I launched my blog in September 2017 with the intention of improving our own finances. The Financial Independence – Retire Early (FIRE) concept is difficult to talk about. Nobody I know in real life is comfortable talking about money, let alone retiring a decade early or FIRE or discussing about how to “start a blog” thing. I also wanted something that allows me to record our financial milestones. Blogging gave me an opportunity to do just that.

If you dig through my blog, there is a section that talks about our yearly net worth. Writing my goals down publically has made them more concrete. As a result, I am focusing on my goals like never before. It’s crazy. Our finances are better than ever. After less than a year of blogging, our net worth went up over $50K. We max out our retirement plans, find ways to earn more money, try harder to reduce expenses, increase our savings rate, and now are saving up to buy a rental. Blogging has held us accountable and I think that’s pretty awesome.

Before digging into my guide to start a blog, here is an important disclosure:

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. It means if you make a purchase or sign up through my links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Please understand that I only recommend products and services that I find helpful and bring value to life. I don’t promote crappy products or services just so I can earn a small commission. It hurts both ways. As a good rule of thumb, don’t spend your hard earned money on a product or a service that won’t help you achieve your goals. Please read my Affiliate Disclosure for more info. 

Boy, let me tell you blogging takes up a lot of time. I found myself staying up until 1 a.m. on weekdays figuring out how to simply update my widget or footer, link my social media accounts, and so forth. You really have to be passionate about the subject you’re going to blog about too. Otherwise, it’ll show through your writing. One thing for sure is that you don’t need to be tech-savvy to create your own website. I’m the least tech-savvy person on earth. Of course, you don’t need any coding skills to create a site. I’m going to show you an easy way.

What is a blog? Is that the same as a website?

First of all, a blog is a type of website. A website is a space on the internet with an address (URL) that anyone can visit. A blogging website is a website where can post your ideas and thoughts. A blog is a less formal forum that allows you to actively interact with the readers/visitors. Blog content is also posted and updated regularly unlike a website.

Why the heck you want to start a blog anyway?

1. Blogging helps you focus on your goals

Whatever your goals are, it’s more concrete if you write it down. Imagine, if you write it down on the internet and people see and read it, you’ll have to come back, update, and tell your readers if you’ve achieved your goals. Therefore, blogging holds you accountable. It has changed my life (and our life as a family) for the better. In my case, we talk more about money. Our kid understands the concept of money and life in general. As a result, our finances have improved drastically.

2. You can talk freely about any subjects you are passionate about

Seriously, you can talk just about anything you are passionate about. This was my main reason to start this blog in the first place. Nobody I know in real life knows about the concept of FIRE. I had a hard time talking about retirement with my circle of friends, let alone talking about quitting my job 10+ years before my peers. I needed to get this out of my head or I’d go crazy.

3. It helps you to be a better writer

Since I started my blog, I write better. I’ve never been a big fan of writing. In fact, I pretty much hate writing altogether. Before starting my blog, I knew I needed to write despite my fears and uneasiness. Nevertheless, writing about a subject that I enjoy made it easy and enjoyable. I have become a better writer because of blogging. It has taught me how to write in paragraphs and use proper punctuation with correct grammar.

English is my third language. If I can write a blog, then anyone can. The great thing about blogging is you don’t need to be a great writer. A blog is less formal and a great way to jot your thought down. The more posts I write, the easier and more enjoyable it becomes.

4. You become an expert

I thought I knew everything when it comes to money. Oh boy, since I started blogging, I have been studying and reading about personal finance like never before. I thought the only way to become FI and retire early is to save and invest like crazy. Now, I know there are many different ways to reach that goal. I figured things out during my blogging journey which really helped educate me on a subject I am passionate about. Isn’t that amazing?

5. You build a relationship and have new friends

Blogging allows me to connect with like-minded people all over the world. For that reason, it has allowed me to discover many other FIRE individuals/communities from around the globe. We all help each other out and support one another. Remember, you don’t need to walk your blogging path alone. Your journey will be shorter and more enjoyable if seek out help from those in the same community.

6. You make an extra income

When I started my blog in 2017, I didn’t know that blogging could make money. I didn’t even understand HOW a blog could make money. My intention was to tackle our finances by holding ourselves accountable (by making it public on the internet). The frustration about not having anyone to talk to about FIRE urged me to start this blog.

I set up my blog and published my first few posts in September 2017. Because of a miscarriage, I stopped blogging right after I started and didn’t work on my blog until May 2018. If you noticed, I didn’t publish a single post during that time. That being said, I’ve only been on this blogging journey for less than 6 months and I’m earning money already. The extra income is a nice bonus that I didn’t expect.

What will you blog about?

I am a true believer that everybody has unique experiences and character. Everybody has something to say! Your experience is what makes you unique and stand out in a crowd. Furthermore, writing from your heart makes your blog unique and interesting. Something that you could talk about all the time. Above all, you’ll be writing on the same or similar subjects so what you blog about needs to be something you’re passionate about. Seriously, everybody has something different to say so make your words resonate.

Here are what you’ll need to get started

1. A domain name

You’ll need to think about your domain name. A domain name is an address that helps people find you on the internet (URL). My domain name is by50journey.com. Before you start a new site, it’s a good idea to google it first. It’s an easy way to avoid future problems. So if a blog name shows up on Google search, then that name has already been taken and you’ll have to go with a different name. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have a few choices in mind before beginning your Google search.

2. 10 minutes of your time to read this post and to implement it

Yes, 10 minutes of your time to read and to implement. You’ll own a space on the internet and start writing!

Steps on how to start a blog

1. Choosing a domain name
2. Choosing a blogging platform
3.  Signing up for a hosting service
4. Choosing WordPress theme
5. Writing your first post!

5  steps to start your awesome blog

STEP 1: Choosing a domain name

Like buying a house or renting a place, you’ll need an address. This could be the most important and time-consuming part of starting your blog. Consequently, your domain name should be easy to remember, catchy, and easy to spell. I would get a domain name with an extension of .com, or .net, or .org. If you can get one with a .com extension, great.  You can check the availability of your domain name here.

It’s also a good idea to google it to prevent further headaches. As I mentioned before, if a blog name shows up on Google search, then that name has already been taken. You have to go with a different name.

STEP 2: Choosing a blogging platform

A blogging platform is a software that allows you to publish your content on the internet in the form of a blog. This guide is going to show you how to self-host. It means that your blog will need a website hosting service and you need to register your domain name. If you are thinking about a free hosting platform like Blogger, Blogspot, WordPress.com, or WIX, then this guide is not for you. I don’t recommend going with free platforms in this case. It’s because you cannot easily monetize your blog. The bottom line is that free blogging platforms are not professional. You don’t have a complete control over your site with free platforms.

WordPress.org is the only blogging platform I use and recommend. It is the world’s most popular blogging software. In fact, one-third of all blogs is using WordPress.org. If you want to make money from your blog, then a self-hosted blog is a way to go.

I’m glad that I started with a self-hosted platform. Hearing all the stories about transferring or site migrations to WordPress.org was a nightmare. It also costs money and time! Skip a headache by starting a blog with a self-hosted platform like WordPress.org.

STEP 3: Signing up for a hosting service

Most of the time-consuming part is over. Besides those 2 decisions and picking out a theme, signing up for a hosting service is probably the easiest of all. If you go with Bluehost (my guide is going to show you how to get a hosting with them), you will get your first year of domain name registration for free.

When you’re starting out, Bluehost is a great hosting service for you. Their pricing is very competitive. The basic plan only costs $3.95 a month. You’ll get the first year of domain name registration for free, an SSL certificate for free, and automatic WordPress.org software installation. Your service also comes with 24/7 customer service support. There’s also a 30-day money back guarantee.

To be honest, I’m very happy with Bluehost. Their customer service is always helpful and knowledgeable. Whenever I have questions or issues, I just chat with them through their chatting service. My problems always get resolved in a timely manner. I never have slow loading or uptime with them. When you’re just starting out, you don’t need an expensive hosting service or a big hosting package. If you grow bigger and have a million page views a day (and I hope you do!), you can always move to a more expensive hosting service later.

How to sign up for a hosting service with Bluehost:

3.1 Go to Bluehost. And click the green “get started now” button.

3.2 Pick your package. I would pick the basic plan when you’re just starting out. When you grow, it’s easy to upgrade your plan later. They only offer annual plans when you originally sign up which you can save money by paying for the year up front. Click the green “select” button under the basic plan.

3.3 The next screen is going to ask you if you want to register a new domain name or if you already have one. If you don’t have a domain name or haven’t purchased one, this is where you get your first year’s domain name registration for free. Again, they only offer annual plans when you originally sign up which you can save money by paying for the year up front. Enter your personal information and select the account plan you want (1,2, or 3-year plans).

I highly recommend you to get the “Domain Privacy Protection”. It only cost 99 cents a month. It’s so worth it to protect your privacy. So no one can’t look up your site and find out your personal home address.

After you’ve filled out your information and read their Terms of Service and Policies, click the “I have read and agree to Bluehost’s Terms of Service, Cancellation Policy and Privacy Policy”. Then hit the “Submit” button.

3.4 Congratulations! Now that you have bought your hosting plan you’ll need to create a password. Because security is important, please create a complex password. Don’t use anything like your first name, your blog name, or anything like that! Your password should comprise of lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters. You may be surprised that hackers will try to get on to your account even before anybody starts reading your blog!

3.5 Congratulations! You’re done with purchasing your hosting. The WordPress.org software is automatically installed so you don’t have to do anything else. 🙂

STEP 4: Choosing WordPress theme

Now that you have your hosting, your domain name registered, and your blogging platform installed. It’s a fun time to pick a theme that inspires you.  You can start blogging and writing right away!

STEP 5: Writing your first post!

Click the “Start Building” button. Here is where you also pick a “Business” or “Personal” WordPress.org site.

Or log in to your Bluehost account. And click “Log in to WordPress” which will take you to the WordPress dashboard.

Here’s what the dashboard looks like.

Here is some basic stuff you want to know:

1. Cpanel is a web-based control panel to manage your WordPress.org website. Here you can change your password, check your web email, update your credit card information, an access to your FTP files, etc.
2. Dashboard. It allows you to get back to the main page of the WordPress software. It’s just like a home page on a website.
3. Posts tab is where you want to click when you are ready to write your first post! By clicking “Add New” under the “Posts”, the software will take you to a page where you can start writing.
4. Categories. It is under the “Posts”. Every blog post should have a number of categories. It basically categorizes your blog posts into groups based on content. For example, my blog is a personal finance blog. My categories are Debt Payoff, Frugal Living, Side Hustling, Budgeting, Saving, Investing, Retirement, Homesteading, and My Life. I threw up Homesteading and My Life there too as homesteading can save you money. My life category is my lesson learned about life and money in general. You can set up your categories however you’d like.
5. Media tab is where you store your images for your blog. I recommend using photos that are less than 100 kb in size. Large images can fill up your site quickly and slow your site down.
6. Pages tab is where you create your “About” page and a “Contact” page.
7. Appearance is where you can change the look of your blog. You can customize your theme and add widgets to your blog. Menus function is also here. This is very crucial to your blog because this is how you get people to navigate around your site.
8. Plugins. This is where things start to get more complicated. It’s a software (like an add-on software, or like an app that you install to your smartphone so your phone can do amazing things) that add functionality to your blog. You want your blog to function smoothly and be able to have features like blog security, email opt-in box, SEO assistance, blog back up, etc. However, adding too many Plugins will sometimes cause problems and slow your site down.

That’s it! You did it! Congratulations 🙂 . You now have a blog of your own. I’m so proud of you. 🙂 This is such a huge step in starting your own blogging journey. The hardest part of blogging is taking that first step. Write your first post and have fun customizing your newly created blog. Keep in mind that you may feel overwhelmed at the beginning. Trust me, every elite blogger went through this. One top tip I can give is don’t try to be perfect with your blog or even your posts because it won’t be! I spent too much time perfecting it. looking back, It was such a waste of time.

Blogging is a continuous learning process. Therefore, you learn as you blog. Try to connect with other bloggers. Especially with other bloggers in the same niche as you. Leave a comment on their blog and try to connect. We were all beginners at some point. You can always reach out to me. I can’t wait to see your blog and am curious about what you’ll be blogging.

Here is a bonus for my readers.  Subscribe to my email list, email me at mrs50@by50journey.com and let me know that you just started your blog journey and can’t wait to turn your basic blog to an awesome blog. I’ll send you a list of the top Plugins you can’t live without! I’ll also announce your blog on my social media to get things rolling for you. 🙂

Have fun blogging! I hope you find this tutorial helpful. If you have questions, drop me an email or leave your questions in the comment below! I’ll try to answer as soon as I can.

Have you been thinking about starting your own blog? If so, what prevent you to start one?