Although WordPress is rightfully popular as a blogging platform, many bloggers are wary of installing it because it seems complex. It's not. Discover how you can create your own perfect WordPress blog in five simple steps.
The major benefit of WordPress is that it's a complete Content Management System. No matter how large your blog grows, WordPress will manage it for you. WordPress also has many plugins which will extend the functionality of your blog.
Another huge benefit of installing WordPress on your own domain is that you have complete control over your blog. With free blogging platforms, your blog may be deleted without notice. This is heartbreaking if you've spent time and energy on your blog.
So here we go. Just follow these simple steps:
1. Think keywords and buy a domain name
What will your blog be about? Make a list of keywords which describe your blog. For example, if you wanted to create a blog about dogs, make a list of keywords a person would type into a search engine to find your blog.
"Dogs" would be an obvious keyword; others include "puppies, dog, canine, hound."
Now it's time to buy a domain name. Many hosting companies will include a domain name as part of your hosting package, but find a company which just specializes in domain names. You may want to move your blog at some stage, so the domain name registrar should be separate from your hosting.
Do a search for "domain names", pick a company, and register your domain name.
With your domain name purchased, it's time to get hosting.
2. Get hosting
You can either pick a company you find via searching, ask a friend which company they use, or ask on any forum for favorite hosting companies.
A tip - read your chosen company's Help files before you buy. Look for "WordPress installs". Be sure that your host will install WordPress for you with just a few clicks.
Pick a company, and pay for your hosting. Their Help files will tell you how to update the DNS (Domain Name Service) to your new hosting company.
Once you've updated the DNS, allow 24 hours for the domain name to be updated around the Web. If you try to install WordPress immediately, it may succeed, or it may fail - so give yourself a break of 24 hours.
3. Run the WordPress script - read your hosting provider's Help file
Since WordPress is so popular, most hosts offer scripts which install WordPress. If your host uses CPanel, click the Fantastico icon to install the WordPress script.
Some companies use proprietary scripts, so just do search to find the script, and install it.
4. Choose a theme
With your script installed, you'll arrive at your WordPress Dashboard. Click Design to change the theme.
You can find hundreds of great WordPress themes on the Web, both free and commercial, so you're sure to find exactly the right theme for your blog.
5. Add plugins
You'll also want to install some WordPress plugins. These are scripts which perform functions on your blog. Your blog already has a plugin which will guard it against spam, so activate that plugin.
Other useful plugins are those which will create a contact page for you, create archives, and allow you to backup your blog.
Now all that's left for you to do is to - start blogging!
Blogging PLUS coaching ensures that you'll make money. Pro blogger and copywriter Angela Booth has been making money blogging since 2002. She'll teach you how to blog the right way, so your blog is profitable from the start, with her bestseller, "Blogging for Dollars" at http://www.abmagic.com/Blog/blogging.html
Angela's blogging ebook package has a companion blog, the Blogging for Dollars Blog at http://www.dollars2blog.com/blog/ which keeps you up to date with what's happening in the world of professional blogging.
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