Let’s get it straight - starting a blog or a website has never got this easier. With so many platforms, companies and websites available, there’s no excuse for you to not to start a blog!
And in this post I am going to exactly show you how to start a WordPress blog. When I say a “self-hosted” WordPress blog, I mean a blog on WordPress platform (that is, you’ll be using the WordPress CMS software that can be downloaded for free at WordPress.org) that is totally your’s - that’s on YOUR space on which you have total control.
I’m only going to talk about the technical aspects involved in starting a WordPress blog here - there is no blogging advice 
I won’t be talking about content creation, SEO and all other things involved.
The main reason I’m publishing this post is for the reference of my Blog Maintenance, Web Hosting and Blog Audit clients who have no clue in setting things up to start with.
In fact I’m tired of typing instructions via email so I thought I could put up a post and I can refer them to this post whenever needed Well even though there is some selfishness in there, I hope this post will help you all my lovely readers.
Ready? Let’s dive in.
Domain
Step 1 is to get a domain name. I’m assuming you have chosen your niche and you have researched on the niche. I recommend Godaddy for domain (but not for hosting!) - I’ve had a great experience with them so far.
Just go to Godaddy.com and register your domain name. You can use “Wowaline” (without quotes) to avail 20% off of your order.
Hosting
Now, you have got the domain - the next thing you need is web hosting - a place where you can host the files of your website/blog that you are going to create.
This is one of the most crucial privileges of having a self-hosted website - you have your own hosting space that you own - unlike in other cases like Blogger or WordPress.com where you host your website files on their server.
Alright, for hosting I’d recommend Hostgator, hands down. However, the problem with Hostgator shared hosting is that they claim everything is “unlimited” - however in reality it is not the case.
If you don’t understand what I mean, I urge you to read these two posts where I share some of my personal experiences.
.. and which is why I started my own hosting business (with Hostgator) and am currently offering web hosting service to my clients.
The only difference is that I openly tell my clients what they get for what they pay (unlike the popular web hosting companies that claim “unlimited” everything and later on “force” to upgrade).
Point your domain to your hosting server
Now that you have bought both the domain and the hosting you have to point your domain to your hosting server. With your domain registrar, you have to login and select your domain.
And then there should be an option similar to “Set Nameservers” where you have to enter the nameservers you got in your hosting “welcome” mail (watch video for live demo).
Installing WordPress
Now, login to your hosting account cpanel and if you scroll down a bit, you’ll see a section called “Software/Services”. You will find an icon named Fantastico De Luxe - go ahead and click on it.
On the following screen, choose WordPress from the left side menu. Select New installation and then fill out the necessary information.
Once done click on “Install WordPress” and it will be done in a few seconds.
After you have installed WordPress and after you the nameservers have propagated, you should be able to login to your WordPress backend by accessing this url >http://yourwebsite.com/wp-admin and plugin the username and password you entered while installing WordPress using Fantastico (of Softaculous).
Wasn’t that easy? I hope this video tutorial helps you to start your self-hosted WordPress blog without being feeling lost.
Recently I started my self hosted domain Jane
This guide is perfect and would be useful for newbies.
I learned few useful stuffs with your post, keep sharing the basic tips.
Really interesting, educational and comprehensive tutorial on WordPress installation Jane. I’m sure a lot of newbies will benefit tremendously from this video tutorial. Thanks for sharing this with the bizsugar community.
Val
Thanks for this, Jane. It’s only a matter of time before I need to get my own hosted website, and I’ve been intimidated by the technical side of it. I’m going to bookmark this post so I’ll know what to do.
I love this tutorial, Jane. I really thought Hostgator shares hostings are unlimited. BTW, what’s the advantage having a web hosting? Can I still make a blog even without availing this?
If you want to have the privilege of having your own hosting space, you need to avail web hosting (I talk about this bit in more detail in the video - make sure you watch it). You may check out my precise hosting plans here > http://www.besthostinganddesign.com/ - Let me know if you have any questions!
Great post and you have considered everything that a blogger has to pay attention for. But you can cut-off the prices if you want. Domain+Webhosting costs only about $42 in Just host. Setting up of a wordpress blog is a very simple task. Just do read some nice tutorials and you can do it yourself. Premium theme from elegentthemes are great and cheap. I recommend to use them and there are a lot of GREAT free themes outta there. You need to keep an eye on it. For the SEO part, if you are somewhat experienced, you can cover almost major parts without a pro. But you can hire one and ot won’t be a lose at all.
Starting a self hosted wordpress blog requires several things such as a Domain name, Hosting, Premium theme, Backup management e.t.c. Some hosting companies offer wordpress hosting to simplify our needs.