Blogging has become a great source of income for many people around the globe!  If you are looking for a few hundred dollars a month or even multiple thousands, blogging needs to be an option you consider.

Anyone can start a blog that has a desire to do so.  All it takes is a topic that you enjoy and a willingness to get started.

There are several steps you’ll need to take in order to get going.  No worries!  I am going to go step by step and walk you through the simple process.  Follow these steps to the letter and in the next 15 minutes you will be up and going!

First, why WordPress with Bluehost?

I am going to assume you are starting a blog to actually make money.  I mean, if you are going to spend time sharing your ideas, thoughts and useful information with the world, you may as well make good money at the same time, right? Otherwise, its just a hobby and hobbies don’t normally make much money.

So, lets make sure you understand the importance of using WordPress and define a few terms.

What is WordPress – The most powerful and easiest to use online web creation tool/software in the world today.  The simple way to say it is WordPress has many options, layouts, designs, tools, training, and much more. 

Working with WordPress shows advertisers and affiliate companies that you take blogging seriously.  If they see you as serious, they are much more likely to approve you for their affiliate programs and want to advertise with you.  Just so you know, Bluehost will automatically set up WordPress FOR you!

Bluehost is a hosting company that allows you to advertise with affiliate links or other advertisers with no issues whatsoever. They also works seamlessly with WordPress in creating your blog.  Another great benefit of Bluehost is 24/7 customer service through phone and live chat. This is a huge plus when you have questions. Lastly, Bluehost is NOT expensive!  Starting at $3.95 a month for hosting allows everyone to start a blog if they want to. Without a doubt, Bluehost is the best option out there!

Click here to start a blog with Bluehost for only $3.95 per month!

What is hosting – It is a company that provides the technology needed for your website to be viewed on the internet.  In simple terms, you cannot have a website without hosting!

Quick personal story: The first company I chose for hosting only offered chat with NO live phone option.  When I had questions I couldn’t talk to an actual person!  Huge mistake on my part so I changed hosting not long after I started my site.  It was kind of a big deal to move companies since I am not savy when it comes to the technical side of things.  It would have been so much easier had I started with the right hosting company. Let me help you get started on the right foot with the best hosting company out there.  Bluehost!

Remember,  when you join Bluehost, they automatically install WordPress for you!  It is a simple process where you get both at the same time.  By choosing Bluehost you are setting yourself up for success!

The Detailed Guide to Starting Your New Blog

Step 1:  Click Here to Get Started with WordPress Hosted by Bluehost 

If you are ready, from the link right above you can follow the prompts that will take you from hosting, to choosing a domain (website name), entering personal and payment information, setting up your password, and choosing what your site theme will actually look like!

 

However, if you want to clear up any questions or confusion I have added a detailed guide in the steps below.

 

Step 2: Pick Your Plan

As a new blogger the basic plan will be perfect for you!  It has email, plenty of space for great content and all the support you need with 24/7 customer support through phone and live chat.  You can easily upgrade later if you find you need to.

Click here and then choose “get started now.”

Step 3:  Pick Your Domain

This is the fun part!  Choose a name that is fun or catchy, easy to say and one you are proud to tell others about.

Chances are if you have a cool, catchy name in mind, it is probably already taken.  Not worries though!  That is where a thesaurus comes in.   Plug the main word you really want to use into an online thesaurus and see what similar options come up.  This might take a little time to dig down and find a name you really like but I promise you can find something you love!

Step 4:  Create Your Account

This is the step where you will enter your personal information, choose how many years you want to pay for your domain and hosting, as well as your payment method.

I recommend paying for three years in advance.  When you go with three years Bluehost offers the best pricing.  However, if you just can’t financially, that is fine too.  Go with one or two years just to get started.  The main thing here is to just START!

 

Step 5:  Payment, Password and First Login

From the account screen you will follow the easy prompts.  You will finalize your payment, pick your password and then login for the first time to your account!  These are fairly fast and super easy steps.

When picking your password be choosy!  Experts say to make sure you have letters, numbers and even a symbol. This will be a very important password that you will use often so pick something that you can remember easily.

Step 6:  Pick Your Theme

Your account is now set up and you are ready to pick your theme!  This should be another fun part of starting your blog!

Think about what your blog niche is and what you want your readers first impression to be.  Take some time scrolling through your options making a good choice for your topic.

Also remember, you will probably change this several years down the road so don’t get too stressed about this part.  Pick something fun and catchy to YOUR eye.

Step 7:  Start Building Your Site

You did it!  You officially have a blog.

Millions of people only think about their dreams.  You are actually doing it!  Congratulations!

At this point you will log into your new WordPress dashboard.

NOTE:  While you are building your site it will display online as “Coming Soon” giving you plenty of time to get your first several posts together, images set and have a general understanding of blogging.

The image below shows the screen you will see when you are ready to start the building of your site.  It will ask you if this is a business or personal.  You can select either of those and you it will walk you step by step through the process of building each piece of your site.  If you don’t need any help, then you choose “I don’t need help” and you will advance to the Bluehost Dashboard.

Just below you will see an image of the features and options for building your site.  There are many and they can seem overwhelming if you look too long.  So, let me recommend that you focus on pages and posts at first.

There are many options for pages but to get started I would recommend Home, About, and a Blog.

You will eventually add more but these are the basic pages that will get you going.

Step 8:  Launch Your Site!

Notice from the image right above that when you are ready you can easily launch your site with one click!

Congratulations!  You have have a LIVE blog on the internet!

If you have just gone through the steps and started your very own blog please email me at tammy@crazymoneymom.com .  I would love to hear from you and celebrate the start of your new journey!

Still struggling if this could be for you?  Email me and ask me any questions or concerns you have.  Be careful not to allow fear to hold you back.  One of my favorite sayings is, “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will!”  Just START!!!!