This post is dedicated to my dear friend, and amazing author, Laury.
Following are the basic steps to getting started with setting up a Word Press blog.
Step 1. Your Domain Name
In my opinion, the importance of your domain name should not be underestimated.
Choose your domain name around a solid keyword phrase that people are likely to search if they want to find a site that offers what your site will offer.
Google and other search engines (at least as of today) often trust “domain matches” and honor them by giving them higher ranking. Do your best to ALWAYS grab a “.com” domain, and there should be no “-” in the name, if possible.
I use GoDaddy for all my domain searches and purchases. They are available 24×7 if you have questions or technical issues. I’ve only had to call them twice, but each time their customer service has been incredible. And, you can always find coupon codes by searching Google to save even more money. Their domains are typically under $10.
Step 2. Hosting
I use HostGator, and I highly recommend it.
Their customer service, reliability and tutorials on “how to” are exceptional. They are also very inexpensive at less than $10 per month for unlimited sites|domains|blogs on that one account.
I also love that HostGator is “green” and use wind energy for powering their servers!
If you use the banner link to the left, or the link above and then use the coupon code “Wordpress”, you’ll get your first month for a penny!
Step 3. Nameserver Information
Check your email. You’ll have an email there from Hostgator with some information that you’ll need back at the GoDaddy website. Write down the “nameserver” information provided to you in your Hostgator email. Now login to GoDaddy and select the domain manager option.
You will now revise your nameserver information to match the two Hostgator gave you in their email. You’ll see a message that says it can take anywhere from a few to 24+ hours for this to transfer. In my experience, it will do so within a few hours.
Step 4. Install WordPress!
You can either wait for the domain to transfer to Hostgator, or you can get to your Hostgator control panel (cpanel) via the link in the email they sent you. Once you are there, login. From the control panel, scroll down to Fantastico or Fantastico De Luxe.
You’ll see a list of options on the left side. Under “Blog” you’ll find Wordpress. Click it and follow the directions. Your new WordPress blog will install quickly and automatically. Very simple.
Step 5. Select Your WordPress Theme/Skin
For this, you can simply Google Free WordPress themes, or visit my Resources page for additional options. Find the theme you like and download it to your computer desktop for ease of finding the file.
Now we’re going to upload the theme to your FTP server – or if you use Hostgator, this can be done very easily from your cpanel. Head back over to your Hostgator Cpanel and go to File Manager.
Go to the folder wp-content and click on it. Now click on the “themes” folder and then click “Upload” (found as a tab at the top). Now select the file from your desktop and it will upload to your hosting account.
Now click on the theme itself and in the top right corner you’ll see “extract”. Click extract. Now you’re ready to head on over to your WordPress site.
Step 6. Activate Your New Theme.
Open WordPress and go to your Dashboard. From here select Presentation. You should see your new theme as one of the options. Click on it and in the very top right corner of your site you’ll see the option to “Activate Theme”, or something similar to this. Click on it, and your new theme should be activated!
Step 7. WordPress Customization
There are many resources out there for learning WordPress. You can check out the tutorials on Hostgator, or simply Google it. Most of what you need you can find for free, and there are several inexpensive tutorials available, as well.
Outsourcing design and customization can actually be very Inexpensive. You’ll find updated information on my resources page.
This process is actually quite simple. If I can be of help in any way, please comment below and I will reply as quickly as possible.
Congratulations! You’re on your way to becoming a blogger!
Best, Kate
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