Put things on hold for the next 10 minutes and follow the four steps below. Don’t wait! You’ll be up & running with your own blog in just a few minutes.

1) DOMAIN NAME AND HOSTING

 

What do you want your domain name to be?

Mine is MomResource.com. Here’s what worked for me –> Brainstorm as many different ideas as possible.

Your first choice may not be available, but you can try different variations. I can’t even describe the rush you will get when you decide on a name…. Warning: you will start fantasizing about your beautiful new website. Or maybe that’s just me….!!

Once you have a list of possible names, head to Bluehost to see if your domain name is available by entering it in the box that looks like this:

First you’ll need to pick your plan level. I’d suggest the Starter Plan, which is paid in one lump sum instead of monthly, but it will SAVE you a LOT of cash.

You’ll also need to host your domain name. Hosting is like renting space on the web to display your blog. Bluehost has great rates and will give you a free domain name if you decide to host with them.

You know how I love a good deal!

 

Below is a screenshot of the package information settings I use.

I included the Domain Privacy Protection, because it shields my personal address and phone number from being displayed to the public.

Still with me?

Here comes step 2!

2) INSTALLING WORDPRESS

Once you’ve completed registration with Bluehost you will want to install WordPress.

WordPress is a blogging software that allows you to quickly & easily add your text & pictures. It’s the most common software & I use it for MomResource.com. It is extremely easy to use & very simple to install on your website. BINGO.

Here’s how:

Login to Bluehost and find the “Website” section (under “hosting”). Click the “Install WordPress” logo.

On the next page click the “Install” button in the “Do it yourself FREE” section.

Click the “Check Domain” button.

Check the terms and conditions box and then click the “Install Now” button.

Once you get the message that says “Your install is complete!” you’ll want to click on the “View Credentials” button and write down your Admin URL, Username, and Password. You can change these to something more memorable later, but you’ll need them for your first time logging in.

Remember: if you are not actually doing these steps right now, you’ll want to download your free guide to setting up your blog to save it for later.

Type your Admin URL into your web browser. You’ll see a login screen like the one below. Enter your Username and Password you copied down from the previous step.

Congratulations! You’ve officially logged into your blog.

3) MAKE IT PRETTY

At this point, you officially have your own blog!! How does it feel? Welcome to the blogging community!

Before you jump right in, you’ll want to beautify your blog. The quickest way to get up & running is to pick your theme!

There are so many good themes to choose from.

Like me, you’ll most likely want to start with a free theme.

There are so many free themes to pick from. You can browse through the options here.

We used a free theme called Radiate on my husband’s blog & it’s been perfectly easy to use.

It’s very easy to add or change themes within your blog. Just click Appearance, then choose Themes.

4) your path to success

NOW is your chance to start YOUR blog, not read about someone else’s blog.

The key to a starting a successful blog is writing about a topic that you’re passionate about. You will need a genuine interest in the topic to keep the content fresh & engaging for your readers.

People who set out to blog solely for money, fame, or followers will be quickly disappointed. These things take time to build and will only come when readers find & appreciate value in the content you’re providing.

Don’t get me wrong – all these things can happen. There are so many people making a full-time income from blogging. You might become Internet famous (remember the little people like me when you’re famous!).

If these are the only reasons you blog, you won’t enjoy it. It will seem like a JOB, and if it feels like a job you won’t be passionate about it, and so you’ll either (a) hate it, (b) lose interest in it, or (c) hate it and lose interest in it.

Instead, write about what you’re passionate about…

Decide for yourself how you define success, because it means something different to each person.

Set yourself up for the best chance of success by joining a community (like Mom Resource) and tapping into a network of moms who are building websites & online businesses (including the Moms featured on Mom Resource).