When I decided to learn how to start a blog I had no idea where to begin.
Since that day, I can honestly say that starting a blog was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. What people don’t realize is that it doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive.
In fact, you can have your own blog up and running TODAY by following my simple, easy-to-follow steps. People who follow this guide are typically ready to start blogging within 20-minutes, it really is that easy.
My name is Lewis and for the last 7-years, I have been a full-time blogger. I’ve put this guide together so that more people, just like you, can build their own blog.
Do I Even Know What I’m Talking About?
I get it, when reading about making money from blogging you will come across some shady characters. So to show you that I actually do what I say and not just talk about it…here are some earnings screenshots from various months.
What you see above are the screenshots for both Amazon & AdThrive. I also have other accounts and networks I promote and 10+ blogs which I use to generate great revenue.
That’s enough on that subject, I hope this section has inspired you to go out there are grab a slice of the pie.
This is the guide I wish I had when I first started out. I wasted countless days trying to figure it all out, and I don’t want you to have to do the same. So let’s get to it.
Be sure to bookmark this guide so you can come back to it as we start your blog together.
How to Start a Blog in 8 Easy Steps
1. Choosing a Domain Name
2. Choosing a Web Host
3. Setting Up Your Blog
4. WordPress Crash Course
5. Blog Configuration
6. Start Blogging
7. Marketing Your Blog (optional)
8. Make Money Blogging (optional)
1. Choosing a Domain Name
This is the most exciting part…what to name your blog. A Domain name is the website address you type into a web browsers address bar in order to find your blog.
The domain name for this site is cloudincome.com.
Now unless you need to target a specific country such as the UK (.co.uk) or Australia (.com.au) I suggest you go with either a .com, .net or .org domain extension.
It’s also best to go with a ‘brandable’ domain name, one that’s catchy yet describes what your blog is about or perhaps using your own name.
If you need some help coming up with a suitable name for your blog, you can use this free handy tool that generates some great ideas.
Register Your Domain Name With NameCheap
The best domain registrar I have found by far is NameCheap.com. They offer a nice user interface and great domain name prices and unlike some other companies, you don’t get stung when it comes to renewing your domain.
1. Head over to NameCheap.com and enter your desired domain name into the search field and click the search icon.
On the next page, you will see the search results which will advise you if your chosen name is available to register or not. You may find that you need to have a couple of tries if the name you want isn’t available.
When you see the following screen you can now go ahead and register that domain name for yourself.
The green check-mark indicates that your domain name is available to register, now you hit the “Add to Cart” button and follow the checkout steps. The checkout process is just like any other online purchase and NameCheap make it really easy and straightforward so I’ll skip the details in this guide (you really won’t need them!).
Login To NameCheap
Now you’ve registered your domain name and created your NameCheap account, you can log in using the details you provided (check your welcome email if you’re unsure of the email address or password used.
2. Setting Up Web Hosting
This is the second and most important step in setting up your blog. A web host provides storage space for all of your files, images, and content. It allows you to have your blog accessible on the web.
What you need is a hosting company that is well-established and one you can trust and is recommended by others. My personal preference is SiteGround.
I have been with them since the very beginning and they have never let me down. Here are just some of the reasons why I recommend SiteGround for your blog:
Reasons To Choose SiteGround
- Reason 1: Support – They offer 24/7 live support via phone, email, support ticket or live chat.
- Reason 2: User Interface – SiteGround make it easy for beginners with their friendly user interface
- Reason 3: Reliability –The key to a good web host is the ability to keep your blog live 99.9% of the time.
- Reason 4: WordPress – SiteGround is recommended by WordPress themselves and allow you to perform a simple one-click install of the WordPress blogging platform.
- Reason 5: Server Space – SiteGround offers generous storage space, bandwidth, and even domain names, so you can create more than one blog and host it on the same account…saving you money.
- Reason 6: Guarantee – They offer a no questions asked, 30-day money back guarantee.
- Reason 7. Affordability – SiteGround offers a fantastic discount to readers of CloudIncome. Meaning you can get started today from just $3.95 per month.
But don’t just take my word for it. I’ve scoured the major Facebook Groups where the other pro’s hangout to show you what others are using for their blog hosting solution.
As you can see, I’m not the only one who’s happy with the service SiteGround provide. With great 24/7 customer service, they’re perfect for both new and established bloggers alike.