The internet has so much potential, so many answers, so much data. But it’s also a bit overwhelming. There are options for literally EVERYTHING. You ask one question and Google gives you a billion different answers.
I don’t know how to decipher which is right for you, but I will share with you how I started my Piper’s Zoo blog/website.
Step 1: Select and Register Your Domain Name
My very first piece of advice for you is to give this some thought. This is not only how people will find you, this is how people will know you.
When I first started the Piper’s Zoo Instagram, I had no idea what Instagram was, how to use it, or the potential it held. Once I realized all these things, my following had already grown and I was already known as “Piper’s Zoo” and I knew I was going to use IG to drive traffic to my blog so continuing that name seemed like a no brainer. I don’t regret it, Piper (my cat) is pretty spectacular.
Click here to register your domain name and start your blog or website. If you buy at least 12 months of web hosting from the get-go, Bluehost will give you your domain for FREE for that first year.
The “Basic Plan” is likely all you need, especially to start and if you’re looking for even more savings, extending your plan to 36 months will give you an even better deal.
**Disclaimer: using the web links in this blog post to register your domain will both get you a special discount and send me a little kickback. While you are in no way obligated to purchase through my links, I sure appreciate the support if you decide to do so!**
Step 2: Purchase Web Hosting for Your Blog or Website
Once you have decided on your Domain Name and verified that it is available, pull the trigger on purchasing your web hosting.
(If you purchase through my link, you get a special discount (plus a year of your domain for free) and I get a little kickback from Bluehost.)
Here’s the cost breakdown:
- 12 months for $5.95 per month (still a great deal!)
- 24 months for $4.95 per month
- 36 months for $3.95 per month (the best deal)
Also, I think adding on the Domain Privacy Protection is a great idea because it protects your contact information, but the rest of the options probably aren’t necessary.
- Go to Bluehost and click the “Get Started Now” button.
- Click on the package you are interested in (probably “Basic”)
- Check availability and sign up for a new domain name here
- Enter your personal and payment information.
- Select a password – make sure it’s secure!
Step 3: Connecting Your Domain & Web Hosting
Woohoo! Since you (hopefully) did everything through Bluehost, all of your stuff is already connected.
Otherwise, I’m not going to be of much help because this is how I set up both of my websites. Sorry!
Step 4: Installing WordPress on BlueHost
Once you have your domain and web hosting all set up, the next part is actually creating a website or blog. You will need to decide on a platform for your website and I’ve found the two most popular options are WordPress and SquareSpace.
Because I always share with you what I’m familiar with and make no presumptions that I know everything, this tutorial will focus on WordPress as that is what I use and love.
Also, creating a WordPress blog this way is FREE.
BlueHost literally walks you through the next steps after you’ve created your password. First, you will be asked to pick a theme (you can always change this later), then click “start building”.
Voila! You have a blog.
Step 5: Blogging in WordPress
This is what your “Dashboard” looks like inside of WordPress and it’s going to take some getting used to. You are going to have to poke around and see where to find things and figure out how things work. There is a learning curve but it’s totally bearable… I mean, if I can do it, anyone can do it!
There are free themes/designs you can use on your WordPress blog or you can purchase themes/designs. I like the Genesis theme as far as free themes go, but there are plenty of nice ones out there! I am currently using a theme I had to purchase, “Creativo” by MOJO Marketplace.
On the left hand side, “posts” will get you to a place where you can add new blog posts. “Media” is where your photos are uploaded. “Appearance” is where you can use widgets to add things in your sidebars or footer area. “Plugins” are an unending list of tools you can use to enhance the functionality of your blog.
I used to use MailChimp for my e-mail lists, because it was free up to 2,000 subscribers, but I never really LOVED it. There are other popular options out there, but I didn’t feel like I could justify the cost… then I found Flodesk. GAME. CHANGER. It is SO easy to use, has beautiful templates, and is super affordable (if you sign up from my link, you get your first month for only $19 but even at full price ($38), it’s SUPER affordable because it doesn’t limit the number of subscribers or e-mails you can send like other platforms do).
If you decide to launch a blog or website, I think you’ll really enjoy it. It’s such a fun creative outlet and the possibilities for connecting with people, sharing your products or services, and earning income are endless.
You’ve got this!
