Blogging for Dollars Blog

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WordPress Blogs made Easy - In Five Simple Steps

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Although WordPress is rightfully popular as a blogging platform, many bloggers are wary of installing it because it seems complex. It’s not. Discover how you can create your own perfect WordPress blog in five simple steps.

The major benefit of WordPress is that it’s a complete Content Management System. No matter how large your blog grows, WordPress will manage it for you. WordPress also has many plugins which will extend the functionality of your blog.

Another huge benefit of installing WordPress on your own domain is that you have complete control over your blog. With free blogging platforms, your blog may be deleted without notice. This is heartbreaking if you’ve spent time and energy on your blog.

Discover blogging with Blogging for Dollars - your complete blogging guide.

So here we go. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Think keywords and buy a domain name

What will your blog be about? Make a list of keywords which describe your blog. For example, if you wanted to create a blog about dogs, make a list of keywords a person would type into a search engine to find your blog.

“Dogs” would be an obvious keyword; others include “puppies, dog, canine, hound.”

Now it’s time to buy a domain name. Many hosting companies will include a domain name as part of your hosting package, but find a company which just specializes in domain names. You may want to move your blog at some stage, so the domain name registrar should be separate from your hosting.

Do a search for “domain names”, pick a company, and register your domain name.

With your domain name purchased, it’s time to get hosting.

2. Get hosting

You can either pick a company you find via searching, ask a friend which company they use, or ask on any forum for favorite hosting companies.

A tip - read your chosen company’s Help files before you buy. Look for “WordPress installs”. Be sure that your host will install WordPress for you with just a few clicks.

Pick a company, and pay for your hosting. Their Help files will tell you how to update the DNS (Domain Name Service) to your new hosting company.

Once you’ve updated the DNS, allow 24 hours for the domain name to be updated around the Web. If you try to install WordPress immediately, it may succeed, or it may fail - so give yourself a break of 24 hours.

3. Run the WordPress script - read your hosting provider’s Help file

Since WordPress is so popular, most hosts offer scripts which install WordPress. If your host uses CPanel, click the Fantastico icon to install the WordPress script.

Some companies use proprietary scripts, so just do search to find the script, and install it.

4. Choose a theme

With your script installed, you’ll arrive at your WordPress Dashboard. Click Design to change the theme.

You can find hundreds of great WordPress themes on the Web, both free and commercial, so you’re sure to find exactly the right theme for your blog.

5. Add plugins

You’ll also want to install some WordPress plugins. These are scripts which perform functions on your blog. Your blog already has a plugin which will guard it against spam, so activate that plugin.

Other useful plugins are those which will create a contact page for you, create archives, and allow you to backup your blog.

Now all that’s left for you to do is to - start blogging!

Discover blogging with Blogging for Dollars - your complete blogging guide.

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WordPress is all new again

Here we go again… WordPress updates are becoming a little TOO frequent of late. If you’ve only just updated, you need to update again.

Tip: wait a while, to ensure that this update is truly stable. If you’re in too much of a hurry, you may find that your favorite plugins don’t work.

WordPress Gets Major Overhaul reports:

“WordPress 2.5 has been released with a major overhaul to the interface and a range of new features.

The biggest change is in the appearance of the administration backend, which is described as being a ‘Cleaner, faster, less cluttered dashboard.’ The WordPress dashboard is now widget friendly, and users can include items such as stats, offering similar functionality to MovableType.”

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Tutorial - install a WordPress blog on your own domain

Want to create s stylish WordPress blog on your very own domain?

It’s quite simple.

I’ve created a short tutorial for you to follow. View it on the Web, or download the PDF.

Originally I created the tutorial for Sell Your Writing Online NOW subscribers, but I thought blog readers might find it useful too, so here you go.

Enjoy. :-)

Step by step to blogging success

Blogging for Dollars is a comprehensive blogging package which helps you to make money blogging.

Pro bloggers can make serious money, whether you choose to blog for a company as a freelance blogger, or build your own entrepreneurial blog. Many bloggers make six figures annually, and blogging networks have been sold for millions of dollars.

Make money blogging today - you’re sure of success with Blogging for Dollars to guide you.

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