6 Steps to Start Your Business Blog Today
To start a blog, here are the steps you must follow. We will take a closer look at each of these steps in this article.
source: pexels.com
- Step 1. Specify the name and domain of your blog
This is the fun part where you can choose the name of your blog and domain name you want. The domain name of your blog is the name that people type in their browser to open the website. This is an important step, because once your blog starts to gain momentum, it can be really difficult to change the name to something else.
Thus, it is very important that you come up with and choose the best name for your blog from the very beginning of your blogging journey. If you are starting a personal blog, you can blog under your own name. But I do not recommend this because it limits the growth opportunities for your blog.
- Step 2. Find a web hosting provider
Each website is hosted on a web server. When you open a website, your browser connects to the web server on which it is hosted and retrieves the contents of the page that you requested. When you start blogging, you need to buy a website hosting service from a web hosting provider. Web hosting providers simply offer you some space for your site on their server for a small fee.
- Step 3. Choose content management software (CMS)
When you start your blog, you will need to select the software (also called CMS) for your blog. CMS is the place where you manage your site and the content that appears on it. Simply put, your chosen CMS will help you write and publish blog posts. CMS is a bit like Microsoft Word, but for publishing content on the internet.
- Step 4. WordPress settings
Once your hosting account is ready, enter your admin zone and install the platform. I chose WordPress. Why this platform? Personally, I believe WordPress is the best platform for newbies. I think many will agree with me. According to statistics from Built With, more than 46% (or 8.7 million) of blogs in the USA are built on the WordPress platform.
The easiest way to set up WordPress is to set it automatically using InMotion Hosting Softaculous (an application that helps you to install WordPress quickly). Once you have installed the WordPress system, you will be provided with a URL to enter the WordPress admin page. Now you are in the admin area of WordPress. This will be part of the blog where only you can access.
source: pexels.com
- Step 5. Select a WordPress theme
If you have a multipurpose WordPress theme, you need to choose a design that will look good on your site and fit your niche. If the design of your blog looks strange or does not match the theme of your blog, then it will be difficult for people to believe you or even take you seriously. You can change your theme as often as you would like, customize the theme, or even make a new theme from scratch – of course, if you have proper design skills.
- Step 6. Install the necessary WordPress plugins
When it comes to plugins, there are 55,000 options available in the WordPress library. These plugins will help you integrate features such as online shopping, a WordPress booking system, and selection. You could even revitalize your site’s design with the usage of landing page builders, carousel sliders, videos, and so on. But before you get excited, you should install several plugins that can provide the performance, security, availability, and setting of your website.
- Everything is done!
Domain and hosting are verified. WordPress setting and verification are done. The blog topic has been verified, and the main plugins are set. Your blog is finally ready! Congratulations! Now you have a blog to show the world.