How to Start a Blog in 2020

Do you ever read a blog post and think, “I can do that!” Or have you ever read a post and thought, “I could have done a better job at that!” Or maybe you’re in a different space where you’re not thinking of starting a blog because you are done thinking about it already. You know what you want, but you just don’t know how to start. Well, read on because this is for you: this is how to start a blog in 2020.

When I read how-tos, I always appreciate when the writer goes straight to the point and makes it as easy and digestible as possible. I’ll attempt to do the same thing here — with pictures, too!

How to Start a Blog in 2020

Step 1: Choose your niche

Your niche is the focus/topic of your blog. Some experts say that you should make your niche as specific as possible. I do not disagree with this approach, but I do not follow it strictly. I write about a lot of things, and they all fall under the lifestyle niche, which by itself is a broad niche. Being specific, however, helps your blog have a clear message. If you’re wondering what to blog about, think about what you enjoy reading and what you find yourself thinking about.

Step 2: Choose your blogging platform

Save yourself the time and trouble and go with self-hosted WordPress.org (not to be confused with WordPress.com). There are other blogging platforms like Blogspot, Wix, and WordPress.com – and I, myself, started with Blogspot – but WordPress.org is where any serious blogger would blog. Why? Because WordPress is very easy to use and very reliable. Also, it lets you be more creative because there are so many plugins (think apps) and resources to make your blog shine more. Self-hosted WordPress (same as WordPress.org) is free to use, but you have to host it somewhere, hence the name, self-hosted. It will cost you, but it doesn’t have to cost you much.

Step 3: Register your domain and get hosting from Bluehost

Your domain is your web address. Sometimes, it’s not the same thing as your blog name. For example, my web address is VERASTIC.COM (which is also the name of my blog), but for some people, the name might be Vera Ezimora Blog, while the domain address is VERASTIC.COM. I suggest having them as the same thing, if possible. Your blog has to have a “house”, and this is where hosting comes in. I recommend going with Bluehost. Why? They’re affordable, reliable, and always available to help when you need them. Their customer service is 100% US-based, and they’re always available for support – 24/7. Seriously, 24/7.

Because I am an affiliate partner for Bluehost, if you purchase through my link, they will give me a small commission at absolutely no extra cost to you. That being said, I’m not recommending Bluehost because I’ll get a commission. I’m recommending them because they are wonderful, and because Verastic has been hosted on Bluehost since 2012. Also, if you host through Bluehost, you will get your domain for FREE and the work of installing WordPress would be literally one-click away. For as little as $3.95 a month, you can start blogging right now.

Signing up with Bluehost is very easy and straightforward, but to make it even easier, here are some screenshots to guide you to your greatness. At any point, just click on any of the images to lead you straight to the signup page.

 

Click HERE to host your blog on Bluehost.

Step 4: Write!

And publish, of course. You won’t get everything perfectly once you start, and that’s okay because no one starts out being perfect. Does anyone even ever get to perfect? Just write. Then write better tomorrow.

If you do follow my steps to start a blog, drop a note below or via email, so  I can check your blog out and leave you a welcome comment. I wish you all the best in your blogging journey.

P.S. Please do me a favor and SHARE this post. You never know who is in your network and also asking how to start a blog.