Looking to start a blog?

A lot of would-be bloggers spend a long time daydreaming about starting a blog before they ever do.  Don’t waste your time, tak action!

Just follow these 3 steps and you’ll have your own blog 5 minutes from now.

Start a Blog Now

1) Choose a Host

Before you can get online you need to select a host.  A host is simply an online company that runs the servers that allow your site to load when people visit it.

I use and recommend BlueHost because…

• Their customer service rocks
• They’re affordable
• They have a 1-click WordPress blog installer

Even though I highly recommend BlueHost, I have heard good things about Hostgator and I know they are extremely affordable.

Hosting generally costs between $5-8 a month depending on who you choose.

Click Here to Get Started with BlueHost

2) Pick a Domain Name

Your domain is the web address where people can find your site.  For instance, the domain for this website is startblognow.com.

Keep your domain name as short and memorable as you can.  Shorter domain names are better for search engine optimization and easier to remember.

To check if a domain name is available just enter the name at Godaddy:

(or use your host after signing up)

Finding a good & available domain these days can be challenging.  If you can’t get the name you want just add another word to it or get creative.

Once you find an available domain you like buy it right away.  Trust me, I’ve had domains that I considered buying and waited, and then someone else bought the next day.  Now I buy a name immediately if it’s available and think more about it later.

As a quick test for the quality of your domain name, tell a friend that you’re starting a blog.  In your conversation, tell him/her the domain name at the beginning of your chat.  After you’re done talking, ask them if they can remember the domain name.  If they can, that is a very good sign.

3) Install WordPress

You’ve got hosting and a domain – you’re almost done!

All you need now is the actual software that will allow you to start blogging.  I recommend using WordPress for building and managing your blog.

WordPress is 100% free and requires zero technical knowledge.  Using it is like using Microsoft Word.

The best part about using WordPress is that everyone else does.  This means there are…

• more designs
• more tools
• more tutorials

All designed specifically for the software than any other content management system (CMS).

Here’s how to install WordPress with BlueHost:

1) Choose the WordPress Installer

When you login you will be taken to the Control Panel.  Scroll down and you will see the WordPress Installer.  Click this icon.

2) Choose the Domain to Install WP on

After clicking on the icon, scroll down and click on the “Install” button.

3) Complete the Installation

This will take you to another screen where you will select the domain you want to install WordPress on.  There are also some check boxes for plug-ins to come with your install – I usually uncheck these.

Make sure to check off the legal agreement box and then click “Complete”

4) Login to Your New Blog!

In a few seconds your install will be complete and you can now login to your new blog.

And that’s it, you’re online with a blog!

This is when you take a good look at the screen and dream about your blogging future.

I’ll wait…

4) Start Blogging

It takes a whole lot more than just great content to make a successful blog.  There are dozens of skills that you will pick up along your journey that will lead to your ultimate success.  However, there is only one thing you need from the start:

A niche you are passionate about.

I know you have at least one interest or hobby.  Use this for your blog.  Whether it’s biking, computer programming, botany, essay writing, or whatever, you just have to pick one topic that you love.

Then next step is to start blogging.  If you don’t know what you’re doing – welcome to the party  You’re going to make mistakes and you’re going to get better.  The most important thing is that you just get started.

If you’ve followed this guide step-by-step then you’re just about to write your first post.  If you’re ready to learn more about blogging, you can continue with: