How to create a blog using wordpress?

Step 1: Choose Your WordPress Setup

1. WordPress.com: A hosted platform, easier for beginners but with some limitations.
   • Go to WordPress.com.
   • Choose a blogging plan (free or paid).
2. WordPress.org: Gives more control and flexibility. Requires hosting.
   • Get web hosting (like Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator).
   • Install WordPress via your hosting provider’s control panel or install WordPress manually.

Step 2: Install WordPress (For WordPress.org Users)

• Log into your hosting control panel (cPanel).
• Look for WordPress Installer and install it.
• Follow the prompts to install WordPress on your domain.

Step 3: Choose a Theme

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard (yourdomain.com/wp-admin).
• Go to Appearance → Themes.
• Click Add New and browse free themes.
• Install and activate the theme that fits your blog’s style (e.g., Astra, OceanWP).

Step 4: Create Essential Pages

1. Go to Pages → Add New.
2. Create pages like:
   • Home: Your blog’s landing page.
   • About: Introduce yourself and your blog’s purpose.
   • Blog: Your default blog page (you can make the home page as your default blog page)
   • Contact: Provide ways for readers to reach you.

Step 5: Write Your First Blog Post

• Go to Posts → Add New.
• Add a title and content (text, images, videos).
• Use the Gutenberg editor for blocks like paragraphs, headings, and media (or you can use editors like Elementor, Beaver Builder etc)
• Set a featured image for your post.
• Click Publish to make the post live.

Step 6: Customize Your Blog

1. Menus: Go to Appearance → Menus to organize your pages.
2. Widgets: Add sidebar elements under Appearance → Widgets.
3. Plugins: Install useful plugins like:
   • Yoast SEO (for search engine optimization)
   • Jetpack (for performance and security)
   • Akismet (for spam protection)
   • reCAPTCHA (blocks unauthorised logins)

Step 7: Adjust Blog Settings

1. Go to Settings → Reading:
   • Choose if your homepage displays a static page or your latest blog posts.
2. Go to Settings → Permalinks:
   • Choose the Post Name structure for SEO-friendly URLs.

Step 8: Promote Your Blog

• Share posts on social media (like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter).
• Use email newsletters (with tools like Mailchimp).
• Engage with readers by responding to comments on your blog.