Since I have gone through the process of setting up a WordPress blog through Bluehost I wanted to help you get started. I have created this step by step tutorial on how to set up your Bluehost account for your new WordPress blog.
Bluehost is what I use to host my blog. Before I started my blog I researched different hosting companies. I wanted a hosting company that was not only low-cost but also a company that is reliable and could handle my blog’s future growth. I chose Bluehost because it matched what I was looking for and is a beginner-friendly way to host a WordPress blog.
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What is Bluehost
Bluehost is a web hosting company. That means it provides web server space and stores the files for your blog. Think of it as a storefront for your new business.
Bluehost is one of the largest web hosting companies that provides shared web hosting. It is a great web hosting company for people looking to create a website from bloggers to businesses.
Bluehost has been around since 2003 and powers over 2 million websites. Their hosting company has also been recommended by WordPress since 2005. It is the best, affordable hosting from beginner to expert bloggers.
With Bluehost you get
- Low-cost plans starting at $2.95 a month
- FREE domain registration for the first year (saving you $15) when you purchase a web hosting package
- 1-click WordPress installation (THE best thing ever!)
- Free SSL Certificate
- Extensive library of resources with guides, articles and videos
- 24/7 live chat support
- 30 day money-back guarantee
Bluehost has a few different plans you can choose from. I recommend the Basic package, you can choose from the 36 month term or the 12 month term. It’s the Basic plan is what I chose when I signed up with them and has everything you need for your new blog.
How To Set Up Your Bluehost Account
First you will want to click the “Get Started” button below. It will open in a new browser so you can check back here to go through the steps.
Step 1 Go To The Bluehost Website
Step 2 Click “Host Your Site” To See Hosting Plans
Once you get to Bluehost’s website you will want to click on “Host Your Site”.
Step 3 Select Your Hosting Plan
Next you get to choose your plan. Like I stated above, I recommend going with the basic plan, it has everything you need when starting your blog. You have two options depending on the term you want to go with. The first option is a 12 month term which starts at $2.95/month for the first 12 months then it goes to the regular rate of $9.99/month. The second option is a 36 month term which starts at $4.95/month for the first 36 months then it goes to the regular rate of $8.99/month.
Step 4 Choose Your Domain Name
The next step is setting up your domain name which is FREE for the first year when you sign up with Bluehost. The domain is the URL of your blog (example: www.mynewlifestyleblog.com) If you already have a domain name you can use that too! If you haven’t decided on a domain name then you can create your domain later.
Step 5 Enter Your Details
After you click next you will be taken to the next page where you will enter your account, package and payment information. The first section of the page is where you put your contact information.
This is where you can choose which package you want for your blog. When I signed up, I went with the Basic 36 month term package.
Check through the Package Extras, they have more checked then you need. I recommend unchecking all boxes except Domain Privacy + Protection so your personal information isn’t searchable.
Next put in your payment information and check the box that you have read and agree to Bluehost’s terms. Keep in mind that your plan will auto renew at the regular rate at the end of the term that you choose.
Step 6 Create Your Password
The next step will be for you to create a password for your account. You’ll want to make sure your password is very secure so your blog is safe from hackers.
Step 7 Login To Your Bluehost Account
After you have set up your Bluehost account, Bluehost will send you a confirmation email. Inside the confirmation email will be a link to your website. Click on the link and you will be taken to a login screen where you will login with your domain name and password.
You can easily log into your WordPress dashboard in the future by typing in /wp-domain after your domain name in the URL box like this
www.yourdomain.com/wp-admin
Step 8 Install WordPress
Once you have created your account it’s time to install WordPress! With Bluehost you can install WordPress using their 1-click install. After you log into your Bluehost portal you will be asked what you want to name your site and what your site’s tag line is. Also if you are starting a blog (which most likely you are) then check that as well.
After this step Bluehost will as some questions about your goals to help with the creation of your website.
Step 9 Pick Your WordPress theme
After this step you can choose a WordPress theme. I initially chose Astra and used that for the first few months then switched to PinkPersonal Blogily (which I use currently) for my blog. Both of those are free themes available through WordPress.
Step 10 Start Your Blog
Now that you have your theme set up and WordPress installed it’s time to get your blog started!
Final Thoughts
That is how simple it is to set up your Bluehost account and install WordPress for your new blog. I’d love to know if this tutorial was helpful for you. If you have created your WordPress blog I would love to see it! Please comment your blog down below and share this post to those that would find it useful.
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