One of the most common questions I’m hit with when someone finds out I have a blog is HOW to start a blog. These days it’s become so easy to get started, but can also be a little confusing for those of us who aren’t exactly “tech-savvy.”
There are a ton of options out there, and this post is directed to those of you who A. want to start a blog, and B. would be interested in the future with making money from it. Best part? You can get started in 15 minutes or less with NO technical experience! Just follow each easy step below.
Starting a WordPress blog was one of the best decisions I made, and it may be for you too. Within just a few months of launching my blog I began bringing in income. A blog is a perfect way to generate some side income, and I love watching my little “passion project” continue to grow.
Note: Some links may be affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you use my links to purchase, at no extra added cost to you! I only recommend products that I personally love and believe in. Full disclaimer here.
First: in order to start your own blog, you need to be on a self-hosted platform. I recommend using WordPress through Bluehost because they are experienced (over 2,000,000 websites on their servers!), their customer service is fantastic (hello 24/7 support), and they are easy to navigate.
(Side note: a few folks have asked me why they need to pay for a hosted website, when there are free sites out there like Wix. Here’s why:
Wix in particular has been de-indexed by Google multiple times, which means no search traffic. With non-self-hosted blogs, you are limited on your monetization because they limit your advertising options. You are limited on space and bandwidth, are very limited on how you can design your blog, and are unable to use all the plugins and widgets necessary to create a site that can make money. You also don’t own your platform and you should never build a business you don’t own.)
I have been blogging casually for a few years, like most of you out there. I actually only started to take blogging seriously in 2018, and quickly fell in love with the opportunities it has provided for my family. In just the past year I have been able to partner with multiple incredible brands, have received paid contracts for sponsored posts, have been sent fantastic free products for our little one, and even took a trip with our family where we were paid to vacation. And that’s in less than one year since launching. Crazy, right??
Blogging can be fun and profitable, and give you a ton of opportunities. Most importantly, I’ve gotten to be there for my son nearly every day, and haven’t had to stress about missing work when he’s sick or needs me.
But to be honest, when I first got started I felt super lost, so if that’s how you’re feeling right now you’re in the right place! I’m going to show you exactly how to get started with your own WordPress site, step by step.
Step 1: Click HERE to get a special rate from Bluehost for your website for just $2.95 per month which INCLUDES a free domain!
There are 4 Choices for Packages: Basic, Plus, Choice Plus and under all of those is Pro. If you are limited on budget, the Basic plan is totally fine.
I personally chose the Choice Plus option (which through my link is only $5.45 a month instead of the regular $14.99), and I really recommend this option if you have the budget because it really does have the best value. It includes domain privacy, spam protection and code guard, all of which are fantastic options to keep your blog private and secure.
Click SELECT on your plan of choice to move to the next step.
On the next page there are 2 options:
New Domain – If you do not have a domain for your blog yet, enter in your preferred domain name in this box and click NEXT. (Don’t worry, they’ll let you know if you need to pick another one!)
OR
I Already Have A Domain – If you already own a domain, then enter your domain in this box and click NEXT.
Next, you will fill in your account information, and then it is time for you to choose some options.
Let’s look on this based on the Basic Plan Options:
$59.40 for 1 year (12 months) – includes a free domain for the 1st year $4.95/mo
$94.80 for 2 years (24 months) – includes free domain for the 1st year $3.95/mo
$106.20 for 3 years (36 months) – includes free domain for the 1st year $2.95/mo
Basically, the longer the plan you choose, the cheaper the price. The minimum you can choose is 12 months and all fees are paid up front, which means after you pay there are no monthly fees to worry about.
The other options you can add below (CodeGuard Basic, SiteLock Security and Bluehost SEO Tools), but the one I believe to be the most important EVEN IF YOU ARE ON A LIMITED BUDGET is Domain Privacy Protection. All domains registrations are kept in a public database, which means anyone can find your information. If you choose this option, your information will be kept private, which is incredibly important.
The final section is Payment Information. Simply enter your credit card information here, check the box agreeing to the terms, and press Submit. That’s it! Crazy simple, right?
Congratulations!! You are now officially a blog owner!
I recommend that you go ahead setup at least one email account for your blog (for example, [email protected]). My default email for Mimosas & Motherhood is “[email protected]” Easy, clean and professional. You can easily do this through the BlueHost admin dashboard.
So excited for you to begin the journey to the life you were born to live. Cheering you on as you make this dream a reality!
Blogging is no longer a hobby for many…it is a real business that generates a substantial amount of income. If you are interested in making money with your new blog, I highly recommend that you join us!
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