by RevivingTraditions (follow)

Do you love to write, share ideas with others, and explore the endless possibilities cyberspace has to offer?
Do you jot down recipes, take food pictures, and use
Pinterest to fall asleep to at night?
It’s time to start a blog.

Even if you don’t feel like you have the time.
Even if you don’t think you can do it.

Starting a blog is a very exciting leap to make. This post is very straightforward. In fact, it’s probably the EASIEST phase of starting a food blog!

There are just three simple steps to set up your own blog (food or any other niche)
1. Choose a domain name and host.
2. Install WordPress into your webhost.
3. Add the bells and whistles


1. Choose a domain name and host.
Most likely you’ve been brainstorming what to name your website all week. I recommend chewing on this part of the process for a while. Write down all of your possibilities. Run the names past your closest family members and friends. Next, see if the domain name is available. You can see if you name is available by going to CheckDomain.com

Did you find a catchy, unique name for your website and is it available?

Great! That is really exciting. It can be tricky to find a domain names that isn’t taken now-n-days.

It’s time to set up with a web host:Bluehost

A host is like a website space rental agency. In other words, I “rent” webspace from Bluehost

I love Bluehost because it is incredibly easy to use. Since I had a free WordPress.com website prior to looking for a host, the 1-click automatic WordPress installation caught my eye. Plus, they have incredible customer service – via phone and via chat. I called from New Zealand and both times they were able to help me find the right solutions. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND using Bluehost for your first site.


2. Install Wordpess
Ok , now that you have a web host, it’s time to install WordPress.com to your Bluehost account. I use WordPress as my platform to revivingtraditions.com. It is incredibly straightforward and easy to use. If you had a free wordpress.com domain prior to launching your own domain you will definitely want to install WordPress on Bluehost. Some people use Weebly or other blogging sites. Those are great too.
Now remember, you can do a clean install or import your free WordPress.com content. For example. when I got my own domain, I transferred all my content from lifesacoconut.wordpress.com to revivingtraditions.com. Here’s how to do that.

Ok, let’s install WordPress. You have two options:

1. If you had a free WordPress domain prior to your own domain, you will want to import the files into Bluehost.
 

2. If you didn’t have a free WordPress.com domain and want a clean install, just follow these steps.

 
3. Add the bells and whistles
 

First, I recommend using a framework. A framework is the behind the scenes structure that makes your site run well and makes the installation of themes much easier. The framework I use for revivingtraditions.com is called the The Genesis Framework. It is $60 but well worth the amount. Most websites are going this route because of the advanced nature of Genesis and its SEO capabilities (how Google searches for your site).
The Genesis Framework empowers you to quickly and easily build incredible websites with WordPress.
Next, you will want to shop for a theme. A theme is the look and feel of your website. You can choose a free theme or a $$ one. Usually themes are not too expensive. WordPress has tons of free WordPress themes to pick from.

Alternatively you can use a premium theme ($$). The following are some great options:

StudioPress Themes (that run on Genesis...they are also referred to as Child Themes) - choose the theme that suits your needs. There are literally hundred to choose from!

Foodie theme - this one is one of the most popular and versatile for the food blogger niche.

If you would like to install the free or premium theme, all you have to do is download the file you are given and install it through your Wordpress dashboard. Every theme has its own set of instructions. Be sure to go through those instructions after your purchase or download your theme.


4. The last step is to keep following this series on How to Blog
In subsequent posts you will find information pertaining to:

The PLUGINs that you absolutely need. I spent TONs of hours researching so you don't have to.
Optional plugins.
Networking
SEO (how Google finds you)
Tips on how to make your site likeable
And much more! Stay tuned!

 


And finally,
Send me a quick message on Facebook if you have any questions. I am here to help and would love to see you start a successful blog.

Good luck!

 Filed under: #How-to-start-a-blog
RevivingTraditions
How to Start a Blog

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