This post will show you step-by-step how to set up a blog in the following way.
This guide is tailored for beginners and will do its best to explain the process with both visuals and text.
If you run into any problems or difficulties, feel free to leave a message for me and I’ll do my best to assist you within my capabilities.
Skip the introduction and topic selection (since it’s a bit lengthy) and dive into building? Please click here to start the first step directly.
Preface
What is a blog? If you’re reading this, you probably know a bit about blogging and might have looked into bloggers’ incomes. In the United States, bloggers make an average of $61,107 per year. That’s the potential for a full-time income.
Maybe you’re still wondering whether to start! ── You’re not alone!
I made many mistakes and wasted a lot of time sweating over some relatively unimportant decisions as a first-time building a blog.
This guide aims to help beginners steer clear of those detours when setting up their blog for the first time. So they can focus on creating more unique content.
How to Start a Blog in 11 Steps: Beginner’s Guide
- 1.Choose a Topic (Niche) and Plan Basics
- 2.Purchasing a Host and Domain
- 3.Customize your blog
- 4.Plugin
- 5.Write static content
- 6.Review and Follow-Up Planning
- 7.Begin Your Article
- 8.Build Your Blog Navigation
- 9.Create a Subscription Form or Page
- 10.Create Social Accounts Belonging to Blog
- 11.Start Promoting Your Blog
- Making Money with Your Blog
If you’re reading this and you’re unsure about starting, let me give you some encouragement. Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back from creating a fantastic blog.by Step
It’s definitely not too late to start. In 2024, 60% of internet users still read blog articles, and there are 5.3 billion active internet users worldwide. Even though it’s only 60%, the audience base is huge.
Plus, 61% of readers seek blog recommendations before making purchases. This data shows that blogs continue to grow in influence and popularity.
Although I wanted to write a blog and had enough enthusiasm for it, I was still struggling with this issue at first.
This question wasted a lot of time for me.
I never thought blogs could make money was a scam. Because if someone reads it, they have the opportunity to make money. But here’s the catch: who will read my blog?
First of all, blogging is not a fast fashion, an academic study, or a professional exhibition. You don’t need to be an expert or a professional writer. A blog can be a way to express your style, experience, and uniqueness without feeling pressured to do so.
For example, everyone has different opinions about the same movie. The movie reviews written by a certain blogger always suit my taste. When I want to entertain myself with movies, I visit that blog to read reviews and share articles. The posts don’t need to mention any professional knowledge of movie screen structure in their comments. I’m more interested in the overall movie-watching experience.
What should I do if my English writing isn’t good? Statistics show that 51.1% read blogs for entertainment. You don’t need fancy words or rigorous and difficult-to-understand sentences. Unburdened reading is relaxing, so it doesn’t matter if you’re not a professional. The focus is on relevance and sincerity.
Don’t be afraid of being slow; just be afraid that you won’t start. So stop thinking and act! Do it and explore more opportunities.
“What if I really don’t like writing articles? “Then I don’t have any good suggestions. I don’t want to try to convince or change a person, because there are so many other options now like TikTok and YouTube. You can consider if there are options you’re more passionate about without forcing yourself, or unless you have deep pockets to hire a writer.
Absolutely! This article is here to guide you every step of the way.
Even the later tasks of managing your blog can be handled using the online tools recommended here. The blogging tools and resources provided are beginner-friendly and straightforward to use.
This is something I’ve pondered for a while. I believe it’s possible, and I did so. As long as the content of the article is genuine and provides real help to readers, it’s not a major issue.
If your blog provides what your readers want, you’ll attract traffic, and more traffic brings more opportunities to your blog. (Of course, this is based on you’re actively promoting your blog through strategies like SEO, Pinterest traffic, etc.)
Monetization opportunities include affiliate marketing, selling e-books, printables, physical goods, blog advertising, and even collaborations with manufacturers who may approach you.
Alternatively, you can view your blog as a unique personal resume, showcasing your skills when seeking freelance work or other opportunities.
I’ll be upfront: blogging isn’t a guaranteed path to success. While it’s a low-cost venture, there’s still a risk of failure, just like any business.
Speaking from my own experience, I started without immense financial pressure. While some blogs might earn a full-time income within a month, I didn’t have that level of confidence in myself, nor did I want to start under such pressure. So, I drank one less cup of coffee a month, opted for a budget-friendly hosting plan (like Bluehost), and decided it was better to start slowly than not at all.
If, after reading this, you’re still unsure about starting or have already read several articles without feeling any closer to a decision.Then maybe it’s time to take a temporary break from the idea of starting a blog.
Don’t waste time ruminating on the same thing repeatedly; instead, try exploring a different direction that excites you more.
If you’re ready to take the leap and learn how to start a blog.
And eventually, grow it into your personal brand or small business that can generate real online income, then let’s dive in.
Step 1. Choose a Topic (Niche) and Plan Basics
No matter what topic you choose, don’t expect immediate results. While you might make profits faster than average, don’t expect to secure a stable income right away.
When planning, you can brainstorm ideas using methods like mind maps, but ultimately, it’s best to summarize them on a page to help organize your thoughts and get a better grasp of your plan.
Personally, I always use tables to organize. (My Table)
The Blog Planning Table provided here is what I use when creating my blog. The steps are paired with the table. You can use this table to plan and track your progress. Or create yours. (The choice is yours. If needed, you can click here to download it directly.)
I’ve personally been using Microsoft Office document software for a long time to help manage and record my blogs.
Choose Niche
1.Blog Topic (Niche)
2.Target Audience for the Blog
If you’re unsure about your topic, try this: jot down cornerstone post ideas for the topic you’re considering. It can just be a draft, no need to flesh it. See which topics flow easily, which ones you struggle with, and which spark new ideas as you write. Then, start with the one that feels right!
Basic Planning
3.Blog Name
4.Blog URL
5.Blog Description
- Choose a name for your blog and aligns with the URL.
- It’s strongly recommended to keep the Name and URL as similar as possible.
- Before finalizing the name, check if the domain is available for use.
Step 2. Purchasing a Host and Domain
Using the free blog provided by the platform provider may limit you in many ways due to insufficient customization permissions. For instance, you may be unable to place advertisers’ ads or modify Pretty Permalinks, which are SEO-friendly and attractive.
If you have any expectations for a blog and want to run it seriously, then I think self-hosting a blog is a must-have.
Bluehost is a beginner-friendly option, and personally, I use and recommand it because:
- It offers favorable pricing, allowing you to start your online venture at a low cost.
- It’s beginer-friendly.
- It provides a free domain for one year. Once you’ve configured your hosting according to the steps, the domain name connection is completed without the need for additional settings.
- ou can set up an email ending in @yourdomain.com. Having your own domain email adds a professional touch. (Setting Up a Domain Email for Your Bluehost Blog)
In the next steps, I’ll demonstrate how to create a blog using Bluehost.
Use any BlueHost link on this site to get started for as low as $1.99 per month (BlueHost with a 30-day money-back guarantee).
1. Click on the green “Get Started Now”
2. Select Your Plan
I recommend the Choice Plus plan personally because it includes “Domain Privacy & Protection”, which protects your personal information (such as your full name, email, phone number, and home address). This is more about online security than anonymity.
Additionally, it provides “Daily Website Backups – Free 1st year&Malware Scanning”.Data backup is crucial, especially for beginners. Having extra protection is always a good idea. No one wants to lose the content they’ve worked hard to create. Of course, you can also use some of WordPress’s plugin functions for backup.
As earlier, I suggest choosing the Choice Plus plan. However, any of these plans will do when starting your blog. If you don’t initially choose a plan that includes “Domain Privacy & Protection,” you can add it later for about $1.
Next show “Save 56% on your own online store.” If you don’t need it, then skip it.
3. Enter the domain name you want to create in the box on the left and click ‘Next’.
4. Complete your billing details on the registration page.
5. Create Your Bluehost Account and choose your hosting package and options.
If you prefer not to enter your information manually, you can connect your Bluehost account with your Google account if that option is available in your location.
‘Domain Privacy & Protection’ will be purchased by default. If your plan doesn’t include it, you can uncheck it if you don’t need it.
The discount offers in ‘Package Extras’ might tempt you to increase your purchase, but remember, buy based on needs rather than wants. Although the discounts may seem enticing, they may not be necessary.
Next, you’ll create your Bluehost account.
Don’t forget that the monthly cost decreases with longer-term plans. This way, you’ll pay less money per month. Cost-efficiency? Check!
After making the payment, Bluehost will provide you with a step-by-step guide to set up your WordPress blog. You can choose to follow it or skip it; you can always configure it yourself later. However, for beginners, it’s very helpful, so I recommend following it initially and making any changes later.
6. Your new WordPress site is installing!
Next, Bluehost will guide you through setting up the basic content of your blog. Initially, it will inquire about your experience and the type of website you’re creating.
Then, you will be prompted to enter the name and description of your blog. Bluehost will also provide visual previews to help you see where the content you enter will appear.
Follow the steps, and finally, Bluehost will prompt you with “Nice work: Your site is ready“.
When you enter the page, you will find a prompt in the upper right corner: site status: NOT LIVE, which means that your website is still not visible to the outside world. (You can launch the site after you finish setting up your blog!)
At this point, you’ve taken the first step and deserve a big round of applause. The next step is to complete and decorate your blog.
Blog Planning Table: Enter the information: “6. Purchase a Host and Install WordPress”.
Step 3. Customize your blog
1. Choose a Blog Theme
Location: “Appearance“ → “Themes“ in the left-hand sidebar.
There are three options next to the title “Themes”.
- Premium Themes: Marketplace provided by Bluehost, limited selection, priced at $59.00
- WordPress.org Themes: Official WordPress.org theme repository, featuring themes created by individuals or groups, subject to official review. “Themes from sites that do not support non-GPL (or compatible) themes or that don’t meet the theme review guidelines will not be approved.” Many free options are available.
- Upload: Allows you to upload a theme file from another source.
You might consider investing a bit here, and I believe it’s worthwhile. It saves time and the headache of future revisions. Professional themes are not only user-friendly (typically offering numerous customizable modules) and visually appealing, but they also often enhance your blog’s SEO performance.
If you’re still unsure, start by installing a popular, free, and visually appealing theme like Astra Theme or GeneratePress. You can always customize and modify it later as you progress through the subsequent steps. Don’t let yourself get stuck here, and other steps won’t move forward.
Spending excessive time on theme details setup can backfire. Focus on achieving a basic, pleasing appearance – that’s sufficient! Details are like icing; quality content is key.
Blog Planning Table: You can check “8. Blog Settings – □ Choose a Theme” and make notes (whether you are indecisive or which theme you purchased).
2. Create an icon for your blog and upload it to the website.
“Favicon (Site Icon)” refers to the small icon displayed next to the website name in a web browser.
“Site Logo (Logo)” is an image or graphic that typically appears in the header area of a website, serving as a visual representation of the site’s brand or identity.
When whipping up a logo, keep it simple with colors – less is more. Stick to just a couple of fonts to keep it clean. And hey, aim for a design that vibes with your blog’s theme or message. It’ll give your blog that extra touch of pro flair.
Your logo doesn’t need all the bells and whistles. Canva and Picmonkey are great tools for DIY-ing it without shelling out for a designer.
Location: “Appearance“ → “Customize“ in the left-hand sidebar.
*The image content will differ based on the theme you’ve installed.
Blog Planning Table: You can paste your picture on the 7. blog Icon.
Step 4. Plugin
What’s a plugin? It’s like an add-on feature that enhances WordPress, giving it more capabilities. You don’t have to be a programmer to enhance your website’s performance.
Think of it this way: your website is like a smartphone (blog), and plugins are like apps you install to add or improve its features.
Is more always better? Not necessarily. Only install what you truly need, as too many plugins can slow down your site.
Location: “Plugins“ → “Add New Plugins“ in the left-hand sidebar.
Enter the plugin name in the search box and hit enter. The search results will appear. Choose the plugin you want to install and click “Install Now” on the right. After installation, remember to click “Activate.
In the screenshot, you’ll notice the “Active” button next to the plugin name is grayed out, indicating that it’s been installed and enabled.
1.Google Kit: Integrates various Google functions, including Google Analytics and Google Console. Linking your Google account can streamline the setup process instead of manually configuring the code.
2.Spam Prevention Plugins: Utilize plugins like Akismet to prevent spam messages.
3.SEO Plugin: The most popular option is Yoast SEO, which helps optimize your site for search engines.
4.Contact Form Plugins: Consider WPForms, Contact Form 7, or similar options for creating contact forms.
5.Cookie Plugin: Install a cookie consent plugin to comply with regulations such as GDPR.
6.Security Plugin: Enhance website security with plugins like Wordfence Security.
7.Backup Plugin: It’s crucial to back up your website regularly. If your hosting provider doesn’t offer backup services, plugins like UpdraftPlus can provide additional security. After all, you’ve invested a lot of effort into your blog.
Bluehost automatically installs some useful plugins during setup, including those mentioned above. You’ll find that they can work seamlessly with other plugins.
For detailed introduction, please refer to this article.
11 Essential WordPress Plugins for Bloggers
Blog Planning Table: After the installation is complete, you can check the “8. Blog Settings – □ Plugins” option.
Step 5. Write static content
The next step is to create a static blog page. This page typically contains content that doesn’t change frequently, but it’s essential or highly recommended to have on your blog.
Location: “Page“ → “Add New Page“ in the left-hand sidebar.
Once you’ve completed your post, simply click the “Publish” button located on the top right side of the screen to publish the new post.
● Basic Blog Content Page
- About Me: Typically includes an introduction to the author, an overview of the blog, and the blog’s purpose for readers.
(If you’re unsure about describing the blog’s theme, you can revisit and add it after step 6.) - Contact Me: Instructions for readers on how to contact you. Utilizing the free email provided by Bluehost can be helpful at this stage.
(Setting Up a Domain Email for Your Bluehost Blog)
● Data and Monetization Instructions Page
If your blog involves any monetization or user data collection activities. It’s crucial to have these prepared before launching the blog or executing any monetization plans.
- Privacy Policy: This statement describes how your website (as the information collector) will collect and process personal information. It should provide detailed information about data collection and processing practices.
- Disclaimer Page: If you plan to monetize your blog, it’s important to be transparent with consumers about your disclosures. (FTC Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers for guidelines.)
- Terms of Service: If your blog offers goods or services, it’s advisable to have a detailed description of the terms on a separate page to mitigate potential liabilities.
Some blogs may categorize these details separately, such as advertising or affiliate marketing on dedicated pages. However, all activities must be disclosed transparently.
These pages are typically placed at the top or in the footer of the blog.
Blog Planning Table: After finishing, you can check the ‘8. Blog Settings – □ Publish Static Pages’ option.
Step 6. Review and Follow-Up Planning
Some initial planning for the blog, like choosing a topic and defining the target audience, is done during the topic selection process. It’s important to revisit and refine these aspects as you move forward.
Especially if you aim to establish a comprehensive and profitable blog, it’s essential to ensure that it appears rich in content enough to captivate and retain your audience.
You don’t need to complete this step all at once. Fill in your ideas as much as possible, and you can also proceed with subsequent steps, adjusting and supplementing them at any time.
You can review the completed information in the form and proceed to fill in the content.
Items 9, 10, and 11 are interconnected, and there’s no strict order in which they should be filled. You should adjust them based on the content written in other fields.
10.Blog Categories: Jot down some categories related to your topic that you can use when setting up the menu. It’s a good idea to brainstorm at least 4 to 5 in advance to make your main menu more robust.
9.Blog Navigation: Each topic will have different sections with different titles. I’m using this blog as an example.
1.Top Menu: For example, I put About me, Contact Me, Privacy Policy and other pages.
2.Main Menu: Here, I’ve listed all the major categories of the blog.
3.siber: It’s not in the picture; it’s in the column next to the article. Often it might be placed:
- Author introduction (with a photo and mini resume);
- A search field
- Social media links
- Subscription box
- Links to your products or services
- Advertisements or affiliate marketing products (please don’t overdo it)
- Other links to features or pages you want to be seen frequently, and try not to make the sidebar longer than the article.
4.Footer: You can choose to include category topics, basic pages, subscription boxes, social links, etc., or designate one space as an advertising column.
11.Posts Idea of Cats.: This is just a rough plan to help you confirm if the listed classification options can generate enough articles.
Step 7. Begin Your Article
(If you’ve already structured your blog categories in Step 5, you can also move on to Step 8 first.)
After Step 6, if you’re still unsure about which category buttons to include in your blog’s main menu, you can plan while you write your articles. If multitasking isn’t your thing, it’s best to write at least 3 to 4 articles or more before you start working on other stuff.
Before writing, setting your permanent link is very important.
Permalinks should be SEO-friendly. Yoast SEO takes this into account when calculating SEO scores, and it’s recommended to end with the article name.
Location: “Settings“ → “Permalinks“ in the left-hand sidebar.
Select the “Post Name” option and click “Save Changes”
Blog Planning Table: You can check “8. Blog Settings – □ Permalinks”
Articles are the backbone of a blog. Even if your blog looks nice and organized, it won’t attract traffic without substantial content. Without content, you can’t create pins or social media posts to direct traffic. And if you have lots of pins or posts but they all lead to the same content, it makes your blog appear empty.
Personally, I categorize posts into the following three categories:
Evergreen Content / Cornerstone Blog Posts: These are articles that stand the test of time, not restricted by dates or trends. They provide comprehensive information and reflect the core of your blog. They continue to provide value to readers long after they’re published. They can attract traffic over an extended period.
Timely and Trending Posts: These articles focus on current events or topics. You can schedule them for publication based on their relevance.
Posts Targeting Monetization: These are articles specifically designed for generating profit, such as affiliate marketing content. They may include detailed product reviews or promotions, which might overlap with timely posts.
TIPS: Start with a cornerstone content article for your first post. It lays the foundation for your blog and helps you conceptualize articles that reflect your blog’s theme. It also helps in organizing your blog’s structure effectively.
Also, make good use of pictures when writing. Good pictures can attract readers and help maintain their attention. As a new blog, you may not want to spend money on pictures in the beginning, so I compiled a list of 37 free online photo galleries.
ow to Start blog in 2024 – Step by Step
Step 8. Build Your Blog Navigation
(This can be done in a staggered manner with step 6 and 7.)
Set up the Blog Navigation planned in the step 6.
Location: “Appearance“ → “Menu“ in the left-hand sidebar.
Select the desired page or category, then click ‘Add to Menu’.
Location: “Appearance“ → “Widgets“ in the left-hand sidebar.
Note: The number of widgets on the screen and the builders that can be placed will vary depending on the theme you choose and the plugins installed.
Blog Planning Table: You can check “8. Blog Settings – □ Blog Navigation”
※ Remember to keep setting aside time to create new articles.
Step 9. Create a Subscription Form or Page
Enhancing Your Blog with Email Marketing This step is crucial, especially if you’re aiming to monetize your blog. Email marketing can significantly boost your product sales. Even if you don’t have products, regular emails can help remind readers about your blog’s presence.
Typically, subscription fields are placed on the homepage and sidebars, but these may not always be attractive enough. Consider planning additional articles or pages that offer incentives requiring a subscription to increase motivation.
(Ensure that your subscription method complies with GDPR, if applicable. GDPR Email Marketing)
Blog Planning Table: You can check “12. Subscription Form” and take note.
※ Remember to keep setting aside time to create new articles.
Step 10. Create Social Accounts Belonging to Blog
To prepare for promoting your blog, consider creating a dedicated account for its promotional content. And don’t forget to link your social accounts to your website.
When creating an account:
- Make sure the social account name matches or is similar to your blog name.
- Use photos on social accounts that match your blog’s similar vibe or the same.
- Ensure your social account profiles provide enough information and update them regularly.
Here are some popular platforms to consider: Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, and Pinterest.
More? → Essential Tips for Setting Up and Managing Your Blog’s Social Media Accounts
Blog Planning Table: You can check “13. Social Accounts”; ‘8. Blog Settings – □ Put Social Accounts in Blog’ and take note.
※ Remember to keep setting aside time to create new articles.
11. Start Promoting Your Blog
Congratulations! You’ve successfully set up your blog, posted some articles, and created social media accounts. Now, it’s time to start promoting your blog. Don’t hesitate just because it’s not perfect or complete yet. You’ve got enough great content to begin! Later, you can maintain a balance between promotion and producing new articles.
- Online Communities: Join Facebook groups related to your blog’s theme or communities dedicated to promoting new blogs. Be sure to follow their rules and guidelines.
- Pinterest: Many blogs get traffic from Pinterest. Create eye-catching pins, join group boards (you can find them with tools like Tailwind), and participate in Tailwind tribes.
- Comment on Other Blogs: Leave helpful comments on blogs related to your topic. Some allow you to include your blog’s link with your comment.
- Engage on Social Media: Use your blog’s social accounts to comment on relevant posts. Others can click your social avatar to visit your blog.
Be mindful when commenting or engaging on other platforms. Avoid leaving meaningless or low-quality comments just to promote your blog, as it can harm your reputation. Also, refrain from engaging in spam-like behavior, as it may result in your account being banned.
For detailed introduction, please refer to this article
5 free tools to help newbie bloggers increase traffic
How to Start blog in 2024 – Step by Step
Making Money with Your Blog
Now that you’ve put in the effort to create a great blog and promote it, it’s time for the most exciting step: monetization.
- Affiliate Marketing: It’s a popular starting point for earning from your blog. You can apply for affiliate programs right after setting up your blog. Some merchants don’t even require a minimum traffic threshold. With affiliate marketing, you earn a commission whenever a reader clicks on a link on your blog and makes a purchase. Remember to disclose that you’re an affiliate of the product.
Common affiliate program companies include: Amazon Associates, eBay Partner Network, ClickBank, FlexOffers, and CJ Affiliate. - Advertising: Google AdSense is a popular choice for beginners. Submit your application and once approved, you can start showing ads on your blog. Alternatively, as your traffic grows, you can explore other advertising options, like Mediavine & AdThrive.
- Selling Digital Products: E-books, electronic planners, and video courses are common digital products. They may have low production costs and can be sold at competitive prices.
- Selling Physical Products: This requires more effort and investment. You may need a shopping cart system and handle logistics. Alternatively, you can use third-party platforms like Amazon or eBay.
- Offering Services: Coaching, virtual assistance, design, photography, wedding planning, etc. Demonstrate your expertise on your blog to attract clients.
- Sponsored Content: Brands pay you to write and publish content about their products or services on your blog. You can actively seek collaborations or build connections with brands. don’t forget to have your blog’s Media Kit ready at all times.
- Membership Programs: Offer exclusive content to members for a fee, similar to YouTube memberships.
- Donations: Allow readers to support your blog with tips. Create compelling content to encourage tipping.
Evaluate your situation and choose the monetization methods that align with your goals and audience. Remember, building a profitable blog takes time and effort, so be patient and persistent.
Congratulations! You’ve got a blog, and hopefully, it’s starting to attract some visitors and grow rapidly. It’s not easy to keep going, but you should feel proud that you’ve gone from zero to something. That’s a great start.
Here’s to hoping you’ll reap significant benefits in the future and be proud of the decision you made today!
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