WordPress for Beginners – Create your own blog in ten easy steps

Whether it's travel, flowers or fashion, more and more people want to share their experiences on their own blog. But many shy away from the technical challenges. So that CMS, URL and template are no longer foreign words for you, we explain the basics to you in a clear way. We show you how to create your own blog in ten steps! First things first: It's only half as challenging as it looks.

1. It all starts with the CMS

It starts with the selection of the content management system, CMS for short: This is the software with which a blog is created. There are different providers, for example Joomla or WordPress, which is what this article is about. By the way: Incidentally, you can say the blog or the blog equally.

2. Quick start on WordPress

WordPress is particularly suitable for a blog because there are many thousands of free templates available and the design can be designed very individually. So you can set up a blog immediately, here and now, at wordpress.com. Disadvantage: You cannot use your own domain, i.e. Internet address, such as www.hosteurope.de, but must set up your desired name with the ending xxx.wordpress.com.

3. Find web providers

If you decide to use your own domain, then you must host your site with a web host, ie your site is stored and managed on an external server. Most web providers provide a WordPress option because WordPress is so established now. To start, choose a basic web hosting plan, e.g. B. a web hosting package from Host Europe. With a Host Europe web hosting package, WordPress is already pre-installed and you can easily activate this application via the customer information system.
Instructions for WordPress quick installation using Host Europe's Easy Installer can be found here.

4. Noun is omen

Then it's just a matter of finding a name. By the way, it is possible that your desired domain already exists. Then you have to come up with another name. Just as an aside: There is a registry in Germany that checks all URLs (another name for domains), DENIC. In theory, you can first check whether the Internet name you want is still available, but you can't book it there and only URLs with a .de ending can be checked. It therefore makes sense to simply go directly to the web host.

5. Free or safe mode?

You usually have the option of choosing between the so-called Free or Safe mode. As the name suggests, Free Mode offers a lot more freedom when installing templates, these are your design templates, and also when using plug-ins (additional small programs). But then you have to manage all security-related issues yourself. Only the templates and plug-ins offered by the provider are possible in safe mode. Changes to the HTML code are not possible. However, it is also something for advanced users. However, availability and topicality are guaranteed. Decide on the best option for you!

6. Set up WordPress

After you have decided on the appropriate WordPress application, it usually takes a few hours for the provider to set it up. If that's the case, you're good to go! As with all systems, access to the WordPress account is secured with a username and password, which is best noted. When the WordPress dashboard, which is the command center of your blog, so to speak, opens in front of you for the first time, it is impressive. But don't let that stop you!

7. Find your desired theme

First of all, choose a WordPress theme! A WordPress theme, also known as a template, is your blog layout. To do this, go to "Design" in the left dashboard column and select the first item "Themes". Then click on "Add new theme". Here you will find a first selection from 15 preset templates. But, as said before, there are thousands of free templates out there. To do this, under "Search for themes" at the top right, enter, for example, beauty, magazine, food or whatever topic your blog should have, in English.

8. Tatata: Install your theme

Before you install your WordPress theme, you can click Details and Preview and see roughly how it will look. On the left you will find a description of which topics the template is best suited for. Don't be confused: In the preview you can only see the appearance. Page layouts and settings etc. are made when the WordPress theme is installed. Then comes the big moment: You install the selected theme! Simply click on the blue "Install" field at the top left and the most important step for your own blog is done!

9. The dashboard - the command center

Then the first thing to do is familiarize yourself with the dashboard, i.e. the operating mask of WordPress. Depending on the template, the points there can vary a little, but the dashboards are basically similar. In the middle you will find an overview of your statistics, news from WordPress and other important information. The functions of your template are available to you in the left column.

10. Create the first post in your own blog

Once you have gotten to know your template, first create your static pages under "Pages", such as your "About me" page or, very importantly, the imprint and the page for data protection. Then your first contribution will come! Under Articles you will find the item "Create". Write your first text and be sure to include an image or even multiple images! This makes the article more interesting.
So, now you belong to the blogger community. Of course, there are many features that are not present in your base template. There are also so-called plug-ins, which are small programs that can also be installed. You can also find the "Plug-Ins" function in the sidebar. There's a lot more that could be mentioned here, but it's best to just get started! Have fun!

Popular content management systems

Selected template manufacturers

Tip: Type in google WordPress theme a. You can also search for specific topics in word combinations such as health, food or banking. There is definitely something for you!

Another tip: All web hosting providers also have hotlines where you can get good advice! Host Europe can be reached toll-free on: 0800 467 8387

Host Europe products for WordPress beginners, advanced users and professionals

Do you have any questions or suggestions on the topic: create your own blog? Send us a comment. We are looking forward to your feedback.

Photo credits: Fotolia, License: Host Europe