How to Start a Blog in 2020

We get weekly emails asking us about starting a blog. Here is our simple, step-by-step process for learning how to start a blog. theminimalists.com/blog

For additional blogging recommendations and tips, read our post, "How to Start a Successful Blog Today": theminimalists.com/blog

Want to create something meaningful? Why not start a blog? Why not become a blogger? Creating our blog is one of the best decisions Ryan and I ever made. After all, our blog is how we earn a living. More important, it’s how we add value to other people’s lives.

So you’re thinking about starting a blog, but you don’t have any idea where to start, right? Guess what—neither did we! Before we became “The Minimalists,” we wanted to start a blog to communicate our thoughts and express our feelings, but we were overwhelmed with options.

HOW TO START A BLOG IN 5 SIMPLE STEPS

STEP 1: Choose your blog name and get your blog hosting

In this first step you will choose your blog name (domain name) and buy your blog hosting.

1. Go to Bluehost and click the Get Started Now button. Get a free domain and 50% off your first year by using this link: theminimalists.com/bluehost
2. Select the Basic plan.
3. Pick your domain name and enter it into the New Domain box.
4. Create your Bluehost account.

DISCLOSURE: TheMinimalists.com is a Bluehost affiliate partner, which means that in addition to using their services, we also receive a commission for referring new customers. To be fair, though, we would still use them even if we weren’t an affiliate—we’ve used them for a long time. Ergo, we don’t recommend Bluehost just because we’re an affiliate (every hosting company offers a similar affiliate program); we recommend Bluehost because they are the best, most reliable option.


STEP 2: Start your blog by adding WordPress

Next you’ll install WordPress.

1. Click the Log In button.
2. Click Skip This Step on the Pick a theme screen.
3. WordPress is now installed, click Start Building to go to your dashboard.


STEP 3: Pick a simple theme to make your blog your own

Next you’ll choose and install your blog’s WordPress theme.

1. Go to BYLT.co
2. Purchase the theme that fits your style (we use the tru Theme).
3. Download and save your theme’s .zip file to your Desktop.
4. Return to your WordPress dashboard and go to Appearance - Themes.
5. Click Upload and then Upload Theme.
6. Click Choose File, select your theme .zip file, and click Install Now.
7. Click Activate.


STEP 4: Add a key blogging plugin to find your readers

In the final setup step you’ll install a plugin that will improve your blog’s features.

1. In your WordPress Dashboard go to Plugins - Add New.
2. Search for Yoast SEO. Click Install Now followed by Activate.


STEP 5: Write compelling content to create a blog that your readers love

Congratulations! You started a blog, and now it’s time to start blogging. This is where the fun begins.

Now that you have your own blog, you get to make it yours; you get to turn your vision into a reality.


For much more, including 20 Blogging Tips to Improve Your Writing, 15 Reasons You Should Start a Blog, 3 Reasons You Should Not Start a Blog, and the complete FAQ, go to theminimalists.com/blog



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