Hey, are you thinking about starting a blog with BlueHost? What’s stopping you? Are you trying to figure out where to start? Do you need to know the step by step process on what to do? Are you afraid of making mistakes? What is it?
Have all these obstacles been holding you back from starting a blog? Fret no longer, in this tutorial you will learn step by step on what to do to get your blog started within the next 30 minutes. Well, actually, it’ll be a little longer than 30 minutes because you’re new at this and, you definitely don’t want to rush into things.
This post includes affiliate links to products I truly recommend and trust, meaning at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small percentage.
Regardless, I am here to help you. First of all, you’ll want to open up an additional window. It can be any browser that you prefer to use. Besides, you’re only opening up the additional window, so, that you can follow along as you get started with BlueHost.
I’ll wait for you to do that in the meantime, I started my first blog in 2017. With a company called Wealthy Affiliate. Which saved me lots of time, plus money, because at Wealthy Affiliate.
I was taught step-by-step training on how to set up my Blog? How to choose a topic for my blog? How to drive traffic to the blog? And how to monetize it? Hence, hosting is included as well. Regardless, I understand not, everyone wants to start their blog this way. So, I will teach you how to start your blog with BlueHost.
Tutorial Starts Here
Anyhow, you should be done opening up a new window, so, we can carry on with this tutorial. In this tutorial you will learn:
- What Is A Blog?
- Why Do People Start Blogs?
- How to choose your blog topic?
- Why choosing the right blogging platform is important?
- How to start your hosting with Bluehost?
- Choose your domain name.
- How To set up your Bluehost account?
- Picking a theme.
- And plugins that you may want to consider when starting your blog.
Related Articles
- What Is Wealthy Affiliate About?
- The Best Affiliate Marketing Training
- Should I join Wealthy Affiliate?
Click Here To Create Your Domain And Start A Blog With BlueHost
Follow Along
And you’ll have your blog up and running in no time. Before, I go any further. I just want you to know that anyone can create success online. However, it does take a lot of hard work, time, learning, and dedication. As long as you can commit to all four of those things. You will do just fine.
More importantly, Success is a journey and it can happen to anyone. Whether you are just blogging for fun or blogging for a full-time income. Everything that you do now, can pay off later.
What Does We Are Social Have To Say
According to we are social. There are more than 4 billion internet users online. If you are trying to kick your 9 to 5 job, to the curve. Starting a blog can be a great way to do so.
How long will it take? There is no set time limit on how long, it’ll take for an income to happen. Everyone sees progress at different times. I made my very first commissions within 38 days. However, that is usually not the case for most people.
My recommendations would be to stay consistent. More importantly, publish as much quality content as you possibly can.
What Is A Blog?
A blog is a platform that holds your published articles in chronological order. In other words, the most recent post that you publish. Will be the very first article that you see on your blog roll whenever you enter your site.
On the other hand, the very first article that you wrote on your website will be on the very last page of your blog roll. So, all your first articles can get lost within the blog roll. If you do not internally link your articles. They’re considered the abandoned post.
Although this is important to learn, it is also an entirely new subject. So, I don’t want us to get off track with getting your blog up and running.
In addition to this, a blog thrives off, of engagement and liveliness. In other words, the more you create high-quality content and the more engagement you get to your website. The better your blog will do.
Of course, this comes over time. With practice and learning different techniques. Besides, no one is perfect when they first start off, I don’t care how successful they are today, they had to learn the same techniques that you will learn on your blogging journey.
Why Do People Start Blogs?
There are several reasons why people start a blog. A few reasons, that I can think of right now, are it’s a way to document your life journals.
Some people start blogs just for fun. They love writing and enjoy sharing their life stories or experiences.
On the other hand, there are those bloggers that want to make a full-time income from blogging. And blogging is a great way to do that.
Regardless, of your reasons for wanting to start blogging. It’s a great idea to get started now.
As a final point, a blog is your online real estate.
Your website can become a very valuable asset as time goes on. It’s also a way to connect with your readers and share your knowledge that you learned or would just like to talk about while helping others.
1. Choose Your Blog Topic
Ideally, you’ll want to choose a blog topic. Which is called a “niche” in the blogging world?
If you have no idea what a niche is or what topic to choose? That’s okay, you can always decide on your niche later.
Remember, you don’t want to just rush into things. This is a learning process and not a race.
Here are some ideas for blog niches:
- Lifestyle and Fashion
- Heath and fitness
- Finance or Budgeting
- Pets, like the dog niche
- Gaming or Electronics
- Food or Cookware
- A Travel Blog
- Parenting Blog
- Homeschooling
- Hunting and Fishing
- Camping or Hiking
- Work From Home or Start an online business
- Personal Development or Self Help
- Or you can become a creative blogger, like the blogger Angela.
PRO TIP: Research other bloggers websites and Pinterest profiles to see what they are blogging about and how they are monetizing their site. This can give you many ideas, to help you get started on the right foot.
Simply put a niche can be anything or any subject. However, it does need to be something that you’re willing to talk about long term.
To be profitable, in a niche you’ll want to pick a niche that solves peoples problems and write articles around the subject. Nonetheless, the niche that are listed above can be profitable but, that does not mean if you did not see your topic on the list, that your niche won’t be profitable.
Step 1: Choose A Blog Platform
First, you’ll want to choose a blogging platform. I would highly recommend going with WordPress.org. It’s what online bloggers consider “the real blogging platform.” More importantly, it’s 100% free for anyone to use. And it is an open source.
In order to get started with WordPress.org is to choose a domain name and a hosting package. Which I will go over those steps shortly.
If you, decide to start your blog with Bluehost, you don’t have to worry about choosing a blogging platform because, Bluehost uses nothing but, WordPress.org.
On the other hand, if you choose to start a blog with Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, or WordPress.com, you can still get your website hosted with Bluehost.com but, as stated earlier I would highly recommend WordPress.org. They power 32% of the internet.
You can read more information about that on CodeinWp website.
Are You Ready To Start Your Own Blog?
Once you sign up with Bluehost you’ll automatically be using WordPress.org. Click Here To Go To BlueHost.com
Once you arrive on BlueHost home page.
Click the Green button that says “Get Started Now”.
Step 2: Choose A Hosting Plan
First of all, what is hosting?
Hosting is a service that is provided to you by a hosting company. Such as BlueHost. In addition, to this, they will make sure your website can be viewed on the internet. Hosting is very important to have if you want your blog to be seen on the internet.
If you don’t have website hosting for your blog. It’s almost like having a nice and shiny new car with no gas. You’ll never be seen in that car because, it is on “E”. So, it is the same concept as your website.
No hosting, No Website Views.
On the other hand, if you don’t want your website to be seen on the internet by other people. Then, by all means, you do not need hosting, unless you want to have it.
There are 3 plans with BlueHost:
- Basic plan
- Plus plan
- Choice Plus plan
When selecting a BlueHost plan, you’ll want to select one according to your budget. The reason, why I recommend Bluehost. Besides their great customer service, it’s because, of their plans.
So, far from my research of hosting plans, they do have the cheapest plans. Even after your introductory rate is over.
I checked out Siteground which is another hosting site. Their prices after your introductory pricing have ended will be $11.95 per month.
To where as Bluehost, after their introductory pricing, has ended, it’s only $7.99. I’ll have to do a review on Siteground to compare the difference.
At any rate, that’s another day.
Which BlueHost Plan To Go With
I like to save money, so for the long haul. Personally, I would recommend going with the Plus or Choice Plus plan. If your budget allows this.
The reason being is both Plus and the Choice packages offer:
- You can have Unlimited websites
- Web space is also unmetered
- Plus you will have unlimited domain emails
- This includes unlimited email storage
- Unlimited parked domains and subdomains
- $200 included for your marketing offers
Of course, the Choice plus package has more features like SpamExperts, Domain Privacy and SiteBackup included but, the price on the Choice Plus is a little more expensive as well.
Another, reason I recommend the Plus or Choice Plus plan, is because, as your website grows, most likely your hosting package will grow too.
Any rate, we will be moving right along. If you, make any mistakes, no worries nothing is set in stone, until you officially pay BlueHost with your credit card. So, if you have chosen the wrong domain name or hosting package, you can change it before we hit the final submit button.
Step 3: Chose A Domain Name
After selecting your hosting plan. Now, you’ll want to choose a domain name. Your domain name will be the address to your website.
Your domain name is also considered an asset that you will own. Nobody will be able to take this away, as long as you’re paying the yearly fee and not violating any rules.
More importantly, you will be in full control over your domain, as mentioned earlier domains can increase in value as you build out your website. Just like real estate.
Another cool thing is, domains can rank into any search engine such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo. Which is a big deal when it comes to getting traffic to your site. Especially, if you are able to get on page one of the search engine and convert your sales.
4-Rules To Creating A Domain Name
- Don’t worry too much about putting keywords into your domain name. Although, keywords can have benefits. In fact, I have two keywords in my domain name and it was hard to find the name as well. You’ll soon find out, that most keyword rich domains are already taken. Regardless, of that, it is more important to publish high-quality content to your website consistently. Rather than, finding a keyword rich domain.
- Try to aim for a .com. The only reason I suggest Dot-coms, is because people are used to typing in dot-coms. On the other hand, there are all kinds of new domain extensions coming out. You can always try whatever resonates with you and your brand.
- You’ll also want to choose a brandable domain name. Be hip, be jazzy. It’s your brand and it will represent you and your website. On the other hand, make sure you like it at the end of the day.
- Take time and think over what domain name resonates well with you and what you’re going to be talking about.
The Hassle Of Changing A Domain Name
I suggest that you take time and make sure the domain name that you have chosen is right for you and your brand. I’ve changed my domain name three times and It’s not fun at all.
If you were to change your domain name later on down the road once you get traffic. You will lose all of your hard work. Changing a domain name is like starting a brand new website all over again.
Indeed, it is very easy to buy a new domain name. On the other hand, changing all of your social media accounts, emails, affiliate programs, Google analytics, and Bing account, and ad networks. It’s just a major hassle.
I didn’t even mention what needs to be changed within your WordPress or images, that you may have placed on your website with your old website name. Oh boy, it’s just a nightmare, that I am still recovering from.
Most bloggers will just tell you to choose a name and get it over with. Which can be a great idea, if you know exactly what you want to do or if you’re not afraid of making mistakes.
On the other hand, I am telling you the opposite, if you don’t fit into those categories. Think about your name before making a final decision.
PRO TIP: Of course, if you end of deciding to change your domain name later on down the road. It’s still okay, it happens to the best of us.
Whatever, you do please do not get stuck thinking about a domain name for too long. For this reason, you may never start.
Take some time and utilize the domain generators provided below. You don’t have to do that now. It can always be done once your BlueHost account is set up.
Domain Features
When signing up to a Bluehost plan, you’ll also want to keep in mind of the features that you may need for your domain. You may not know this already but when a domain name is purchased under your name or anyone else’s name at that matter.
Personal information is disclosed to the public. Unless you purchase the Domain Privacy Protection which is an additional $0.99 per month.
In addition to this, the Whois information is available to anyone on the internet. However, when you purchase the Domain Privacy Protection, your personal information will be protected from the public.
You don’t want anyone knowing where you live, do you? Or you don’t want random people to be able to contact you personally?
If not, I would recommend at least adding this to your domain features, when setting up your Bluehost account.
All other Package Extras are great to have but, it’s nothing that you need right now if your budget doesn’t allow it. They can always be added on at a later date.
Domain Name Generators
You’re doing great, keep reading and taking action.
Okay, hopefully by now you have come up with the perfect domain name. If you haven’t made a final decision, don’t worry.
There is always time to choose an awesome domain name later.
If you have never chosen a domain name before. You’ll want to enter your new chosen domain name into the “New Domain” box.
Like the picture below.
If you already have a domain name and would like to transfer your domain to BlueHost. You’ll enter your name into. “I Have A Domain Name” box.
Like the picture above.
If you’re still stuck and can’t decide. No, worries! You can always choose your domain name later. Remember choosing a great domain name that will last for a while is important. If you don’t want to have to go through the hassle of changing and updating all of your accounts in the future. Just take your time with the domain name.
Let’s Keep pushing forward, you’re almost there…
Step 4: Set Up Your BlueHost Account
On the next page, you will be directed to set up your account information. It’s very important to enter all the correct personal information. Especially, your email address. BlueHost will be sending you important account information to that email. Including your receipt.
PRO TIP: The business name field is optional. If you have an LLC. You can enter that information here if you would like.
If you don’t have an official LLC, yet. that’s fine you can use your personal name if you would like.
Now, choose the plan based on how far in advance you would like to pay. You’ll see options for 1, 2, 3, or 5 years in advance. In case if you’re wondering, BlueHost does not offer a monthly payment option.
12 Month Introductory Plan
24 Month Introductory Plan
36 Month Introductory Plan
60 Month Introductory Plan
Their plans are indeed the cheapest on the market, especially, if you choose to go this route.
At any rate, the cost of Bluehost hosting is not bad at all, right?
Especially, now that you will be owning your own website.
PRO TIP: The pricing packages that are offered by BlueHost are for the first year only. In other words, if you choose the 12-month plan, you’ll receive the low pricing for the first 12 months. After that, pricing will no longer be at the introductory price.
On the other hand, if you choose the 36-month plan. You’ll receive a longer discounted rate for 36 months. Hence, you’ll save more money by going with the longer plan, which is a great idea, to go with if you plan on blogging for at least 36 months.
Hang in there, you’re doing an awesome job, for getting this far.
Enter Your Payment Information:
After setting up your BlueHost plan. You can now set it and forget it. Please keep in mind that the introductory pricing only applies to the first term.
Regardless, if you are not happy with BlueHost services, there is a money back guaranteed for hosting and domain privacy.
PRO TIP: All plans with BlueHost automatically renew. Unless you set it to cancel. You may cancel BlueHosting at any time by calling their wonderful customer service at 1-855-984-4546.
After you have entered in all of your credit card information. Checkmark the box stating you agree to BlueHost terms. Then hit the green button that says “Submit”
Choose A Password For Your Account
You’ll want to choose a password for your BlueHost account. This is not the same password that you will be using to login into your WordPress account.
PRO TIP: It may be a great idea to write your password down. It’s certainly a hassle having to remember so many passwords.
Once you start blogging you’re going to have so many usernames and passwords, that you will need some kind of spreadsheet to keep track of them all.
After you have chosen your password. You’re all set and good to go. Click the green button that says “ Create Your Password”.
Congratulations You Have Successfully Created Your New BlueHost Password
A New Domain Takes 2 – 24 Hours To Complete
Now you can log into your WordPress. Before we go any further you’ll need to know that it can take anywhere from 2 to 24 hours for your domain name to fully register.
When your domain name is fully registered and ready for use. BlueHost will automatically switch the domain for you.
In the meantime, while you are waiting for your domain to be completely ready. You can still continue on with setting up your site.
A Coming Soon Page Will Display
Don’t worry, your site will display a “Coming Soon Page”. So, if someone happens to come across your website on the internet. They will see the “Coming Soon Page.” This page will display until you’re ready to fully launch your awesome articles.
In the case that you, transfer your domain to Bluehost there is no need for you to wait for your domain to register. You can carry on and set everything up when you are ready.
PRO TIP: If you ever need help with setting up your BlueHost account or any hosting issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out to BlueHost Support.
By the way, you’re doing an Awesome job…Let’s keep going…..
Step 5: Pick A Theme
Regardless, of what hosting company you go with. Most companies automatically offer you a free theme. You’ll have thousands of options for your theme choice. Choose the theme that works well with your brand.
Each theme has different options, such as some themes, you can’t change the footer credits while other themes you can change almost everything. Once you are settled in and have learned WordPress a little. Then you can decide if you would like to purchase a theme.
I personally would recommend going with a paid theme. They have a lot more options available, you’ll have theme support, and paid theme update regularly.
PRO TIP: BlueHost or any hosting company can only help you so much with your theme. Their job is not to help you repair your theme but, to help you with your hosting.
With that being said, it is very important to choose a theme that has some kind of support forum or email support. I have changed themes so many times, that is was ridiculous.
Nonetheless, when it comes to using a free theme they can definitely work until you can move over to a more efficient theme.
Which free theme will work seamlessly? Obviously, I never figured it out so, I have no idea. Plus there are so many, free themes available.
Free Themes
Free themes are not the worst thing in history but, they do come with a few flaws at times. They don’t always offer the same benefits of a paid theme. More importantly, free themes are not always updated. You can set your brand colors to red and the next day your entire site could be yellow.
I believe this is what they call, bugs or coding issues? I don’t know the correct wording. I just know that your theme can start acting a donkey out of nowhere. As I mentioned earlier this is something, you can worry about later on down the road.
After you have chosen the theme that will work with your brand.
You’re all set.
At this point, you should have set up your Bluehost account and your WordPress should also be installed.
Congratulations for getting this far. Welcome To WordPress
Step 6: Setting Up Your WordPress
This is the back office of your WordPress. The place where you will be spending most of your time. Creating and publishing away.
Keystroke by keystroke.
More importantly, you’ll notice the two blue buttons. One for business and the other for personal. You can choose whichever one you like.
If you don’t want to select either business or personal. Then you’ll select “I don’t need help.”
The “I don’t need help” option allows you to explore on your own.
Configure Your WordPress
Before publishing an article to your WordPress. I would recommend setting up a new user name. Your WordPress will automatically have an Admin as a user name but, you’ll want to personalize your author name to something else besides Admin.
The author name will be displayed every time you publish an article.
Your user name can be your personal name or nickname. Regardless, of whatever name you choose. You’ll want to fill out this information.
After filling out this information, you can now delete the Admin name or you can keep it. I kept mine my Admin user but, I never use it.
PRO TIP: If you have a website already built out with content.
Do not delete the admin user until you have adjusted your previous post that was written under the name as “admin.”
Before, deleting the “admin user” your articles will need to be placed under a new user. Like the new user name that you just created.
After selecting to delete admin, you may be asked: “Are you sure you want to delete?” Just select yes because at this point you’re starting off with a fresh new blog. And there is no post under this name.
Great job! You are moving along….
With that being said now, you’ll want to set your site title.
In the Site Title box: Place your website’s name. Usually, this is your domain name but, it’s your choice you can add any website name you would like.
The tagline: will represent your business. It needs to be short and catchy. If you can include keywords do so but, it needs to be done naturally.
Then you’ll enter your email address: The email that you enter into the email address field is the same email that you will receive all emails regarding your WordPress.
PRO TIP: I would recommend using the same email address that you used to set up your BlueHost account.
Everything else is already set and ready for you.
Oh, one more, thing you may want to set up your timezone appropriately. As this will help you when you’re scheduling post.
Okay so, that is all that needs to be changed in this area.
Click the red button that says” Save”.
Congratulations you’re all set and ready to rock it.
General Tips To Using Your WordPress
When you are ready to launch your post. You’ll be able to do this by clicking “Post” which is located on the left side of your WordPress panel. More importantly, the post will be part of your blog roll.
In other words, every post that you publish should automatically get displayed on your blog roll.
On the other hand, if you choose to create a page. the page will not be included in your blog roll. It will just display as a page, once you direct WordPress on what to do with it.
For example: like put the page in your menu or display it in your footer. If you want your readers it.
Anyhow, you’ll also notice that there is a post that says “Hello World” you’ll want to automatically delete that. Especially, if you don’t want it to display to your readers.
Post and Pages
They are different. As stated earlier post will fall into place with your blog roll. While pages are standalone. However, they both will appear on your websites.
Some important pages that I recommend you have, especially if you plan on monetizing your blog or collecting emails are to have the following pages displayed on your website. Either in the footer or sidebar of your website.
- Affiliate disclosure page
- Privacy Policy Page
- Disclaimer Page
- About Me Page
- And Contact Page if you choose to have one
Having these pages not only follows the law of the federal trade commission. Not only that, but it also will help you to have these pages, once you start applying for affiliate programs or ad networks because most companies check for them when you submit your application.
Adding Images
Before adding images to your site you’ll want to optimize them. I personally use Kraken and love them. They are easy and fast to use.
More importantly, they are free to get started with. I have been using them for a while and I have never been charged anything. Some other places that you can optimize your images for free are:
Needless to say, you’ll add images, by selecting the word “Media”. Place your cursor where you would like the image to appear, within your post or page. And then click upload media. Select the image off of your desktop and then upload the image to WordPress. The picture should then appear on your site.
Newsletters For Your Blog
Most bloggers, prefer to send a newsletter out.
Recommended Paid Themes
If you choose to go with a paid theme, I recommend Genesis which is one of the most powerful themes on the market. It is mobile optimized and desktop optimized. Your speed for both will be near 95%, which are awesome numbers as far as site speed.
However, I had Genesis and it took a lot of time to learn it. Plus, I did not know too much CSS and HTML coding. So, I had to jump ship.
Nonetheless, if you have no coding experience. I would highly recommend Elegant Themes, which is a lot easier to use for those who do not want to deal with coding. Needless, to say there are many other themes that are available as a premium theme.
Do your research and choose the theme that goes with your brand.
Plugins
In addition to this, you’ll have the option of downloading any plugin you like. I do not recommend downloading too many plugins when you first start off because this can drastically slow down your website.
The Plugins I Currently Use Are:
-
- EWWW Image Optimizer – increase your page speed by the way of optimizing your images.
- All In One SEO – used for search engine optimization
- Pretty links – makes your links look pretty by using your own domain name
- Social Warfare– Allows your readers to share your post more freely. Plus, they are the only plugin that I found so far that allows you to pin a Pinterest image directly to your profile. Which makes life a lot easier.
- GDPR Cookie Consent – you’ll need this to let your readers know that your website complies with the EU Cookie Law.
- Askimet – Keeps the spam comments away
SEO Plugin
More importantly, for SEO purposes, you’ll definitely need to add this plugin. All In One SEO plugin or Yoast is highly recommended. They are both great plugins.
You’ll need this for Search engine optimization purposes. I personally have used both plugins and I have nothing bad to say about either. Currently, I am using All-In-One-SEO Pro Version.
PRO TIP: You don’t need to purchase the premium version of either. I just choose to see the difference.
Another reason why I didn’t stick with Yoast Premium it’s because it did not work with my current theme. I contacted Yoast support and they basically, could not do anything for me. So, I decided to go with All-In-One-SEO, and don’t regret it. Plus All-One-SEO has an affiliate program. Yoast does not have an affiliate program at this time.
A Logo For Your Site
I know you have a lot of work to do and think about, but, when you get time. Here is a tutorial that I have prepared for you on “How To Create A Logo With Canva? “
Once again Congratulations for getting this far.
You’re on your way to the blogging life.
I really do wish you the best with your success.
Even better you should be proud of yourself, because, I am definitely proud of you, f you made it all the way through this tutorial and got your Bluehost account setup.
If You Need Help Learning To Monetize A Blog
If you prefer not to go at this alone. I and many other experts can help guide you along the way. I encourage you to check out how I learned to build my blog with step by step training.
The step by step training includes affiliate marketing training, hosting, and website development.
It’s almost like an online marketing university, with over 1.4 million entrepreneurs to collaborate with.
Please read this post. In my opinion, it was the most cost-effective way to start an online business, especially, if you are new to blogging.
In addition to this, you’ll learn how to start a blog, make money from it, and become part of the WA family.
Questions?
How did your Bluehost account setup go? Have you published your first article? Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions, please leave them below. I would be glad to help you…
Sharing Is Caring
By the way, Can you do me a favor? Please share this post with your friends and family. Especially, if they are wondering how to start a blog. I would greatly appreciate it.
Oh yeah, one more favor, can you please pin the image at the bottom? Thanks so much for your support.