How to start a WordPress blog on Bluehost in 2024

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Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of blogging and create a WordPress blog that could potentially change your life? It’s easier than you might think! Today, you will learn everything you need to know about how to start a WordPress blog on Bluehost

Blogging has opened up incredible opportunities for countless people, including myself, allowing them to earn a substantial income while pursuing their passions.

The best part? Starting a blog doesn’t have to break the bank. For the cost of just a few cups of coffee a month, you can launch your own online platform. To make it even more accessible, I’ve partnered with Bluehost to offer you an exclusive discount on hosting services, including a free domain name. This is a fantastic opportunity to get started for less.

Bluehost is a reputable web hosting provider that I personally recommend based on my positive experiences. They offer reliable hosting services at affordable prices, making them a great option for new bloggers.

If you’re ready to create your own WordPress blog, I encourage you to take advantage of this special Bluehost offer and follow the easy-to-use tutorial I’ve put together to guide you through the process.

Remember, this discounted offer may not last forever, so seize the opportunity while you can!

Click here to start a blog on WordPress, and then follow this tutorial below for easy, step-by-step instructions.

Want to start blogging without breaking the bank? Trust me, it’s one of the best decisions I ever made.

I’ve personally earned over $250,000 from my multiple blogs (including DollarStale and many other blogs), and it’s given me the freedom to work from anywhere, travel on a whim, and set my own schedule. It’s been life-changing! The great thing about blogging is that anyone can do it. I made back the cost of my hosting in no time, and I’m sure you will, too.

Bluehost is a top-notch web hosting company. Right now, you can start your blog for as little as $2.95 a month (that’s a special deal you can only get through my link!). Plus, if you sign up for 12 months of hosting, you’ll get a free domain name—a $15 value!

Hold up! If you’re thinking, “Let’s just start on Blogger and see how it goes.” There are so many reasons why a Blogger/Blogspot blog isn’t the best path, especially if you have dreams of making money, freelancing, or turning your blog into a full-fledged business.

Investing in your own hosting (like with Bluehost) is a game-changer. It’s super affordable, and you get a free domain name for the first year. It also opens a world of possibilities for making money from your blog. Think ads, affiliate links, sponsorships—the sky’s the limit!

Free platforms like Blogger might seem tempting, but they can hold you back. Most advertisers and companies prefer to work with self-hosted WordPress.org blogs because they look more professional. So, if you’re serious about your blogging journey, skip the Blogspot and invest in your success with Bluehost.

Reasons to choose Bluehost for your WordPress blog

bluehost

Bluehost

Bluehost is the best WordPress hosting for beginners. You get a free domain, WordPress pre installed, a free SSL for the 1st year, free AI creator to design your perfect website, and so many more.

Bluehost is the top choice for most bloggers for a few good reasons:

  1. Super Easy: Seriously, anyone can get their blog up and running on Bluehost in a snap. It’s designed for beginners and comes with my super simple tutorial to guide you through every step.
  2. Helpful Help: Need a hand? Bluehost’s got your back with their amazing 24/7 support. They’ll help you with anything you need, from technical issues to choosing the right plan.
  3. Budget-Friendly: Starting a blog doesn’t have to break the bank. Bluehost offers incredible prices starting at just $2.95 per month – a steal for your own slice of the internet!
  4. Freebies: Who doesn’t love free stuff? With Bluehost, you’ll snag a free domain name for your blog, saving you even more money.
  5. WordPress Made Easy: You can use WordPress on Bluehost for free! It’s the world’s most popular blogging platform, and Bluehost makes it a breeze to install and use.
  6. Risk-Free Guarantee: Not totally sold? No problem! Bluehost offers a money-back guarantee, so you can try it out worry-free.
  7. Be Your Own Boss: With Bluehost, you’ll be self-hosted, meaning you have complete control over your blog and can easily monetize it.
  8. Look Like a Pro: Having your own domain name on Bluehost makes you look way more professional than a free platform like Blogspot. It’s the difference between a hobby and a serious brand.

Ready to dive in? Head over to Bluehost to get started. If you have any questions along the way, just shoot me an email at king@dailyaccrue.com! I’m here to help you make your blogging dreams a reality.

Please note that we are talking about WordPress.org. There are 2 types of WordPress; here’s the difference between both:

WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com: A breakdown for intending bloggers

WordPress is the world’s most popular content management system (CMS), powering many websites and blogs. But there’s often confusion between WordPress.org and WordPress.com. Here’s a simplified breakdown to help you choose the right platform for your blogging needs:

WordPress.org (Best for: Serious bloggers, businesses, or anyone who wants full control, customization, and monetization potential).

  • Self-Hosted Platform: You need to find your own web hosting provider and install WordPress software. This gives you full control over your blog.
  • Customization: You can install any theme, plugin, or custom code to create a unique website tailored to your needs.
  • Monetization: You have unlimited options to monetize your blog through ads, affiliate marketing, or selling products.
  • Scalability: It’s ideal for growing blogs as it can handle high traffic and complex functionalities.

WordPress.com (Best for Casual bloggers or hobbyists).

  • Hosted Platform: WordPress.com takes care of everything – hosting, security, updates, and maintenance. You simply sign up, choose a plan, and start blogging.
  • Ease of Use: It’s beginner-friendly with a simplified interface and limited customization options.
  • Limited Control: You have less flexibility in terms of design, plugins, and monetization options.
  • Free and Paid Plans: The free plan is basic, while paid plans offer more features and storage.

In Summary:

  • WordPress.org is a powerful, self-hosted platform offering complete control and flexibility, ideal for professional bloggers or businesses.
  • WordPress.com is a simpler, hosted solution with limited features, perfect for beginners or those who prioritize convenience.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs, technical skills, and long-term goals for your blog.

How to start a WordPress.org blog on Bluehost

bluehost

Bluehost

Bluehost is the best WordPress hosting for beginners. You get a free domain, WordPress pre installed, a free SSL for the 1st year, free AI creator to design your perfect website, and so many more.

Here is the step-by-step process of starting your WordPress blog on Bluehost:

1. Register your domain name

Picking the perfect domain name for your blog is a big decision, and it’s totally normal to feel a little stuck. Trust me, I’ve been there!

Here’s the good news: Bluehost makes it super easy to get your domain name set up. You can grab your domain right through Bluehost when you sign up for web hosting, and you’ll even score a free domain for the first year if you purchase 12 months of hosting. That’s like getting a bonus for starting your blogging journey! Plus, you’ll snag a sweet discount on your monthly hosting fee when you go with the 12-month plan.

Ready to dive in? Just click here to get your free domain on Bluehost and follow the simple steps to get your blog up and running.

2. Buy hosting for your blog

Securing hosting is essential for launching your blog. Bluehost is a reliable and beginner-friendly option that offers seamless WordPress integration.

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Pricing:

The most cost-effective choice for new bloggers is the Basic plan at $2.95 per month (billed annually), it provides all the necessary features to get started. The annual cost amounts to $33, a very affordable option for a year of blogging. Opting for the 12-month plan also includes a free domain name, saving you additional costs.

While Bluehost offers “Plus” and “Business Pro” plans, these are generally unnecessary for beginners and can be upgraded to later if needed.

Additional Costs:

To safeguard your personal information, consider adding Domain Privacy Protection for $0.99 per month. If this option isn’t visible during signup, contact Bluehost to include it in your bill after checkout.

Feel free to uncheck any other extra services offered by Bluehost, as they are not essential for starting your blog.

Why a 12-Month Plan is Recommended:

  • Free domain name: Receive a free domain when you sign up for 12 months or more.
  • Cost-effective: Annual billing offers lower pricing than monthly payments.
  • Website stability: Avoid the risk of website downtime due to expired payments associated with monthly billing.

Blog hosting can be very affordable, with an average cost of around $35 per year. Bluehost’s 12-month “Basic” plan is an excellent starting point for new bloggers, offering value for money and essential features for a successful blog launch.

Choosing a web host for your blog is a key step in bringing your online presence to life. Here’s a simplified guide to getting started with Bluehost:

  1. Visit Bluehost: Head to Bluehost’s website and click the “Get Started Now” button.
  2. Select Your Plan: Bluehost offers different hosting plans to suit various needs and budgets. Choose the plan that aligns with your requirements.
  3. Enter Your Domain: If you’ve already registered a domain name (your blog’s web address), enter it here. Otherwise, you can register a new one directly through Bluehost.
  4. Account and Billing: Provide your personal details and payment information to create your Bluehost account.
  5. Create a Strong Password: A secure password protects your account and blog data. Choose a strong combination of characters and keep it safe.

Need Help? If you encounter any difficulties during the setup process, feel free to contact me at king@dailyaccrue.com. I have someone at Bluehost who can offer free expert assistance to resolve any issues.

Remember, choosing the right hosting provider and plan sets the foundation for your blog’s success. With a reliable host like Bluehost and a well-chosen plan, you’ll be well on your way to sharing your ideas and insights with the world.

3. Connect your domain and your hosting

If you purchased your domain from a registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap and your hosting from another provider (e.g., Bluehost). In that case, you’ll need to connect them to ensure your blog is accessible online. This involves updating your domain’s nameservers.

Why Connect Your Domain and Hosting?

This connection directs visitors who type your domain name into their browser to the correct server where your website files are stored. It’s essential for your blog to be visible and functional.

How to Update Nameservers:

  1. Log in: Access your domain registrar’s account (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.).
  2. Manage Domains: Find the section for managing your domain names.
  3. Set Name Servers: Locate the option to modify nameservers.
  4. Enter Information: Input the nameservers provided by your hosting company.
    • For Bluehost, it would be: ns1.bluehost.com; ns2.bluehost.com
  5. Save Changes: Confirm your updates.

Adding Your Domain to Bluehost:

Once you’ve updated the nameservers, log in to your Bluehost account. Go to the “Domains” section and click on “Assign” to add your GoDaddy or Namecheap domain as an addon domain to your Bluehost hosting. Follow the simple steps provided.

  1. Log in: Access your Bluehost account.
  2. Domains: Navigate to the “Domains” section.
  3. Assign: Click “Assign” to add your domain as an addon domain.
  4. Follow Steps: The process is straightforward and guided.

Important Note: Changes to nameservers can take up to 24-48 hours to fully propagate across the internet.

Need Help?

Both GoDaddy and Namecheap have detailed support pages on setting nameservers. If you run into any issues, let me know (king@dailyaccrue.com).

4. Install WordPress on Bluehost

Bluehost makes setting up your WordPress blog remarkably easy – and best of all, it’s included in your hosting plan.

  1. After Sign-Up: After you create your Bluehost account and password, the setup process will guide you through the WordPress installation.
  2. Theme Selection (Optional): You’ll have the option to choose a theme. We recommend Kadence, but this is entirely up to you. Feel free to pick one you like the look of, or just skip this step. You can always change it later.
  3. Start Building: Click the “Start Building” button to move on.
  4. Business or Personal (Optional): You might be asked if your blog is for business or personal use. This helps Bluehost tailor their suggestions, but you can choose “I don’t need help” to bypass this.
  5. Congratulations! Your WordPress blog is now live. You can start customizing the design and creating your amazing content.

Pro Tip: Don’t stress too much over the initial theme choice. Focus on your content first; you can experiment with themes and designs as your blog grows.

Need Help? Bluehost has excellent customer support. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you run into any issues or have questions during setup.

General tips for how to navigate WordPress:

WordPress is a powerful tool for bloggers, but navigating its features can initially seem daunting. Here’s a simplified guide to help you get started:

  1. Creating New Posts: Click “Posts” on the left-hand menu within your WordPress dashboard. This is where you’ll write and publish your blog content.
  2. Adding Images: Easily incorporate visuals by clicking on “Media.” This section lets you upload and manage images for your posts.
  3. Customizing Your Layout: Use the “Appearance” menu, then select “Widgets.” This allows you to add elements like recent posts, social media feeds, or subscription forms to your sidebar, footer, or other areas.
  4. Email Marketing: ConvertKit is a popular email marketing platform specifically designed for creators. It’s a great way to build your email list and communicate with your audience.
  5. Choosing a Theme: Kadence is a well-regarded theme known for its flexibility and customization options. However, WordPress also offers a variety of free themes. Explore them by going to “Appearance” > “Themes” and activating the one you like best to see how it looks on your site.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to confidently navigating WordPress and creating a blog that reflects your unique style and content.

bluehost

Bluehost

Bluehost is the best WordPress hosting for beginners. You get a free domain, WordPress pre installed, a free SSL for the 1st year, free AI creator to design your perfect website, and so many more.

The bottom line

Blogging is a rewarding way to share your passions, expertise, or experiences with the world. All you need to get started is a computer and an internet connection. Here’s a summary guide to launching your blog:

  1. Choose a Niche: What topics are you passionate about? What do you know a lot about? Selecting a niche helps you target a specific audience and stand out in the crowded blogosphere.
  2. Select a Blogging Platform: Popular options include WordPress, Blogger, and Wix. Each has its own pros and cons regarding features, customization, and ease of use. We recommend you start with WordPress if you want to make money and look more professional.
  3. Pick a Domain Name: This is your blog’s web address (e.g., www.yourblogname.com). Choose a name that’s memorable, relevant to your niche, and easy to spell. I normally use Namecheap to get all my domains, but if you are just starting, just get a free domain name from Bluehost.
  4. Set Up Hosting: This is where your blog’s files will be stored. Many platforms offer hosting services; We recommend you start with Bluehost, which is great for starting a blog. We already negotiated a fantastic deal for all our readers.
  5. Design Your Blog: Choose a visually appealing theme or template that reflects your brand and niche, Kadence is a fantastic option.
  6. Create Compelling Content: Write engaging, informative, and well-structured blog posts. Enhance your content with visuals like images and videos.
  7. Promote Your Blog: Share your posts on social media, engage with other bloggers, and consider email marketing to reach a wider audience.

Remember, consistency is key. Regularly publish fresh content to keep your readers engaged and attract new followers. Happy blogging!