How to set up a WordPress blog in 5 minutes

Bluehost makes it really easy to create a WordPress blog with their “one click WordPress Installation.”. They are the number recommended place to host your WordPress blog according to WordPress.org since 2005.

What’s a one-click installation? It’s exactly what it says on the tin. You can set up a WordPress blog with just a press of a button.

Need me to walk you through it? No problem! Keep reading below for the step-by-step tutorial.

People used to pay me to set up their blog. I thought instead of charging people for my help I would give it away on my site for free! If you signup for Bluehost through my affiliate link, I earn a small commission but you pay exactly the same. So instead of having you pay for my help, Bluehost pays me instead. Everyone’s a winner!

NOTE: The design of the Bluehost website has been updated since these screen shots were taken but the steps remain the same.

Step 1: Click Sign Up Now On Bluehost.com’s Home Page

Pretty Self explanatory. Once you click my Bluehost affiliate link, click “Sign up!”

Step 2: Type In Your Desired Domain Name – And Click Next

Here’s where you type in your desired domain name. If I were you, I’d try to stick with .com if you can. It is not the end of the world if you change your mind about the domain name, you can change a few settings and buy a different one. Not a problem when you first start out but I wouldn’t recommend doing it more than a few months after you have started blogging.

Step 3: Fill In Your Account Information (You need a credit card is required. Web hosting isn’t free)

Here’s where you fill out your account details. Like your phone bill, you’ve got to pay for web hosting. It’s only a couple of pounds a month, it might be the best investment you ever make 😉

When you get to this page, you’ll notice a section called “Package Information.” These add-ons cost extra, but here’s the deal:

If I were you, I would DEFINITELY get the Domain Whois Privacy. This keeps your personally identifiable (such as your address and contact number) information private — protecting you from the crazy people.

I also highly recommend getting backup pro because it’s cheap–$19.99 (£12.27) per year –and you should protect yourself against the “what if my site blows up” scenario. Your website will be stored on their server but you control it. If you do anything to mess it up you will have a back up copy of your site.

Step 4: Create Your Password (The best way to create a password below)

Now you need to create your password. If I were you, I’d try to create a password that contains lowercase letters, uppercase letters, a symbol, and a number. And make sure it’s at least 8 characters.

Once you click create your password, you’ll be redirected to this page here:

That’s where you create your password.

Step 5: Login to your newly created Bluehost Account — You’re almost done

Step 6: Create Your WordPress Blog In Less Than A Minute…

Now’s the time to create your NEW WordPress blog. It’s going to take you like 60 seconds.

Get Your BlueHost Account Setup Right Here*
No hidden fees. Free Instant Setup. Anytime money-back guarantee.First, make sure you’re looking at your control panel. This is under Hosting > cPanel.

Then scroll down a little bit and click the WordPress icon. See it here:

Then, you’ll be redirected to a page, where you have to scroll down a bit more, and click the WordPress icon one more time. See it here:

Once you do that, you’ll be pointed to another page, where you have to just click “Install.” And you’re basically almost done. Check it:

Now you need to pick your WordPress settings. Here’s what I would do. If you’re starting a brand new website, and a brand new domain, install WordPress into your root directory. That means, leave that box “after” your domain in Step 1 blank.

Additionally, you’ll want to type in your title. And if I were you, I would uncheck all of those plugins and themes. You don’t need them.

See the screenshot right here:

For some reason, Bluehost doesn’t like this setting by default, and they’ll redirect you to another page, that asks you if you want to overwrite your core files in that directory. If this is a BRAND NEW WEBSITE, the answer is yes. Additionally, make sure to uncheck all the plugins/themes again.

Now you’re really almost done – you’ll be redirected to a page that says it’s installing your new WordPress site.

And then you are done!

You can now type in your domain, and you’ll see your newly created WordPress blog.

Congratulations!

That WAS easy. Right?

 You should now read:

How to write your first blog

How to find ideas to write in your blog

Thanks to Derek Halpern for the inspiration to set up this page. You should check him out. He is a clever dude.