Creating a successful blog is everyone’s dream these days. Here’s how to start a blog on WordPress for the year 2021, a simple process to make and develop your website in India, the USA, or anywhere in the world to get more visitors. Following through within minutes that website should be on the server and working. Let’s begin making that website from scratch for complete beginners.
Steps on How to start a blog on WordPress
1. Find a Domain Name
The first step to starting a blog on WordPress is choosing and finding a domain name for Your Blog. It’s the first step on how to Start a WordPress Blog For Free. Any website on the web developed uses a web address, commonly referred to as a “domain” name. Make a blog on WordPress with any domain name of your choice. I recommend you buy affordable cheap names from Namecheap or Godaddy. These are the best leading domain registrars and web hosting management in America and the United Kingdom.
Choosing domain extension
Domain extensions define the authority of a domain through the internet. It’s a set of strings, called the identifier for naming purposes and allocating web addresses (gTLDs, ccTLDs, and nTLDs).
A .COM extension is most common and available to call your website name. Others include .ORG, .CO, .NET, etc. Domain extension must represent what your website is about. For instance, .EDU is good for education websites and blogs. But you can use any blog extension, for any type of content.
*How to choose a blog niche
Starting a blog and choosing a niche is the simplest thing to do. You just need to find what interests you. Blogging, previously considered a hobby due to facts, early in the days it just about voicing out.
Bloggers put information on the internet. Which can be from technology, cars, education, music, fashion, blogging, etc. In simple terms just follow your passion and start blogging on WordPress.
*New Domains Vs Expired Domains
Buy your domain from scratch. This has some advantages but disadvantages as well. Coming up with your own domain gives you the advantage to draft the name you need.
New domains take time to get indexed and develop some authority to compete on searches. Therefore, be patient with newly purchased domains. It takes time before new blogs can have traffic. Even though you might easily get traffic within days, blogs take three to seven months to generate authority.
Old domain s are good with search engine appearance. You don’t need to start from scratch building up some authority on the domain. Old expired domains have already indexed pages. Google and other search engines are already familiar with such previous websites.
Check for spam before buying expired domains. Ensure no penalization recorded from google in the past. Expired domain spam levels can use Semrush and this platform to check previously penalized websites.
2. Choose a Web Hosting Plan
The second step is selecting a good hosting company. Making a blog on WordPress has intensively increased and over the years most companies have introduced WordPress hosting plans.
Dream host offers the best packages and best-tailored WordPress hosting plans from as low as $50.00 dollars per year. Signup today to start your WordPress hosting plan and get a 50% discount on plans.
All these plans come with 97 Days money-back guarantee. In case you decide to change your mind. Probably the package does not interest you or is simply just not good enough for your needs.
It comes with an automated WordPress migration plugin, in case you’re moving from one previous host. 100% running resource with zero to no downtime if you migrate using Dream host’s automatic migration plugin.
You do not need any technical or expert knowledge to host your website on Dreamhost. Simply Choose your plan and get started. There’s a 24hr support team to help you with further questions and support every step o the way.
*Sign up for Hosting
The fourth step in making a website on WordPress is completing your sign-up process. If you chose Dream host for this or any other hosting company. The process should be similar.
Step 1: Go to the Dream host main panel and homepage. The website is quickly accessed on this link. On the top right corner, you should see two tabs-one for getting started and another for login in if you’re a returning customer.
Step 2: Choose the type of hosting plan you want. Should see three options; Shared hosting, Dream press, and VPS plan.
Shared hosting should give you a great head start and more especially if you’re a newbie. Dreampress is specifically made for WordPress. It gives management and superb high performance to any website running on your server and focuses on growing your business.
VPS suits all website levels from new to those with tons of traffic, providing you with trusted Virtual Private Servers for your websites.
Step 3: The third step is to add a domain name to the hosting plan you chose. Alternatively, you can choose from a previously owned domain or register a new one. Select to choose domain later, and the domain can be imported or registered through the main hosting panel.
*Complete Web Hosting Registration
Complete the payment method and activate your hosting subscription plan by linking banking details with your account. Dream host again offers more than one payment method, from VISA, Debit card, check, and PayPal.
Check out through payment type of choice. You will get an email with the user name for accessing the account. Look for the password in the same message and further instructions are in the email.
If an email does not appear, kindly check the spam folders of your email and whitelist all emails from Dream host.
*Create database
To start a blog on WordPress, any website needs resource software that keeps and organizes data. Databases are accessed electronically through computers. Store information from user passwords, emails, templates, and website structures also links within websites and web applications.
*How to create a WordPress database
Step 1: Sign into Dream host admin panel. Then on the left side of the admin panel, choose MySQL Databases.
Step 2: To start a blog on WordPress, choose and Add new Database: Then proceed to the next screen.
Step 3: Enter database details in the required sections:
This should include Database name, Host name, personal user name, and password. Tip: set a very strong password, which must be a combination of special characters, upper case and lower cases including numeric keys. For example; 145yyBB! should be a password so no one can easily guess it and gain access to your Database.
*Fully Host Your Domain
Step 1: Go to domains then select manage domains
Assuming you have successfully created the Database, the next step is to proceed and fully host the domain name. On the same dashboard but at the top, go to domains, then choose manage domains.
Step 2: Select Add Hosting to a Domain / Subdomain
Then start adding the domain, add the Database which we created above to the domain and choose if to be installed in the root folder or sub folder. Next, choose the preferred PHP version, and whether to include www extension on the domain or not.
To start a blog on WordPress, finally include Cloudflare to the domain, for speed improvement. If you’re done, proceed to the final step of hosting a domain with Dream host.
Step 3: Select Fully host Domain to complete the process
3. Install WordPress
Time to begin installing WordPress for our website, so we can start a blog on WordPress. There are two possible ways of installing WordPress software on the webserver, which include through the dashboard and manual installation via FTP which is a file transfer protocol.
We will cover both methods of installing WordPress on the server in this guide. To install through the web hosting dashboard you must be a logged user into the account with some Admin privileges.
WordPress manual installation requires FTP Admin privileges. Install a valid password and hostname for the domain WordPress.
Let’s begin!
*Automatic WordPress Installation
WordPress requires you to perform an installation of the software to get started. Installation can be done through two methods, either an auto-installation of WordPress or through a manual file transfer protocol (FTP).
To install WordPress with one click. On your WordPress main dashboard in the dream host panel, Go to dashboard then WordPress. A group of packages will be open which includes Joomla, Drupal, and WordPress.
*Manual WordPress Installation (FTP)
Performing a WordPress installation is very easy and not that complected even for newbies. Ensure to first download and install FileZilla on your computer and start a blog on WordPress. How to Start a WordPress Blog For Free involves learning FileZilla, an FTP software or application which allows communication between server and client.
Both versions for Mac and Windows on the main website must be available. Let’s do a manual installation via FileZilla file.
Installation requirements:
- FTP username: To log into your domain root folder a user name is required. It’s the same name you allocated to the database during settings in the top section.
- FTP password: This is the same as the password for a database you wish to access.
- Hostname: Finally hostname, refers to a domain URL or server name. Most hosting companies provide this information. In our case the server name is derby@dreamhost.com.
Step 1: Download WordPress
Download content management software which is WordPress to your computer. Content management systems help run and manage website files, and content which includes themes. Visit wordpress.org/download, depending on current internet speed it should be done within a few minutes.
Step: Locate the folder Containing WordPress Files
Find a folder containing WordPress. Most of these files should be in Computer/drive/downloads folder for windows. Finally, unzip the files as shown above on the image.
Step 3: Upload Files
After logging into your server through FTP. Select all the files that contain WordPress, then drop on the root domain for your website. Preferably, make a sub-folder.
Wait for files to finish uploading to the server from the computer. After confirming all files have been completed, move to the next phase.
*WordPress Manual Configurations
It is important that the website’s files and database are configured with the correct settings. Follow through on how to Start a WordPress Blog For Free by ensuring settings in an important file WP-config.php have been set.
WP-Config file Settings
WP-config settings can be done by opening the file after downloading it to the desktop. Choose a text editor of your choice. In my case, I’m going to be using Sublime text to enter server configuration settings.
Step 1: Open WP-config file using sublime text.
After opening the file, you should be able to edit the information shown in the image below. Check for relevant fields that require username configuration, hostname, and password.
Step 2: Enter the following information DB_NAME, DB_USER, and DB_PASSWORD.
DB-NAME, should be assigned with Database name. DB-USER is the name for users with access to the Database and finally DB-PASSWORD, which is the password for that particular user who corresponds with the Database.
*Log into WordPress Dashboard
Assuming the database is properly configured tour website must respond. Note sometimes DNS propagation can take up to 24 hours. On this website, you can check DNS name servers have already propagated to point to the correct web host IP address.
- On your browser window type https://techguruhere.com/wp-admin. Make sure to replace our website URL with yours. The screenshot below will appear, or something similar.
- Next enter the Admin Email and click on reset password. Since it’s the first time login you must perform a password reset.
- Check Admin Email linked with website for password reset message, and click the link.
- Finally set a new password. Mix uppercase and lowercase, including numbers if necessary.
4. Purchase Theme (WordPress Template)
Remember above, we stated WordPress has over 1 million templates but you can purchase a good look premium website to give your website a good looking structure.
*Where to Buy WordPress Themes
There are so many places you can get a premium Theme for your website. But Envato and Theme forest is where we recommend you get your Theme. Prices range from $30.00 to $150 depending on the quality and template you’re looking for.
Free WordPress themes work just fine but premium themes have extended support and regular updates, hence ensuring your content remains safe and protected.
5. Install Your WordPress Template
Begin customizing your theme. To install the WordPress theme Go to appearance. Then select themes and choose install theme to import a theme. WordPress has some preinstalled themes, of which you can select from and begin using it for your website.
*Install Free WordPress Plugins
Plugins refer to any software that increases the functionality of WordPress websites. Out of the box, WordPress is limited in what it can do. Plugins are also very helpful with security and hardening your website. To install WordPress plugins, Go to plugins, then select Add new plugins. You can choose to import or just search on your plugin dashboard section for the name of the plugin.
6. Optimize Your Website’s SEO
Search engine optimization is an important thing to grasp for new bloggers, more especially for just created WordPress websites. Tip #6 to start a blog on WordPress. Ensure to perform and create a good SEO strategy. Optimize pages, and posts for targeted keywords.
Install the YOAST plugin which has both paid and free versions. Search engine optimization entails good linking. Make sure posts are found through search and internal linking within posts with similar content.
7. Publish Your First Blog Post
Congratulations you have successfully created your first WordPress blog. Go ahead and publish that first post to your readers. It can take a few days before the newly published website can appear on Google search. Don’t forget to create a Google search console account, after learning how to Start a WordPress Blog For Free and analytics for monitoring users and engagements.
Yesterday, I discovered 10 reasons why my website is not showing up on Google. Gladly, I fixed the issues on that WordPress blog, and in this guide, I’m going to show you techniques, and reasons most WordPress websites don’t appear on search engines.
We had just put up this website. I did everything myself and am a SEO expert and developer. Therefore, it was so assuring it could work properly. It takes a long time for websites to rank on searches. But, it won’t take long to show up on Google.
Implementing some of the techniques I’m going to teach you in this guide. Within minutes, the site appeared on searches and the problem of my website is not showing up on google ceased to exist.
This web site can be a stroll-by for all of the information you wanted about this and didnt know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and youll definitely discover it.
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back down the road. All the best
Generally I don’t read article on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice post.
Thank you for your feedback. You’re welcome to check back for more!
This design is wicked! You certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Valuable information. Lucky me I found your website by accident, and I’m shocked why this accident did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You are wonderful! Thanks!
I wrote it..Glad you liked and enjoyed it 🙂
Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
Yes we do have a twitter handle. https://twitter.com/techguruhere
I’m really impressed along with your writing abilities as well as with the structure in your weblog. Is that this a paid subject or did you customize it yourself? Anyway stay up the nice high quality writing, it is uncommon to look a great weblog like this one today..
Thank you for your thought on my article. Honestly I’m thrilled and glad to help. I wrote the article myself!
[…] Start a Blog […]
Wow! Thank you! I constantly needed to write on my blog something like that. Can I implement a fragment of your post to my website?
No we take copyright infringements seriously and we might report your website to Google..
Its such as you learn my mind! You seem to grasp a lot approximately this, like you wrote the e-book in it or something. I believe that you just could do with some p.c. to power the message home a bit, but instead of that, that is fantastic blog. An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.
I just like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and test once more right here frequently. I am somewhat sure I will learn plenty of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the following!
There may be noticeably a bundle to learn about this. I assume you made certain nice points in options also.
It’s in reality a great and useful piece of information. I am happy that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
Hello. Great job. I did not imagine this. This is a splendid story. Thanks!
Whoa! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a entirely different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Superb choice of colors!
I appreciate, cause I found exactly what I was looking for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
Its such as you read my mind! You appear to understand a lot about this, such as you wrote the guide in it or something. I think that you simply could do with a few p.c. to power the message house a little bit, however instead of that, this is great blog. A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.
Quality articles, I am waiting for your next article. keep working
Thanks that would be great!
Hi this is somewhat of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to
get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!
HTML runs on almost all websites because its a markup language for creating static websites. It can be combined with other languages such as PHP to make dynamic websites and web apps. Learn HTML, CSS, java script and PHP or any other server side language like java or python. Hope this answers your question?
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
You’re welcome!
You are a very intelligent individual!
Thank you
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Thanks I will surely continue delivering my best work. Cheers!
Normally I don’t read post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, very nice article.
I have read some good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to make such a fantastic informative web site.
Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m
inspired! Extremely useful info specifically
the closing section 🙂 I deal with such information much.
I was seeking this certain information for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across
this board and I in finding It truly helpful & it helped me out much.
I’m hoping to offer something again and aid others such as you aided me.
Hello there! I just wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for your great information you’ve got here on this post.
I am returning to your blog for more soon.
Thank you!
Hi I am so delighted I found your webpage, I really found you by accident, while I
was looking on Askjeeve for something else, Anyways I am
here now and would just like to say thank you for
a incredible post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at
the moment but I have saved it and also included
your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please
do keep up the superb jo.
You made several fine points there. I did a search on the issue and found a good number of folks will have the same opinion with your blog.
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether
this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem.
You are incredible! Thanks!
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This post posted at this
website is really good.
Excellent post. Keep posting such kind of information on your blog.
Im really impressed by your site.
Hi there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I will definitely digg it and in my view suggest to my friends.
I am sure they’ll be benefited from this web site.
Nice blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your theme. Thanks
Its a premium theme!
I think other website proprietors should take this site as an model, very clean and magnificent user genial style and design, let alone the content. You are an expert in this topic!
Please let me know if you’re looking for
a writer for your site. You have some really good articles and I believe I would be a good asset.
If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to
write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
Please blast me an email if interested. Regards!
Alright!
I’m very happy to read this. This is the type of manual that needs to be given and not the accidental misinformation that’s at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc.
you’re really a good webmaster. The site loading speed is amazing. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you have done a excellent job on this topic!
Thank you so much
Good info. Lucky me I came across your blog by accident (stumbleupon).
I have bookmarked it for later!
Thank you for taking that step
I am now not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic.
I must spend some time learning more or understanding more.
Thank you for magnificent information I used to be looking
for this information for my mission.
whoah this weblog is fantastic i love studying your posts. Keep up the good work! You understand, many people are looking around for this information, you could help them greatly.
Hi! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I
came to look it over. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m
bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Superb blog and wonderful design.
I am often to running a blog and i actually respect your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and preserve checking for brand spanking new information.
Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
This is awesome, Ill be sure to share.