http://yourblog.com/start-a-blog
See the difference? One is stuffed with moot info and also the alternative one is brief, clean and neat.
In order to vary your links to a additional cleaner, click on the “Settings” -> “Permalinks” and use the subsequent settings:


2. Spam comments – sadly, scores of folks wish to depart automatise spam comments on your blog. They are doing that for a handful of reasons – to urge folks from your blog to their blog and to advertise their services/products.
To avoid that, ensure you moderate your comments. Here’s a way to do that: visit “Settings” -> “Discussion” and tick those 2 choices.


Step 4: Adding/Writing blog Posts and Pages
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By currently you ought to have totally operating WordPress blog on your own name. you ought to even have a custom blog theme that matches together with your blog’s topic. Congratulations – you’ve done plenty and I’m proud that you’ve managed to urge to date.
In the LAST step, I’ll show you the way to put in writing your initial blog post and share some tips for writing blog posts.
In this section, I’ll show you…
• How to put in writing a post in WordPress
• How to feature pictures, links and format text
• Some fast tips and tricks for writing nice content

Using WordPress to blog
Adding a replacement Post
To add a replacement blog post, click the “Posts” section on the left-hand side-menu, then click on “Add New”.

On future screen, you’ll see one thing like this:

You can add the title to your blog post within the high field, and your content goes within the massive text box below the title.
You can save your draft or publish your content live by victimization the box menu on the way right of the page. {you will|you'll|you'll be able to} even schedule the post to be printed later – or build the post personal thus solely friends can see it.

Once printed, your new post is found within the “All Posts” section of the “Posts” tab, thus you'll edit it anytime.
Let’s take a fast explore some belongings you will do to spruce up your post:

Adding pictures
To add a picture to your post, click the “Add Media” button right higher than the lower content field.
Tip: Before you click “Add Media”, make sure you’ve left your pointer inside your blog post wherever you wish the image to indicate up. Otherwise, you’ll have to be compelled to move it shortly.


Next, click the “Upload Files” tab on the screen that pops up, then click “Select Files”.

Once you’ve found the file, double-click it and WordPress can transfer it mechanically.
When the transfer is finished, ensure the image you wish is chosen, then click the “Insert into post” button to feature the image to the post you’re writing.


Adding a Link
Linking intent on alternative websites may be a good way to create relationships and share fascinating content.
To add a link, click on the icon within the toolbar that appears slightly sort of a chain link.

On the pop-up, you’ll got to enter a couple of necessary bits of data.

• URL is that the net address of the link you wish to share. ensure you embrace “http://” before the “www.” address, or your link are going to be broken.
• “Link Text” is that the text you wish folks to click on to urge to your link. it would be “Click here”, or something you decide on.
• “Open link during a new window/tab” – it’s a sensible plan to ascertain this box. Otherwise, once somebody clicks your link, they’ll leave your blog.
• If you wish to link to Associate in Expert existing page, you'll use the “Search” section to seek out a post or page you’ve already created and click on it to feature a link.
Finally, click “Add Link”, and your link are going to be additional wherever you left your pointer within the post you were writing.

Adding Headers Text
It’s an honest plan to use headers and bolding to create your content easier to scan and scan.
Adding Headings
To add a heading, click on the computer menu on the lowest left of the toolbar.

Try to solely use “Heading 1” once among your page (usually at the top), and use “Heading 2” or “Heading 3” for alternative sections within the copy, as this can be higher for search engines.
Tip: you'll conjointly highlight the text you wish to vary in your blog post, THEN click on the computer menu and choose the format you wish the text to be in.
Editing Fonts
You can conjointly daring, italicize, underline and even amendment the colour of your text during a click or 2.

• “B” is for bolding
• “I” is for italics
• “U” is to underline your text
• “A” can open a dropdown menu wherever you'll choose font color
As you'll see, this can be all pretty straightforward for somebody WHO has worked with Microsoft Word.

Step 5: begin Growing Your blog
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Analytics from StartBloggingOnline.com (taken from my personal laptop).
Now that you just have created your blog and apprehend the fundamentals, it’s time to create your blog winning. Many
beginners struggle at that time, therefore I’ve place along a couple of guides to urge you going easier.
If I were you, I’d recommend you go and check my resource page here. It contains all the content that I’ve printed on Start Blogging Online.com over the past number of years. It’s nothing an excessive amount of, however enough to urge you going and slightly additional.