Why start a blog?

DISCLOSURE: I am an affiliate for the hosting company that I recommend in this tutorial and will  receive a commission if you sign up through my link at no additional cost to you. 

In this tutorial guide you will learn how to start a blog using HostGator WordPress Web Hosting services, along with other technology. Don’t worry because it is much easier and less time consuming than you may think.

I was once where some of you are with putting this off, until I made up my mind that I was not going to procrastinate any longer. Do not put it off any longer.

Now is the best time to learn how to create the blog you’ve always wanted. There are several reasons why you should learn how to start a blog and here are just a few:

• You can share things that you are passionate about and really enjoy doing.
• You can spend more time with your family and friends.
• You can help countless people with information that can change their lives.
• You can monetize your blog, make money from it and even quit your job.
• You can create a blog that is easy and low cost by following this step by step guide.

As you can see, a blog is your very own platform on the internet to express your ideas about the things you are interested in and enjoy. You can use it as an expression of yourself by sharing with people from all walks of life.

This easy step by step guide will help you learn how easy it is to finally get started with blogging.  Okay, let’s begin this tutorial to learn how to start a blog.

The example used in this tutorial is for how to start a blog on HostGator web hosting services. Again, you can apply the content in this tutorial to other web hosting services because web hosting services are very similar to one another.

Step 1:  Choose a topic

Here are a few ideas about how to choose your topic:

• What do you spend leisure time doing? (cooking, traveling, writing, fitness)
• What do you like talking about?
• What skill or activity have you developed throughout the years that you can teach someone?
• What do you personally believe that you do well?
• What have people consistently told you throughout the years that you do well?

Step 2:  Choose a web hosting plan

A web hosting provider is the company that your website is housed on a server. The server provides space on the internet for your website. It also powers your website software, so that it is activated and ready for use on the internet.

HostGator Web Hosting services is my preferred choice. I have been with HostGator on the “Baby Plan” that includes unlimited websites for several years.

I use HostGator because their service is very reliable and includes several great features and advantages. An example is HostGator’s most popular hosting package, the “Baby Plan.”

This plan allows you unlimited domains. This means that you can purchase multiple URLs, and you do not have to change your web hosting plan.

This gives you a lot of flexibility to support multiple brands, including the ability to change the name of your website at a later date.

Support 24/7/365

HostGator’s support team is there for you daily, 24/7/365. In case you have any questions at any time of the day or night, you can call or chat with someone from HostGator’s support team.

I have always found their technical support team to be knowledgeable, courteous and efficient. It is always reassuring to know they are there at any time I need them. 

HostGator is a preferred choice in web hosting companies because it’s packed with great benefits and features for a low cost.

HostGator features

• Unlimited websites on plans (except Hatchling single website plan) 
• One-click WordPress installs
• Professional email addresses
• Weebly basic website builder is included for free
• A Google ads credit and a Microsoft advertising credit that make HostGator a great option for bloggers who want to make money from their blogging venture
• A free SSL website security certificate
• 24/7/365 Support
• 99% Uptime guarantee
• eCommerce tools to create an online store
• cPanel access
• SEO tools
• Added security
• Automated backups
• Advanced features for advanced users
• Free domain registration (see terms)
• And much more!

HostGator has several affordable hosting plans that are perfect for starting your blog. You can view these on their Shared Web Hosting plans page:

Once you select a plan, click the bright yellow “Buy Now” button to begin the checkout process.

Step 3:  Confirm your hosting plan

At this point you will confirm the hosting plan that you chose, select your preferred billing cycle, and the username and pin to log into your HostGator account.

Step 4:  Choose a domain name

A domain name is like your blog or website “address” that web browsers use to locate your blog on the internet.

The domain name is part of your branding, so entrepreneurs often include the name of their business in their domain. Here’s an example of a very well-known domain name: Google’s domain name is www.google.com.

If you choose a domain name with a .com at the end, then it is usually easier for people to remember.

Step 5:  Enter your billing information

Step 6:  Create your account

This part is self-explanatory. You are probably familiar with how to do this from making previous purchases online.

This is where you will input your payment information for the web hosting plan that you selected. After entering your billing information, the HostGator system will complete setting up your account.

After the system has completed creating your account, you will receive the following “Welcome to the HostGator Family” message:

Step 7:  C-Panel log-in details for your “Control Panel”

Next, you will see a screen that confirms your order with HostGator and contains your login details for the C-Panel (Control Panel).

Congratulations! You just completed setting up your HostGator account for web hosting. Now, you are ready to learn how to create your blog on WordPress.

Step 8:  Log-in to C-Panel

The HostGator C-Panel contains several resources and tools to help you manage and grow your blog.

Step 9:  Create your blog: Learn How to Start a Blog on HostGator

In this section, you will specifically learn how to start a blog on HostGator through the C-Panel. WordPress is the world’s most popular platform to create a blog. It is an open-source (meaning free) content management system.

In C-Panel, scroll down to the “Special Offers” section to the icon that says, “Get Started With WordPress Today” and click on it.

Step 10:  QuickInstall WordPress

Click the “Install WordPress button and fill out the form on the next page that opens.

 

Add your information in this form and click “Install WordPress” button.

QuickInstall will display a message that it is “Setting up WordPress for you”, so please wait a few minutes while it completes the process. 

 

Step 11:  Installation is complete

You will see a progress bar at the top of the page that will let you know when installation is complete. 

Now you have seen how to create WordPress using HostGator web hosting services. Installation of WordPress has been completed, so you will be able to start working on your WordPress site to personalize it.

Also, check your email for your WordPress username, password and a link to your WordPress dashboard. Remember to keep your WordPress login credentials in a safe place for future reference. 

Step 12:  Log-In to WordPress

This is the web page you will use to log-in to WordPress.

Step 13:  Add a theme, create content and personalize your blog

This is your WordPress dashboard where you will personalize your blog by adding a theme and uploading content.

Check out the Schema Theme on MyThemeShop. It is a very fast loading SEO optimized theme for WordPress.

In addition, MyThemeShop has several WordPress plugins to improve your website functionality, including Rank Math, a popular SEO plugin for WordPress.

This is the end of the tutorial and YOU DID IT! You created your blog and learned how to use HostGator WordPress web hosting services. You can develop it to become a real asset.

One of the best things about a blog is you can use it to generate income that enables you to quit your “9 to 5”, live the digital lifestyle and work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

Always Backup Your Site

Before ending, we want to state the importance of taking a few minutes to backup your blog or website, because unexpected situations can occur when WordPress themes and plugins are updated. You should always backup your site in case the “unexpected” happens.

Using a plugin like UpdraftPlus Premium will put your mind at ease. Click this link to learn more about UpdraftPlus Premium and to sign up so you do not have to worry about this kind of situation.

This plugin is fast and very easy to use. It is worth the time, effort, and small investment in your work: updraftplus.com

Begin to regularly add content to your blog and monetize it. Don’t wait or procrastinate because you have already come this far! Take time out to write your first blog post.

Add regular content to your blog with real value, then share it with family, friends and on social media with people who have similar interests as you.

Also, check out my website menu for more Digital Products that will help you develop, market and grow your blog or online business.

Congratulations, you have now completed this tutorial on how to start a blog and use HostGator WordPress Web Hosting services!