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Get Started Blogging the Fast and Easy Way

22 November 2006

Last week I decided to start a blog about making money on the Internet, and decided to use WordPress, since you can download it to your own website and start using it immediately.  The only thing is I’m new to blogging terms, php databases, and the like, and was having a very difficult time downloading the software and finding where to go to actually get started blogging. 

I had read on several sites that some webhosts have automatic installation of WordPress, and found that my own webhost, Bluehost, is actually one of the webhosts that offers the simple, automatic installation. 

In fact, I was making things much more difficult because I was attempting to find out how to do the install, which Bluehost had already taken care of!  They use “fantastico” to do the installation, and it is fast and easy. 

If you want to get started blogging and need a webhost, you should give Bluehost a try.  If you do decide to go with them, here is all you do to get started blogging:

Decide on a name for your website, go to their webpage, see if the name is available and sign up.  It will take a couple of days for your website to become available to set up.  You will need to set up a root folder for your site and a blog subfolder within the root folder.  For example, my website name is redmeow.com.  There is a root folder called redmeow, and I created a subfolder called “blog”. 

Once you’ve done that, you can go log into Bluehost and it will automatically take you to the Control Panel, where you manage your website.  Click on the Fantastico link, and click on New Installation.  From there, just follow the instructions. 

After the installation is where I got lost, and of course was making it much harder than it actually is.  Once you have gone through the installation and have made note of your admin username and password, simply go into your favorite browser and type the name of your website and blog like this: www.yoursite.com/blog/wp-admin 

You will then be taken to the WordPress Dashboard where you can change your password, make changes, and write your first post! Now isn’t that easy? 

Bluehost makes the process very easy.  They also have good prices and great customer service.  I once called them at 2:00 a.m. when I was working on my website and having problems.  Someone actually answered the phone and talked to me at 2 o’clock in the morning!  He listened to my problem, said “let me go check it out”, came back a few minutes later, and the problem was fixed. 

Please be aware, however, that they have a notice when downloading WordPress that they do not offer support for WordPress.  I’ve found, however, that there is plenty of support on the WordPress website should you have any problems. 

www.redmeow.com

 

 

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