How to Start a Mom Blog

So let me take a guess? You have always wanted to start a blog, but haven’t because you are too busy {story of my life}.  You love to stalk read other mom blogs, but you’ve told yourself that you just don’t have the time to start your own.

Stop procrastinating. Today is your day to start a mom blog!

Follow these four EASY steps {yes only four} and I assure you that you will have your new blog up and running before your next load of laundry is done.

Four Steps to Getting the Busy Mom Blogging Today:

1. Name your Place {Buy Domain}
2. Go Shopping {Purchase Hosting & Change Nameservers}
3. It’s Time to Accessorize {Install WordPress}
4. Choose your Style {Pick a Theme}

Step #1: Name your Place

It’s time to buy a domain! Hopefully by now you have thought about what you want your URL to be. If not, you need to decide before going forward.

I chose http://houseofroseblog.com because http://houseofrose.com was already taken. Spend some time thinking about this part because it’s something you won’t be able to change easily {without compromising your branding}.

There is always the option of registering one domain for free when you sign up for your hosting package {which will be explained soon}.  I would recommend not giving one company COMPLETE control over the two most important parts of your site. I always recommend to register your domain with a separate company from which you purchased your hosting package. There are several choices when it comes to registering a domain.

My top pick is GoDaddy. It will cost you between $10 and $20 per year to register your domain. Also, keep in mind that this must be renewed annually.

1.  Go to GoDaddy.com to register your new domain.

Type in your desired domain.

2. Enter your desired domain

3. Follow the prompts

*Sidenote: I do not recommend using them for hosting. I have heard many not-so-lovely reviews on their hosting service. Strictly use them for domain purchase only.

*Sidenote #2: There are usually discount codes available for GoDaddy. Before you complete your online purchase make sure that you do a google search for “GoDaddy.com coupon code”. 

Step #2:  Go Shopping

Isn’t shopping one of your favorite hobbies? I bet you didn’t realize that even in creating your own blog…you get to shop!

You need to purchase your hosting. Luckily this won’t be a purchase your hubby will fall out of his chair over {like when you brought home your last designer handbag}.   This purchase is MUCH cheaper and will only cost you between $5 and $10 a month!

1. Go to Bluehost

2. Click “Sign Up Now”

3. Enter your domain

*Sidenote: See where it says “I Need a Domain Name”? This is what I was referring to earlier when I said that hosting companies will allow you to register one domain for free. I would not recommend this option.

4.  Enter your account and billing information. Make sure and input your personal account information as well as billing information.

5.  Choose your hosting package. You have the choice of 12 months, 24 months or 36 months based on your preference. Again, the longer time frame the cheaper it will be.

6.  Once you have chosen an “Account Plan”, go ahead and uncheck all of the boxes {SiteLock Domain Security, Site Backup Pro, Search Engine Jumpstart}.

7.  Click “next”.

You will receive a confirmation in your email inbox.

Change the Nameservers on your Domain

Here is a short {and easy to follow} video tutorial on how to change the name server on your domain with GoDaddy.

Step #3: It’s Time to Accessorize

Here we are going to be going over how to upload WordPress to the Server {Bluehost}.

1. Log in to your Bluehost account {you should have received an email with your user id/password information after purchasing your hosting package}.

2. Click the icon that reads “Simple Scripts” under the “Software/Serives” in your cPanel. You may also simply click on the “WordPress” icon to go straight to the install page.

3. Click “WordPress” under “Blogs” 4. Click “Install” 5. Specify what domain you want Worpress to be installed on.

6. Choose your “Advanced Options” {if you want to}. Not necessary in my opinion.

7. Agree to Bluehost Terms of Service.

8. Click “Complete” WordPress has been uploaded to your domain.

Step #4: Choose your Style

Some people are traditional, some rustic chic, others contemporary. Just like personal style, blogs need personality too. This is where you will pick a theme.

There are tons of different “free” themes that you can choose from. If you are trying to save money then I suggest just choosing a free theme. I use a premium {meaning that it’s paid for} theme.

There are two that I would recommend: Thesis and Genesis. This website runs on Thesis. I have the most experience and knowledge in Thesis. However, I have heard wonderful things about Genesis. The advantage to a premium theme is the ability to customize your site the way you want it.

If you decide to go with Thesis it will prompt you to choose between Thesis 2.0 or Thesis 1.8.5. I would recommend downloading Thesis 1.8.5 {the Basic version}. It’s much easier to use than 2.0.

*Update: With the release of Thesis 2.0 we would recommend going with Genesis. Thesis 2.0 is not user friendly. We are looking at switching our sites to Genesis.

That’s it!

To log in to your new site go to:

http://yourdomain.com/wp-admin Example:  http://houseofroseblog.com/wp-admin.  Enter your unique user id/password Begin blogging!

Have questions on how to create your own blog?   Leave your comment/question below and I’ll do my best to get you started blogging today!  

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links.  I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. All of the affiliate links mentioned are products or services that I am recommending because I believe in them and think they are helpful not because I may earn a commission.