How to Start Your Own Self-Hosted Blog in 30 Minutes or Less
Please note some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. As always any recommendations that I make are always based on my personal experiences with the product and I have not received any free products or anything else by these companies.
So you have been wanting to start your own blog for ages and you don’t know where to begin? All the tutorials you have see online are full of technical jargon and you are completely lost and confused?
Well if that is you, don’t worry, I have created this step by step tutorial just for you.
I have shown many clients and even a lady who was in her mid 50’s on exactly how to start her own blog with these 3 simple steps.
If she can do it, you can do it.
In this guide I will walk you through the entire process, step by step and share you my top tips on how to launch and build your blog in less than 30 minutes.
To start a blog you have a variety of free options like Blogger, WordPress.com, Tumblr or Wix however to get the maximum control I recommend using a self-hosted WordPress. This is what most serious and professional bloggers use and this is why my blog uses WordPress.
Before I start this awesome tutorial/guide,
Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Plesae note that all the recommendations that are mention on this website is based on my personal experience.
Launch your own Blog in 3 easy Steps + Tips
- Get Ready (5mins)
- Register a Domain Name + hosting (5 mins)
- Install WordPress (10-15 mins)
Tips
- How to Write your First Post
- How to Promote Your Blog
- Secrets of a Successful Blogger
How to Start a Blog in 3 Simple Steps
Step #1: Get Ready
To setup a self hosted account you will need the following
- Credit Card
- 30 Minutes
Step #2: Get a Domain Name & Web Hosting
The first thing you need to do is choose a domain name and find a reliable host for your blog/website.
The domain name can be anything you want but I recommend choosing something that you will feel proud to be identify with and that you would want to share with the world.
For example my domain name/url is howimakealivingonline.net
You can purchase a domain name from a variety of vendors like GoDaddy or UniRegistry however you can get a free domain with the service I recommend below.
Your web hosting account will provide the space to store all your website files, images and the software to run your blog. I personally use Bluehost and if you sign up with them they offer a free domain name.
Disclaimer: I am a Bluehost affiliate, which means the company pays me a commission every time someone signs up via one of my links and it is at no additional cost to you. Also please note this did not influence my recommendations as I personally use them on this blog myself and truly belief that Bluehost is a very reputable and trust worthy business.
Here’s how to sign up with Bluehost
1. Go to Bluehost.com (Click here to get hosting account + free domain name)
2. Choose a plan. I recommend the Plus which is their most popular account.
3. Enter your domain name then click next
4. Choose your package. All additional options are optional however I personally recommend the privacy option if you want to keep your personal information from been displayed to the public.
5. Pay for it and move to Next Step – You are 50% of the way through!
Step #3 Install WordPress
WordPress will be the blogging platform or content management system. This is the system/program where you will write all your articles/blog posts, edit your layout, install plugins, etc. Think of it like Microsoft Word but online.
1. Once you got your username and password. Login to your Bluehost Control Panel.
2. Once inside your control panel, if you scroll down you should see a section called Website. Click on the icon Install WordPress
3. Click on the Install Button
4. Select your domain name from the drop down menu then click “Check Domain” button.
5. Read the terms and conditions then check “I have read the terms and conditions of the GPLv2” then click “Install Now” button.
7. Wait until its completed, shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes. At the top of the page you should see the progress bar and once complete it should say “Your Install is complete“. Once done, click on the “View Credentials” link, which are located at the very top of your screen.
8. On the next page, go to the Alert section and click on View
9. Save your Login details to your Blog. Important: Keep this in a safe place.
10. Login to your New Blog
11. Done! How simple was that! You have just built your own Blog in less than 30 minutes
Now log into your blog and have a play around and get familiar with WordPress.
Here are some other useful articles/tutorials that will help you get started:
- Getting Started With WordPress (by WordPress official)
- How to write your first post
- Beginners Guide to WordPress
Tip #1 Start Blogging
Pat yourself on the back you have just built your first blog from scratch.
If you are new with blogging here some tips
1. Create your own voice and write to an audience like you talking to them one on one
2. Write great content so that people will find great pleasure in reading, learning or knowing more.
3. Use images and videos to enhance your posts visually.
4. Lastly think of Awesome Post titles! The idea is to make someone to want to click on it.
Tip #2 Share it with the World
It is time to be proud and share your blog to the world. Promote Promote Promote.
This is where 90% of bloggers fail, they fail to promote.
Shout it on the roof top.
Email your friends and family.
Share it on all your social media accounts like facebook, twitter, instagram.
Get your followers, friends and family to share it with all their friends or family who be interested.
Tip 3: Secret of a Successful Blogger
The secret of becoming a successful blogger is to consistent with your efforts, stay focus and never give up.
Many people have created successful careers, businesses and lifestyle through blogging for simply talking, sharing, teaching and writing about their passions. But the one thing that is common are people blogged consistently week after week for years and years until they were successful.
For some motivation check out these people
- Pat Flynn @ SmartPassiveIncome.com
- Matthew Woodward @ MatthewWoodward.co.uk
- Lindsay & Bjork @ Pinch of Yum
- Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog
Congratulations
Congratulations again on setting up your very first blog. If you enjoyed this tutorial please share with all your friends and family who maybe interested. Or if you have questions please feel free to write a comment below.