The Four Easy Steps
Step 1
Download and install the free WordPress software. Make sure to grab the most recent version as that will be the software with the most recent fixes and updates to help keep you fresh. Follow these simple steps below, or visit this tutorial with more detailed installation instructions.
- 1) Upload the unzipped install packet to your hosting account using an FTP client or cPanel.
- 2) Install the files to your blog location, either in the root (http://www.yourdomainname.com) or in a chosen subfolder (http://www.yourdomainname.com/blog/).
- 3) Configure an SQL database for the software to write to and store your information.
- 4) Run the install file by typing in the correct path in your web browser (http://www.yourdomainname.com/wp-admin/install.php).
- 5) Follow the instructions on the screen and fill in the correct information as necessary.
You should now be set up and ready for Step 2!
Step 2
Choose a template that suits your blogging needs. The WordPress world has already been populated with loads of interesting and unique blog themes/templates for use. For starters, free WordPress templates are located at the following great sites:
1. WordPress Themes Directory
2. TopWPThemes
3. Free WordPress Templates and Themes
After finding a great looking template, or two, simply follow these steps to apply the template design to your blog.
- 1) Download and unzip the selected theme to your computer.
- 2) Upload your theme using your FTP client of choice (we suggest Filezilla) or cPanel to the wp-content/templates/ folder.
- 3) Log into the dashboard (http://www.yourdomainname.com/wp-admin) and choose the Themes option under the Appearance tab on the left column. On that page, you can choose and activate the newly uploaded template.
So now that your site looks great, let's take it one step further with number 3!
Step 3
Organize and display your blog information in an interesting and unique way using plugins. Plugins are additional bits of code that interact with the basic WordPress code to give the blog some extra life. For just about any task you can think of - from displaying photos to providing polls - a WordPress plugin probably exists for that. Many plugins can be found at the following great site:
After finding some select plugins, simply follow these steps to apply the plugins to your blog:
- 1) Download and unzip the selected theme to your computer.
- 2) Upload your plugins using your FTP client of choice (we suggest Filezilla) or cPanel to the wp-content/plugins/ folder.
- 3) Log into the dashboard (http://www.yourdomainname.com/wp-admin) and choose the Plugins tab on the left column. On that page, you can activate the newly uploaded plugins.
- 4) Depending on the plugins chosen, additional configuration and setup may be needed. Sometimes, an additional tab on the left column of your dashboard may show up for the plugin, or you may need to insert additional lines of code into posts, pages, or the template files. Please refer to the plugin homepage for these additional steps.
So far, so good! Your blog is almost ready to go - just one more important step!
Step 4
Last, but not least, your blog is ready for the juicy details - your information! In addition to choosing the right design and layout for your blog, the words you choose impact a web visitor's stay. After choosing the correct words for your blog, simply follow these steps to start sharing with the world:
- 1) Log into your dashboard (http://www.yourdomainname.com/wp-admin) with your username and password provided during installation.
- 2) Choose the Add New option under with the Posts or Pages tab on the left column.
- 3) Input the information, saving as a draft along the way. In the Publish section of the page, you can choose to publish the article when ready, preview changes, and more.
Congratulations! After successfully completing step 4, you are now the proud owner of an amazing site with little stress and, most importantly, a low cost. Don't forget to check back with WordPress Tutorials section if more WordPress help is needed.