Home Decor and DIY: How to Start a Blog in 10 Minutes Flat

How to Start a Blog in 10 Minutes Flat

Blogging is a convenient way to reach millions of people from the comfort of your own home.
Let's be real...
Everyone has a hunger to create and to be known. And becoming your own boss while you're doing something you love is pretty awesome too.
The blogosphere is exploding with new and helpful content everyday. The crazy part is it only takes 10 minutes to create your own blog.
This guide will show you how you can create your own self-hosted blog with your own .com address.
No fluff. No confusion. No games.
Let me show you how to start a blog without any technical skills. Just follow this guide and start sharing your thoughts and knowledge with the world in your own unique way.
Worried? Don't be. You got this!
Let's get started on making your footprint in this world via. blogging.
Choose a Name and Get Web Hosting
A domain name is the term used for your website address. For example, Facebook's domain name is facebook.com.
A hosting plan is what powers your website to be seen on the Internet. Without it, no one will be able to see the valuable information you have to share.
Anyone who owns their own blog has to pay for their domain and hosting.
The good news is that it's not expensive.
I recommend using www.bluehost.com. New accounts get a free domain with hosting starts at $2.95/month.
Hosting is something that you don't want to skimp out on. Cheaper services offer poor quality loading time that results in a lot of lost visitors on your blog.
Been there, done that.
Your first step is to search for your own domain name. I like dot coms because they're easy to remember.
Try the tool below to see if your domain name is available. If it's not, you'll see some great suggestions you might like!

As a Bluehost affiliate, we are given a small compensation for purchases made through our link. But that is not the reason why we promote Bluehost. All mentions are from our personal experiences.
Consider Privacy Protection
When registering a domain, your information becomes public record. If you want to hide the record, you'll want to select "Domain Privacy Protection."
Install Wordpress
Once you've signed up, you'll need to install Wordpress.
Wordpress is a simple blogging software that lets you create a blog with drag and drops and click and types.
The site you're on right now is built with Wordpress.
If you signed up at www.Bluehost.com, then you'll have a one click install button (another perk).
Here's how you install Wordpress.
Login to your account and select the "Install Wordpress" icon in the websites section.
Choose the DIY free version and click the "Install" button.
Click on the "Check Domain" button.
Check the terms and conditions box and click the "Install Now" button.
Wordpress will automatically install and you'll be set up in less than a minute.
Login and Say Hello to the Blogosphere
Once the installation is done, click on the "View Credentials" button.
This is where you'll get your secret login information to start blogging. Copy your admin URL, username and password and keep it in a safe place.
Don't worry. You can change your password the first time you login if you want something easier to remember.
Finally, head on over to the admin URL.
Enter your username and password and you're all set to start blogging!
You're officially the newest blogger. Welcome to a very special club where we have the power to influence the world.
Pick your Theme
The design of Wordpress blogs run on "themes."
Themes work with the Wordpress software to create the graphics and layouts we see on our favorite blogs.
Take a look at your new blog now by visiting your website URL. It might look something like this.
It's clean, but might lack personality. Here's how you can access a whole slew of free themes.
In your Wordpress dashboard, go to "Appearance => Themes."
On the next page, you'll see all of your installed themes. You can search for new themes by clicking on "Add New" at the top of the page.
Choose a theme you like best. If I was starting a food blog, I might want to choose the "Bakery" theme. Just hover over the theme you like and click the "Install" button.
After a few short seconds, your theme will be installed. Just click the "Activate" button to change your design.
Here's what the new theme looks like immediately after installing.
You can tinker around with the settings until it's pleasing to your eye. Every theme will have a unique set of settings. You can customize most features by clicking on the "Customize" button in your theme settings.
Create your First Blog Post
Stop with the settings and get to the blogging!
The first thing you want to do is click on "Add New Post." You might notice that there's already one post inside called "Hello World." You can delete that one.
Once you're inside, it's just like using your favorite document editor.
Enter a title, add some images and text. When you're ready, hit the publish button.

Here's what your post would look like on your new blog.
Yes...It really is that easy.
If you want a more advanced tutorial, I highly recommend watching this video from Moneyjournal.com.
Sam shows how to use advanced premium themes (paid themes) in a 30 minute video.
Get More Blogging Help
We empower women to start blogging.
It has brought us a lot of joy in creating our blog Mom Prepares as well as our personal sites.
Know someone who would enjoy this guide? You can share it with them using any of the buttons below. You've done it! You're officially a brand new blogger. Welcome to the blogosphere my friend :)