While there are many sites and videos out there that have detailed instructions (see links at the end of this post) I thought I would create this cheat sheet that will guide you through the essential steps to set up your WordPress blog.

Prerequisites

• Domain Name: Choose and register a domain name that reflects your blog’s niche.
• Web Hosting: Select a reliable web hosting provider. Popular options include Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator.
• Basic Understanding of WordPress: Familiarize yourself with WordPress basics, including how to log in to the admin dashboard and navigate the interface.

WordPress Installation

Option 1: One-Click Installation

1. Log in to your hosting account.
2. Find the “WordPress” or “Website” section in your cPanel.
3. Select “Install WordPress” and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Choose your domain, fill in the required details, and click “Install.”

Option 2: Manual Installation

1. Download the latest version of WordPress from WordPress.org.
2. Upload the WordPress files to your hosting server via FTP (e.g., using FileZilla).
3. Create a MySQL database and user in your hosting control panel.
4. Configure the wp-config.php file with your database details.
5. Run the WordPress installation script by accessing your domain in a web browser.

Choosing and Installing Themes & Plugins

Themes

1. Go to Appearance > Themes in the WordPress dashboard.
2. Click “Add New” to search for free themes in the WordPress repository, or upload a premium theme.
3. Preview and install your chosen theme.
4. Customize the theme by navigating to Appearance > Customize.

Plugins

1. Navigate to Plugins > Add New in the dashboard.
2. Search for plugins that add functionality to your blog, such as SEO, security, and social sharing.
3. Click “Install Now” and then “Activate” to enable the plugin.

Basic Blog Setup

• Permalinks: Set up SEO-friendly URLs under Settings > Permalinks. Choose “Post name” for best results.
• Create Essential Pages: Create pages like “About,” “Contact,” and “Privacy Policy.”
• Customize Your Blog: Use the Customizer to tweak the appearance and layout of your blog.
• Create Categories: Organize your posts by creating relevant categories under Posts > Categories.

Content Creation

1. Add a New Post: Go to Posts > Add New to start writing your first blog post.
2. Use the Gutenberg Editor: The default block editor allows you to add various content types like text, images, and videos.
3. Optimize for SEO: Use a plugin like Yoast SEO to optimize your posts for search engines.
4. Set a Featured Image: Add a visually appealing featured image that represents your post.
5. Publish: Once you’re satisfied, click “Publish” to make your post live.

Maintenance Tips

• Regular Backups: Use plugins like UpdraftPlus to back up your blog regularly.
• Update WordPress: Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins up to date to ensure security and performance.
• Monitor Performance: Use tools like GTmetrix to monitor your site’s performance.
• Engage with Your Audience: Reply to comments and engage with readers to build a community.

Additional Resources

• WordPress Support
• WPBeginner – Tutorials for WordPress Beginners
• WP101 – WordPress Video Tutorials
• Society11 – Resources for Entrepreneurs