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Starting your WordPress blog on Bluehost
Hi there! So if you’ve landed here, you’re probably interested in starting your very own blog, but you have no idea where to begin. Trust me, we’ve all been there.
The good news is that this post will explain everything you need to know to get your blog up & running in a matter of minutes and I promise it will be the best decision you have ever made.
I started blogging just a couple of months ago and it has already changed my life. Not only am I able to connect with so many wonderful people and share tips & tricks that make my life simpler, but I am able to make a little profit from it as well.
Even though I’ve read so many posts on how bloggers make thousands, even millions of dollars blogging, I never thought that I could too. This goal is totally achievable if you’re very dedicated and love what you write about. Everyone has it in them to blog full-time and turn their passion into a career. Follow the steps below to ensure a great start to your blog!
Step 1: Hosting
The very first step of this process is to start a blog on WordPress. If you’re not really sure about where your blogging career may go and want an affordable option, Bluehost is the answer. You can start a blog for as low as $3.95 a month (this low price is through my link only)! I have been using Bluehost for hosting since I started blogging and it is my favorite. Not only is it super affordable, but their customer service is amazing. When you first start blogging, you have so many questions and they’re amazing at helping out.
Although there are tons of free hosting platforms, like Wix & Blogger, there are many reasons for which you should pay a bit more and host your website on Bluehost. Some of these reasons include:
- It’s extremely easy to use because they handle all of the nitty-gritty for you! Follow the steps below so you can have your very own blog under 15 minutes.
- You will have a self hosted blog. This is extremely important because you can only monetize your blog if you are self hosted.
- Bluehost offers 24/7 technical support.
- Bluehost is super affordable. You can have your very own blog for only $3.95 a month!
- You get a FREE blog domain.
- WordPress through Bluehost is FREE.
- Bluehost offers a 30 day money back guarantee just in case you change your mind!
Step 2: Choosing a Domain & Hosting Plan
The second thing you need to do to start your blog is think of a domain name. This may be tough because you might not know your niche yet or you may have several in mind, so I suggest brainstorming and writing all of them down. I remember wanting to blog about so many different topics that I went with something very general to give me room to grow in every direction.
Once you’ve decided what your domain name will be, the rest is super simple! You can get your domain directly through Bluehost and you will even get a FREE domain for the first year, if you purchase hosting for 12 months. This is a great deal, as you will be receiving a FREE domain for a year and a lower monthly price. If you’re serious about blogging, I would recommend purchasing hosting for 36 months, as you will get an even better monthly deal. If you’ve decided to snag this deal just continue to the next step so you can purchase your domain and hosting plan all in one step.
Step 3: Purchase Hosting
This is one of the most important steps when starting your blog. Blogging can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be & I’ll show you how:
- To receive the cheapest price to start your blog, select the “Basic” plan. This is really all you’ll need to get started. It’s only $3.95 per month through my link, if you sign up for 36 months, which is the best deal. If you sign up for the 24 month plan, it’s $4.95 per month and if you sign up for the 12 month plan, it’s $5.45 per month, which is still super affordable! If you’re not really sure about blogging, I would recommend the 12 month plan, as you still get a FREE domain! In terms of saving money, the 36 month plan would definitely be your best bet.
- To get you started, the best option is the Basic plan. The Plus and Business Pro plans have more features but are a bit more expensive. When your blog starts growing and you feel that you need the extra features, you can always change your plan and just pay the difference.
- The second item that I 100% recommend is the Domain Privacy Protection, which is only $0.99 per month. This keeps all your private contact information safe, which is super important.
- This is all you really need to get started, so I would uncheck all of the other extras on Bluehost for now.
- Remember, if you sign up using my link, you will receive a FREE domain for a year with a 12 month (or longer) hosting plan.
This pretty much sums up you startup blogging costs. Not too crazy right?
Overall, it will cost you $65 on average for an entire year of hosting and a FREE domain and $142 on average for 3 years of hosting and a FREE domain. Either deal is great, but the 36 month plan will save you the most in the long run.
When I started my blog, I was very dedicated and decided to purchase the 36 month plan. It was so nice knowing that I didn’t have to worry about paying for hosting for 3 years. Not only was I getting the best deal, since the more years you sign up for, the less you’ll pay, but it was great knowing that my blog wouldn’t shut down because I hadn’t paid my fees.
Once you’ve decided on the plan that is best for you, follow the steps below:
- Go to Bluehost and click the “Get Started Now” button.
- Select the package that you are interested in.
- Enter your domain name.
- Enter your personal and payment information.
- You will be asked to create a password. Make sure it’s secure because this information is very important.
If you have any questions or concerns, please send me an email at emilymarieblogger@gmail.com. I have a great relationship with the Bluehost team that can help with any inquiries that you may have!
Step 4: Connecting WordPress with Bluehost
Woohoo! So you’re finally going to get to the meat of blogging! Bluehost makes this incredibly easy for you so just follow the steps below to finish setting up your blog!
- Once you create your password, Bluehost will guide you through everything that you need to do to get started.
- Then, you will have to choose a theme. There are a ton of FREE themes to choose from or you can purchase one that you really like. I started off with a basic theme and then purchased the Hallie Theme by Angie Makes, which you can get here.
- Click on “Start Building” and voila you’re done! Well, almost, haha.
YAY! You now have your very own WordPress blog!
Congrats on getting started, now you will work on your design to make your blog your own and on producing great content for the world! If you have absolutely any questions, please feel free to contact me at emilymarieblogger@gmail.com. I’d love to get to know you & help with anything you may need!
