When it comes to choosing which platform you should use as your blogging forum, there’s a mass of different options. WordPress has been a popular choice among many – as more than 75 million sites currently depend on it. 

What makes WordPress different and so high in demand is that you can do anything you want on it. Whether it’s brand marketing or just writing about your pet cat, everything is available on WordPress. Throughout this guide, we’ll walk you through getting started with your first WordPress blog.

What is WordPress?

WordPress is a website-building software you can use to create an interactive website or blog. It just may be the easiest and most flexible blogging and website content management system for beginners.

It works by combining some core files, a database, files that you add or install, and a dashboard to let you manage your own site.

Beyond blogging, WordPress is also great for building a social network, fully functioning intranet and online business card themes.

Guide to creating your first wordpress blog

Why Use WordPress for Your First Blog?

WordPress rightfully owns the number one seat in the CMS market share with nearly 32%, making it world-widely the best blogging platform to join. This proves the high quality of the service they offer and that it is undoubtedly a trusted option for many.

If you’re planning on starting a riot, it will be easier to gather followers with WordPress. This is because over 409 million people read more than 21.4 billion blog pages each month! 

Man typing up first wordpress blog on laptop at table
Researchers confirm that WordPress is searched five times more than Joomla and nine times more than Drupal – its most prominent competitors. Image Credit: Bench Accounting

How to Start Your First WordPress Blog

1. Know Your Field

There are millions of topics you can talk about if you are starting a blog, especially if it’s a WordPress one. The most important thing in blogging is knowing your field perfectly, and not wasting any information within it.

If you deviate or give inaccurate information about something you may not know that well, this might give a bad signal around your blog, making people check you less or even not at all.

2. Pick the Perfect Name

Catchy names are good when it comes to the blogging world. That’s because your name appears everywhere, so you have to carefully choose the name you want to be known as.

A unique name might even make it easier for people to look you up, and that is definitely great if your blog is for advertising means as well. It’s necessary not to make it too catchy as well, because people might not be able to differentiate between your blogs and ads then.

3. Have a Host

Hosts make it much easier for you on WordPress, helping you with the technical issues you don’t have time for. You can install WordPress on your device and set up your server solely, but it is preferable to induce within a service that already has server setups and is able to host WordPress sites.

Some hosts are free but paid hosts are more recommendable, since they provide more features and better quality. The real question dwells in which host service should you choose? Luckily, you can easily choose yourself by looking into our extensive hosting reviews, concerning the pros and cons of each one of them.

  • Liquid Web
  • A1
  • Host Gator
  • 123Reg
  • Site5
  • 1 and 1
  • NameCheap
  • InMotion
  • DreamHost
  • BlueHost
  • Flywheel
  • iPage
  • ProfileTree

4. Understand SEO

Using SEO in your blog isn’t even debatable. SEO is probably the most important thing to take care of in your blog, if you’re keen on getting acknowledged. Through SEO, your titles and keywords can be tuned to help achieve higher ranks in the search engines.

Many sites are specifically made just for mastering SEO, so you must begin your track by reading loads on it and making sure you handle it perfectly.

5. Flesch Test Check

Shorter sentences certainly have their place and can help keep you, and your readers, on point. The Flesch Test Check will assess this with the help of SEO plugins, which are made to check how readable the post is.

Another useful tool is the online Readability Checker, which evaluates how easy a piece is to read and shows you what changes to make to better the text.

6. Prioritise Security

As a blogger, you must develop enough security to protect your blog. Although WordPress is a highly secured site, complete security is not guaranteed anywhere still. Hence, you ought to pick your password wisely. Make sure it is not in any way predictable. Try to include special symbols and numbers as well to reduce the risk of getting hacked.

Now that you know all the basics you need to be aware of while creating your first blog, we will show you how to take your first steps to create that WordPress account that might take you so far!

Create Your Account

You can either create one through WordPress.com or WordPress.org, depending on which type of blog hosting you’ll go through.

Now the free hosting path may seem like the easiest way, but your whole blog is under total control from WordPress, and one step out of line such as violating the terms of service by mistake, might suspend months of your work.

Choosing WordPress.com might not be the best platform if you’re planning on depending your entire work on blogging. As for the self-hosting blogs created through WordPress.org, there is definitely the luxury of having complete control over your blog.

Titles and Descriptions

Again, never underestimate the power of a catchy title. This remains one of the most important things to take care of, as well as descriptions and meta-descriptions, because if it isn’t attractive enough, people won’t really be curious to check it out. 

So, it’s important to choose titles and descriptions fit for your readers, not for the search engines to notice it. Try keeping them balanced between relevant and engaging.

Dealing with permalinks can be a hard thing if you’re a beginner. To make it simple, just make sure you eliminate any extra, unnecessary words within your permalink and make sure it’s readable. 

For example, if your article is about groceries, don’t make your permalink long enough describing every component you’ll buy. Instead, opt for something short like: wordpress.com/fruitful-grocery-list. This way, it will help you rank for the keyword you want people to know you for.

Avoid Grammatical Mistakes

Proofreading is one of the main factors you have to apply whilst writing, especially in blogs. No one likes grammatically incorrect articles. So, read and reread your post before you publish it one hundred times if necessary until it’s perfectly written.

Websites like Grammarly can easily help you out. Just never ignore this, no matter how good your blog goes.

Add Pictures

If you add texts to your images, your content may help you reach higher rankings in the search engine for image results. How you might be asking?

When you include an alt-text on the images you’re adding to your posts, search engines can see this information. Therefore, by optimising your image alternative text that very same image just might rank better in search engine image results.

iPhone taking a photo of two coffees for wordpress blog
WordPress users produce about 77.8 million new posts, 54 million new comments, 25.4 million uploads and 7.8 million pages every month. Image credit: Maddi Bazzocco

Quality Over Quantity

Consider engaging with your audience through elite and authentic content, it has to be different for them to remember it, for that is how you get loyal readers. Moreover, it’s worthy to challenge your audience sometimes so that they don’t get bored. 

Also, try to add long posts full of details. Some readers like to dive into the story you are telling, getting invested as they read more and more – especially when it’s different.

Try to be systematic and organised as well, and don’t go months without posting and then post ten blogs a day. It’s better if you know when to post and what to post and to let your readers know as well. 

Quality posts are your best way to hook new readers and keep them coming back for more. No matter how awesome your blog looks or how many features it has, you won’t get far if you can’t consistently provide visitors with something new and interesting to check out. So, never forget that quality always wins over quantity.

Adjust Your Format Style

Your format style can really matter in your blog. Maybe you’d use bold words to convey a certain message, or underline it to say how important it is. 

Formatting doesn’t just stop after the basics of Microsoft Word – there are other factors you might want to include to make your blog seem nice and catchy.

For example, using headings clearly label the various sections in your article. To illustrate, the H1 heading is often used for the blog title. H2 headings are mainly used for post titles or comment titles. 

As for H3, H4 headings, they are often used for separating long sections. So, when you make sure that you’re using a bit of an artistic way in shaping your blog, it’ll be easier on your readers’ eyes and will definitely be more interesting to check

Don’t be afraid that you’ll mess your first WordPress blog – blogs are all about growing and innovating. Don’t expect to be the best blogger on Earth the moment you press publish and don’t be disappointed when that doesn’t happen. It is totally okay, because patience is the key for your success in WordPress, and basically every other social media platform.

Beginner’s Guide to Customizing Your WordPress Blog:

Themes:

  • Finding the perfect theme:
    • Explore curated theme marketplaces like WordPress.org, ThemeForest, and Elegant Themes.
    • Consider your blog’s purpose and aesthetic when choosing. Free themes offer good starting points, but premium themes unlock more features and flexibility.
    • Look for responsive themes that adapt to different screen sizes.
  • Theme Customization:
    • Most themes offer customization options within the WordPress dashboard. Look for the “Appearance” > “Customize” section.
    • Change layouts, colors, fonts, and logos through the theme’s settings.
    • Some themes include drag-and-drop builders for even easier customization.

Essential Plugins:

Best wordpress plugins
  • Boost Functionality:
    • SEO: Yoast SEO or Rank Math optimize your content for search engines.
    • Security: Wordfence Security or Sucuri Scanner protect your site from malware and hacking.
    • Social Sharing: AddThis or Shareaholic allow easy sharing on social media.
    • Contact Forms: Contact Form 7 or WPForms let visitors send messages easily.
    • Caching: WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache improve site speed and performance.
  • Media Options:
    • Image Optimization: Smush or Imagify improve image loading times.
    • Image Galleries: Envira Gallery or NextGen Gallery showcase your photos beautifully.
    • Video Embeds: WP Video Embed or Embed Plus allow easy integration of videos.

Modifying Site Architecture:

  • Menus: Create navigation menus in the “Appearance” > “Menus” section.
    • Organize pages and categories for easy navigation.
    • Consider user experience and logical flow.
  • Widgets: Add sidebars and footer widgets for specific functionalities.
    • Popular widgets include search bars, social media icons, and recent posts.
  • Page Builders: Plugins like Elementor or Beaver Builder allow visual drag-and-drop page creation, even without coding knowledge.

Pro Tips for Beginners:

  • Start simple: Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many customizations at once.
  • Backup your site regularly: Before making any significant changes, ensure you have a backup in case of errors.
  • Test your site thoroughly: View your site on different devices and browsers to ensure everything works as expected.
  • Utilize resources: Numerous tutorials and guides are available online for specific customizations.

By following these tips and recommendations, you can easily customize your WordPress blog and ensure it looks great, functions flawlessly, and serves your specific needs. Remember, the key is to experiment, learn, and have fun creating your unique online space!

WordPress Continues to Dominate: Updated Blogging Stats for 2023

WordPress remains the undisputed king of content management systems (CMS), powering over 43% of all websites on the internet as of October 2023, according to W3Techs. But beyond this headline figure, several captivating trends highlight the platform’s ongoing relevance and evolution:

1. Platform Adoption Rate:

  • WordPress shows no signs of slowing down. Its market share has steadily increased year-on-year, jumping from 41.4% in 2022 to 43.1% in 2023. This translates to approximately 61,909,719 WordPress websites live and kicking as of October 2023 (W3Techs).

2. New Site Spin Up Frequencies:

  • A whopping 17 new WordPress websites are created every second! This translates to over 525,600 new sites spun up every day, showcasing the platform’s continued appeal to both personal bloggers and businesses.

3. Common Use Cases Driving Demand:

  • While blogging remains a core driver, WordPress usage has diversified significantly. Here are some of the most prominent use cases:
    • Business Websites: With its powerful plugins and flexibility, WordPress caters to diverse business needs, from e-commerce to professional portfolios.
    • Online Courses and Membership Sites: Plugins like LearnDash and MemberPress turn WordPress into a robust learning management system or membership platform.
    • Community Building: Forums, Q&A sites, and social networks all find a home on WordPress thanks to plugins like BuddyPress and bbPress.
    • Portfolio Sites: Creative professionals like photographers, artists, and designers showcase their work beautifully on custom WordPress themes.

4. Why WordPress Endures:

  • Ease of Use: WordPress remains user-friendly, even for non-technical individuals, thanks to its intuitive interface and vast plugin ecosystem.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Whether you’re starting a small blog or running a complex business website, WordPress adapts to your needs.
  • Security and Community: WordPress core receives regular security updates, and its passionate community offers ample support and resources.

Looking Ahead:

As the content landscape evolves, WordPress continues to innovate and adapt. With the rise of headless WordPress and integrations with cutting-edge technologies, the platform remains poised to empower creators and businesses of all kinds for years to come.

Beginner SEO for Bloggers: Easy Steps to Get Found Online

So, you’ve built your beautiful WordPress blog and are ready to share your amazing content with the world. But how do you make sure people actually find it in the vast ocean of the internet? That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds! Here are some easy steps to boost your blog’s SEO and get your awesome articles seen by more eyes:

Content Optimization:

  • Keywords: Identify relevant keywords your target audience might search for. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush can help.
  • Sprinkle Your Keywords: Naturally include your keywords in your titles, headings, paragraphs, and meta descriptions (the blurb under your title in search results). Don’t stuff them in though, keep it natural!
  • Quality is King: Write engaging, informative, and valuable content that people actually want to read. Google loves good content!
  • Internal Linking: Connect your blog posts to each other. This helps search engines understand your site structure and improves user experience.

URL Magic:

  • Keep it Short & Sweet: Choose clear, descriptive URLs that reflect your content. Avoid long, cryptic strings.
  • Keywords in URLs: Include your target keyword in the URL if it fits naturally.
  • Hyphens are your friends: Separate words with hyphens instead of underscores for better readability.

Page Speed Matters:

  • Fast is Fantastic: A slow website is a sad website (and bad for SEO). Use plugins like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache to optimize your site speed.
  • Images Don’t Weigh You Down: Optimize your images for faster loading without sacrificing quality. Plugins like Smush or Imagify can help.

Yoast is Your SEO Buddy:

  • Yoast SEO Plugin: Install this must-have plugin! It analyzes your content and gives you actionable tips to improve its SEO.
  • Green Light is Good: Aim for the green “Good” or “Excellent” SEO score Yoast gives you for each post. It’s like your SEO coach!

Bonus Tips:

  • Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console: This helps Google crawl your website and understand its structure.
  • Build backlinks: Encourage other websites to link to your content. This tells Google your site is valuable and trustworthy.
  • Social media love: Share your blog posts on social media! This can drive traffic and improve your search ranking.
  • Keep learning: SEO is constantly evolving, so stay updated with the latest trends and best practices.

FAQ

Q: I’m totally new to WordPress. Where do I even start?

A: Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Begin by choosing a reliable hosting provider and registering your domain name. Then, head over to WordPress.org and install the platform on your website. Choose a beginner-friendly theme and activate essential plugins like Yoast SEO and Contact Form 7. Focus on creating engaging content and optimizing your site for search engines. Follow the tips in this article and don’t hesitate to seek help from online resources and communities.

Q: I’m on a budget. Can I build a great blog without spending money?

A: Absolutely! WordPress itself is free and open-source, along with many fantastic themes and plugins. Free hosting options exist, though paid hosting offers enhanced performance and security. Focus on creating valuable content and promoting your blog organically through social media and other channels. You can always invest in premium themes and plugins later as your blog grows.

Q: I’m not sure what kind of content to create. What do people want to read?

A: Think about your passions and interests, and what value you can offer to your target audience. Research popular topics and keywords in your niche. Experiment with different formats like blog posts, videos, or infographics. Analyze your website traffic and engagement to see what resonates with your readers. Remember, authenticity and quality are key!

Q: How do I get people to see my blog?

A: Search engine optimization (SEO) is your friend! Optimize your content with relevant keywords, use descriptive URLs, and leverage tools like Yoast SEO. Share your blog posts on social media, engage with other bloggers in your niche, and build backlinks to your site. Consistency and quality content are crucial for attracting and retaining readers.

Conclusion

WordPress empowers anyone to build a stunning and dynamic blog, share their passions with the world, and connect with a like-minded community. The possibilities are endless!

Remember, the key to success lies in unleashing your creativity, prioritizing quality content, embracing continuous learning, and enjoying the journey. By following the tips and insights in this article, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a WordPress whiz and building a flourishing online space. So, dive in, experiment, and most importantly, have fun!

Now you should be ready to get started with WordPress. 

Good luck!

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