This is Part 2 of the How to Start a Blog series. If you missed Part 1 click here. We left off on Part 1 with setting up a Hosting account.
3. Changing your Nameservers
After you set up your hosting account you will need to change the Nameservers on your domain. You will want to find the Domain Manager after you log in to the account you set up where you purchased your domain. (If you purchased your domain from the same company that you purchased your hosting from you won’t need to do this.)
So where do you find your Nameservers? You should have received an email from your hosting company that gives you your nameservers. If you can’t find that email, they should also be listed in your Cpanel.
This sounds much more complicated than it is, but if you are feeling overwhelmed, call your hosting company and they will be able to help you.
4. Installing WordPress
The next step is Installing WordPress.ORG to your website. I believe that most of the Hosting Companies have done a lot to simplify the process of installing WordPress. Many even have a one click install option.
I have come across some blogs where people from a more technical background recommend that you don’t use these easy installers, but I am not one of the techie bloggers. When I started my blog I was told to use the Fantastico program in the Cpanel of my HostGator account, and that is what I did.
I won’t pretend to understand the difference, but if you are feeling brave and would like to try the more advanced method of installing WordPress my friend Kimberly Castleberry has some video tutorials that may help you. Click here for that video.
To install WordPress the easy way you want to log in to your Cpanel (Control Panel). To do this go to www.(yourdomain).com/cpanel.
Scroll down in your Cpanel until you find the Software/Services section and double click on Fantastico De Luxe.
You will see the section for Blog along the left. You want to select the WordPress option. Then you will see an option on the right for New Installation. You will then need to set up your WordPress Account including your Username and Password.
Make note of the username and password that you create. You will need them to log in to the Dashboard of your new Blog. This is something that you will be using a lot for as long as you continue to work on you blog.
5. Using your WordPress Dashboard
The next thing you want to do is log in to your WordPress Dashboard. To get to your Dashboard you want to go to www.(yourdomain).com/wp-admin. I have recorded a short video to show you how to Navigate through your dashboard.
6. Changing the Theme on your Blog
The theme that you start with is pretty plain and boring. You definitely want to change it to make your blog more unique and eye catching. Changing themes is really simple. Don’t stress to much about finding the PERFECT theme. You can always change it later. You just want to find something that you like to get you started while you begin to add content and build up your following.
Here is another short video to show you where to find themes and how to change them.
We will talk about adding Posts and Customizing your blog with Widgets and Plugins in the next post. In the mean time here is another post that will help you to see the big picture of how to be successful with blogging and some action tips that you can start taking now even before you have your blog completely set up.
If you are ready for more go to How to Start a Blog (Part 3)!
Wonderful idea Melissa.
This techy side of blogging can seem undaunting and unweilding at times.
Val
.-= Val Wilcox´s last blog ..The Power of YOU! =-.
Thanks for the comment Val. The good thing about blogging is that for the most part, once you get everything set up you don’t have to worry about the Techie stuff and you can just focus on creating your blog posts and talking about what you love to talk about.
Thanks for covering the nuts and bolts to go from A-Z in a blog set up. This is shaping up to be a great series that people can refer back to.
Thanks!
.-= Don Enck´s last blog ..Honey….Did You Pack The Bags? =-.
Thanks Don! I really appreciate that! I really do hope that this helps people get started with blogging!
Setting up the blog is not the most fun part of the process. Thanks for simplifying things. Once your blog is set up, it is so much fun and so easy to express your voice to the world.
.-= Nick Logan´s last blog ..By: Michael Feil =-.
Hey Nick!
I completely agree! It is not the most fun, but it is well worth the effort. If you just push past these few steps you open yourself to a whole new world of making new friends and to talking about what ever it is that you love to talk about.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by my Blog!
Hi Melissa
Wow this post is so helpful. It is so hard to get started when you know absolutely nothing about such technical things. You made this very easy to understand to help out us less techie types:)
.-= Glyna Humm´s last blog ..Internet Marketing and Social Networking – A Match Made in Cyber Space Heaven =-.
Melissa,
This is a great “how to” post for anyone who is really looking at starting a blog. Thanks for the great value. I will be sure to send traffic to this post. There are so many who struggle with the technical side of creating a blog.
Scott
Melissa,
Thank you for this post. I will use it since I haven’t done my theme yet. Look forward to learning more from you.
Infinite love and gratitude,
Venus 🙂
.-= Venus :)´s last blog ..Power vs Force =-.
Oh thank goodness!! This is the step by step guide I SO needed! Fantastic. You really do know everything!
Jodi
.-= Jodi Lee´s last blog ..International Women’s Day =-.
Wow Melissa, I used to have a hard time with wordpress, I didn’t know where to begin at first.. thank you for post that it gave me simplified ideas about blogging and the little techy work. Nice post.
.-= Jon Alfredsson´s last blog ..5 Reasons Why You Need An Accountability Partner =-.
This is definitely a much needed training. Thanks so much for this. Next time someone asks me how to install a blog… I’m sending then over here! Great stuff.
Debbie
Oh Melissa, you have answered my prayers on this one! Thank you, thank you for taking the time to post this “How to start a blog” series! So many people, including myself have no clue how to do all of this, and you have made it so step by step, that anyone can follow it.
Thank you so much! I look forward to the next step. 🙂
Lot of love & gratitude,
Kellie 🙂
.-= Kellie Hosaka´s last blog ..Our Deepest Fear – Marianne Williamson =-.
There are SO many people that will benefit greatly from the information you are sharing here ~ where were you when I stumbled through my blog setup? 🙂
Thanks Melissa, awesome series!
.-= Beth Allen´s last blog ..What Would You Do If You Were Not Afraid??? =-.