WordPress is a fantastic, user-friendly blogging and content management platform you can use to create both a website and a blog.

With over 50,000 extensions and plug ins, your blog site can have just about any feature you can dream up.

Before we get too ahead of ourselves, let’s start with the basics of how to start a blog. Then, we’ll get to all of the useful additional features.

How to Create a WordPress Blog

Creating a WordPress blog is easy.

Here’s how:

1. Pick A WordPress Plan

WordPress.com Plans

If you are starting a casual blog, such as one to document a semester abroad for friends and family, a free account on WordPress.com blog is the way to go.

You’ll have hundreds of unique themes to choose from, and 3 gigabytes of storage space to use.

So, why doesn’t everyone use the free option?

For one thing, you won’t be able to monetize your content. Additionally, your site address will be a subdomain. This means it will read like “www.yourblog.wordpress.com.”

Also, your blog will feature WordPress ads that you don’t get paid for.

If you go with one of the paid accounts, on the other hand, your blog will be add-free.

Plus, you’ll have full control of your domain name. Meaning, your site address will look like “www.YourBlog.com.” This can help your site to appear more professional.

Your options for paid WordPress.com accounts include a Personal account for $4 a month, a Premium account for $8.25 a month, and a Business account for $24.92 a month.

With paid accounts, you will own all the content you produce. The more expensive accounts offer more features, storage space, the ability to monetize your site, and more.

WordPress.org Software

Another option is to download all the powers of WordPress as software via WordPress.org. This software is free, but you’ll have to acquire and pay for your domain name separately.

This is a good option for someone interested in building the entirety of their website from scratch.

Huge brands like CNN, People Magazine, and even Rolling Stone all use WordPress software.

Let’s move onto the next step of how to create a WordPress blog with WordPress.com.

2. Pick The Type of Site You Want

Once you pick the plan that is right for you, all you have to do is click start.

This will take you to a page where you select the type of site you want. Think of this more as your homepage, as you’ll be able to expand on this later if you choose.

You can pick between a blog, a website, a portfolio, or an online store.

3. Pick a Theme

The next step in how to create a WordPress blog is choosing your theme.

There are so many options to choose from — and even more options with each tier of paid account.

When you’re just starting your account, you’ll be presented with a few popular options. You can keep or change this theme after you finish signing up for your account.

4. Pick Your Site Address

Next, use the WordPress domain name generator by entering your desired site name or keywords that describe your site.

They’ll let you know all the available domain options. Choose the one that is most fitting.

5. Create Your Account

Now all that’s left is to officially create your account.

You’ll need to enter in the standard stuff: an email address, username, and password. Your username is only for the purpose of logging into your account safely. It is important to note that this will not be your blog name.

As always, be sure to use a secure password. Unfortunately, the Internet of today is rife with hackers.

Payment

If you have chosen a paid account, you’ll also need to enter your payment information at this stage.

Note: the monthly fees are billed annually, so a personal account is paid for in a lump sum of $48, a premium is $99, and a business account is $299.04.

6. Verify Your Email Address

WordPress will send you an email with a link to verify your account in just a few seconds.

Now you have your wordpress site!

Then you can log in from http://wordpress.com/wp-admin.

7. Customize Your Blog

You’re in! Now, onto the fun part.

WordPress is known for its easy-to-use dashboard. Still, you may want to spend some time exploring the features to get used to it.

You can change your theme, add new pages, and create your blog posts.

8. Create Content

To create individual blog posts, click on “Posts” and then “Add New.”

Next, enter your title and your blog content. Once you’re happy with it, hit “Publish” to make it go live.

9. Promote Your Blog

Now, all that’s left is to promote your blog.

You can add relevant tags to each post to help searchers find your blog.

For example, if you are writing a blog about a new musical artist, include tags of the artist’s name, music genre, and so on.

To build a following, you can share your posts via social media, email lists, and more.

It’s also a great idea to interact with the WordPress community through commenting on posts and sharing favorite ones on your own blog. This way, you’ll get more eyes on your blog.

There You Have It

Now, you know how to create a WordPress blog.

All it takes is a computer, an Internet connection, and a little bit of time.

To take your site to the next level, you’ll want to start integrating SEO techniques.

SEO stands for search engine optimization. It’s a way to make your site rank higher on results pages for search engines like Google and Bing. This can be a great way to bring in new traffic to your site.

There are some great services out there, such as Site Report Card, that offer SEO training, tips, evaluation, and more.

If you want to be making money from your blog, you should definitely be optimizing your site for search engines.

Get your free site report card or start with our free SEO Audit tool. It only takes about 15 seconds to get the results.