Starting a WordPress Blog: A Step-wise Guide

WordPress is one of the most popular CMS (Content Management Systems) software available today. Not only because it is free for use but because of the versatility and flexibility that it provides to its users. Other than that it also provides them with a ready population of subscribers who are already using WordPress or follow blogs regularly. Whether you want a blog or site on WordPress, the initial steps are pretty much the same. In fact, the choice does not arise until after you’ve created your clog/site and gain access to the dashboard.

The difference between a blog and site is that a site contains a number of pages whereas a blog is in a linear format which consists of one page only.

Step 1: Sign-Up

The very first step when registering on WordPress is to visit the website ‘Wordpress.com’. This is not to be confused with WordPress.org which is a more technical site which requires installation in order to set up a site. The landing page will typically display two options for sign-up as illustrated below.

Step 2: Sign-Up Form

Once you click the sign-up button you will be redirected to another page which contains the sign-up form. This form will ask for basic information and the URL of the website or blog that you wish to create.

The options available in terms of domain names will be set at default to ‘Free’ with your site a sub domain of ‘wordpress.com’. There are however multiple options available on WordPress which will host your site with a custom URL and domain name if you pay an annual fee. These options are available when you click the collapsible arrow.

The most commonly used domain name on WordPress is the ‘free’ service. Once you’ve completed the form, scrolling down to the bottom of the page will show two buttons. The Upgrade button is simply there to create a premium account where you will have to pay an annual sum.

Clicking the ‘Crate Blog’ button will allow you to proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Verify Your Email

The next step is to verify the email that you inserted into the sign up form. Once you click the ‘Create Blog’ button, you will be redirected to a page which will notify you of an auto email sent to your email address.

In case you have not received the email, you can simply click the button “Didn’t get you email yet?” This will resend the email to your account.

Step 4: Activate Your Account

In order to activate your account you will have to head over to your email. There should b an email from WordPress already waiting in your inbox as shown below.

Open the email to view its contents. You should have one similar to the one shown below. Click on the “Activate Blog” to activate your WordPress blog.

Once you’ve clicked the activate button, you will immediately receive another email informing you that your blog has been created.

Step 5: Follow the Yellow Brick Road

You will be redirected to the setup wizard of WordPress which will guide you through the steps of setting the basic elements of the blog.

Step 6: Customize

Although part of the wizard, customization is an important step to take into consideration. You can select a theme from the gallery according to your own preferences or upload one that has been custom made. Themes in the WordPress gallery may either be free or premium. You will have the choice to customize the selected theme after selection. Themes may be changed at any point after you’ve created your blog.

Step 7: Connect to Social Media

You can choose to connect your blog with social media platforms to get subscribers.

Step 8: First Post

This will be the last step before you are finished with the wizard. Create your first post. This may be in the form of an image, text, video, quote or a link. Make sure it is witty smart and inspiring. Have fun blogging!

Featured Image Credit: Flickr/Heisenberg Media