How to Start a WordPress Blog on Bluehost (8 Simple Steps)

Bluehost for Blogging! Sound Great! I assumed that you want to know how to start A WordPress blog on Bluehost in 2024?

That’s why you are here, and I assure you that you’ve come to the right place. 

I now know that you want to become a blogger and try something new. Awesome! I’m glad that you have found yourself here. 

If you want to start a blog, this simple step-by-step beginner’s guide is just for you so that you can easily start blogging and make passive income. 

And you know? 

It will take you only seven simple steps to get started with a WordPress Blog on Bluehost.

Let’s drive In.

Note: After reading this step-by-step guide, You will have your own blog! So keep reading till the end! 

What is Blog & WordPress?

What Exactly Is A Blog? 

A blog is just like a website and it consists of a series of articles and posts made by one or more bloggers. 

The posts appear in reverse chronological order, which means your latest post goes to the top of the pile.

What is WordPress?

WordPress is a content management system that allows you to create a blog website, and edit and alter its appearance without having to use code. 

With the use of WordPress, you can create any type of website like Blogs, business websites, and e-commerce stores just using WordPress.

The best thing about WordPress is that it’s open-source, easy to use, and flexible. This is one of the reasons people love to use WordPress and it has grown so much in popularity. 

According to a recent survey from Kinsta, WordPress powers 43% of all websites on the internet.

Note: Throughout this article, when I mention WordPress, It means WordPress.org so do not make confuse this with WordPress.com which is a hosting service.

Why Start a Blog With WordPress?

You must know the facts about WordPress and why should use it to start a blog.

WordPress is the largest content management platform (CMS) on the market. However, it’s one of the big reasons you should be using WordPress too.

Actually, I know what’s going on in your mind and a few questions will cross your mind. Questions like…

• Why WordPress is the most prominent CMS? 
• Why do people love to start a blog?

People have so many options, to start a blog today. For example, if you search best blogging platform on the internet and you hope you get the top ten results, and click one of the top five of the website. 

I’m sure you visit a website that is built with WordPress because every fourth of the website is created on WordPress.

Do you have any questions?

I know, you’ve some questions in your mind, let’s figure out why WordPress is good for blogging!

Let’s figure it out!

#1. WordPress Is Free & Open Source

WordPress is free and open-source software, which means it’s free to use, edit, and redistribute.

You can also easily find any resources publicly available. No matter what; Whether it’s a business website or a personal blog, WordPress doesn’t charge a penny to use it. 

They even don’t charge extra if your blog starts to get more traffic than you anticipated, either.

Note: It’s true that WordPress software is free and open-source but you will be end up spending a bit of money. Because WordPress is self-hosted, so web server is required to run your blog. Don’t worry! The hosting price can be started at around $2.5 to $3 per month with cheap shared servers.

Anyway, all web hosting companies generally provide a good price range with a one-click installation.

For this, I do recommend BlueHost & WordPress recommends it too because of their flexibility with a strong server.

Once again, Besides being free and open-source, meaning that you can alter or improve its source code and make it your way look like your website.

#2. Create Any Website With WordPress

You might hear that one of the misinformation about WordPress is just a blogging platform.

Well, It is actually not.

Let me clarify for you, It was started as a blogging platform but it’s now one of the best CMS because of versatile, easy to use, and flexible enough to make any type of blog or website.

Also, the availability of a wide range of website themes and plugins helps you to increase your website functionality and make your website the way you want the look.

However, you can even create any kind of website using WordPress.

For Example;

• Personal Website
• Business Website
• eCommerce Website
• Membership Website

Undoubtedly, WordPress is also quite good for everything when comes it to building a website.

#3. WordPress Is 100 % SEO Friendly

According to Google and all search engines, WordPress is 100% SEO friendly.

Don’t worry, WordPress (CMS) framework makes it easy for the search engine’s spiders to crawl.

However, It takes all the SEO responsibilities that a CMS is supposed to fulfill.

There are also various SEO plugins available to help improve the search engine visibility of your website.

#4. WordPress Is Easy to Use

You can start using WordPress as fast as you install it. There is no such configuration required instead of the customization you give your theme, as well as the plugins.

Even if you are a beginner, you get tons of resources and tutorials to make your site AWESOME. 

It’s open-source and the one-click installation makes your website ready for use. You can even make custom configurations without any coding. 

Once you installed WordPress, you can immediately start creating and publishing blog posts and pages.

#5. WordPress Is Easy To Customize

Yes, WordPress is super easy to customize with an install of the theme and plugins on your site and you can build your website to look the way you want. 

It doesn’t matter if you are a tech guy or not customizing and changing the front of your WordPress website through coding is not mandatory.

For increased website design or functionality, you can use the WordPress theme or plugin that it provides, or maybe you can buy one of the premium themes or plugins developed by third parties. 

#6. WordPress Is Secure and safe

With the popularity of WordPress, it comes with a high-security standard. The WordPress staff regularly updates the CMS in order to protect you from this vulnerability.

Continuously, updating the version is quite effective in fighting vulnerability points.

In fact, website hacking mostly takes place due to caution and lack of knowledge. 

So before you install anything inside WordPress make sure it is a trusted source.

Alright, I hope you understand why you should use WordPress for blogging. 

Now let’s dive into the process of starting a WordPress Blog on Bluehost.

How to Start a WordPress Blog on Bluehost in 8 Simple Steps!

Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry just follow up the steps and I’m sure at the end of the tutorials, you will have your own blog. 

let’s begin!

Step 1: Choose Blog Niche

You know what, your blog niche plays a huge role in the success of your blogging career. So, pick your blog niche wisely. 

What is exactly a blog niche? 

A blog niche is a topic that your blog focuses on writing on. and it represents the niche market and audience that your blog targets.

For example, you’re not blogging for “Smartphone,” a broad audience, and competitive. But you’re blogging for “iPhone,” a niche audience with less competition.

However, A blog topic would be anything that you’re passionate about that topic. So, pick one of the topics that you want to learn at the same time you are enjoying writing.

Make sure it doesn’t bore you! If you don’t even enjoy the topic, then you have a very good chance to quit blogging. 

Always Keep in Mind: Blogging needs long-term vision & hard work, if you’re not ready for that then leave it, it’s not for you.

Some of the most profitable niches:

• Health
• Fitness
• Weight Loss
• Making Money Online
• Dating & Relationships
• Self-Help
• Finance
• Beauty & Fashion
• DIY / Home Decor
• Technology

You might notice that all of these niches above have one thing in common they’re all broad and highly competitive. 

So, what you supposed to do?

The things you need to do is get into these niches and find a small topic that is less competitive and profitable.

So, Before you jump into blogging, make sure you research your blog topic. 

So how do you find a good topic? 

Well, there are so many marketing tools that can help you to understand the audience you are going to target.

How do I research my audience? 

Well, For me, All I’m doing by using the most popular tool called SEMrush which helps me to find the exact audience and topics.

Even you can see what readers are searching for and build your blog accordingly.

Step 2. Set Your Blog Goals

Your Blog Goals lead you to accomplish your blogging dreams so before you jump into the fields make it strategic and enjoyable. 

Without enjoying blogging you can’t go longer. So, think big and write down all the stuff that you want to do with your blog in the future. 

It should be Smart Goals – such as; Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely.

Note: Make it clear with the date, easy to accomplish, and Achieved short-term goals for long-term value.

Now you have to make a simple plan for your blog. Write down all the plans. Remember, if you start your first blog then treat your blog like a business.

Let’s move on to the next step in picking up a good name for your blog.

Step 3: Name Your Blog

Choosing a great blog name might be a scary thing. Most of the time you find yourself the desired domain name isn’t available because Someone has already taken it.

But it’s okay, why? 

Because the blog name doesn’t matter that much you think it does.

Yep! You heard that right…

As a new starter, you might think that the domain name is the most important part of your blog. 

I know and I did the same thing as you, spending hours trying to come up with something catchy and cool on our first couple of websites. And the fact of the matter is it doesn’t work that much.

But here’s the secret!

Your blog content matters much more than your domain name. Because at the end of the day, your blog content will define your blog, not just a domain name.

Still, here are a few tips you can use to find a good blog name:

• Always Go for the .com
• Make it short and simple
• Choose a Brandable Name
• Easy to say and spell
• No hyphen
• Use keywords
• Check Trademark
• Available on other social media sites

Choosing a kick-ass domain name is vital to make your blog stand out from the crowd.

I hope these handy tips can help you to get its right name but it’s also important to focus on content.

If you haven’t gotten your domain name make sure to claim your free domain name. here!

Step 4: Buy Web Hosting for Your Blog

To start a blog, you must need good web hosting to run your blog. Your blogging success depends on a good web server because it only lets your site up and running for your users.

So, what is web hosting? 

Web Hosting is a house where you place all the files of your blog in order to make your blog live on the internet. 

For Example; When someone tries to access your blog, the hosting connects your blog and shows your data like images, posts, pages, and many more to your users. 

Now, are you thinking about which WordPress hosting is best for you to start a blog?

Well, there are hundreds of web hosting which you can use to start your new blog. But I don’t recommend all of that because I haven’t used all of them yet.

Note: I recommend you to stay away from free web hosting services because they are unreliable. And shockingly at any time they can shut down your blog and ruin your blogging efforts.

So instead of giving you the big hosting list, I recommended you go with the BlueHost and WordPress recommends it too.

Why Bluehost for Blogging?

Bluehost (Read my reviews) is one of the best web hosting for beginners and professionals. And because they give you the ultimate resource to start and grow your blog.

However, Bluehost has already hosted over 2 million websites and 850,000 of them are blogs. Sounds pretty, isn’t it?

Even I’m using it for 3 years from now! and never gotten anything wrong since then. That’s why, I recommend Bluehost because of its reliability, good server, and affordable price. 

Wait! I not only recommend Bluehost but WordPress also recommends itself. Why? Because It comes with lots of features like a one-click WordPress installation, free SSL and flexibility, and Scalability.

Reasons why Bluehost for Blogging:

✓ It’s easy to use – anyone can build a blog, even just following this tutorial.

✓ You get a FREE domain name for one year

✓ #1 recommended web hosting by WordPress.org

✓ It offers 24/7 support via live chat, email, or phone

✓ It offers amazing uptime and fast page speed 

✓ FREE WordPress.org installation

✓ Bluehost is the best affordable blog hosting for beginners, you can start your blog for as low as $2.95 per month. (Note: This is an exclusive price for Passive Blogger readers)

✓ You will own Self hosted blog with full control over it.

✓ Bluehost will even migrate your (WordPress.com) blog for FREE after buying any hosting package.

✓ Bluehost offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

(Note: If you find any drawbacks or questions throughout this process, just send me an email (Subject: Blog set up) and I’m happy to help you out.

Note: If you want to know how to start a blog on Bluehost, then use our link to get discounted and save your blogging cost. Also, you can set up your blog with Bluehost at an affordable price and get a FREE domain name!

How to Buy Hosting from Bluehost:

Now let’s get started with our step-by-step guide on how to start a WordPress blog on Bluehost. Click here to start the process!

#1. Go to Bluehost

By using our link you will be landing on this page. Now, you have to do >> Select; View Plans to Get Started.

#2. Select Hosting plans

After heading view plans buttons you will be landing on these pages. Choose a Choice Plus plan if that is suitable for you. 

I do recommend going with Choice Plus plans because at the end of the day when you start growing you’ll need some extra resources to handle your blog.

So, Instead of going with Basic plans, you better go with Choice Plus Plan because it is suitable for beginning to pro.

#3. Select your Domain Name

After choosing your desired plan, now you have to choose the blog name you want to host with Bluehost. 

The interesting fact Bluehost offers a free domain name and you should grab this offer immediately.

There are three-way you can end three options:

1. Create a new domain name (free domain)
2. Use your own domain
3. Just click on the Choose Later options

Whatever options you select it’s not a problem at all because the method will be the same.

#4. Create your account

On the next page, you will fill out the info in order to create your account section.

There are two options you can fill in this info;

1. Signed in with a Google account
2. Choose Manually options.

Do what you like. Make sure the information is correct because they send you all the info through your Email address.

Then scroll down the package information. In the package information area by default, the plans are set to 36 months. The longer the plan would be, the cheaper you get discounted on the plans.

I recommend the 36-month plan because it provides the best value for your money. But if your budget is stuck then go with 12/monthly plans.

Keep in mind that signing with a longer plan represents a commitment that you are making to your blog and yourself.

However, If you start your first WordPress blog on Bluehost, feel free to start with a 12/month plan first. 

Don’t worry, You can cancel your plan at any time during the first 30 days and get a full refund if you do not like their services.

Furthermore, if you’re interested in it for the long run, don’t hesitate to get a 36/month plan.

What about the extra package?

The straight answer is No! you don’t need them. 

For Example; Sitelock security or SEO tools, just cost you nothing at all. So make sure to uncheck all the stuff. You don’t need it for your blog because there are many free plugins that are done for you.

It’s time to pay for your hosting. You can pay two ways first, with your credit card or PayPal.

After the submitted info and clicking the button, you have successfully done the signup process.

Once you click that you’re done. It takes a few seconds to set up your Bluehost account, once they are done they will send you a confirmation email.

If you go through the process correctly, let’s move on to the next steps to set up your blog with Bluehost and WordPress.

Step 5: Set Up Your Blog with Bluehost

Alright, This is the most interesting part you have been waiting for start a blog on Bluehost then keep reading.

#1. Verify Email & Create Password

Once you complete your payment, they will email you to verify your account, you will need to activate your hosting account. 

However, you have 14 days to do this after signing up but you should verify it first in order to access your Bluehost dashboard.

Then Bluehost provides login credentials along you will be asked to create your password for Bluehost.

Create your WordPress password for your blog and make sure your password is secure and safe in order to verify when contacting Bluehost support.

#2. Log in and start Building 

Now build your site, this part is super easy as you follow up. Don’t worry, Bluehost makes it very easy to build a WordPress blog and it is FREE. 

1. Login Bluehost Portal:

Now, log in to your account with the username and password you selected while checking the password.

After logging into your Bluehost portal create a new website with a blog name for your blog. In order to install WordPress, “Create your blog”

Once you click they will move you to the next steps, now Select what type of website you want to create with Bluehost.

In this section, you have set up a Site Title and Site Description. It should be descriptive something like, what is your blog about. 

But if you aren’t sure what you want to set up yet, just click to skip and move on to the next steps. Don’t worry, you can change it later on the way you want to.

Now, Select” Start Building” It will take a few seconds to build your whole site.

Once the process is done it will redirect you to the Bluehost dashboard and It’s done

Congratulations!

You now own your blog and hosting plan! And welcome, to the Bluehost community

It wasn’t too painful, right!!!!!

The next steps will log into BlueHost and set up your WordPress blog on Bluehost right away!

Step 6: Access WordPress Dashboard

This is one main step back into your WordPress dashboard in order to access your blog. 

You can do it in two ways:

The first way is to go into Bluehost.com and log in using the email and password that you created in the setup above.

Or, you can access your WordPress blog by typing in yourdomainname.com/wp-admin/ into your browser.

Once you enter and it will be taken to the login screen of your WordPress blog just like the above screens.

Simply enter the login details that you set up during the process and click “Log In”, and there you go! 

You will be Opening up your Awesome WordPress blog dashboard Like this.

Note: Your WordPress dashboard is the main part of your blog in order to control the whole stuff.

Here are a few key features you should know that might help you navigate your WordPress admin area:

Posts: Posts are just your blog posts, or “articles.” This is where the bulk of the content that you write, edit, view, and manage your blog articles.

Media: The media library is where all the images are stored that you upload to your blog posts. This is where you can upload and manage your all images.

Pages: Pages are just like your blog posts in that they look similar and have the same editors. But, Blog posts have certain purposes that usually involve educating your audience about a topic. However, the purpose of blog pages is usually to provide more technical information about your website.

Comments: This is where you can see the comments. And you can manage all comments like approving or deleting from your blog!

Appearance: This is where you can customize your blog like creating and editing your menus, sidebars, and other widgets. In the Appearance section, you can also install, and configure new themes to customize the design of your blog.

Settings: This is where your general blog settings (After installing WordPress) are you can edit the following:

• Site Tagline
• Homepage and blog display settings
• Email address
• Time zone and date settings
• Comment settings

Plugins: A plugin is an add-on software that helps you add new features to your blog. For example, contact forms, SEO tools, security, and backup tools, and much more.

I know it looks a bit complicated but trust me it’s easy and fun. Thinks as you shift to a new apartment. 

Once you spend more time inside the house, you will get to know everything about the house.

Just like that… Now the best thing you need to do is just start playing around inside the dashboard. 

NOW move on to the next to set up your blog with Bluehost!

Step 7: Increase Blog Functionality

As you start blogging may be some reasons but if you blog for making money then treat your blog like a business. 

A business needs investment, so invest in blog themes and plugins, honestly, it would be the best investment on your blog.

Note: Remember nothing comes free of cost, I know, there you got tons of free stuff but at the end day, you have to pay them to enjoy their full resources.

However, This section just gives you a quick shot to boost your blog functionality. So follow up the steps:

1. Select a Blog Theme:

A blog theme is a kind of software, tool, or code that allows you to customize and design your blog the way you want to. 

So, choosing a perfect theme for your blog, it’s kind of confusing and crazy in the theme world. 

Don’t worry here are a few tips that help youtube find the best blog theme along the way.

• Fresh and Clean: Keep your blog clean, simple, and accessible so that your audience feels better while accessing your blog. It is the key to engaging your audience and presenting your blog with a great user experience.
• Responsive: Make sure the theme you’re using on your blog is responsible for both mobile and desktop devices.
• Support tools: Also, make sure the blog theme you choose will support all plugins and tools. Some themes have limitations.
• Read Reviews: Before you start using any blog theme make sure to read reviews so that you can get clear ideas.

1. Free Themes

Basically, Free themes are a great place to start a new blog if you’re a beginner. But they lack some of the tools that only a paid theme gives you. 

If you have an extra $50 – $100 to invest in your blog, then I would suggest going for a paid blog theme.

I know you feel overwhelmed at this point, there is Rock a free theme for a month or so, and get used to the platform.

Note: You can use one of the free themes during the pre-installed under the “appearances” and “themes” tabs. Just click Customize to switch themes.

There are also thousands of free themes. Now the question is: If there are thousands of free themes, why would I ever want a premium theme?

The truth is that premium themes are generally much better and customizable than free themes.

However, starting with a free theme is perfectly fine to start better understanding WordPress. 

For this, I would recommend Kadence, one of the greatest free themes ever. So, start using the Kadence theme for free but later on you can upgrade for more features. 

Note: How To Install A FREE Theme: >>Click appearance >> themes >> add new

2. Premium Themes:

A premium theme is faster, more customizable, and premade design template that is easily compatible with your website’s looks. 

Basically, A paid theme is well-designed and well-coded by theme developers. 

The price ranges between $20 to $100 if you buy it from theme marketplaces like Themeforest (my favorite) and Studiopress. Both are great marketplaces where you can grab your desired blog theme 

But wait, here are some of my personal favorite themes I’ve been using past 4 years of my blogging journey.

Over the last four years, I have been using Kadence, Avada, and Genesis for different blogs and those are awesome. 

You can use any of them above what I mentioned or you can play around and find one that is compatible with your needs. All are pretty good and easy to customize.

How to Install premium themes: >>Go to appearance >>> themes >>> add new >>>upload theme>>> Get the zip files>>>installed

2. Must-Have Plugins:

There are some essential plugins you definitely should use on your blog. Some come for free and some are premium. 

For newbies, free plugins are way enough but if you are on a budget go for the premium.

There is a marketplace called Codecanyon where you can buy some of your premium plugins. But, It all depends on you.

Here are some plugins I’ve been using for a couple of years of my blogging career.

Note: How to add new plugins: Head to Plugins> then Add New or check this guide on How to install plugins on WordPress. 

What Plugins do I use on my Blog:

1. Rankmath (freemium): A blog SEO plugin and it is one of the most popular plugins to help optimize your site for SEO.

2. SeedPord (not necessary): SeedProd is the best WordPress plugin for coming soon page and maintenance mode.

3. OptinMonster (Paid): If you want to capture email and grow your audience then it helps you to do that. It is the most popular software to convert abandoning blog visitors into email subscribers and customers.

4. Akismet (free): Akismet helps you to prevent spammy comments and it’s free for personal use and supports 50,000 comment checks per month.

5. Jetpack (free): Jetpack offers tons of features that help with site security, traffic growth, content tools, and more

6. WP Forms (freemium): WP Forms is the easiest way to create simple forms by using a drag-and-drop builder to create form.

7. Wp Rocket (Paid): Wp Rocket helps you to increase page load times and enrich your blog performance.

8. BackupBuddy (Paid): The Most Reliable and Popular Backup Plugin Trusted by 1 million site owners. It’s easy to use with a 100% Restore rate, Secure backups, Inbuilt free staging, and bulk site updates.

9. Wordfence (freemium): Wordfence is a powerful security plugin that easily protects your site from hackers or malware. It’s super easy to set up and has tons of features.

10. Imagify (freemium): Sortpixel is a free tool for image optimizations.

11. MonsterInsights (freemium): MonsterInsights is one of the best Google Analytics plugins of all time. which allows you to connect your website with Google Analytics.

All set, now you are ready to go, let’s move on to the next steps to write your first blog post.

Step 8: Publish Your First Blog Post

One final step: If you are concerned about writing your very first blog post? Don’t worry I will show you how! let’s go.

For creating a new blog post, you have to go: To dashboard>>Go Post sections>>Add New

If you follow all the steps it means you have successfully set up your first WordPress blog with Bluehost. Now it’s time to do keyword research and make some blog posts for your new blog.

If it’s your first time let me help you to write your first blog post for your new blog.

Here are the tips:

However, Writing your first blog post can be difficult if you are not sure where to start. But it is easy to get started and make it a more traffic-engaging blog post.

1. Come up with great post Ideas: Before you write an article make sure you research.
2. Create an Outline: Creating an outline for your first post, I suggest you choose a topic that you’re passionate about. That makes you comfortable to write. Also, Try to value your readers.
3. Headline: Make sure your post headline is more catchy and engaging.
4. SEO-friendly post: When you are going to write your first blog post, it’s kinds of a heavy task to understand. But keep practicing for months and study you will be good at SEO.
5. Schedule: Maintain a schedule, of how many articles you publish in a week.

Overall, these tips help you to write an engaging blog post that literally helps you grow your blog and gives you the full concept of blogging. setup a blog on Bluehost

Finally, we end here with a guide on how to start a WordPress blog on Bluehost. Before you leave, make sure you read to the end for the blog better!

Faq: How to Start a Blog on Bluehost

Conclusion

WOOHOO!!! Now you have your own WordPress blog on Bluehost. Now you all have to do is work on the design and producing high-quality content. 

All the way if you do it correctly or follow up on the step I mentioned above then your domain name and blog hosting are all set up perfectly.

Now it’s all your responsibility to make your blogging journey better. In the meantime, start getting more knowledge by fulfilling your daily and weekly blogging tasks.

Note: Always, Keep in mind A successful blogging business is all about planning and creating good content and connecting with your readers. As long as you stay focused and consistent and help your readers, well, I’m sure, you’ll succeed in your blogging journey.

Finally, to sum up, the guide, hope this guide helps you to start your own WordPress blog with Bluehost. 

Still, If you face any problems regarding Bluehost or blogging let me know via email or comments. I will help you out, that’s what I’m here for. 

So don’t be afraid to contact me or don’t forget to join our blogging mastermind group (it’s free to join)

One more thing, let me know what the experience was like to start your very first blog in a comment below!

Good luck! Happy Blogging!