My name is Oladejo Elisha. In this guide, I’m going to show you how to start a blog successfully from scratch and monetize it as an effective side income that has huge potential to become a full-time source of income.
I discovered that each day, a lot of people are getting involved in blogging as a business. Of course, yes it is. It all depends on your opinion. Blogging could be fun and also, for profit.
I created this “simple and easy to follow procedure” to help you on how to start a blog that’s configured like a professional and won’t take you more than 25 minutes
Building a blog is as easy as ABC that even some can do it within 10-20mins. I’m sure you might have some people saying that blogging is not hard as long as your heart is in it. However, some still find it difficult to set up a blog and get it running. Never mind, if it happens to you, just contact me using the comment box below this post or send me an email, and I will help you get through it without any cost attached to it.
Before we start this journey of blog creation, let’s take a look at some of the reasons you need to start a blog.
Why You Need to Start a Blog
- Blogging helps you discover new ways to earn online
- it helps you link with other people of the same passion.
- Makes you a better thinker and writer
- helps you establish an online business of your passion
- and lots more…
Now let me walk you through the process of starting your own blog in 25 minutes.
Let’s begin!
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Below are the 5 Steps I will walk you through. They are essentials, therefore, ensure you go through them.
- Choosing a suitable platform for your blog
- How to select and register a domain name for your blog
- Selecting a reliable web hosting company to host your blog
- Installing WordPress to get your blog running
- Choosing and Installing Themes
- Your first post on your blog and How to monetize it
If none of these terms makes sense to you now, don’t worry. You will see how easy is it to start a blog by the time we are done.
Step 1 – Choosing a Suitable Platform for Your Blog
It’s much cheaper, easier and faster to start up a blog today than it was about 10 years ago. Thanks to the developers and programmers who took it upon themselves to create divers of platforms or I may call it free software solutions which allow anyone, newbies or experts to develop content and put them online without the need to be a programmer, have any design skill or be an online Guru. In short, as long as you can read and write, punch the keyboard keys on your system, send and receive email, then, you are already a GURU to start your own blog.
However, before your blog goes live, you need to have a good knowledge of blogging platform that is suitable for you and your blog. Take a look at the breakdown of the most commonly used Content Management Systems (CMS) in the chart below.
WordPress is undoubtedly the best platform to be considered for starting a new blog.
As can be seen from the chart, WordPress took the lead while others follow. According to marketingland.com, WordPress continues to grow in popularity among top blog publishers. The point is WordPress remains the number one choice of hundreds of bloggers from all the CMS platforms. More than 52% of all the websites on the net today make use of WordPress when compared to other platforms. My blog is also built with WordPress. Building with WordPress will make blogging a lot easier and enjoyable for you
Let’s look at some of the reasons why you will enjoy using WordPress
- It’s Absolutely Free. How does that sound? How can one of the most content management solution system be free? Anyway, that’s the truth. Nothing is charged using WordPress, and that makes blogging interesting.
- Easy To Use For Beginners: This is one of the many reasons why WordPress beats the other platforms’ hands down. It’s free and easy to use. There are thousands of free WordPress Themes (Site templates) and plugins that you can use to customize your blog to your desired taste. With these, it means there is no need for programming or coding to get your site running.
- Free Tool/Resources: Guide and Community Support: Using WordPress gives you access to a lot of free material, tools, guides, and tutorials that can enhance the creation of your blog. Likewise, you can find unlimited resources on other sites that are associated with WordPress.
- WordPress Looks Cool on Mobile: WordPress beats other CMS in this area. As many people use their mobile tech to access the internet today, it’s essential to ensure your blog looks fantastic on all devices. Set up a blog in a few minutes and your site will look great on all devices.
- WordPress has Huge Capacity: WordPress has been downloaded for more than 100 million times and still counting. It has become the choice of millions of the top blogs today, such as HuffPost,VOA, Forbes and more.
Now that you can see how lovely is WordPress and why is the choice of millions of bloggers all over the world, It’s time we get started with the creation of your own blog using WordPress. Let’s move on to step 2 where I will explain and show you how to select and register a domain for your blog.
Step 2 – Choosing and registering a domain name for your blog
A domain name is a URL or site address through which someone can access your blog or site. Also, search engine crawler makes use of the domain name to craw your blog so that it can come up on a search engine. Here are samples of domain names: Google.com, Facebook.com. Like my site uses oladejoelisha.com as a domain name.
Choosing or selecting a domain name is not difficult, but requires creativity. You have to be creative as most of the official domain names are already owned. It’s not possible for two people to possess the same domain name. Once it belongs to someone, it’s gone for good except if the current owner decides to resell it or it gets expired, and the owner is not willing to renew it.
I understand you are starting up and getting a suitable domain name may be a little task. Don’t worry. Often time, I always recommend that people start with their personal name to avoid the uphill job of creating a name. For instance, if you are “Williams Jones” you could register “williamsjones.com.”As my domain name is my personal name “oladejoelisha.com. Some big shots in the world of blogging used their personal names, and they are doing great. Examples are briantracy.com,ewenchia.com and more.
However, you can craft a domain name from a combination of two or more words that are related to your area of interest, but this may be time demanding.
A domain name usually cost between $15-$30 per year. Anyways, this depends on your choice of domain.
How to Get a Cheap Domain Name
Domain registration is pretty straightforward, and anyone can do it. However, the only challenge involve is, getting a domain that hasn’t been registered. But if you follow my recommendation by making use of your personal name, you can quickly overcome this hurdle. However, this should stop you from crafting a unique name if you don’t want to use your personal name.
Like I said earlier, on average, a domain could cost around $15 registration for one year. But, there is a company from where I get a domain name registered for as low as $1.99 per year with FREE WHOISGUARD and PositiveSSL (HTTPS) for one year. As you can see, This blog is registered with HTTPS, which is high-level security that helps to prevent my blog from hackers and makes it safe for my visitors to browse my blog with confidence. It has a 128/256 bit encryption level, 99.3% browser compatibility, FREE static Site Seal.
WHOISGUARD helps to keep your identity as the owner of the domain private thereby preventing Spammers and Scammers from getting your real identity online. Total anonymity and privacy of your most important info. WHOISGUARD costs around $10 per year and while PositiveSSL(HTTPS) costs over $20 per year. You get all for free when you register your domain with Namecheap.com.
How to choose a Great Domain Name and the Right Extension.
Just before listing the points to consider when choosing a domain name, Let me explain Domain name extension. The domain name extensions (TLD) are the .com, .org, .Net that comes after your domain name. There are lots of domain extensions out there, but the common ones are .com, .org,.Net, and .info.
At this point, I will like to make my opinion clear about choosing an extension. I don’t believe domain extension has any negative impact on a domain name. Though a lot of bloggers prefer .com, .org, .net, .info extension, but I’m of the opinion that any extension can be used as long as it suits your purpose. So, feel free to pick any TLD of your choice when registering your domain name. Namecheap will give you a list of available extensions with the different registration fees when you search for your domain name as shown below. Make your choice according to your budget.
With all said, here are a few points to consider when choosing a domain name:
- Make sure is short and simple
- Choose a name you can easily remember
- Avoid using any trademark names
- Preferably, use your personal name if it is available.
Ok. Head on to Namecheap now and register your domain name as it will be required in the next step. Click Here to use my coupon code to buy as low as $2.
Step 3 – Choose A Web Hosting Company To Host Your Site
[su_note note_color=”#a016e1″ text_color=”#ffffff” radius=”9″]Very Cool Isn’t it? Now you know how to choose the right platform for your blog. You also know how to pick a domain name and register it. I’m glad you’ve come this far.[/su_note]
If you’ve decided to go with WordPress as your blogging platform and probably by now register your domain name, Let’s put the pieces together. It won’t be long before we are done with the whole stuff. Be patient and let’s ride on.
Now that all is set, the next step is to choose a hosting company to host your money-making WordPress blog. A hosting company provides you a server where your site is hosted and can be accessed by visitors through your domain name from any part of the world. Hosting your blog is an essential factor that cannot be ignored.
[su_note note_color=”#6dc7fa” text_color=”#ffffff” radius=”9″]Wait, let me say this! As we proceed, I will advise you to go ahead and do the following! The reason is that it will help you to get along quickly.
Step 1 – Setup Your Blog with SiteGround (click here, and it will open in a new window)
Step 2 – Follow the step-by-step visual instructions below to setup your blog with SiteGround.[/su_note]
Choosing A Web Host
Free Hosting Company
The hosting company you select is of great importance. Never make such a mistake of going for a free hosting service no matter how low your budget is and how desperate you are to get started. If you do, then be ready for the worst. As the saying goes “nothing of lasting results comes with a free offer.” Whatever is offered free comes with a hidden agenda.
Many people go with free hosts with the purpose of having a good experience. No, it does not work that way. Lots of the free hosting service comes with limited features and tools which can destroy your blog, and you will have to pay experts to fix it when it’s down. Some of the free hosting servers are always down. Of course, what do you expect from a free service? No customer support, no technical support, no uptime guaranteed.
Reliable Hosting company.
It’s better your foundation is strong since you are starting out. Therefore, is of great importance you go with a reliable service provider, and I recommend Siteground.
Now, I’m cautious when it comes to recommending a service because I know how this can influence your choice.
However, my recommendation is not biased. Instead, it’s my opinion based on
- Personal experience as a user.
- In-depth online and offline research.
- Move of the wave.
Currently, Siteground is the best hosting company and #1 WordPress optimization company in the world.
Don’t take my word for it, WordPress endorsed them. You too can find out through search engines. Below are a few of my reasons for choosing the Siteground.
Some of My Reasons For Choosing SiteGround?
I’ve used many host companies, and I prefer SiteGround to them all because they are extremely fast and exceptional in reliability with unbeatable customer support services through different channels.
My 18 Unbiased Reasons For Choosing SiteGround.
- Rated as #1 host company in 2017 Facebook Upvote
- Ranked as #1 host company in 2016 Facebook Upvote
- Currently, the most talked-about on different online thread after thread
- Extremely fast, with an average load time of 1.3s
- Automated daily backups
- It updates WordPress automatically.
- Friendly cPanel (see demo).
- All their plans come with free HTTPS (Encrypt SSL)
- 99% Uptime guaranteed. No fear of downtime
- Quick customer support response. The fastest in the industry.
- Free migration of your current blog/ website from any hosting company to the Siteground.
- Siteground is not part of the EIG company which has a bad reputation
- Very helpful in Facebook Groups, WordCamps, community events
- None of the people I referred to Siteground has ever canceled their subscription because of their reliability.
Read my complete review on Siteround here.
Use this link to set up your host right now and get a 67% discount on your hosting making you spend less.
See some happy user comments
Because Siteground is really superb, they are usually a little more expensive than most other hosts. Fortunately for you, I was able to secure a considerable discount for people who use this guide. If you follow any of the links in this article to Siteground, you will get a 60% discount on your hosting. When it’s activated, you should see $3.95/mo. (This is the 12 months breakdown).
Step-By-Step Process To Set Up Your Blog On Siteground.
Now that you are set to kick start, let’s go
I went through the process myself to get some screenshots which you can use to navigate your way through the process of setting up your Siteground hosting account and blog.
Stage 1; Head on to Siteground
Follow this link www.Siteground.com to open a new browser tab.
Stage 2; Select your desired hosting package;
You will have to choose a package that suits your budget. As you can see, there are 3 plans. Beginning with the STARTUP. Followed by Grow Big and then the GoGeek.
Start-Up: The cheapest plan is the Startup at $3.95 but only allows you to host 1 domain/site. This may be OK if you’re starting out and you don’t have an intention to host more than 1 blog. You’ll get 10GB of space, and it’s useful for newbies or those just starting out.
Grow Big: However, I highly recommend Grow Big which is just $5.95 per month, if you have the plan to host more than one site in the future. This will help you to save more rather than paying higher to host your second site when you are ready to do so. Grow Big plan allows you to host unlimited websites, database, priority for technical support, Super Cacher for high speed, Free backup restores, and many more. This is a great way to make sure you are not limited to one site
GoGeek Plan: The plan is cool for those who intend to build e-commerce and robust sites or need some things like staging and GIT integration. This plan allows unlimited sites and also, comes with features like backup and restore service and manual restoration by the SiteGround team. It’s good for people receiving less than 100,000 unique visitors per month.
If you’re not sure of which plan to go for, follow these guidelines:
You can start with the StartUp plan which is the cheapest plan. You can always scale up when your site grows, and you find the need for more space, but this will cost you more as the renewal or upgrade fee is high. I will recommend Growbig plan if you can afford it.
But no matter which plan suits you, you will always have a 67% discount on your purchase if you use this link (Siteground).
Once you’ve made your choice, just click the “Get Started Button” to proceed to the next stage.
Stage3; Register or provide your existing domain name
Provide the domain name you registered at Namecheap.com if you did so when I explained domain name registration. But if you prefer to register your domain name with Siteground, choose “Register a New Domain” and follow the next instruction. To provide the domain name you registered with Namecheap, choose “I already have a Domain” and click on the “Proceed” button to continue.
Once you are done with the domain name process, it’s time to complete your account details.
Stage 4: your personal information.
At this point, you will have to create your username and password which will be required each time you want to access your Siteground account. Also, you need to fill out your personal details and then select the duration of your subscription (that is, 12 or 24 or 36 months). You may choose to start with 12 months.
Stage 5. Choosing the extras (if you register your domain with SiteGround)
In addition to selecting the duration of your initial subscription, you may consider adding any of the extras as shown in the image below.
Domain Privacy: This helps to hide your personal information provided during the registration of your domain name with SiteGround when people look at your domain information using a third-party site like WHOIS. But if you registered your domain name with Namecheap.com as recommended at the beginning of this guide, then you don’t need to purchase the Domain Privacy again as Namecheap gives you domain privacy for free for 1 year.
SG Site: Scanner monitors your blog against hackers
I suggest you consider domain privacy.
Next, proceed to complete your payment by clicking the PAY NOW button and finalize your hosting account.
Make sure you agree with SiteGround’s terms and click the submit button to continue.
5. Account Created!
Congratulations! You are done with your purchase.
Now click the “PROCEED TO CUSTOMER AREA” to set up your new account.
You should see a pop menu like this
Click the “Don’t need help now”
Accept the Terms of service and Privacy Policy. Then click “complete setup” to access your account area.
Now, you should be directed to your account area that looks like this:
Step 5: Installing WordPress.
Installing WordPress with SiteGround could not be any easier. You can either install it yourself or contact SiteGround Technical support to get it done for you. In either way, both processes are pretty easy. I will show you how to use both. Let’s begin with the Technical support assistance…
Contact the support to have SiteGround install WordPress FOR YOU for FREE!
Next, click the “Support” Tab as shown above to see the support page.
Next, Scroll down the page. Look out for the “Contact us here” link and click on it. The page will drop down to reveal more information. Click on the “WordPress Assistance” as can be see below…
Next, Describe your request in the “Request Box” displayed. You can write something like “ I need assistance in installing WordPress on my host account”. Something brief… Then click the continue button.
When you click continue, the page drops down further, Simple scroll down the page and click the “contact us “ link…
Next, a new page opens up. Click on the “Post to Chat” to chat with a WordPress Assistant and in less than 10 sec. someone should say hello.
The interesting part is that while you are still online with the support, your WordPress will be installed, the support will make sure all is fully set up and that you are satisfied before he or she goes offline…
That’s it!!!!
You just got yourself a new blog…
Self Installation
You can also install it yourself by following the step below.
Navigate to the My Accounts tab and click on:
- “Access cPanel securely”. This enhances the security level of your cPanel. Then,
- Click on “Access cPanel” to launch your cPanel platform.
Next, click on the blue “WordPress” icon under the section of AUTOINSTALLER Tools.
Next, click on the blue Install button.
Next, Fill all the required fields and follow the instruction as shown in the image below to complete the installation process.
Next, create a username and password to access your WordPress dashboard when the installation is completed.
That’s it! It’s really fresh and fun setting up a hosting account, acquire a domain name, and install WordPress. All you need to become a blogger in just a few minutes. Awesome!
So, If you haven’t started,. Click here to get started now. It shouldn’t take you more than 15minutes
The PDF guide
[su_note note_color=”#fa6ded” text_color=”#ffffff” radius=”9″]I’m sure I made the process easy and quick for you to follow through. But, sometimes it might be a bit much more to grasp all the details at once. In, addition to the pictorial-based guide above, I made a PDF that covered all the aspects of this guide. Go ahead, download and keep the PDF in your archive for future reference. Click here to head over to SiteGround to setup your blog once you’re done reading the PDF. [Download][/su_note]
Step 3 – Creating your first Post with a purpose
It’s time you customize your blog and make your first post. There is nothing so exciting than having your own blog. It’s the dream of many online visitors. Now you can write about what pleases you.
Here is the truth. Your blog is just one of the millions out there. So, if you intend to stand out from the crowd and be seen as an authority in your niche, then you’ve got to plan and create content that provides values to your readers.
In order not to make this guide longer than necessary, I’ve decided to write another comprehensive article on how to install a WordPress theme and write your first blog post. Click here to jump into it.
FREE GIFT: Frequently Ask Questions by New Bloggers
Starting out in life is not quite an easy task. There are always questions to ask when it comes to doing something for the first time. Therefore, I wanted to provide some answers to a few frequently asked issues when it comes to starting a blog. Hope this helps.
1. I have my blog set up, but how do I drive traffic to it?
Yes, this is probably one of the most asked questions by newbies and beginners. Sometimes it’s frustrating seeing blog growing slowly with little or no traffic. But the fact remains that those of us who have been in this system started out the same as you.
But as you continue to add new content to your blog, providing values to your readers, get ranked in search engines, and share your post with friends, traffic to your blog will continue to grow over time. If you want some actionable steps that can help boost your traffic as fast as possible, then head over to read my 70 free traffic generation sources. You can also download the PDF here.
2. When will my blog start showing on the TOP search engines like Google?
Google will undoubtedly discover your site once the posts are indexed and people visiting the site. However, one of the best ways to speed up the process is to get links from social sites and other relevant sites to your blog. Though the process of ranking a blog in Google is complicated, I will suggest you read the post “simple SEO tips” to learn more about how the process works.
3. How do I make income with my blog?
The primary goal of many blog owners is to make money with their blogs or sites. You can read my detailed explanation on how you can make money blogging. I shared my experience on how I monetized my blog and how it can be of help to you too.
