How to Start a Blog

Have you ever thought about starting a food blog (or any blog) and didn’t know where to start! Let me help you!

I don’t claim to be an expert, but I have learned some helpful info along the way: I have been blogging (under different domain names) for the past 6 years! I built my site myself using the tools provided below, so I know you can do it too!

With my 4 easy steps you will be able to start your blog in less than thirty minutes. Let’s dive right in!

1. Choose a Domain Name

First things first, you need a name! A domain name to be specific, i.e; the name of your blog (mine is the flexiblefridge (.co.uk). I recommend you select a name that is:

With the internet being 29 years old (thanks Google!), most domain names are unfortunately taken, so get creative! Key some ideas in this handy tool to see if it is available:

If it’s available you can actually get it for FREE with your Bluehost host plan which is what we will speak about next.

2. Choose a Website Host

A website host is basically a house that your blog will live. If you are just starting out, I recommend Bluehost. I have used them throughout my blogging journey years and they have been nothing but helpful. It takes me hours to get my head around any sort of tech stuff, so a company like bluehost was needed.

Need I say more?!

Friendly reminder: This page contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links. I only link to products I have used myself and recommend. Thank you for your support!

Once you go onto their website (click here), and click GET STARTED you will come to the payment plans.

If you can afford it, I recommend the 3 year option which enables you to save the most money (67% off) in the long run.

Once you have selected your plan, it’s time to set up your domain. Hopefully, you have a well thought out unique name that reflects your brand! The next step is to enter this name into the domain box circled below.

Next up is the essential (yet boring) part. Your personal info, package selected and any extras you require.

To add on package extras..or not, that is the question! See below if they are necessary:

Codeguard basic: This is a feature which offers an automatic database backup, basically saving all your hard work if something bad was to happen. In my view, a plugin may help here. One called UpdraftPlus WordPress Backup Plugin. With 2 + million downloads. There is a free and a premium version. Its main role is to back up files into cloud accounts (e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox and more.

Bluehost SEO Tools Start: This is a service that claims to help you allow your target market to find you easier on some of the major search engines. Is it a must? In my view, a plugin may do the trick..as well as some SEO booster tips (there’s plenty if you do a Google search). The Yoast SEO plugin is a search engine optimisation plugin for WordPress and currently has 5+ million active installations! It claims to help with optimising your blog content. There is both a free and premium paid version.

SiteLock Security Essential: This is a feature that protect your website from malware and malicious attacks. Aka a software that can cause damage to a computer, server or the like. Is it a must? In my view, if you are using WordPress, there are free plugins that can do a similar job (e.g. Wordfence Security – which is currently at 3 million + installations!).

We have finally come to the end of the form! Have a read of the Terms of Service, Cancellation Policy and Privacy Policy. If and when you are happy with these, hit the submit button, you new blog is minutes away!

3. Install WordPress

When the purchase is complete, you will be brought to a confirmation of page which will prompt you to choose a password for your account. Go ahead and enter the password in, read and agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions and hit next.

Once the password is created, you can now login. You’ll be asked a series of final questions concerning your website, yourself and theme selection (skip the theme selection you can go back to this once you are in WordPress. After the above, WordPress will begin to install automatically.

Once you’re logged into your WordPress site, you can start with choosing a blog theme (Appearance -> Themes). This is the fun part, the interior design aspect! Below is the theme I purchased and loved. But there are many free themes too!

I made a few tweaks and viola!

4. Start Blogging!

Now you have a blog! Congratulations! I would love to see your creations send me them here! My biggest tip is publish publish publish – do not wait until it’s perfect.