Photo Credit: phaitoon / freedigitalphotos.net
Are you interested in getting your words out to the world?
If so, you need to build a platform, and the easiest way to build this platform is by starting a blog. There are many free hosting options out there but in order to gain the most control over your site you should think about launching a self-hosted WordPress site. All the serious bloggers do this because it allows for more customization and cash-flow options.
It is what I use for WritewithWarnimont.com
Here is a short video that will help you get your self-hosted WordPress site up-and-running within 10 minutes. It seems like a daunting task at first, but anyone can do it by simply watching this video and walking through the steps. Good luck!
Links mentioned in the video
Disclosure: Please note that the Bluehost link below (and stated in the video) is an affiliate link, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase. Please understand that I have experience with all the companies I recommend on this site, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.
Do you have a self-hosted blog? If so, what tips do you have for others? If not, do you have any questions about getting setup? Let me know in the comments below.
But I already have a free WordPress.com site and I don’t want to lose all my content…
Many bloggers start with a free WordPress.com site and then want to make the transition to a self-hosted site for more control and professionalism. However, the greatest concern is taking all the great content you have already created and moving it over to the new self-hosted site.
Here is a video tutorial on moving all your content over to a new site. Keep in mind that you would sign up for Bluehost first and then perform the migration through your WordPress dashboards.
If you would rather read than watch the video, feel free to checkout the documentation for this process here.
But I already have a domain name…
You may have already purchased a domain name with another service such as Godaddy.com. In this case, you still need a place to host your domain. If you would like to transfer your domain over to Bluehost hosting services, here is a helpful video on how to go about doing that:
About Joe Warnimont
Can I convert my free WordPress blog to a self-hosted website in a similar way? Or would I lose my content and layouts?
Hi Shary,
That is a great connection and the answer is yes. It’s pretty simple, but let me put together a video really quick so it’s easier to visualize. Thanks!
Hi Shary,
Here is a link that explains how to convert your free WordPress blog. I was going to create my own video but this page pretty much explains it all.
https://my.bluehost.com/cgi/help/wp_migrate
This seems very easy. Thanks for the great tutoring.
as a computer illiterate, who has only been writing for a year, this is a Godsend
thank-you
Hi Melanie, I’m glad this was helpful. It’s actually pretty easy for those who consider themselves “illiterate”.
Great resource, Joe! Thank you
No problem Ula.
Great website!
Great blog.. interesting information.
This was so informing but I am a bit confused. Does WordPress stand on its own, or do you need to have a site like Bluehost to support it?
Hi Maya,
WordPress provides a free version that is useful for beginners, however if you wanted to create your own self-hosted site you would need to use WordPress and Bluehost in conjunction. This would allow for more customization, a customized domain, more security and the ability to use plugins. Let me know if this helps!
Thank you! After watching this video I began to set up my own website using Bluehost and followed your guide word for word. You were extremely helpful!
Hi Joe,
I already have a self hosted site with wordpress.com please guide me how do i transfer my site to bluehost can i private chat with you on IM for more details ?
Thanks & regards
Sunil
Excellent!
Thank you for your awesome guide for how to make a nice wordpress website.
Wordpress is the CMS builder I choose for my website, too.
There are so many nice wordpress themes around (and the one I love is Zippy wordpress theme from wordpress.com). you can make your website to be what you wish it to be.