Have you ever wanted to build a blog but don’t know where to start or how to get it off the ground? Then you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve been starting blogs and authority websites for over a decade. I’m now sharing the exact process that I’ve personally used – time and time again – to do so.
I built a simple yet comprehensive guide to show you how to start a blog step-by-step.
This is the same exact method that I use on every authority site in my own portfolio. And it’s proven itself to work time and time again:
As you can see, the process works—and it works well. And by the end of the guide, you’ll have a fully functioning blog that you can take to the next level.
Before You Begin
This page is a condensed version of the overall course. It will show you how to quickly start a blog, step-by-step.
For a MUCH more thorough breakdown of each step, check out the lessons in the full course content.
You don’t need to do anything to get access. Simply scroll down and read the guides just like you would read a normal blog post.
How to Start a Blog [Quickly] In 2024
If you’re like most potential bloggers, you’re probably overwhelmed with just how many factors go into launching a new blog.
When it comes down to it, though, starting a successful blog really just involves a few simple steps:
Each step can be as simple or as difficult as you want it to be, as you’ll learn with time. My suggestion is to take it slow and enjoy the process.
Now let’s dive into what you came for – how to start a blog.
1. How to Build a Blog
The actual process of building a blog is not that hard to do. In fact, I’d argue that there’s no better time than now to build one because of just how easy it really is.
I’ve built a portfolio of websites from nothing to millions of unique users per month – with nothing but my own skill set, a handful of blogging platforms and tools, and occasional outsourcing to third-party contractors.
You, too, can start a blog with very little investment and achieve incredible results. But… the trick is to build on the right blogging platform, backed by the right tools – from day one.
What You’ll Need to Build a Blog
There are many different blogging platforms to choose from, both free and paid. Depending on whether you choose a free or paid option depends on what you’ll need to set it up.
Typically, if you’re using a free blogging platform like LinkedIn or Medium, all you have to do is sign up and start creating right away.
The ease of use sounds good, but I HIGHLY suggest avoiding the free options, as they have more downsides than upsides.
For example, you don’t own the platform, you can’t customize the design of your blog, and you usually can’t monetize your writing once you write it.
I suggest disregarding all the blogging platforms you see and jumping straight to WordPress, the world’s most popular content management system (CMS).
Over 40% of the world’s websites are built using WordPress. As a result, there are many tools, resources, and developers that make building a blog incredibly simple.
When building on WordPress, you need just four things to start your blog:
- Domain: The unique web address (URL) where visitors can access your blog on the internet.
- Blogging platform: WordPress, the content management system where you create, manage, and publish your blog posts.
- Hosting: The service that stores your blog’s files and makes your site accessible on the internet.
- Theme: A pre-designed template that determines the visual layout and style of your WordPress blog.
Don’t worry, I’ll show you which tools to select and how to set them up, every step of the way.
Tip: We’ve built a free course on how to use WordPress, step-by-step. If you get stuck along the way, check that out to clear up the confusion.
The Tech Stack That I Personally Use
I’ve spent the past ten years building blogs and websites full-time.
During that time, I’ve had the opportunity to try almost every popular content management system, host, theme, plugin, and digital marketing tool on the market.
Through a TON of trial and error, I’ve assembled a list of items to power my blog that has proven to be reliable, secure, and scalable, yet still easy to use.
Core Setup: What Powers the Blog
- Domain Registrar: Namecheap
- CMS: WordPress.org
- Hosting: WP Engine
- WordPress Theme & Framework: GeneratePress Premium
Additional Functionality & Features
- SEO: Rank Math Pro
- Forms: Gravity Forms
- Anti-Spam: Akismet
- Caching & Performance: WP Rocket
- Image Optimization: Imagify
- Analytics: Site Kit by Google
This is the same list of items that I use on almost every website I run, including bloggingtips.com. I trust them with my sites and use them every day.
Unlike the large majority of other people who sell blogging-related courses online, I am not just promoting the tools that give me the highest commissions.
I’m also showing you the cheapest way to build a blog, either (though I do promise that it will still be affordable – with budget options for each recommendation I provide).
However…
… I am showing you the easiest, quickest, and most scalable way to build a blog quickly and efficiently.
It’s important to remember that we’re building a blog the right way from day one. This will save you a lot of wasted time and headaches in the future, including those I’ve personally experienced.
Homework: What to Do at This Point
Our goal right now is to simply get a basic blog off the ground.
We'll gain forward momentum by installing WordPress on our host, and then adding a theme and core plugins.
WP Engine offers staging sites by default, so we can launch a blog without needing to have a domain name.
We’ll eventually name our blog and register a domain, but not until the next step once we’ve decided on a niche and audience to focus on.
Pro Tip: Disregard the “Experts” and Take Your Time
There are countless experts out there claiming that making money through your blog is easy, but let me be clear: it IS doable, but it’s not as easy as some might make it sound.
We’re bombarded by blogs, links and newsletters stating how this person ‘made a six-figure income’ or how that person ‘lives from the income their blog generates’.
What you don’t see is the tireless hustle in building the blog. The grit to stay the course when things get tough. Or the countless nights spent building away without any type of recognition as a result.
Ultimately, however, you need to remember that making money with your blog takes hard work, dedication, and patience.
It won’t happen overnight. You need to lay the foundation now to reap the rewards that blogs can offer later.
But don’t worry. I’ll be with you every step of the way showing you how. I’ll offer my thoughts, insights, and guidance.
By learning the proper way to build a blog from the start, you’ll save yourself a huge amount of time and avoid plenty of headaches in the future.
course content [page jump]
Related Courses
In addition to starting a blog, I also suggest:
- Starting a YouTube channel: a great way to showcase hands-on expertise.
- Starting an online store: take advantage of the ecommerce boom currently happening.
- Starting a podcast: capture the podcast market, which is rapidly growing in popularity.
- Creating an online course: another great way to showcase your experience and drive engagement.
- Making a website: a great way to expand from a smaller blogger into an authority site owner.