**Full disclosure: This post does contain referral links. While I do receive a percentage of each sale through these links, it also allows me to offer all of my readers $50 off of their 1- or 2-year Dreamhost package.
As a full-time freelance writer, maintaining a blog has been a necessity for me. But no matter your industry, having a blog can boost your website traffic and increase the number of clients contacting you.
If you’re looking to start a WordPress blog, I highly recommend Dreamhost for your domain and hosting needs. After taking the time to compare numerous hosting sites, I settled on Dreamhost for a number of reasons, including their easy One-Click WordPress Install and their excellent customer service.
Another bonus? If you go with Dreamhost, you’ll get a $50 discount by clicking here. You can pay as low as $8.95/month $5.78/month when you pay in full at signup!
Alright, now let’s get to work.
1. Register Your Domain Name
A few tips on choosing a domain name: Pick something easy to remember, something you won’t be embarrassed to say out loud, and something that gets the point across almost immediately.
Looking back, I regret my domain name a bit because it lacks imagination and it is a bit long, BUT one look and people know what I do for a living.
After creating your account, you’ll move onto step 2: Configuring a Domain.
The first option, which has already been selected for you, allows you the chance to register a domain through Dreamhost.
The second option is great for those who already own a domain name.
The third option allows you to set up your domain later if you’re still thinking on a name.
2. Buy Your Hosting
Hosting and domains are two separate beasts — in a nutshell, a host is a rented space and a domain is an address for said space. If you have purchased your domain name from a site other than Dreamhost, you’ll want to check out this nifty tutorial.
Below are listed three payment options.
Option #1 allows you to pay month-to-month for $10.95/month.
Option #2 (which is highlighted in blue) allows you the option to pay 1 year upfront for $5.78/month ($69.40/year).
Option #3 allows you to pay 2 years upfront for $6.87/month ($164.80 for 2 years total).
3. Install WordPress
As mentioned above, WordPress installation was a breeze with Dreamhost. It took me all of 3 minutes to install, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
Once you’re on the Dreamhost dashboard, you’ll see the screen below. In the top left corner, you’ll see the toolbox. At the very bottom of that toolbox, you’ll find One-Click Installs.
After clicking on One-Click Installs, you’ll be brought here. You’ll select WordPress…
…and this will pop up. Simply select the domain you’d like to install WordPress for, and hit “Install it for me now!”
Within 10 minutes, you’ll receive an email with further instructions on WordPress setup. Setup is quick and easy.
What you do beyond this step is entirely up to you. WordPress is amazingly customizable and the options are limitless!
Do You Have a Blog? How Has it Benefited Your Business? Answer in the Comments Below!
