This post is a guide on how to start a blog with self-hosted WordPress. How to install it properly and almost instantly on the cPanel hosting. You may already know, that WordPress is the most popular platform for CMS (Content Management System). And its known also good for Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Of course, you need to make an investment for buying a Domain Name and Web Hosting to host your WordPress site. If you already have it, then great!
If you don’t have a ready set-up web-hosting, we highly recommended using HostGator as your Web Hosting. It is affordable, fast, secure, and has everything you need for hosting your WordPress blog.
Okay! lets get start it!
How to install WordPress on cPanel Hosting
If you already purchase a domain name plus web hosting. You can start by login into your cPanel hosting and find for website builder application called Softacolous Apps Installer.
Next, select WordPress as Website application see example picture below.
IMPORTANT! Before click Instal, sure to leave the “In Directory” form empty so your website address URL will be http://yoursite.com and not http://yoursite.com/wp. Next thing to do is:
- Set Name for your blog.
- Create a unique Admin name. Note! for security reasons, the WP Admin user name must be different from the login name. Don’t use your real name. You can set up your real name later after WordPress installation is complete.
- Create a Strong password.
- Fill the admin email with your main email address. This email address should be used to signup for your Gravatar too.
- Select your Language, pick your desired Themes (Optional) you can do it later after installation.
Let the other setting just the way it is. By default, oftaculous will create a database and table prefix for you. See the example picture below.
When you are done, click Install and wait for a few seconds. After the process complete, it’s time to customize WordPress.
Recommended Setting
First thing, you need to create some basic pages for your blog. And of course, tweaking some basic WordPress settings.
Creating Pages
From your Left Panel in WP-Admin: Go to ‘Pages’ and Add New. Create basic pages like About, Contact, Blog Menu, Privacy Policy, Term of service, etc.
For how to create the basic website pages. You can read here later on How to Create Pages for-Privacy policy, Disclaimers & Term of services
See screenshot below for example.
To create the Contact page, you can install a WordPress plugin like Ninja Form, etc. That you can find it on WP Admin > Plugins.
Make Categories for future post
You also need to make a Category page for your blog. It will make it easier to manage each post by its categories in the future. To do that. Go to Post > Category and add new categories related to your blog topic.
Setting Bio
Continue with setting your Bio, to do that, go to Users > Your Profile and edit your profile setting like Gravatar, etc. Now, you can use your real name in this public setting.
To setup your Gravatar, go to Gravatar.com and signup using the exact same email that you use to set up WordPress earlier. Make sure you upload your best photo on the Gravatar site.
Your Photo will become your global avatar, and it will automatically appear on your WP author profile. It also will appear every time you leave a comment on any WordPress site or any site platform that supports Gravatar globally.
Permalinks setting for SEO friendly URL
Next, go to Settings > Permalinks and select Select Post Name. This URL structure setting is the most known great for Search Engine Optimization.
Other
You can always customize the other settings later. For Themes and plugins, you can directly them by searching them in the search form on your WP Admin.
Just navigate your computer mouse cursor to the left Menu > Plugins > Add New. And search the needed plugins right there. For essential WordPress plugins, you can read the post here: Essential WordPress plugins for website/blog (Later)
To change the default themes. Navigate your cursor to Appearance > Themes. And choose the Themes you like for your blog. There are thousands of free or paid WordPress Theme that you can pick one that suits your design.
Practice to write your first post!
So far you’ve done with the basic setting of your WordPress Blog. Simple eh? Its time to practice writing your first post! It can be your experience of creating your new blog, etc.
Go to Post in the top menu and select Add New post. Start writing something! You can save it as a draft first, if are not ready to publish it yet.
Important! don’t forget to delete the default WordPress Sample post.
Note
We all know that to build a nice and solid blog takes time, money and effort. Investing money for buying Pro Themes, Plugins, etc is not necessary, but in the end, you will realize you have to invest some.
If you are looking for premium WordPress Theme that have beautiful look, have responsive design and very good for SEO. My recommendation is to purchase Genesis Themes by StudioPress.
Anyway! Hope this post can help you to start to build your blog with self-hosted WordPress. Or, at least it could help you have a better plan on how to start it.
If you feel ready, then what you are waiting for? go to HostGator.com and make your great idea online! If you finding the right time to start a blog, the time is now. It’s time to turn your passion to become your extra income online.
For the ‘advanced’ settings and how to customize Your theme looks etc you can read here How to Customize WordPress Theme and Appearance
Happy blogging 🙂