Do you want to start a blog? Blogging with WordPress is great but it can be scary to start especially if you are not technically minded. Don’t worry, you aren’t alone, and many people have the same fear, but it can be so simple.
If you want to start a blog, then we would recommend using WordPress. No scary coding or jargon here. Whether you are a beginner or a blogging aficionado looking for a new platform, WordPress can be as simple or complicated as you would like to make it.
Keep reading to find out more about WordPress, tips on how to write a blog and how to upload your very own blog!
What is WordPress?
WordPress is the simplest, most popular way to create your own website or blog!
Yes, really! In fact, WordPress powers over 43.3% of all the websites on the Internet. That means that more than one in four websites that you visit are likely powered by WordPress.
The best thing about it is that WordPress makes building a website accessible to anyone – even people who aren’t developers.
You can use WordPress to make all kinds of websites and blogs. You may primarily want to start blogging with WordPress, but if you are a business owner then you can also create:
- Business websites
- eCommerce stores
- Blogs
- Portfolios
- Social networks
- Membership sites
- …and pretty much anything else you are looking for!
There are two forms of WordPress which you need to know the difference between.
- WordPress.org, which is commonly called self-hosted WordPress, is the free, open-source WordPress software that you can install on your own web host to create a website that’s 100% yours.
- WordPress.com is a for-profit, paid service that is powered by the WordPress.org software. It’s simple to use, but you don’t have as much flexibility in comparison.
When discussing WordPress, people usually refer to the self-hosted WordPress and if you would like to truly own your own website then it will be the best option for you.
Setting Up Your Blog
Firstly, before you can start blogging, you need to set up your blogging platform. We recommend using WordPress.org for your blog.
All you need to set up your blog is a domain name and web hosting!
A domain name is what people type to get to your website. It’s your website’s address on the internet. Think google.com or creativeintime.com
Web hosting is where your website files live. It’s like you’re a house for your website on the internet. Every website NEEDS web hosting.
We would recommend using Bluehost as your hosting provider as it is one of the oldest web hosting companies on the internet and is recommended by WordPress itself! Let us explain how to set up your Bluehost:
- Open up Bluehost in another tab
- Click the ‘Host Your Site’ button
- Choose your plan (we would recommend the basic plan if you only need one site and are a beginner)
- Enter your domain name
- Fill in required information to create your account
- Confirm how long you want your hosting to be
- Continue to payment
- And done!
To connect your Bluehost to WordPress, you need to click the tab called ‘marketplace’ and follow it to one-click installs. You need to click install on the WordPress product and select your site name and tagline, and then select your domain name.
Once WordPress has been installed, you’ll be notified by BlueHost, along with your installation details, username, password, and the option to login to your new WordPress website straight away. Go login to see what your website looks like so far.
When you have logged in, WordPress will ask if you need help setting up your website, you can select yes or no depending on if you need help. Regardless of your choice, once you are ready to launch your website, simply select ‘Bluehost’ from your navigation bar and click ‘launch’.
How To Write a Blog
Blogging is a great way to spread information and there are a few components which you need:
- Title: Tell the reader WHAT they are going to read. Avoid clickbait or vague titles as these will cause your readers to bounce off your content, sending bad signals to Google.
- Introduction: Introduce the blog, what is it about? What can readers expect to learn? Don’t be afraid to show your personality!
- Background Information: Include/explain any information that may be needed before answering the question. Imagine your mum is reading your content, would she understand what you are talking about without any context? Use this section of a blog to explain the details as if this is the first time your reader is hearing about this topic (which it very well could be!).
- Answer the Question: Answer the question clearly and honestly. You can voice an opinion however present the facts clearly and without bias.
- Outro: Include links to any relevant products, to your shop, your social media accounts or to other related blogs. ALWAYS link to something. Explain what your blog/business is about and why people should keep up to date with your latest content.
We recommend blogging weekly to build up traction and get ranking on Google. Blogging is a sure-fire way to keep your website fresh and inviting, it keeps your website active and keeps people on your website for longer. A quality blog gives other sites a reason to link back to your site which can build trust.
Uploading Your Blog
Once you have written a blog, you need to get it live on your website. To write a blog post, click on ‘Posts’ and then ‘Add New’ on your WordPress dashboard.
You will see an editor area where you can write your first blog post!
You need to transfer your blog information onto WordPress and then there are many extras which you can add in such as:
- Subheadings
- Images
- Bullet points
- Links
- Categories
And more!
Once you are done, you can click the preview button at the top right to see how your blog will look and then click publish when you are ready for it to go LIVE!
And just like that, you have a blog live! Keep posting and marketing your blogs to get readers and rank higher on Google.
If you think blogging will benefit your business (which it totally would) but you aren’t sure that you can write quality blogs then get in touch now. Everyone knows content is king. From Blogging with WordPress to Infographics and Case Studies, we will get your business noticed.
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