This post may contain affiliate links, which is where I will receive a small commission if you buy from the link. At no extra cost to you! For more information please read the full disclosure here
Have you been thinking about starting a blog?
If you are interested in the 7 steps you can follow to quickly set up your blog as well as reasons why I think you should start a blog too, keep on reading!
7 STEPS TO SET UP A BLOG:
1. DOWNLOAD WORDPRESS.ORG
DISCLAIMER- the following steps will only work if you use WordPress.org, NOT WordPress.com
There are two different WordPress websites, wordpress.com (hosted) and wordpress.org (self-hosted). Owning a self-hosted site is all I know, so that is all I can advise you on. Self-hosted sites are the best option for beginners and if you want your blog to grow big.
By downloading WordPress.org, you will be able to easily access your blog once you have selected the site you would like your blog to be hosted by (it will all make sense later).
2.DECIDE WHICH HOST YOU WANT
A host is where your blog will “live” so you can share it with the world!
Self-hosting your blog is ESSENTIAL if you want to create a professional blog, that you can monetise in the future.
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T CREATE A BLOG FOR FREE?
- Your site will not look professional- www.esseandmore.wordpress.com does not look as professional as www.esseandmore.com.
- You have a lot less control- You will have a lot more creative freedom when designing a self-hosted site in comparison to a hosted (free) blog.
- You will not be able to make as much money- Sometimes if you want to make money, you are going to need to invest a little. Not to mention the fact that you are more likely to stick to something you have put some money towards.
When I was doing research the ONLY hosting platform I was recommend was Bluehost, so that is what I went for. I am so happy I made that decision. Their support team is great and I have not experienced any problem with them so far.
3. GO TO THE BLUEHOST WEBSITE
Once you go to their site, press “Get Started” or “Sign up” and proceed with the following steps.
4. PICK WHICH PLAN YOU WOULD LIKE
On the first page, you will be welcomed with this page…
I decided to go for the “Basic” plan, but I intend to upgrade to the “Plus” plan in the next year.
The more you pay, the faster your site will be as well as other perks.
NOTE: Please bear in mind that you have to pay for all of the months in advance (quite annoying)! I was a little hesitant at first but putting all the money down at once really kept me accountable and motivated to actually stick to this.
5. PICK YOUR BLOG NAME/ DOMAIN
WHAT IS A DOMAIN?
Your domain is what people type into their search bar, so my domain is esseandmore.com.
If you already have a domain, you can type it under “Use a domain you own” and follow the rest of their instructions.
SOME TIPS:
- Don’t make it too long and complicated
- Try and make it easy to read
- You may have to try a few different names because it could be taken
If you are not set on your domain name, you can skip this step and come back to it later.
6. FINISH FILLING OUT ALL OF YOUR INFORMATION
You are nearly there!
Make sure to fill in all of your details correctly, so all of your login information can get to your inbox.
You’ll be offered the option to pay for 1 year or 3 years. If you are just starting out, I would go for 1 year just to see how you find it.
You’re all done, you should get an email shortly from Bluehost with your login details!
7. DESIGN YOUR BLOG
This is the step where you can make your blog stand out! Once you have logged into your Bluehost account, you will have the option to pick a free theme or upload your own. Personally, I opted to pay for a theme because I wanted an aesthetically pleasing site that reflected me.
After some research, I came across 17th Avenue Designs! They offer so many clean and visually pleasing themes that you can easily tweak here and there to suit your vibe. Plus, they are so much more affordable than other companies.
If you would like to create an aesthetic blog then this is the place to go!
17th Avenue Designs has a service where they can set up your theme for you (for an additional fee) if you are a little impatient and want to get your site up and running quickly. However, as I started my blog during lockdown, I had a lot of time on my hands to set it up myself.
They give you clear instructions and you can email their support team, anytime, if you are struggling with any of the steps. It was quite challenging and it took me around a month to fully get my blog up and running but it was 100{c442fc8ef3789ed23df439e52609827a13bf4892a25a9bdf30f84ba71f479458} worth it!
I was so spoilt for choice but after going back and forth I decided to go for the Amelia theme!
WHY SHOULD YOU START A BLOG?
1. ACTS AS A CREATIVE OUTLET
If you have a passion for something, what is stopping you from sharing it with the world? If writing isn’t your thing don’t let that stop you, as long as you are able to communicate yourself well then that is enough. If anything it will improve your writing.
2. A GREAT THING TO ADD TO YOUR CV
If you are applying to jobs after you graduate, adding your blog to your CV shows you have the drive and motivation to succeed. It’s also a great talking point in interviews.
3. IT COULD ACT AS A STREAM OF INCOME
Although making money shouldn’t be your main motivation for starting a blog, it is very possible to make A LOT of money blogging (providing you follow the steps above!). Many bloggers can make thousands of dollars a month within the first 2 years! Having said that, it’s not going to be an easy ride. Blogging really is a full-time job! I’ve had my blog for just over a year and I have only just made my first paycheck (from ads), so it will take some time.
4. TEACHES YOU MANY SKILLS
Before I started my blog I had no idea how much I would learn along the way such as creating graphics, keeping track of financing, coding (I set up my website myself) and so much more. I can’t lie, it was a little daunting at first but YouTube was a lifesaver! You also have me, so if you have any questions regarding setting up a blog please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or email me at esseandmore@gmail.com.
5. FLEXIBLE HOURS
I am about to start the penultimate year of my degree and I already know it is going to be tough. However, I believe I will still have time to keep up with my blog (I’m trying to stay optimistic!). Owning your own blog is extremely flexible which is perfect because my timetable is constantly changing every semester. Essentially, I am my own boss so I can work on my blog whenever it suits me. Although having a blog is quite time consuming, being able to work when I am free and anywhere I like is a big plus.
This post is all about how to set up a blog!
OTHER POSTS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:
A twenty something year old, obsessed with all things design, organisation. want to learn more about me, click here.
Simi's fave resources
My Projects
TEMPLATE CUSTOMISATION
CUSTOM WEBSITE
WEBSITE AUDIT
This post may contain affiliate links, which is where I will receive a small commission if you buy from the link. At no extra cost to you! For more information please read the full disclosure here
Have you been thinking about starting a blog?
If you are interested in the 7 steps you can follow to quickly set up your blog as well as reasons why I think you should start a blog too, keep on reading!
7 STEPS TO SET UP A BLOG:
1. DOWNLOAD WORDPRESS.ORG
DISCLAIMER- the following steps will only work if you use WordPress.org, NOT WordPress.com
There are two different WordPress websites, wordpress.com (hosted) and wordpress.org (self-hosted). Owning a self-hosted site is all I know, so that is all I can advise you on. Self-hosted sites are the best option for beginners and if you want your blog to grow big.
By downloading WordPress.org, you will be able to easily access your blog once you have selected the site you would like your blog to be hosted by (it will all make sense later).
2.DECIDE WHICH HOST YOU WANT
A host is where your blog will “live” so you can share it with the world!
Self-hosting your blog is ESSENTIAL if you want to create a professional blog, that you can monetise in the future.
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T CREATE A BLOG FOR FREE?
- Your site will not look professional- www.esseandmore.wordpress.com does not look as professional as www.esseandmore.com.
- You have a lot less control- You will have a lot more creative freedom when designing a self-hosted site in comparison to a hosted (free) blog.
- You will not be able to make as much money- Sometimes if you want to make money, you are going to need to invest a little. Not to mention the fact that you are more likely to stick to something you have put some money towards.
When I was doing research the ONLY hosting platform I was recommend was Bluehost, so that is what I went for. I am so happy I made that decision. Their support team is great and I have not experienced any problem with them so far.
3. GO TO THE BLUEHOST WEBSITE
Once you go to their site, press “Get Started” or “Sign up” and proceed with the following steps.
4. PICK WHICH PLAN YOU WOULD LIKE
On the first page, you will be welcomed with this page…
I decided to go for the “Basic” plan, but I intend to upgrade to the “Plus” plan in the next year.
The more you pay, the faster your site will be as well as other perks.
NOTE: Please bear in mind that you have to pay for all of the months in advance (quite annoying)! I was a little hesitant at first but putting all the money down at once really kept me accountable and motivated to actually stick to this.
5. PICK YOUR BLOG NAME/ DOMAIN
WHAT IS A DOMAIN?
Your domain is what people type into their search bar, so my domain is esseandmore.com.
If you already have a domain, you can type it under “Use a domain you own” and follow the rest of their instructions.
SOME TIPS:
- Don’t make it too long and complicated
- Try and make it easy to read
- You may have to try a few different names because it could be taken
If you are not set on your domain name, you can skip this step and come back to it later.
6. FINISH FILLING OUT ALL OF YOUR INFORMATION
You are nearly there!
Make sure to fill in all of your details correctly, so all of your login information can get to your inbox.
You’ll be offered the option to pay for 1 year or 3 years. If you are just starting out, I would go for 1 year just to see how you find it.
You’re all done, you should get an email shortly from Bluehost with your login details!
7. DESIGN YOUR BLOG
This is the step where you can make your blog stand out! Once you have logged into your Bluehost account, you will have the option to pick a free theme or upload your own. Personally, I opted to pay for a theme because I wanted an aesthetically pleasing site that reflected me.
After some research, I came across 17th Avenue Designs! They offer so many clean and visually pleasing themes that you can easily tweak here and there to suit your vibe. Plus, they are so much more affordable than other companies.
If you would like to create an aesthetic blog then this is the place to go!
17th Avenue Designs has a service where they can set up your theme for you (for an additional fee) if you are a little impatient and want to get your site up and running quickly. However, as I started my blog during lockdown, I had a lot of time on my hands to set it up myself.
They give you clear instructions and you can email their support team, anytime, if you are struggling with any of the steps. It was quite challenging and it took me around a month to fully get my blog up and running but it was 100{c442fc8ef3789ed23df439e52609827a13bf4892a25a9bdf30f84ba71f479458} worth it!
I was so spoilt for choice but after going back and forth I decided to go for the Amelia theme!
WHY SHOULD YOU START A BLOG?
1. ACTS AS A CREATIVE OUTLET
If you have a passion for something, what is stopping you from sharing it with the world? If writing isn’t your thing don’t let that stop you, as long as you are able to communicate yourself well then that is enough. If anything it will improve your writing.
2. A GREAT THING TO ADD TO YOUR CV
If you are applying to jobs after you graduate, adding your blog to your CV shows you have the drive and motivation to succeed. It’s also a great talking point in interviews.
3. IT COULD ACT AS A STREAM OF INCOME
Although making money shouldn’t be your main motivation for starting a blog, it is very possible to make A LOT of money blogging (providing you follow the steps above!). Many bloggers can make thousands of dollars a month within the first 2 years! Having said that, it’s not going to be an easy ride. Blogging really is a full-time job! I’ve had my blog for just over a year and I have only just made my first paycheck (from ads), so it will take some time.
4. TEACHES YOU MANY SKILLS
Before I started my blog I had no idea how much I would learn along the way such as creating graphics, keeping track of financing, coding (I set up my website myself) and so much more. I can’t lie, it was a little daunting at first but YouTube was a lifesaver! You also have me, so if you have any questions regarding setting up a blog please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or email me at esseandmore@gmail.com.
5. FLEXIBLE HOURS
I am about to start the penultimate year of my degree and I already know it is going to be tough. However, I believe I will still have time to keep up with my blog (I’m trying to stay optimistic!). Owning your own blog is extremely flexible which is perfect because my timetable is constantly changing every semester. Essentially, I am my own boss so I can work on my blog whenever it suits me. Although having a blog is quite time consuming, being able to work when I am free and anywhere I like is a big plus.
This post is all about how to set up a blog!
OTHER POSTS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:
This post may contain affiliate links, which is where I will receive a small commission if you buy from the link. At no extra cost to you! For more information please read the full disclosure here
Have you been thinking about starting a blog?
If you are interested in the 7 steps you can follow to quickly set up your blog as well as reasons why I think you should start a blog too, keep on reading!
7 STEPS TO SET UP A BLOG:
1. DOWNLOAD WORDPRESS.ORG
DISCLAIMER- the following steps will only work if you use WordPress.org, NOT WordPress.com
There are two different WordPress websites, wordpress.com (hosted) and wordpress.org (self-hosted). Owning a self-hosted site is all I know, so that is all I can advise you on. Self-hosted sites are the best option for beginners and if you want your blog to grow big.
By downloading WordPress.org, you will be able to easily access your blog once you have selected the site you would like your blog to be hosted by (it will all make sense later).
2.DECIDE WHICH HOST YOU WANT
A host is where your blog will “live” so you can share it with the world!
Self-hosting your blog is ESSENTIAL if you want to create a professional blog, that you can monetise in the future.
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T CREATE A BLOG FOR FREE?
- Your site will not look professional- www.esseandmore.wordpress.com does not look as professional as www.esseandmore.com.
- You have a lot less control- You will have a lot more creative freedom when designing a self-hosted site in comparison to a hosted (free) blog.
- You will not be able to make as much money- Sometimes if you want to make money, you are going to need to invest a little. Not to mention the fact that you are more likely to stick to something you have put some money towards.
When I was doing research the ONLY hosting platform I was recommend was Bluehost, so that is what I went for. I am so happy I made that decision. Their support team is great and I have not experienced any problem with them so far.
3. GO TO THE BLUEHOST WEBSITE
Once you go to their site, press “Get Started” or “Sign up” and proceed with the following steps.
4. PICK WHICH PLAN YOU WOULD LIKE
On the first page, you will be welcomed with this page…
I decided to go for the “Basic” plan, but I intend to upgrade to the “Plus” plan in the next year.
The more you pay, the faster your site will be as well as other perks.
NOTE: Please bear in mind that you have to pay for all of the months in advance (quite annoying)! I was a little hesitant at first but putting all the money down at once really kept me accountable and motivated to actually stick to this.
5. PICK YOUR BLOG NAME/ DOMAIN
WHAT IS A DOMAIN?
Your domain is what people type into their search bar, so my domain is esseandmore.com.
If you already have a domain, you can type it under “Use a domain you own” and follow the rest of their instructions.
SOME TIPS:
- Don’t make it too long and complicated
- Try and make it easy to read
- You may have to try a few different names because it could be taken
If you are not set on your domain name, you can skip this step and come back to it later.
6. FINISH FILLING OUT ALL OF YOUR INFORMATION
You are nearly there!
Make sure to fill in all of your details correctly, so all of your login information can get to your inbox.
You’ll be offered the option to pay for 1 year or 3 years. If you are just starting out, I would go for 1 year just to see how you find it.
You’re all done, you should get an email shortly from Bluehost with your login details!
7. DESIGN YOUR BLOG
This is the step where you can make your blog stand out! Once you have logged into your Bluehost account, you will have the option to pick a free theme or upload your own. Personally, I opted to pay for a theme because I wanted an aesthetically pleasing site that reflected me.
After some research, I came across 17th Avenue Designs! They offer so many clean and visually pleasing themes that you can easily tweak here and there to suit your vibe. Plus, they are so much more affordable than other companies.
If you would like to create an aesthetic blog then this is the place to go!
17th Avenue Designs has a service where they can set up your theme for you (for an additional fee) if you are a little impatient and want to get your site up and running quickly. However, as I started my blog during lockdown, I had a lot of time on my hands to set it up myself.
They give you clear instructions and you can email their support team, anytime, if you are struggling with any of the steps. It was quite challenging and it took me around a month to fully get my blog up and running but it was 100{c442fc8ef3789ed23df439e52609827a13bf4892a25a9bdf30f84ba71f479458} worth it!
I was so spoilt for choice but after going back and forth I decided to go for the Amelia theme!
WHY SHOULD YOU START A BLOG?
1. ACTS AS A CREATIVE OUTLET
If you have a passion for something, what is stopping you from sharing it with the world? If writing isn’t your thing don’t let that stop you, as long as you are able to communicate yourself well then that is enough. If anything it will improve your writing.
2. A GREAT THING TO ADD TO YOUR CV
If you are applying to jobs after you graduate, adding your blog to your CV shows you have the drive and motivation to succeed. It’s also a great talking point in interviews.
3. IT COULD ACT AS A STREAM OF INCOME
Although making money shouldn’t be your main motivation for starting a blog, it is very possible to make A LOT of money blogging (providing you follow the steps above!). Many bloggers can make thousands of dollars a month within the first 2 years! Having said that, it’s not going to be an easy ride. Blogging really is a full-time job! I’ve had my blog for just over a year and I have only just made my first paycheck (from ads), so it will take some time.
4. TEACHES YOU MANY SKILLS
Before I started my blog I had no idea how much I would learn along the way such as creating graphics, keeping track of financing, coding (I set up my website myself) and so much more. I can’t lie, it was a little daunting at first but YouTube was a lifesaver! You also have me, so if you have any questions regarding setting up a blog please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or email me at esseandmore@gmail.com.
5. FLEXIBLE HOURS
I am about to start the penultimate year of my degree and I already know it is going to be tough. However, I believe I will still have time to keep up with my blog (I’m trying to stay optimistic!). Owning your own blog is extremely flexible which is perfect because my timetable is constantly changing every semester. Essentially, I am my own boss so I can work on my blog whenever it suits me. Although having a blog is quite time consuming, being able to work when I am free and anywhere I like is a big plus.
This post is all about how to set up a blog!
OTHER POSTS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:
A twenty something year old, obsessed with all things design, organisation. want to learn more about me, click here.
Simi's fave resources
My Projects
TEMPLATE CUSTOMISATION
CUSTOM WEBSITE
WEBSITE AUDIT
This post may contain affiliate links, which is where I will receive a small commission if you buy from the link. At no extra cost to you! For more information please read the full disclosure here
Have you been thinking about starting a blog?
If you are interested in the 7 steps you can follow to quickly set up your blog as well as reasons why I think you should start a blog too, keep on reading!
7 STEPS TO SET UP A BLOG:
1. DOWNLOAD WORDPRESS.ORG
DISCLAIMER- the following steps will only work if you use WordPress.org, NOT WordPress.com
There are two different WordPress websites, wordpress.com (hosted) and wordpress.org (self-hosted). Owning a self-hosted site is all I know, so that is all I can advise you on. Self-hosted sites are the best option for beginners and if you want your blog to grow big.
By downloading WordPress.org, you will be able to easily access your blog once you have selected the site you would like your blog to be hosted by (it will all make sense later).
2.DECIDE WHICH HOST YOU WANT
A host is where your blog will “live” so you can share it with the world!
Self-hosting your blog is ESSENTIAL if you want to create a professional blog, that you can monetise in the future.
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T CREATE A BLOG FOR FREE?
- Your site will not look professional- www.esseandmore.wordpress.com does not look as professional as www.esseandmore.com.
- You have a lot less control- You will have a lot more creative freedom when designing a self-hosted site in comparison to a hosted (free) blog.
- You will not be able to make as much money- Sometimes if you want to make money, you are going to need to invest a little. Not to mention the fact that you are more likely to stick to something you have put some money towards.
When I was doing research the ONLY hosting platform I was recommend was Bluehost, so that is what I went for. I am so happy I made that decision. Their support team is great and I have not experienced any problem with them so far.
3. GO TO THE BLUEHOST WEBSITE
Once you go to their site, press “Get Started” or “Sign up” and proceed with the following steps.
4. PICK WHICH PLAN YOU WOULD LIKE
On the first page, you will be welcomed with this page…
I decided to go for the “Basic” plan, but I intend to upgrade to the “Plus” plan in the next year.
The more you pay, the faster your site will be as well as other perks.
NOTE: Please bear in mind that you have to pay for all of the months in advance (quite annoying)! I was a little hesitant at first but putting all the money down at once really kept me accountable and motivated to actually stick to this.
5. PICK YOUR BLOG NAME/ DOMAIN
WHAT IS A DOMAIN?
Your domain is what people type into their search bar, so my domain is esseandmore.com.
If you already have a domain, you can type it under “Use a domain you own” and follow the rest of their instructions.
SOME TIPS:
- Don’t make it too long and complicated
- Try and make it easy to read
- You may have to try a few different names because it could be taken
If you are not set on your domain name, you can skip this step and come back to it later.
6. FINISH FILLING OUT ALL OF YOUR INFORMATION
You are nearly there!
Make sure to fill in all of your details correctly, so all of your login information can get to your inbox.
You’ll be offered the option to pay for 1 year or 3 years. If you are just starting out, I would go for 1 year just to see how you find it.
You’re all done, you should get an email shortly from Bluehost with your login details!
7. DESIGN YOUR BLOG
This is the step where you can make your blog stand out! Once you have logged into your Bluehost account, you will have the option to pick a free theme or upload your own. Personally, I opted to pay for a theme because I wanted an aesthetically pleasing site that reflected me.
After some research, I came across 17th Avenue Designs! They offer so many clean and visually pleasing themes that you can easily tweak here and there to suit your vibe. Plus, they are so much more affordable than other companies.
If you would like to create an aesthetic blog then this is the place to go!
17th Avenue Designs has a service where they can set up your theme for you (for an additional fee) if you are a little impatient and want to get your site up and running quickly. However, as I started my blog during lockdown, I had a lot of time on my hands to set it up myself.
They give you clear instructions and you can email their support team, anytime, if you are struggling with any of the steps. It was quite challenging and it took me around a month to fully get my blog up and running but it was 100{c442fc8ef3789ed23df439e52609827a13bf4892a25a9bdf30f84ba71f479458} worth it!
I was so spoilt for choice but after going back and forth I decided to go for the Amelia theme!
WHY SHOULD YOU START A BLOG?
1. ACTS AS A CREATIVE OUTLET
If you have a passion for something, what is stopping you from sharing it with the world? If writing isn’t your thing don’t let that stop you, as long as you are able to communicate yourself well then that is enough. If anything it will improve your writing.
2. A GREAT THING TO ADD TO YOUR CV
If you are applying to jobs after you graduate, adding your blog to your CV shows you have the drive and motivation to succeed. It’s also a great talking point in interviews.
3. IT COULD ACT AS A STREAM OF INCOME
Although making money shouldn’t be your main motivation for starting a blog, it is very possible to make A LOT of money blogging (providing you follow the steps above!). Many bloggers can make thousands of dollars a month within the first 2 years! Having said that, it’s not going to be an easy ride. Blogging really is a full-time job! I’ve had my blog for just over a year and I have only just made my first paycheck (from ads), so it will take some time.
4. TEACHES YOU MANY SKILLS
Before I started my blog I had no idea how much I would learn along the way such as creating graphics, keeping track of financing, coding (I set up my website myself) and so much more. I can’t lie, it was a little daunting at first but YouTube was a lifesaver! You also have me, so if you have any questions regarding setting up a blog please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or email me at esseandmore@gmail.com.
5. FLEXIBLE HOURS
I am about to start the penultimate year of my degree and I already know it is going to be tough. However, I believe I will still have time to keep up with my blog (I’m trying to stay optimistic!). Owning your own blog is extremely flexible which is perfect because my timetable is constantly changing every semester. Essentially, I am my own boss so I can work on my blog whenever it suits me. Although having a blog is quite time consuming, being able to work when I am free and anywhere I like is a big plus.
This post is all about how to set up a blog!
OTHER POSTS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:
A twenty something year old, obsessed with all things design, organisation. want to learn more about me, click here.
Simi's fave resources
My Projects
TEMPLATE CUSTOMISATION
CUSTOM WEBSITE
WEBSITE AUDIT
This post may contain affiliate links, which is where I will receive a small commission if you buy from the link. At no extra cost to you! For more information please read the full disclosure here
Have you been thinking about starting a blog?
If you are interested in the 7 steps you can follow to quickly set up your blog as well as reasons why I think you should start a blog too, keep on reading!
7 STEPS TO SET UP A BLOG:
1. DOWNLOAD WORDPRESS.ORG
DISCLAIMER- the following steps will only work if you use WordPress.org, NOT WordPress.com
There are two different WordPress websites, wordpress.com (hosted) and wordpress.org (self-hosted). Owning a self-hosted site is all I know, so that is all I can advise you on. Self-hosted sites are the best option for beginners and if you want your blog to grow big.
By downloading WordPress.org, you will be able to easily access your blog once you have selected the site you would like your blog to be hosted by (it will all make sense later).
2.DECIDE WHICH HOST YOU WANT
A host is where your blog will “live” so you can share it with the world!
Self-hosting your blog is ESSENTIAL if you want to create a professional blog, that you can monetise in the future.
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T CREATE A BLOG FOR FREE?
- Your site will not look professional- www.esseandmore.wordpress.com does not look as professional as www.esseandmore.com.
- You have a lot less control- You will have a lot more creative freedom when designing a self-hosted site in comparison to a hosted (free) blog.
- You will not be able to make as much money- Sometimes if you want to make money, you are going to need to invest a little. Not to mention the fact that you are more likely to stick to something you have put some money towards.
When I was doing research the ONLY hosting platform I was recommend was Bluehost, so that is what I went for. I am so happy I made that decision. Their support team is great and I have not experienced any problem with them so far.
3. GO TO THE BLUEHOST WEBSITE
Once you go to their site, press “Get Started” or “Sign up” and proceed with the following steps.
4. PICK WHICH PLAN YOU WOULD LIKE
On the first page, you will be welcomed with this page…
I decided to go for the “Basic” plan, but I intend to upgrade to the “Plus” plan in the next year.
The more you pay, the faster your site will be as well as other perks.
NOTE: Please bear in mind that you have to pay for all of the months in advance (quite annoying)! I was a little hesitant at first but putting all the money down at once really kept me accountable and motivated to actually stick to this.
5. PICK YOUR BLOG NAME/ DOMAIN
WHAT IS A DOMAIN?
Your domain is what people type into their search bar, so my domain is esseandmore.com.
If you already have a domain, you can type it under “Use a domain you own” and follow the rest of their instructions.
SOME TIPS:
- Don’t make it too long and complicated
- Try and make it easy to read
- You may have to try a few different names because it could be taken
If you are not set on your domain name, you can skip this step and come back to it later.
6. FINISH FILLING OUT ALL OF YOUR INFORMATION
You are nearly there!
Make sure to fill in all of your details correctly, so all of your login information can get to your inbox.
You’ll be offered the option to pay for 1 year or 3 years. If you are just starting out, I would go for 1 year just to see how you find it.
You’re all done, you should get an email shortly from Bluehost with your login details!
7. DESIGN YOUR BLOG
This is the step where you can make your blog stand out! Once you have logged into your Bluehost account, you will have the option to pick a free theme or upload your own. Personally, I opted to pay for a theme because I wanted an aesthetically pleasing site that reflected me.
After some research, I came across 17th Avenue Designs! They offer so many clean and visually pleasing themes that you can easily tweak here and there to suit your vibe. Plus, they are so much more affordable than other companies.
If you would like to create an aesthetic blog then this is the place to go!
17th Avenue Designs has a service where they can set up your theme for you (for an additional fee) if you are a little impatient and want to get your site up and running quickly. However, as I started my blog during lockdown, I had a lot of time on my hands to set it up myself.
They give you clear instructions and you can email their support team, anytime, if you are struggling with any of the steps. It was quite challenging and it took me around a month to fully get my blog up and running but it was 100{c442fc8ef3789ed23df439e52609827a13bf4892a25a9bdf30f84ba71f479458} worth it!
I was so spoilt for choice but after going back and forth I decided to go for the Amelia theme!
WHY SHOULD YOU START A BLOG?
1. ACTS AS A CREATIVE OUTLET
If you have a passion for something, what is stopping you from sharing it with the world? If writing isn’t your thing don’t let that stop you, as long as you are able to communicate yourself well then that is enough. If anything it will improve your writing.
2. A GREAT THING TO ADD TO YOUR CV
If you are applying to jobs after you graduate, adding your blog to your CV shows you have the drive and motivation to succeed. It’s also a great talking point in interviews.
3. IT COULD ACT AS A STREAM OF INCOME
Although making money shouldn’t be your main motivation for starting a blog, it is very possible to make A LOT of money blogging (providing you follow the steps above!). Many bloggers can make thousands of dollars a month within the first 2 years! Having said that, it’s not going to be an easy ride. Blogging really is a full-time job! I’ve had my blog for just over a year and I have only just made my first paycheck (from ads), so it will take some time.
4. TEACHES YOU MANY SKILLS
Before I started my blog I had no idea how much I would learn along the way such as creating graphics, keeping track of financing, coding (I set up my website myself) and so much more. I can’t lie, it was a little daunting at first but YouTube was a lifesaver! You also have me, so if you have any questions regarding setting up a blog please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or email me at esseandmore@gmail.com.
5. FLEXIBLE HOURS
I am about to start the penultimate year of my degree and I already know it is going to be tough. However, I believe I will still have time to keep up with my blog (I’m trying to stay optimistic!). Owning your own blog is extremely flexible which is perfect because my timetable is constantly changing every semester. Essentially, I am my own boss so I can work on my blog whenever it suits me. Although having a blog is quite time consuming, being able to work when I am free and anywhere I like is a big plus.
This post is all about how to set up a blog!
OTHER POSTS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:
This post may contain affiliate links, which is where I will receive a small commission if you buy from the link. At no extra cost to you! For more information please read the full disclosure here
Have you been thinking about starting a blog?
If you are interested in the 7 steps you can follow to quickly set up your blog as well as reasons why I think you should start a blog too, keep on reading!
7 STEPS TO SET UP A BLOG:
1. DOWNLOAD WORDPRESS.ORG
DISCLAIMER- the following steps will only work if you use WordPress.org, NOT WordPress.com
There are two different WordPress websites, wordpress.com (hosted) and wordpress.org (self-hosted). Owning a self-hosted site is all I know, so that is all I can advise you on. Self-hosted sites are the best option for beginners and if you want your blog to grow big.
By downloading WordPress.org, you will be able to easily access your blog once you have selected the site you would like your blog to be hosted by (it will all make sense later).
2.DECIDE WHICH HOST YOU WANT
A host is where your blog will “live” so you can share it with the world!
Self-hosting your blog is ESSENTIAL if you want to create a professional blog, that you can monetise in the future.
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T CREATE A BLOG FOR FREE?
- Your site will not look professional- www.esseandmore.wordpress.com does not look as professional as www.esseandmore.com.
- You have a lot less control- You will have a lot more creative freedom when designing a self-hosted site in comparison to a hosted (free) blog.
- You will not be able to make as much money- Sometimes if you want to make money, you are going to need to invest a little. Not to mention the fact that you are more likely to stick to something you have put some money towards.
When I was doing research the ONLY hosting platform I was recommend was Bluehost, so that is what I went for. I am so happy I made that decision. Their support team is great and I have not experienced any problem with them so far.
3. GO TO THE BLUEHOST WEBSITE
Once you go to their site, press “Get Started” or “Sign up” and proceed with the following steps.
4. PICK WHICH PLAN YOU WOULD LIKE
On the first page, you will be welcomed with this page…
I decided to go for the “Basic” plan, but I intend to upgrade to the “Plus” plan in the next year.
The more you pay, the faster your site will be as well as other perks.
NOTE: Please bear in mind that you have to pay for all of the months in advance (quite annoying)! I was a little hesitant at first but putting all the money down at once really kept me accountable and motivated to actually stick to this.
5. PICK YOUR BLOG NAME/ DOMAIN
WHAT IS A DOMAIN?
Your domain is what people type into their search bar, so my domain is esseandmore.com.
If you already have a domain, you can type it under “Use a domain you own” and follow the rest of their instructions.
SOME TIPS:
- Don’t make it too long and complicated
- Try and make it easy to read
- You may have to try a few different names because it could be taken
If you are not set on your domain name, you can skip this step and come back to it later.
6. FINISH FILLING OUT ALL OF YOUR INFORMATION
You are nearly there!
Make sure to fill in all of your details correctly, so all of your login information can get to your inbox.
You’ll be offered the option to pay for 1 year or 3 years. If you are just starting out, I would go for 1 year just to see how you find it.
You’re all done, you should get an email shortly from Bluehost with your login details!
7. DESIGN YOUR BLOG
This is the step where you can make your blog stand out! Once you have logged into your Bluehost account, you will have the option to pick a free theme or upload your own. Personally, I opted to pay for a theme because I wanted an aesthetically pleasing site that reflected me.
After some research, I came across 17th Avenue Designs! They offer so many clean and visually pleasing themes that you can easily tweak here and there to suit your vibe. Plus, they are so much more affordable than other companies.
If you would like to create an aesthetic blog then this is the place to go!
17th Avenue Designs has a service where they can set up your theme for you (for an additional fee) if you are a little impatient and want to get your site up and running quickly. However, as I started my blog during lockdown, I had a lot of time on my hands to set it up myself.
They give you clear instructions and you can email their support team, anytime, if you are struggling with any of the steps. It was quite challenging and it took me around a month to fully get my blog up and running but it was 100{c442fc8ef3789ed23df439e52609827a13bf4892a25a9bdf30f84ba71f479458} worth it!
I was so spoilt for choice but after going back and forth I decided to go for the Amelia theme!
WHY SHOULD YOU START A BLOG?
1. ACTS AS A CREATIVE OUTLET
If you have a passion for something, what is stopping you from sharing it with the world? If writing isn’t your thing don’t let that stop you, as long as you are able to communicate yourself well then that is enough. If anything it will improve your writing.
2. A GREAT THING TO ADD TO YOUR CV
If you are applying to jobs after you graduate, adding your blog to your CV shows you have the drive and motivation to succeed. It’s also a great talking point in interviews.
3. IT COULD ACT AS A STREAM OF INCOME
Although making money shouldn’t be your main motivation for starting a blog, it is very possible to make A LOT of money blogging (providing you follow the steps above!). Many bloggers can make thousands of dollars a month within the first 2 years! Having said that, it’s not going to be an easy ride. Blogging really is a full-time job! I’ve had my blog for just over a year and I have only just made my first paycheck (from ads), so it will take some time.
4. TEACHES YOU MANY SKILLS
Before I started my blog I had no idea how much I would learn along the way such as creating graphics, keeping track of financing, coding (I set up my website myself) and so much more. I can’t lie, it was a little daunting at first but YouTube was a lifesaver! You also have me, so if you have any questions regarding setting up a blog please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or email me at esseandmore@gmail.com.
5. FLEXIBLE HOURS
I am about to start the penultimate year of my degree and I already know it is going to be tough. However, I believe I will still have time to keep up with my blog (I’m trying to stay optimistic!). Owning your own blog is extremely flexible which is perfect because my timetable is constantly changing every semester. Essentially, I am my own boss so I can work on my blog whenever it suits me. Although having a blog is quite time consuming, being able to work when I am free and anywhere I like is a big plus.
This post is all about how to set up a blog!
OTHER POSTS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:
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This post may contain affiliate links, which is where I will receive a small commission if you buy from the link. At no extra cost to you! For more information please read the full disclosure here
Have you been thinking about starting a blog?
If you are interested in the 7 steps you can follow to quickly set up your blog as well as reasons why I think you should start a blog too, keep on reading!
7 STEPS TO SET UP A BLOG:
1. DOWNLOAD WORDPRESS.ORG
DISCLAIMER- the following steps will only work if you use WordPress.org, NOT WordPress.com
There are two different WordPress websites, wordpress.com (hosted) and wordpress.org (self-hosted). Owning a self-hosted site is all I know, so that is all I can advise you on. Self-hosted sites are the best option for beginners and if you want your blog to grow big.
By downloading WordPress.org, you will be able to easily access your blog once you have selected the site you would like your blog to be hosted by (it will all make sense later).
2.DECIDE WHICH HOST YOU WANT
A host is where your blog will “live” so you can share it with the world!
Self-hosting your blog is ESSENTIAL if you want to create a professional blog, that you can monetise in the future.
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T CREATE A BLOG FOR FREE?
- Your site will not look professional- www.esseandmore.wordpress.com does not look as professional as www.esseandmore.com.
- You have a lot less control- You will have a lot more creative freedom when designing a self-hosted site in comparison to a hosted (free) blog.
- You will not be able to make as much money- Sometimes if you want to make money, you are going to need to invest a little. Not to mention the fact that you are more likely to stick to something you have put some money towards.
When I was doing research the ONLY hosting platform I was recommend was Bluehost, so that is what I went for. I am so happy I made that decision. Their support team is great and I have not experienced any problem with them so far.
3. GO TO THE BLUEHOST WEBSITE
Once you go to their site, press “Get Started” or “Sign up” and proceed with the following steps.
4. PICK WHICH PLAN YOU WOULD LIKE
On the first page, you will be welcomed with this page…
I decided to go for the “Basic” plan, but I intend to upgrade to the “Plus” plan in the next year.
The more you pay, the faster your site will be as well as other perks.
NOTE: Please bear in mind that you have to pay for all of the months in advance (quite annoying)! I was a little hesitant at first but putting all the money down at once really kept me accountable and motivated to actually stick to this.
5. PICK YOUR BLOG NAME/ DOMAIN
WHAT IS A DOMAIN?
Your domain is what people type into their search bar, so my domain is esseandmore.com.
If you already have a domain, you can type it under “Use a domain you own” and follow the rest of their instructions.
SOME TIPS:
- Don’t make it too long and complicated
- Try and make it easy to read
- You may have to try a few different names because it could be taken
If you are not set on your domain name, you can skip this step and come back to it later.
6. FINISH FILLING OUT ALL OF YOUR INFORMATION
You are nearly there!
Make sure to fill in all of your details correctly, so all of your login information can get to your inbox.
You’ll be offered the option to pay for 1 year or 3 years. If you are just starting out, I would go for 1 year just to see how you find it.
You’re all done, you should get an email shortly from Bluehost with your login details!
7. DESIGN YOUR BLOG
This is the step where you can make your blog stand out! Once you have logged into your Bluehost account, you will have the option to pick a free theme or upload your own. Personally, I opted to pay for a theme because I wanted an aesthetically pleasing site that reflected me.
After some research, I came across 17th Avenue Designs! They offer so many clean and visually pleasing themes that you can easily tweak here and there to suit your vibe. Plus, they are so much more affordable than other companies.
If you would like to create an aesthetic blog then this is the place to go!
17th Avenue Designs has a service where they can set up your theme for you (for an additional fee) if you are a little impatient and want to get your site up and running quickly. However, as I started my blog during lockdown, I had a lot of time on my hands to set it up myself.
They give you clear instructions and you can email their support team, anytime, if you are struggling with any of the steps. It was quite challenging and it took me around a month to fully get my blog up and running but it was 100{c442fc8ef3789ed23df439e52609827a13bf4892a25a9bdf30f84ba71f479458} worth it!
I was so spoilt for choice but after going back and forth I decided to go for the Amelia theme!
WHY SHOULD YOU START A BLOG?
1. ACTS AS A CREATIVE OUTLET
If you have a passion for something, what is stopping you from sharing it with the world? If writing isn’t your thing don’t let that stop you, as long as you are able to communicate yourself well then that is enough. If anything it will improve your writing.
2. A GREAT THING TO ADD TO YOUR CV
If you are applying to jobs after you graduate, adding your blog to your CV shows you have the drive and motivation to succeed. It’s also a great talking point in interviews.
3. IT COULD ACT AS A STREAM OF INCOME
Although making money shouldn’t be your main motivation for starting a blog, it is very possible to make A LOT of money blogging (providing you follow the steps above!). Many bloggers can make thousands of dollars a month within the first 2 years! Having said that, it’s not going to be an easy ride. Blogging really is a full-time job! I’ve had my blog for just over a year and I have only just made my first paycheck (from ads), so it will take some time.
4. TEACHES YOU MANY SKILLS
Before I started my blog I had no idea how much I would learn along the way such as creating graphics, keeping track of financing, coding (I set up my website myself) and so much more. I can’t lie, it was a little daunting at first but YouTube was a lifesaver! You also have me, so if you have any questions regarding setting up a blog please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or email me at esseandmore@gmail.com.
5. FLEXIBLE HOURS
I am about to start the penultimate year of my degree and I already know it is going to be tough. However, I believe I will still have time to keep up with my blog (I’m trying to stay optimistic!). Owning your own blog is extremely flexible which is perfect because my timetable is constantly changing every semester. Essentially, I am my own boss so I can work on my blog whenever it suits me. Although having a blog is quite time consuming, being able to work when I am free and anywhere I like is a big plus.
This post is all about how to set up a blog!
OTHER POSTS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:
