Let’s get started!

 
Welcome to the best way to start a blog.
 

Want A Web Site Instead?

If you’d rather have a standard business web site, no problem.  While the software we’re going to use is basically designed as blogging software, it can also be used to design a normal web site, like this one.
 

If You Don’t Have A Blog Site Yet

If you’re just starting out, count your lucky stars that you blundered your way across this particular site.  There are lots of how-to guides around, but none are very thorough.  I’m going to walk you through the whole process from this moment on, straight on through until you have a snappy, professional site.  I have twenty years of online experience teaching rookies the ropes, and I promise you this will be a fun, interesting adventure.  No particular computer expertise is required.  Just follow the directions.
 

If You Already Have A Blogger Account

The "instant blogsite" companies like Blogger are great for the Junior Blogger just getting his or her feet wet, but once you get over that hump, it’s time to move on and do it right.  This means getting your own domain name and installing some blogging software.  We’ll use WordPress, and you just won’t believe how cool this stuff is compared to what Blogger gives you.  We’ll import all of your current posts & comments without a prob.
 

Costs

The whole thing will only set you back $6.95 a month for the web hosting service.  WordPress is free, and as long as you select your domain name through the hosting company I use, it’s free as well.
 

Battle Plan

Here’s what we’re going to do:

1.  Go over a few computer basics and get your computer ready

2.  Set up your domain name and web host account

3.  Test the site

4.  Install WordPress

5.  Set up your new blog (choose a cool theme and some plugins)

And you’re off and running.
 

Two warnings: 

  • Do not do any of the steps ahead of time.  Wait until they come up in the guide.
     
  • There’s about a day’s wait between steps 2 and 3 while the new domain name gets into circulation, so get steps 1 and 2 taken care of ASAP.  Then it’ll take an hour or so to get WordPress installed and that should do it.

 
Ready?  Then it’s off to Step 1…