How To Start a Blog
73Thinking of Starting a Blog?
I think everyone should have a blog. However, few know how to actually do it. Because to do it right takes a bit of knowledge that is mostly learned the hard way. So, here is a short guide to starting a blog.
- Get a domain. I suggest using http://GoDaddy.com since they also have hosting.
- Get a hosting account for wordpress. Wordpress is free, but most hosting accounts that are customizable are not. I think GoDaddy is 3 dollars per month. So it's not too much.
- Install WordPress in the root directory. GoDaddy will automatically install it for you with a few clicks. Just go to your hosting account on GoDaddy and click on content and then metropolis. Metropolis is a system to install many things including WordPress.
- Next, you'll need a theme. WordPress themes are everywhere, but I suggest http://getk2.com. Download the theme and then add it to your WordPress theme account.
- You can customize your theme with a header graphic if you want. But, you don't have to.
- Next turn on friendly URLs in WordPress called permalinks. This is good for search engines and having easy urls to remember.
- The theme will come with an RSS feed, but you'll want to use feedburner and the feedburner plugin for word press. Installing plugins are easy, just copy them into the plugin folder and use WordPress to activate them. Feedburner provides statistics of how many RSS subscribers you have. http://feedburner.com
- Then you'll want to get a Google Analytics account to keep track of the rest of your site's statistics. http://google.com/analytics. Next, you'll want to add analytics to your blog.
- Ok, that's it. It takes a few hours and then you'll be up and running.
From there you may start hearing about plugins. Plugins are great and let you do just about anything. You'll want to learn how to install plugins.
This guide is a little rough, but I just went through the process for a new blog I'm writing on the way to work. It's called Train Thoughts.
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
Comments
Excellent information thank you Paul
Good information. I will try.
Paul, I think you should point out the downfalls associated in having your domain and hosting account in the same place before encouraging people to do so. Obviously ease is the reason most people do but it is still not advisable.
Blogs are an awesome way to get the word out about various topics or yourself. Just like anything else there is a learning curve that you must master and be ready to make changes on the fly. I currently use wordpress to make a nice income online by using it as a CMS, that is not the true use of the platform but it works for me, I also have non monetized blogs which are more "bloglike" (is that a word?)
I think a blog about the creation, triumphs and defeats of your process in creating HubPages would be awesome!
Regards,
Paul Rushing
I guess it depends on how you define downfall. In general, I think it's fine to host a blog at the same place you register your domain if they have good hosting. There is better hosting than GoDaddy, but it's not a bad option to get started.
I know a lot of people who love WordPress but I've never really liked it.. I'm a blogger girl, myself. Love it!
I'm a blogger gal too.
Blogger is OK except if they want to take you off air they can and they have to people in the past. Also you loose any PR if you move to your own domain down the track. I used to like blogger but now I am a WordPress convert!
Paul Edmondson says:
2 years ago
Good Question Tim! WordPress themes are a way to design the layout of your blog.