This post contains affiliate links, meaning: if you decide to use the links featured I will a earn commission at no extra cost to you. See the disclosure below for more information.
This page is designed to help you start your blog and features a step by step guide of the set up process!
Why I Started a Blog?
I started my journey blogging in search of self-expression. I wanted to share my passions and gain more control of the direction my life was heading. If I started a valuable blog, I could monetize it in the future which could lead to greater financial freedom. Even if my blog didn’t become successful, I would still be able to say I have real life experience in writing blog articles, social media marketing, and content planning which could lead me to a new career path in the future.
Disclosure: I use Bluehost for the Creative and Ambitious Blog. As a Bluehost Affiliate, I will earn a commission if you use this link to start a blog of your own. Using this link allows me to keep the content on my blog free. There are affiliate links throughout this page.
What I’ve Learned from Starting a Blog
I have learned so much from blogging, but when I first started my blog, I was overwhelmed by how little I understood about the technical side of blogging. My writing skills could improve and I knew what I wanted to write about, but I never thought about the process of setting up my blog. I had minimal experience using WordPress and really didn’t know the difference between starting a blog through a blogging platform or starting with a separate hosting service. I didn’t even understand what a hosting service was. (If you do, you’re already further ahead than I was!)
I started my blog at the end of December 2019, and it took me over a month to get the formatting just the way I wanted it. Granted, I was working 50 hours a week and kept procrastinating the launch my site, but looking back, I’m so glad I finally did. I have found so much joy in growing my blog. I continue to learn new things everyday and honestly, I think that is part of why I love it so much. It is so rewarding to be on a journey of improvement and growth. It keeps my mind busy and focused. (Over-thinkers, like me, should really consider starting a blog!)
Since starting my lifestyle blog, I have learned so much and I continue to learn new things daily. For example, some of the technical skills I have learned or improved include:
- Copywriting and Editing skills
- Search Engine Optimization (thanks to the Yoast Plugin)
- Platforms such as Hootsuite, Canva, Convertkit, SurveyMonkey
- Utilizing Analytics to Increase Engagement
- Editing Themes on WordPress
- Installing Plug-ins and Custom HTML Codes
- Starting and Maintaining an Email List
- Email and Social Media Marketing
- Content Planning and Creation
If you’re still on the fence about starting your blog, check out my blog post on the benefits of blogging! This post talks about benefits for individuals and also the benefits of blogging for business.
Why I Chose Bluehost & Why You Should Too
I decided to use Bluehost for my blog because I wanted to own the content that I produce. Bluehost allows me the ability to monetize my blog on my terms. I have the freedom to run ads, use affiliate links, and to grow my site into a business. With Bluehost, you have more flexibility in how you want to run your blog and your business.
If you decide to use my Bluehost link, you will also get a free domain name for a year with your purchase of hosting services for 12 or more months. One of the reasons I have been so happy with Bluehost, and why I recommend it to new bloggers, is because of the blog setup checklist it provides! The checklist also has links that will help you learn how to do each step, like set a favicon (Again, I didn’t even know what that was!). Bluehost also offers technical support if you run into any issues along the way.
Bluehost offers different tiered plans that make the start your blog even more affordable. I started this blog with the basic plan and I am still using it today. What I pay for my blog monthly is cheaper than what a latte costs! (And I drink a TON of lattes in a month).
The Technical Side of Setting Up Your Blog with Bluehost
This guide will help you each step of the way until you have your very own blog. This is a very exciting journey you are about to embark on!
Step 1: Register Your Domain Name
The first step in the process is to register your domain name. This was probably the hardest step for me because I couldn’t decide what to call my blog! You can play around with this domain search bar to see if the name you are considering are available.
The picture below is what you should see if you click on this link to start your blog with Bluehost:
Once you click the Get Started button, the next screen should look like this. Here you will see the details of each plan that Bluehost offers. I selected the Basic plan and that is the best plan to start out with as you can always upgrade your plan in the future.
Once you select your plan, you will choose your domain. If you found one available from the search bar above, you can type it in on the left. If you have already purchased your domain, enter it in the box on the right.
2. Buying Your Domain and Web Hosting
During this step you will fill out your account information, and insert your payment information.
Notice below, in the light blue text box, there is a money-back guarantee. You can also change your payment information in the future by calling customer support.
Once you click submit, you should see the screen below. Here, you have the opportunity to choose the length of plan. I started with the 24 month plan and would recommend this or the 36 month plan. The longer plan you choose, the better price you get when you start your blog.
As far as the add-ons, I would choose the Domain Privacy Protection as this protects you contact information. As far as the rest, you don’t need them now and can always add them on later if you change your mind.
If you are having trouble clicking submit, remember that this is an investment in your future. When you start your blog, it could lead to a future of financial, creative, and personal freedom. If you are serious about blogging and you put in the work, you can be successful and create the life you want to live.
If your screen looks like the image below, CONGRATULATIONS! You now have a domain and a hosting service. You are halfway there! Continue on to get logged into your account by clicking ‘go to login’ to start your blog.
Continue to your account by entering a password. The next step is where the fun begins!
3. Install WordPress on Bluehost
Installing WordPress can be done in one click and WordPress is completely free to use on Bluehost. Installing WordPress allows you to get started building and formatting your site.
Continue on by filling out the form that follows. For my blog, I typed in the site name as ‘Creative and Ambitious’. Next, complete the tagline. My tagline is ‘A Girl with Lofty Goals’. The tagline just gives a little bit more information about your brand or blog. Before hitting ‘continue’, select if you want to create an online store, a blog, or both!
Next, complete the question below. Select the types of activities that you plan to do on your site. I selected: Share my ideas, photos, stories, or videos to get started. Then, select one of the circles based on how comfortable or familiar you are with creating a website.
Now comes the fun part! Now you get to select the theme of your blog. This is basically choosing the format or look you want for your blog. You can always change your theme later to get a different look for your blog.
Once you have your theme, you can continue on to edit your website. The picture below is what your Bluehost homepage will look like. You will also see the blog set up checklist featured below.
I found this checklist extremely helpful in the beginning when I was trying to figure out how to set up my blog. I also felt that completing the checklist helped me feel like I was ready to launch my site.
If you’ve reached the bottom of this article and followed the steps, you are now the proud owner of a blog! May this be the start of your financial, creative, and personal freedom! If you started a business blog, this is the start of your next chapter! A chapter of growth and connection to your customers.
If you have any questions when starting up your blog, feel free to send me an email at: sarahelizabethmanagement@gmail.com. I’d be happy to help!
Congratulations and Happy Blogging!!
