5 Steps For Setting Up Your WordPress Blog

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Setting up a WordPress blog is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, it should take no more than an hour or two to accomplish this task from start to finish. Following is a simple overview of how to create a WordPress blog as well as helpful tips and advice regarding choosing a URL, template and site hosting service.

Step One: Choose a Host

While it is possible to host your blog using Wordpress.com, there are advantages to choosing a different hosting service. Other hosting services provide you with more storage space for your site, enabling you to upload as many images, video files and documents as you need. Self hosting on the web host of your choice also makes it possible for you to change the Wordpress.org site code and adapt the template, widgets and images to better suit your needs.

There are so many hosts to choose from that it shouldn’t be difficult finding one that aligns with your specifications and budget. WhoIsHostingThis.com has a comprehensive overview of these services, enabling you to easily see the advantages and disadvantages of each one with user reviews.

Step Two: Install WordPress

The next step is to download WordPress onto your computer and then upload it using either your own FTP server or an automatic installation program such as Fantastico. The latter program is offered by many web hosting services at no cost.

The process of installing and uploading WordPress can be complex; thankfully, WordPress has provided a comprehensive guide along with answers to common dilemmas that many WordPress users face when creating their first blog.

Step Three: Pick a Domain Name

Now you are ready to choose a suitable domain name for your site.

Web marketing experts note that it is best to pick a name that is easy for people to remember and does not include special characters such as hyphens. Domain names can be purchased via a domain registrar such as Namecheap.com for example; .com domain names are the most common for business related sites but other popular options include .org and .net.

Moz.com has a great guide on how to go about choosing the perfect domain name that you can find here.

Step Four: Choose a Theme

Once a URL has been selected, choose a suitable theme for your site. WordPress has a number of ready-made themes available at no cost. However, most of these have been so frequently used that they are commonly referred to as “cookie cutter” templates.

You may want to tweak or adjust a theme to better suit your needs. Adjusting a theme may take some time but it will give you a customized design that will reflect positively on your business and services. You can also purchase a premium theme from ThemeForest.net or Mojo-Themes.com.

Step Five: Choose the Right Plug-ins

One of the many advantages of using WordPress is that there are numerous free plug-ins that you can install to enhance your site. Plug-in programs provide such services as site optimization, enhanced security, social network sharing buttons and improved loading time.

If you are not familiar with various plug-ins, how they work and what they do, then this list of the best plug-ins for each category will help you get acquainted with some of the most reliable plug-ins currently available on the market. Some plug-ins are “must have” features for security, backup of important material, etc. Others are optional according to your need or specifically made for certain types of sites. You should consider your options carefully and choose the plug-ins that you feel will best meet your site’s needs.

WordPress is one of the leading content management systems on the market. It has made it fairly easy for anyone to set up a fully customizable blog. If you follow the steps outlined above, you should have little difficulty setting up a site and making sure it runs well, is free from spam comments and fully optimized so that it will help good rankings on major search engines. Having a well-organized, well-designed and functional blog can be a tremendous asset for a business and a worthy investment into its future.

(image credit http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1115855)

About the Author: Melanie Obar loves blogging and equally enjoys reading other blogs. She is a stay-at-home mum with one son and is an Editor at BusinessWinners.net.