Starting up your first blog can be super exciting! However, it can also be pretty daunting if it is your first time trying to figure it all out. I remember mine, I was trying to figure out how to get a domain, then how to host it, then how to change the nameservers, and then finally install WordPress all before I could even write a word on my website. I was superoverwhelmed to be honest with you. Don’t worry though I will walk you through how to get it done every step of the way (pictures and video included) while avoiding all of the mistakes I’ve made and the mistakes thousands of other people I’ve spoken to have made.
So let’s just jump straight in and get started!
Step 1: Registering Your Domain Name
This is how you take ownership of your domain. For example, I thought the name Blogfully would be an incredible name for a brand so I knew I wanted to own a domain that had blogfully in it (whether it be a .com or .net, or even a .org). Then I went ahead and purchased blogfully.net. The way I did that was I had to go through the process to register it. If you have already registered your domain, or if you have not registered one yet, no worries I show you how what to do regardless of either in the video of Step 2 below;
Step 2: Signing Up For A Hostgator Account
Thankfully signing up for an account with HostGator is not only easy, but it is relatively inexpensive as well because I have a special coupon just for all of my readers. (Just click here to use the HostGator coupon code gregory and it will automatically give you 30-40% off your whole order!) I have been using HostGator for the past couple of years, and have developed a good relationship with their team and was able to negotiate with them to give the best deal possible to all of my readers! Just remember though the deal is only available through my link so be sure to use it. Here’s a quick video to walk you through the process of registering and hosting your website;
Step 3: Connecting Your Domain To Your Host
(Note: If you registered your domain through Hostgator you should skip to step 4)
If you have registered with a company other than HostGator, you will need to let the domain know where it’s new “home” is (aka where it’s hosted) by updating your domain’s nameservers. The two most popular choices for this is typically GoDaddy and Namecheap. If you used a company besides those two, don’t worry the process is still pretty similar. Here’s a video on how to update your nameservers on Namecheap
Step 4: Installing WordPress
Wordpress is the platform of choice for millions of websites big and small. Ranging from your everyday blogger (#me!) and many Fortune500 companies WordPress can handle them all! Not only is it diverse, but it is also super simple to install and use! Watch the video below to have me walk you through the process of installing WordPress on HostGator.
Congratulations you have done it! Also, wasn’t it much easier than you first thought it would be? Let me give you some quick tips as well regarding WordPress so you can make the most of your new site!
- As I said before WordPress can be pretty diverse, and you can make your website look any way that you want. If you’re looking to have your website look stunning with less manual work then check out my post on using the Genesis Framework as your theme.
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