Emails often ask me how to create a blog where parents can share activities that they do with their children.

This is a short guide on how to start blogging.

If you’re interested, this post contains affiliate links.

 

How to start a blog in 5 steps:

 

Blogs are created on a platform. The back end is what you see. The rear end, where you will write your posts, build your blog, etc., is entirely different.

Two major blogging platforms are available (there are others, but I have used the two most popular and those that are most widely used).

Blogger: It’s free. It’s fundamental. It’s basic. This is a great place to begin if you are unsure what to blog about and want to try it out. Blogger hosts your site for free.

WordPress:WordPress.com offers a free option right out of the box. WordPress.com hosts your site for free.

WordPress.org (usually called WordPress or self-hosted WordPress) is another option. I recommend it if you are serious about blogging because you will eventually want to switch, which can be a bit of a hassle (I have done it, and yes, it’s not impossible, but just a bit of a headache).

Costs of self-hosted WordPress Hosting your website is required. All your files are stored on the hosting service (imagine it as a public directory where you can pull images, data, and other information).

Blue Host is a fantastic hosting service that I recommend for beginners. You can install WordPress quickly and easily on their dashboard.

Step 1: Host a site with Blue Host, and install WordPress

Select your URL or Domain Name

The name of your blog is probably the most complex and important decision you will make.

Your domain name will reflect the name of your blog (hands-on as we grow domain name is handsonaswegrow.com). You want it to be short, easy to type, and easy to remember (you will order it a lot!) ).

Things to consider when selecting your domain name:

• Will the name be relevant in five years? (i.e., You won’t always have a child or toddler.
• Does it describe what you will write/blog? It can be beneficial to use words that are often searched.
• Are you able to make it memorable and catchy for your readers?
• Does it sound like a mouthful to you? You can tell someone your domain name over the phone without spelling it out. It’s something I wish I had thought of when I chose mine.
• If.com has already been taken, re-think using.org,.net, or any other extension if the.com was not. Look at. Coms – do they match what you would blog about? You’ll find that your readers are more likely to use it. Coms without thinking about it and land on their site instead of yours.

Registering your domain can be done at the exact location of your hosting website or separately. I have always registered my domains at Network Solutions.

You should add a private registration if you’re concerned about the location of your home. Otherwise, anyone could find your address.

Once you get your domain name, you’ll have to direct your DNS (name servers) to your hosting provider. You can ask your hosting company for more information.

Step 2: Purchase your domain name from Network Solutions

Customize Your Blog

Choose a theme to use for your blog. After many years of redesigns and learning the hard way, I recommend using the Genesis Framework and a child theme for WordPress.

Genesis is a great SEO tool (finding it in search engines such as Google). You want this. StudioPress also offers many child themes that are ready to use.