I’m getting ready to tell you all a secret. This is a secret that could put me out of business as a web developer. I’m going to tell you all this secret because I really want to help bloggers or potential bloggers. So here is my little secret:
Believe it or not it is actually really easy and inexpensive to start a web site and you can get it set up without the help of a web developer!
The reason I’m telling you all this is because I realize not all bloggers or aspiring bloggers have the money to spare to hire a web developer. So in this blog post I’m going to show you some REALLY simple steps to get your blog started in no time.
Step 1: Purchase your domain name and hosting. I highly recommend HostGator. Hostgator is a reliable service with excellent customer service. I have used their hosting for 5 years and never had any issues. Plus they make setting your web site up super simple with HostGator Optimized WordPress.
- Benefits/Features of HostGator Optimized WordPress
- Automatic updates of plugins/theme/WordPress
- Sitelock malware scanning and removal
- Sitelock Content Delivery Network (CDN)
- CodeGuard daily backup and restores (down to the file level)
- HostGator Optimized WordPress is a new premium product and just a small extension to existing products provided by HostGator
Step 2: Install WordPress. This is a really simple 3 click installation. All you have to do is log into your HostGator account, click on WordPress Manager, click on the little gear next to your domain name and select Manage WordPress. Once you do this it will walk you through the super simple installation process.
Step 3: Select your theme. Now that you have WordPress installed you will want to select a theme. Luckily there are TONS of beautiful themes to choose from! All you need to do is go to Appearance -> Themes -> Add New. From here you can browse all of the themes in the theme library and select the one that you like. Once you click install you have the option to preview and activate your theme. The cool thing is that if you install the theme and realize you don’t like it all you have to do is go and find another theme you like better and install and activate that one.
Step 4: Set up your pages and start blogging!
Step 5: Share, Share, Share!
I hope this tutorial has helped! If you get stuck on anything please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’ll be more than happy to assist you. And don’t forget HostGator support is excellent and available 24/7!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
