Now it's time to purchase hosting and install WordPress. WordPress is very popular site-building software and it can be used for blogs or static websites.
Don't be intimidated, it's super easy. I'll walk you right through. If you aren't sure what hosting is, check out my other post, Blogging is Like Ice Cream for a unique explanation before we start.
And by the way, this is part of the How to Start a Blog or Website series. All posts in the series are listed at the end of this post.
Hosts I recommend & how to choose
I recommend Bluehost and my second pick is HostGator. I am a paying customer for both. In fact, BloggingWithAmy.com runs on Bluehost.
Regarding price, the more you pay in advance, the cheaper your monthly hosting rate will work out to be. Both companies have a money back guarantee for shared hosting (details for Bluehost's 30-day guarantee are here and HostGator's 45-day guarantee are here.)
If you can pay for at least one year's worth of hosting at once, I recommend Bluehost because they offer great support, they're reliable, they're affordable and they have a handy feature called Unlimited FTP (I'll talk about later) that HostGator doesn't.
If you are unable to pay a year in advance and prefer to pay month to month, choose Hostgator. It's also a great service. AmyLynnAndrews.com runs on Hostgator.
How to purchase hosting (Bluehost)
1. Go to Bluehost (this link will open in a new window).
2. Click "Sign Up Now"
3. Enter your domain.
If you have not already registered a domain, enter your desired domain on the left and select an extension (.com, .net, etc. Read my post, How to Choose a Domain Name: 12 Tips for more). You will be registering your domain and purchasing hosting at the same time. If the domain is unavailable, you will have to choose another one.
If you already have a domain, enter it on the right. (If your domain is being used elsewhere, this will not affect it. At this point, your domain is only serving as your account identifier.) Click Next.
4. Enter your info.
Input your Account Information and Billing Information on the next page.
In the middle of the next page, choose your hosting package. If you are registering a new domain (that is, you entered a domain on the left on the previous screen, it will look like this:
Choose the 12 Month, 24 Month or 36 Month price based on your preference (the Pro Plan is not necessary). Uncheck all boxes except for Domain Whois Privacy. This keeps the personal information associated with your account from being easily accessible online. It's well worth the extra cost.
If you entered an existing domain on the previous screen, your options will look like this:
Choose the 12 Month, 24 Month or 36 Month price based on your preference (the Pro Plan is not necessary). Uncheck all boxes.
Click the Next button at the bottom of the screen.
Find a confirmation in your inbox.
Done. You can skip this next section which explains how to purchase hosting from HostGator.
How to purchase hosting (HostGator)
1. Go to HostGator (this link will open in a new window).
2. Choose your plan.
I recommend the Baby Plan because it gives you Unlimited Domains. This comes in handy, say, if you launch an ebook down the road or start another website. Select the Monthly option from the dropdown menu and click the "Order Now" button.
3. Enter your domain.
If you need to register a domain (and did not do it when we covered it in How to Register a Domain Name), enter it on the left, and choose your desired extension (.com, .net, etc.).
If you've already registered a domain, enter it on the right. Your domain will only act as the identification for this hosting account and will not ruin anything if it's attached to another website currently.
Tip: Note there may be a Coupon Code already entered for you. You can also search "hostgator coupon code" to see if you can find an active one. I always search for a coupon code before purchasing when I can.
4. Enter your Account information.
On the next page, you will enter and review your account and billing information.
You will also be asked if you want to upgrade your service. The only upgrade I routinely choose (and would recommend you do as well) is the Domain Privacy Protection. (This option will not be visible if you entered an existing domain on the previous screen.)
Click the "Create Account" button and look for confirmation in your inbox.
Scroll down to see the WordPress installation instructions for HostGator below.
How to install WordPress (Bluehost)
Don't see the video? Click here.
Video Notes (Bluehost):
- Go to Bluehost and click the "Control Panel Login" button in the top right corner of your screen.
- Enter your login info which you received in a welcome email after purchasing hosting from Bluehost.
- Click the "Simple Scripts" icon under "Software/Services" in your cPanel. You can also simply click the "WordPress" icon to go straight to the install page.
- Click "WordPress" under "Blogs."
- Click "Install."
- Specify where you want WordPress installed. I choose bloggingwithamy.com as opposed to www.bloggingwithamy.com because I like to eliminate as many unnecessary characters from my URL as possible.
- Indicate your "Advanced Options" if you'd like
- Agree to the Terms of Service
- Click "Complete"
How to Set Up WordPress (HostGator)
Can't see the video? Click here.
Video Notes (HostGator):
- Login to your Control Panel (cpanel). Instructions should have been included in the Welcome email you received after purchasing your hosting.
- Scroll down until you see the "QuickInstall" icon.
- Click on "WordPress" in the sidebar.
- Click "Continue."
- Enter your email, blog title and name.
- Click "Install Now."
- Note your admin and password. Check your email for this information as well.
Want to see the next step? You can always move at your own pace in the setup process by going to the How to Start a Blog or Website: Cheat Sheet.
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post.
Other posts in this series
- How to Start a Blog or Website: Intro & FAQ
- How to Start a Blog or Website: Cheat Sheet
- How to Find (or Refind) Your Passion
- How to Decide What to Blog About: What Works for Readers?
- How to Decide What to Blog About: What Works for You?
- Understand Branding: 4 Tips
- Understand Keywords: Increase the Odds of Getting Found
- Writing Great Content: 3 Tips
- How to Write a Killer About Page
- 12 Blog Organization Tips
- How to Choose a Domain Name: 12 Tips
- How to Register a Domain Name
- How to Set Up Hosting and WordPress
- How to Change Your Nameservers
- How to Add a New User in WordPress
- How to Optimize Your WordPress Settings
- How to Install a Plugin
- My Favorite Plugins
- How to Get & Optimize a Feedburner Feed
- How to Choose a WordPress Theme
- How to Install a WordPress Theme
- Elegant Themes for WordPress
- How to Install Google Analytics
- How to Use WordPress: Tips & Tricks
- How to Start a Blog or Website: 10 Tips for New Bloggers
Wow! I had no idea it as that easy! Thanks for the video.
I meant "was" that easy! Sorry.
Amy,
I am following you right along. I hope I don't irritate you with questions. I am already blogging at my domain name on blogger. When I get to step 5, should I do something different or follow your directions! Thanks again!
Never mind, I got it! I am too scared I am going to screw something up! Hope the referral worked!
This is also listed as step 10. I can't find the true step 10 on your site. Please help.
Tami, so sorry! Here's how to set up a new user. Thanks for the head's up!
Okay, I'm pretty much blindly following you to set up my first WP blog
We'll see how it goes! Thanks for the clear directions- so far so good!
Great! I hope it continues to be smooth!
Hi Amy.
So I'm wondering how this would work if:
-You already have a blog that it is on a home server?
Would you be able to tell me how Bluehost compares to this (Australian) Pacific Standard plan (http://www.digitalpacific.com.au/hosting/personal-web-hosting/personal-standard/)?
I live in Australia, so do you think it matters whether my hosting is from the US or from Australia?
Hi Michelle,
No, it shouldn't matter where you host your site. To compare plans, you can check out the features of each and see what the differences are. (Here's an article with more info on the subject.)
Remember there are other things that make one host better than another. For example, you might have a plan with the greatest features in the world, but if their support is poor, it can make for a frustrating experience. For this reason, word-of-mouth is invaluable. You might consider asking other bloggers you know who they would recommend.
Hi, Amy!!!
Joy recommended InMotion to me for hosting purposes. I looked at their website to see about the FTP issue, just as you suggested.
If I go with InMotion, I'll be using the Business Launch plan. I've included the link to the page that breaks down what is offered. http://www.inmotionhosting.com/hostingplans.html With the Business Launch plan, there are 1,000 FTP accounts.
Is that good? I mean, I don't know what those accounts are, and quite frankly since I've not used FTP so I can't envision what it does yet.
I'm so confused. LOL
Thanks, Sweetie!
Bonnie
InMotion is a solid choice. I haven't used it myself, but I know Joy and absolutely trust her recommendation. It's unlikely you'll ever use 1000 FTP accounts. I wouldn't worry about it other than to know it'll work just fine.
Oops!! I forgot to include that I don't know what a cpanel is.
Your cpanel is sorta like the Dashboard for your hosting account.
Thank you, Amy. I'm much less nervous about the "hosting decision" now.
Amy, thank you so much for all of this great help. I am NEW to blogging and have been blogging for a few months with wordpress.com when I think I need wordpress.org. Is there a way to do this painlessly?
Thx!
Sarah Beals
Amy,
I feel like your website is Heaven sent. I love the list of articles. It feels like you are holding my hand. I am "scheduling time" to read them all during my alloted time-managed websurfing/business building.
I am excited to see how you answer Sarah Beals post. I have the same question.
My blog is languishing at http://keylimecrops.wordpress.com/
Initially I just followed the advice of my web designer and had her set up the blog. Unfortunately, I keep getting frustrated with what wordpress.com allows me to do (or not do). I was surprised that you were recommending them. I suppose my frustration comes because I am not using wordpress.org? Do you have an article explaining the difference? So to echo Sarah's question, How seemless is a transition from wordpress.com to wordpress.org?
I am dedicated to building my readership and turning my blog into a useful forum (that also pays some bills.) (I especially like the idea that once I figure out how to get blog link icons installed in my sidebar that I can promote your blog. I love seeing stay-at-home Mom's succeed and we all need each other's help.)
thanks in advance,
Meredith Shepherd
Key Lime Crops
Scrapbook Party Experts
I was wondering if it would be best to use wordpress.com or blogger to start the new blog process just in case it's not what I expected? I really want to be a profitable blogger, but with finances the way they are $100 is a lot! I don't want to spend the money and then fail miserably! I am only through a few of the posts you have done on starting your own blog, but I would love to know what you think about this.
Thanks!
Hi Jennie,
Absolutely! I completely understand and would recommend Blogger over WordPress.com for a free service that'll give you an idea of whether or not blogging is for you.
HI Amy- Thanks so much for this information! I am new to the blogging world and I would have just gone to blogger if I hadn't found your site. I need the step-by-step directions! I am currently waiting to get my hosting account information (does it always take this long?) so I'm going to go read ahead. Just wanted to say thanks!
If you still haven't gotten it, I'd definitely do a live chat to see what's up. It shouldn't take long at all.
Got my info. I suppose it didn't take that long- maybe an hour. I was just getting antsy!
What if I already have a wordpress.com free blog and want to switch it over to a self-hosted blog? I think I'm ready to do that.
Yes, you can absolutely switch. Set up your new blog and then import your posts from your WordPress.com blog.
How important for a blog is it to add the $12.95 Sitelock Domain Security on Bluehaven?
Oh Bluehost sorry! Haha
Goofy question! How do I move a blogspot blog to word press?
Not a goofy question at all. In fact, that question opens up a whole can 'o worms.
Migrating from Blogger to WordPress can be a tricky situation, particularly if you have been blogging a while and don't want to lose your followers or "Google Juice" which you build up as you blog.
If it's just a matter of importing your posts and comments into your WordPress blog, you can do that from your WordPress Dashboard–>Tools–>Import. That will import your content, but like I said, won't bring your followers with you, nor will it forward anyone from your old blog to your new blog. I'll explain…
Let's say you've been blogging on your Blogger blog for a while now and there are other bloggers who have linked to your blog and/or specific posts on your blog. Well, their links will take people to your Blogger blog obviously, so if you move to WordPress, it's sorta like a dead end, or, like ending up at a vacant house. Does that make sense? And having all those links leading to an uninhabited blog kind of amputates any good "Google Juice" you'd get out of the equation as well. (I have no idea if this is making any sense…)
Suffice it to say, here's my recommendation: If you have not been blogging long at all and/or you'd like to start your WordPress blog as a fresh new blog — kinda like a clean slate, then you could do what I suggested above (Dashboard–>Tools–>Import) to bring your posts over, post a "I've moved" post on your old blog and start over at the new one.
If however, you want to be sure to bring your followers and "Google Juice" with you, make sure all existing links are redirected correctly and continue your blog at WordPress seamlessly, my best recommendation to have the switch done professionally. I can recommend Joy at Five J's without reservation as she has an excellent track record of moving people over with nary a hiccup. I hope that sorta helps and doesn't leave you completely overwhelmed.
Hi Amy,
This all makes sense to me…thank you!
I have a farm blog/website with blogger registered with GoDaddy. It all works fine, but lately I have wanted to do more and have decided to rebuild with Word Press. Rebuilding would not be a big deal, just time, and since I have contacts for the customers that would be using my site, and I could notify them easily. So I purchased hosting services from Bluehost and entered boundarycreekfarm.com where it says "I have a domain". But I'm starting to think this won't work seeing as I would then have two "houses" with the same name. Am I needlessly confused?
Thanks in advance,
Geoff
If I'm understanding correctly, you should be fine. When you sign up for Bluehost, you have to enter a domain which acts only as an account name until you change your nameservers. So you can blog on your current Blogger blog while you set up your new site. Once it's done and you want to move, you'll point your domain away from your Blogger blog and to your WordPress blog instead. I hope that makes sense.
I am thinking to go with bluehost at your recommendation. (I went with godaddy and used your affiliate by the way!).
I did a search for a coupon code for bluehost and a bunch of links popped up for discounted prices (4.95/mo. etc.). However I am suspicious if they are "safe" links. Do you know if bluehost has legit sales like that? Thanks!
When you find a coupon code, you can try copying and pasting the code if you'd prefer not to click on the link. And if the code is not valid, it'll tell you when you check out.
I just purchased hosting and my domain name from bluehost. I think I used your affiliate link. The cPanel is just a tad confusing. I'm blindly following your instructions to get set up and then I'll start learning what everything does. Thank you so much for this!!!
Won't be long and you'll know your cPanel like the back of your hand.
Truly, the best way to figure it all out is just to dive in! And feel free to ask questions — I'll do my best to answer when I can.
Thanks for this great site! This is exactly what I need as I try to figure out how to go from blogspot to wordpress..
I see you recommend bluehost…. I was told by someone else that MediaTemple is the way to go… does anyone know the pros/cons of each?
I haven't heard of MediaTemple myself, but that doesn't mean it's not a good company! There are tons of hosting options so I think your best bet is to talk to someone who can give you a personal recommendation because they use it themselves. If that's what you got for MediaTemple, go for it!
Hi Amy, I made the mistake of just signing up for wordpress.com…how to I transfer over to wordpress.org and choose bluehost for hosting? TIA
Did I miss something? It only gives me the option of $7.95 per month for Bluehost for 12 months, and drops to $6.95 per month for 24 or 36 months.
Thanks Jessica! This could be my bad — I very well could have said $6.95, forgetting that it would require a 2-year plan. I'm so sorry about that! Going to edit the post now…
I had Bluehost for about a year and just left them. Increasing, my site experienced sporadic downtime which continually increased. Last month, my site was down over 5 hours. That was the last straw.
I'm so sorry to hear that, Marjorie!
Thanks for all the great information. As recommended, I've gotten my hosting from Bluehost. Now I'm adding WordPress on my cPanel, but how do I know if I'm getting .com or .org?
I'm in process of converting my blog from blogger to wordpress and I have been so confused. UNTIL NOW! You totally rock. Thank you, thank you!
Can I start a website with wordpress.com and then change over to wordpress.org? Is that hard to do? I would like to test myself and my committment for a few months before I dig in and start investing money in my blog.
My question is exactly the same as Jen's just up above! I'm starting to consider blogging for the first time, and I'd like to test and try the waters first and then decide whether blogging is my thing and the monetizing possibilities. Would you advise starting with a wordpress.com free blog and then switching to (self-hosted) wordpress.org? what would the pros and cons be?
Thanks, Amy, for your great help!! Hope you get to answer this one soon!!
God bless!!
Amy, if you're converting from Blogger, do you go ahead and install WordPress on your current domain…even if you don't want to move it over until it's complete? Or is there a temporary site you use?
Yes, you can sign up for hosting with your existing domain, however, your domain is not pointed to your host yet, so it's not going to interfere with your existing site. Simply call your host and ask them for a temporary URL you can use to get your WordPress site set up before you point your domain over. They should be able to help get you set up temporarily.
Once I set up my WordPress Site with my temporary domain, how do I later choose the correct permanent domain?
Hi Carmen, here's the post about changing your nameservers.
Amy, I appreciate all the wonderful advice. I am just starting out and I'm excited to find that after a lot of research (and before reading this) I had chosen Bluehost. Looks like I did some good research on my own and that gives me confidence to move forward!
Thank you also for describing the difference between wordpress.com and wordpress.org. I may have been totally confused and made a big mistake otherwise.
I tried this once before (years ago & didn't know about wordpress) and got stuck on the technical aspect of setting up my site. I hope things go better this time.
Thank you for sharing your expertise with us!
You are very welcome! It's my pleasure.
Thank you so much for all this helpful information! I have my blog on wordpress.com now but have been inspired since I started reading your blog last night and decided to go ahead and get my own domain name with GoDaddy which I just did. Now it is time to set up hosting and I think I will choose hostgator because of the monthly payment plan. Once I do this, I know I have to go to my domain server and change the name servers and wait for them to "talk" to each other. I also understand that I need to go to my new cpanel and transfer over my wordpress blog. I guess my questions are 1)What happens to the old blog hosted by wordpress.. do I close it down or can I continue to look at my blog from there but just not post 2)does it cost to transfer from wordpress to my own cpanel (I was reading on wordpress about a yearly fee for your own domain name) and 3) Will my blog look the same on my new domain? I guess the main reason I am interested in doing all of this would be for design reasons and also possible income producing features in the future. Thanks for any help you can give me!
Congrats on the move!
1. I'm not sure how it works when moving from WP.com to a self-hosted WP site. You might try this tutorial: http://mashable.com/2011/02/09/move-blog-wordpress-com-org/
2. I don't think it should cost anything if you do it yourself. However, I imagine WP.com will charge you if you use their service to do the transfer?? Not sure about that so I'd do some searching in their support or forums.
3. You'll have to set up a new design on your self-hosted WP blog unless you are using a default theme. One of the greatest features of a self-hosted blog is that you'll have almost unlimited options for design, plugins, functionality and expandability. That's definitely why a self-hosted WP blog is what I recommend.
Thanks so much, Amy! I have spent yesterday and all of today and I think I have it figured out! Got my new domain and hosting and have pretty much moved everything over. It brought a lot over with the importing but not everything. I am looking forward to having my own self-hosted WP site and thanks to your help, I did it by myself! Will definitely be checking back on your site and will click on any affiliate links I can!
Way to go!
Does it take a little for WordPress to show up? I just registered a domain name with GoDaddy and purchased hosting through Bluehost and it looks like WordPress installed, but my domain page is just GoDaddy ads and nowhere to enter WordPress access info. Do I just need to have patience?
Have you pointed your domain to your host by changing the nameservers?
I haven't because I thought I was understanding that would make it public. I was wanting to get things set up and some posts written before it was public. Maybe I'm confused?!
I changed my nameservers and am forging on!! Thanks, Amy, for all your help on this site!
Thankyou so much amy. Yay i installed wordpress all by my little self for the first time today!
Hi Amy, your site is wonderful. I currently have a blogger and just testing things out before I spend money on hosting and a domain. So if you use wordpress with bluehost and say I have several sections like "vacations" "school" "family" on my blog I can then install the wordpress plugin to each page so I can "blog" in the different parts of my website?
They could all be separate categories. And yes, you could then assign each of your posts to the appropriate category. Hope that helps!
Hi Amy,
Following along with you to set my site up. I've had a FB page for a while now to test the waters, but I clearly need a blog!
Question, is Site Backup Pro important when signing up for bluehost?
Thanks!
I don't pay extra for Site Backup Pro.
Ok, I almost finished my checkout at Host Gator and realized I didn't click through your site…fixing that! You deserve the credit
So much free help!
Thank you. Much appreciated.
I am wanting to start a recipe blog using wordpress. Do you know if it is possible to set it up for rating recipes or would this be a question for wordpress? BTW, just want to thank you for so much help Amy! You are a godsend!
I'm not aware of, say, a plugin that would allow people to rate recipes and WordPress by itself wouldn't have that functionality (to my knowledge). If you've seen it on other blogs, I would email the blog owner a quick note and ask how they accomplished that. The large recipe sites that have rating capability I would assume have been custom programmed, but I'm not entirely sure. I say google it!
I am concerned about all the bugs, hacking etc. that has been going on with WordPress accounts. I have seen problems on many sites and I am just not sure about switching right now.
There are pros and cons to all platforms, but I am absolutely a believer in not doing something if it doesn't feel right to you so I can appreciate where you're coming from!
Sorry Amy that I have another question, but you have become my go-to for all things computer related that frustrate me!!! I have spent the afternoon trying to figure out how to set up a new website and keep my existing one. I paid for a new domain name over on BlueHost and set it up as an Add-on domain, but when I click on Simple Scripts or WordPress, the only options are related to my existing website. It seems that no matter what I do, there is no way to build a new wordpress website using the add-on domain or to switch the cPanel so that it relates to the new name. If this is too complicated for a simple answer, maybe you can fit me into your queue. Unfortunately, I am on a deadline because the new website is for my soon to be launched e-book. Thanks Amy!
Is there a new folder for the new domain name (in the root directory)? Then when you install WP select that folder from the dropdown menu when it asks where you'd like to install WP. If you still have trouble, I'd call BlueHost and have them walk you through the process. They're usually quite helpful.
Hi Amy,
I have had Blue Host for about 2 1/2 years now. I have noticed that periodically throughout the day, I get a database error when I try to access my blog. Sometimes it's just for a second and sometimes several minutes. Does this happen to you as well? I'm trying to figure out if it's something on my end or theirs.
Hmmm…no, that's not something I've experienced. I would definitely call their support line and let them know. And ask them what the fix would be!
Hi Amy, Thanks for the great tutorials. I'm currently using Blogger, and I have my own domain name which I want to keep. On one of your other posts you said that Bluehost and HostGator will issue you a temporary domain name until you actually get your new blog set up.
So my question is, when I go to purchase the hosting, I know I'm suppose to go ahead and enter my existing domain in the box, but at what point in the process will it ask me about the temporary domain? Or do I have to do something special to get that set up? (Sorry if this is a dumb question! I just don't want to mess anything up!)
Yes, go ahead and enter the domain you will be using. It won't do anything to your existing site but it's more of an identifier. So, if you need a temporary URL, the easiest thing to do is to call (if you're using HostGator) and Bluehost will automatically assign you one and you'll get notification of that via email (unless the process has changed since I set all my sites up there). You can always just call and let them know you want to use a temp domain and they should walk you through it for either host.
Hi,
I've just registered my domain, but plan to park it while I write my tfirst ten posts. I do have a question as to setting up wordpress and bluehost. Do I need to "build" my page first or do I build it using wordpress? I'm thinking it'll be a week or so before I'm at this step, but thought I should figure it out ahead of time.
Thanks for the great info!
Just go ahead and purchase hosting and install WordPress because you'll build as you go. As soon as WordPress is installed, you'll have a website. It'll be generic, but it'll be there. Remember, though, that you start paying for hosting as soon as you buy it, so if you don't think you'll do much with it while you write your first posts, I'd recommend waiting. Save a little bit of money in the meantime, know what I mean?
When I started to purchase hosting it showed my domain as "sweetkissesanddirtydishes.com" then asked if I wanted it to be ".com" ".net" ".org" ect. Did I type in the domain incorrectly?
If I currently am using Joomla! how do I switch to WordPress? My site is brand new so I'm wanting to just install WP on my hosting account and start from there, but it won't allow me to because "path is already in use by another application install." I'm assuming this is because of the Joomla!. How do I get replace it with WP? Thanks:)
Hmmm…good question. I have no experience with Joomla, but I recommend you call your host and ask them to walk you through the process. I hope that helps!
Thank you, Amy. I contacted GoDaddy and was told to delete the Joomla! and then install WP. This was not a problem as I didn't have anything on the Joomla! edition so I didn't lose anything.
Awesome!
Hi Amy,
I am on step 5 and wondering why/how dropping the "www" (when telling WordPress where to install) will impact my site. Does it have anything to do with people finding my site; i.e. if someone types "coffee and cabernet" into their search bar, will they have trouble finding me? Furthermore, I don't think I'm given the option to type only coffeeandcabernet.com — there is a drop down menu and I can select from http://…. or http://www…..
Thanks so much for all this helpful info!
Hi Amy
I'm so glad I found your site, thank you so much for all the helpful information. I'm currently blogging at blogger. I bought my new domain name (which is unrelated to the current name of my blog) at Go Daddy (through your link). However, I'm reluctant to pay so much money to have wordpress.org host my site. I think I'd be happy continuing with blogger. However, I'd like to revamp my blog, change the style etc, but still keep most of my old posts. Would you recommend setting up a new blog at blogger or just changing the name of my existing blog?
If it's just a matter of a new name, I think I would just do that. If you are thinking you want to make some big changes I'd consider making a clean break. It really depends. If the content is mostly the same, I think only a minor change is necessary.
Hi Amy!
I am so glad I stumbled onto your blog. I was so CONFUSED…but you seem to make it crystal clear and not at all overwhelming. Thank you!
I have been blogging with xxxx.wordpess.com and just registered my domain and became xxxx.com. Through your tutorial I know that I need to set up hosting. Will I lose everything on my site right now? What do I need to do to transition?
Thanks!
After all the "wow, that was easy" comments, I feel a little foolish, but I just don't understand what is going on. I did everything, including putting my current (blogger hosted) domain name into where I was supposed to install wordpress. It gave me a "login" url that sent me to my blog's homepage, should I have used my temporary url.
what is the difference between having "www" in front of you web address or not having it? will it affect search engines? and if I choose one, but someone types in the other will it still take them to my website?
Do you host multiple hosts through BlueHost? I've read that SEO can be negatively affected that way. Any thoughts, suggestions, or experience with this?
I have a few domains on my account at Bluehost and haven't had any trouble. Not sure I understand how SEO would be negatively affected. Not sayin' it isn't, just unclear on how this would be the case. You don't remember where you read that do you? I'd love to check it out. THanks, Tami!
Had a friend direct me here and I am loving this! I am wondering though, is hostgator cheeper than Bluehost and what are the comparisons? The one thing I noticed is that with hostgator you can get hosting for 3 yrs and I have heard that increases your google ranking and I wondered if that was true. Which would you recomend?
Thanks so much!
They are pretty comparable in price (with various coupons you can use from time to time). You can purchase hosting for a long period of time from either. Regarding ranking in Google, you might be talking to the age of your domain or website. The older the better, but I don't think the specific terms lengths of your hosting contract makes a difference there. Great questions!
Amy, I wanted to thank you for making then"plunge" into WordPress.org so manageable! Your break down of steps and simple concise directions really made it much easier, so while I had snafu's (of my own making) I could easily refer back to your video tutorials to get back on track.
I tagged you in a post For all the great assistance your site gave, thanks!!!
http://afamilieslove.com/?p=2226
Hi Amy,
I currently use Blogger (I know, I know…I'll be switching eventually), however I am working on an ebook and want to start off with WordPress blog for that. I am a couple months away from launching and didn't want to start paying for Bluehost right away. Is there any way to start playing with WordPress designs and learning the ropes alone before purchasing the hosting or should I just bite the bullet and do it all at once.
Thanks so much! Love your blog and have been learning so much!
Hi Amy,
I'm seriously considering signing up with Bluhost and had a great livechat session with them today, but they did say that as they only offer shared hosting I'd have to find another host should my traffic start to reach around 10000 a day….now I know that's a long long way off, but I'm aiming high and really don't want to think about having to move my WordPress site….do you have any thoughs on this or the process of moving to another host should I ever reach that level of traffic? I think Bluehost seem like a great recommendation and I've done a lot of research on them as I don't part with mony easily. I'd love to sign up with them….
I would say you're safe and will probably encounter the same issue regardless of which host you choose. Besides, when you are getting 10,000 pageviews a day, you'll easily be able to pay someone to move it for you!
Hello Amy, I went thru your earlier posts on obtaining a domain from GoDaddy, which I did. Then I went thru BlueHost and used their Weebly to create my website and published it. However, when I attempt to go to my website, it says it's parked at GoDaddy and there is nothing there. Apparently I have to unlock the website at GoDaddy (which I am not sure how to do), and 3 other steps, one of which was easy (changing the DNS to point to BlueHost). I had thought BlueHost would just pull my doman from GoDaddy over?
Caryl, typically, once the domain is registered with GoDaddy.com, I simply change the nameservers and then I'm good to go. I have never used Weebly, so I'm not sure if that makes a difference and I'm unaware of a reason why your would need to "unlock" your website at GoDaddy? I think my recommendation is to call each of them and see what steps you need to take. Sorry I'm not more helpful here.
Amy, thank you for responding. Which site did you change servers, GoDaddy or BlueHost? Maybe I have missed a step. My web name is http://www.Thrive-Food.com. I appreciate your help. This the first time I have used a blog.
You'd change the nameservers at GoDaddy.com (where your domain is registered).
Hi, Amy!
I am having the same problem as the person above. I have located where to change the nameservers on GoDaddy.com, however I am unsure what to chanage it to. I am thinking I would change it to Bluehost, am I correct. Thank you for your help as I am new to this whole process.
Kindly,
Jennye Young
Yes, you'll change it to Bluehost's servers (they'll look something like ns1.bluehost.com).
Sorry for the silly question earlier. I looked back and saw you have a whole section about changing nameservers.
No worries!
Hi Amy, I have been mulling over moving to being hosted for a couple of months now…my major concern is this: When I publish a post does it publish automatically or can it take up to 24 hours? I like to be able to tweek my post if something is wrong. How is this done on Blue Host?
You can schedule a post if you'd like so it won't post until a specified time. You can also update a post at any time (even after it's published).
Thank you Amy for the easy step by step in getting my site moved to wordpress!
You're welcome, Dana!
Thanks Amy! This is exactly the guide I was looking for to help me get started. I want to setup a blog and start selling my woodworking items online. What do you think about online website builder software on http://www.easywebsitebuilders.net? Do these programs work as well as WordPress? Any feedback would be appreciated.
Hi Jason, I've never used anything other than WordPress (and Blogger back in the day) myself, so I'm afraid I can't give any specific advice. Sorry I'm not more help!
Thanks Amy for the helpful insight to this mass undertaking. Do you have a book/"how-to" guide published–this information is terrific!
I see that bluehost offers a free domain name. In that case, would I need to register a domain name with a site such as godaddy? Or can I go directly to bluehost and have it all done there?
Yes, you could register it directly with Bluehost as well!
Your next post on this series mentions you might want to have your domain separate from the host (I commented here before reading that) Is there an advantage to having it all with bluehost vs bluehost and godaddy?
Hi Amy,
I found you through MSM – thank you for all the great info! Quick question…do I set up hosting BEFORE setting up my blog with WordPress.org or does hosting come first? I am currently on WordPress.com and want to transfer over. Sorry if I missed this somewhere…the answer might be right in front of me!
Thank you!
Catina
UGH! Well…my question didn't make much sense now that I read back through it! One more time: blog set up through WordPress.org first or set up hosting first? (5am brain!)
Hi Amy!
I originally set up hosting with Hostgator and installed WordPress with them, but I've recently switched to GoDaddy for hosting (long story)…do I need to install wordpress with GoDaddy as well?
I figured I would ask you, but I may call GoDaddy and see if they can help.
Thanks!
I'm very confused by this point. I purchased my domain with godaddy, and I had already received from a promotion a free year of hosting from them as well but since I didn't know how to build a website they told me I would need website tonight so I did that instead but now I can't install wordpress to it? If I decline the free service and go with bluehost will I have to know how to build a website? I don't know HTML or anything like that. Help I'm confused.
I'm not familiar with GoDaddy hosting, I'm afraid. You could absolutely go with Bluehost and then just follow my steps to installing WordPress and getting up and running!
Question: I'm in the process of changing my blog name and also switching over to word press. I already have a wordpress.com domain, but how do I switch this to a wordpress.org and self hosted? Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks!
~Misty
I currently am with blogger and want to switch to wordpress. I've already bought my domain name http://www.twobgardening.com and have blue host as the host, but now I'm stuck. I don't know how to get my blogger site to wordpress and get it up and running on blue host. Help me please :/
hey amy,
u wrote a very nice blog, u made the making blog very easy, i purchased a domain name from godaddy.com website, everything is ok so far, but now i m not able to purchase webhosting and wordpress. Because bluehost and hostgator both deal in dollars but i m from india so i need to make transactions in INR, i went through some indian websites but i dont know how to install wordpress from them. COULD U PLZ HELP ME……..
THANK YOU
Hi Amy,
I had been debating switching to wordpress.org from blogger. However, all the Youtube tuts were still hard to follow. You made the process easy. Thanks
I already use bluehost for my current website and want to add a blog to the last page of the site. Do I need to lengthen the url to include the website/page/blog or is this something that is determined in advanced options? Thanks so much! Great reading on a rainy northeast holiday:)
If you have an account with unlimited domains, you can do it pretty easily. You might put the blog at yourdomain.com/blog/ or something like that. Either way, if you call Bluehost, they can walk you through. I hope that helps!
Hello Amy, question can I have my sales page, than e-book, and blog all on one host account, I have to go with host gator because of not enough money to go with blue-host. still in the learning stage here I do have my book already wrote in Microsoft words.
Mark, if you choose a hosting package with unlimited domains, yes, you can have all of them on one account.
If I go with host gator it gives 3 different options hatchling plan 3.36 baby plan 6.36 and business plan 10.36 per month. Which do you recommend?
Hi Tori, I recommend the Baby Plan. The nicest thing about that is you get unlimited domains, so if in the future, you want another site for an ebook or something else, you don't have to pay any more for hosting.
Thank you I did end up going thru Bluehost. Thanks so much for your help and I am following along your next steps. EEK!! I am sooo excited to get started!!
Yay! Glad to have you along for the ride.
Hi Amy,
Your advice has been a God-send for this non-techy! I am a bluehost/wordpress.org user. I keep getting a message that I have to have a WordPress.com account to enable Jetpack so I can set up subscription options. They ask for a WordPress.com username and password. Do I need to sign up for both accounts? I'm stumped! Thanks for your help.
God Bless,
Lonnie
Is there any other blog-were to use other than Word Press?? I can't get this easy to run program to run to save my life!! I spent an entire Sunday and am ready to pound on my keyboard. I have another housing provider, I'm not intending to purchase another just so I (possible, possibly not) run Word Press. I have many web sites/blog sites and I have never had any problems getting them started as much as this piece of crap.
Thanks
Well, after I vented, tried again (several times) it seem to work, though I'm not sure why it worked when I did basically the same as another try. But anyways, I'll keep working on it.
Thanks. I reading the rest from your list. So far so good.
You are so right! Whois privacy is well worth the extra cost. You don't know what kind of crazies are out there and they are reading a lot of your information. Excellent post! I personally use Hostgator and have had no problem. Never knew of the other. I pay by the year and love the unlimited plans.
I have 2 questions: 1) Why not just host amylynnandrews.com on the same hosting account as bloggingwithamy.com? Save the extra hosting costs (I have 4 blogs on my one bluehost account plus numerous subdomains–test sites for blog designs). 2) I stopped using domain privacy (I have 15+ domain names and it was SUPER expensive) when I got a P.O. Box. Do you think this is a good idea or should I go back to privacy? Most of my domain names don't have a site on them yet and my P.O. Box is not in the same town where I live…
Hi Kristi, you are right that I could save some money if I hosted both sites on one account. The reason I have two accounts is because I know many of my readers prefer to pay month to month and only HostGator offers that option. So, if I'm referring people to HostGator, I want to be sure I'm a paying customer there as well.
I think not having privacy is fine if you're using contact information that isn't private or personal.
Amy! So glad I discovered you! Just starting out here…. I kinda jumped in blindly and am now trying to back up and get myself set up properly. I have a free blog on Blogger with a few postings. When I first set it up, I immediatly paid for my .com through 1&1 (just in case I become wildly famous in the future, I wanted to reserve my domain name now), not understanding there is a difference between registering and hosting. Then I learned about WordPress (like it much better!), went over there, and set up a free blog there. My questions are:
1 – How can I move my blog from Blogger to WordPress?
2 – Do I need to register my domain name with a separate site?
3 – How can I move my .com from 1&1 to a different hosting site?
4 – Is there anything else I need to do to bring everything together?
Thanks for being out there for us! Bev
Hi Beverly, I wrote a series about moving from Blogger to WordPress here that I think will answer your questions.
Hi Amy,
Thanks for this article!
However, I didn't find where you further explained Unlimited FTP. What is that exactly and why would we need it?
P.S. I know what FTP is, so you don't have to explain that part. I am just not sure what the unlimited part would be.
Thanks!
Oh, basically, there is a FTP client (called Unlimited FTP) built right into your cpanel with Bluehost which is a handy feature since you don't need an outside FTP client. (I talked about it here.)
Ok thanks for explaining that and providing the link!
Hi Amy! You're site is fantastic – just what I had been looking for. I've started to work my way through but ran into a problem when installing WordPress. I had a message pop up at the top of my screen that said my domain wasn't pointing to my host so they would use a temporary address to install. Could you tell me what I did wrong or how to fix this? I bought my domain from go daddy and hosting from blue host. Also when I am on my domain manager page at go daddy under hosting it says hosted here – but it isn't. Not sure how to move forward.
Thanks for all the help!
Katie
Hi Katie, it doesn't sound like there's a problem. It's just that once you purchase hosting, your domain is not automatically attached to it if you registered it elsewhere (as you did at GoDaddy). Did you see this post? That explains how to get the two to talk to each other. If you're still having trouble, I would call Bluehost directly and ask them to walk you through.
Hi Amy – yes I did see that post and that helped but I still think something might be off. For instance when I installed wordpress it said that it was installing to a temporary site and now when I log on to my wordpress dashboard and am looking at the Permalink Settings tab under Common Settings the options all have the temporary website (two numbers.three numbers. three numbers. two numbers) followed by my domain and then the different options. Is this how it should look? Or do I need to contact them about moving from the temporary site to the actual site? Thanks again for the help! Katie
Yes, that happens. I would call Bluehost and they'll tell you how to change all of that.
Thanks Amy for your detailed and easy to follow instructions. I took your advice and chose Bluehost to host my blog. Bluehost has a simple installation process of WordPress and its tutorial videos were easy to follow along with also. I have learned a great deal about the process of starting a blog from your site and I really appreciate it!
So glad it has been helpful. Way to go on your site!
Amy, I have been reading your blog and following your step-by-step instruction.
I signed up with bluehost today. However when I tried to install wordpress, it did not go very smoothly.
It came up saying 'Directory exists' . So I stopped on the way.
Do you know what's that mean and what should I do now?
The bluehost support team was busy that I can't wait to get an answer.
Thank you
It's tough to know without seeing it. If I were in your shoes, I would definitely give Bluehost a call and ask them to walk you through it. I always find them to be very helpful.
Amy, I am very new to blogging, and this will probably seem like a ridiculous question. But what is the point of blog setting up a hosting site? I don't really understand. Thanks for taking the time to answer my naive question.
~Amber
Hi Amber,
First, you have to know that I don't believe in ridiculous questions.
We've all been there so please never feel bad asking!
I think my post, Blogging is Like Ice Cream might clear things up for you. If not, let me know.
Your site is so helpful! Thank you for all of the information! I recently started a blog on WordPress, and although it's probably too early to think about advertising yet, it's still in the back of my mind. I read somewhere that wordpress.com limits you with ads. For example, you can't do things like blogher and all ads must come through WordAds. Is that right? Thank you so much for sharing your expertise!
Hi Jessica, yes that's correct. I'd definitely recommend a self-hosted WordPress blog (WordPress.org) instead. (My second choice would be a free Blogger blog although WordPress is much more flexible and you "own" it.)
I followed your video instructions tonight and signed up for a domain name with Godaddy.com and then when to Blue Host and signed up. Here is where I am confused. When I followed your instructions to get WordPress, I do not have a choice to just have my blog name for a drop down menu choice as you do in the video. I have http:// and then numbers and forward slashes and then my domain name. Is this what I must choose? Also, should I keep the check boxes on the plugins and themes? You did not show this option on your video. Thanks so much!
I called BlueHost and the situation is in the process of being "fixed". If you register your domain at another site (I used GoDaddy), before you can install WordPress, you need to log into the site where you created the Domain and point the domain name to "BlueHost". It then takes 24-48 hours before BlueHost will be recognized and then you can install WordPress with the blog name of your domain. Amy, I thought you may want to update your info to reflect this. Thanks for all the valuable info you provide on your site. I can not wait to get started blogging and reading more of your tips. :~)
Barb:
I seem to be having the same issue installing WordPress through Bluehost. I used godaddy.com for my domain. Can you tell me how to point my domain name to Bluehost?
I called Blue Host and they did all the work to get everything transferred over. They are really helpful and patient. Everything was working the same night for me even though they had told me it could take up to 48 hours. Go to https://my.bluehost.com/cgi/help and you may contact them by phone. Good luck!
Never mind! Figured it out. Thanks!
Okay, I have registered a domain name that has a number (e.g. blahblahblah1.com) and I've also registered the same domain name with the number spelled out (e.g. blahblahblahone.com). I'd like both of these names to be directed to the same site, just in case someone did not know the exact domain name if they heard it, instead of seeing it spelled out. How do I go about linking the websites to access the same site?
Thanks!
I would choose the one you wanted to use and then forward the other one to your main one. If you registered in GoDaddy, you can pull up your domains and then open the one you want to forward. You'll see an option to forward it. Simply insert the main domain name and save it.
Hi Amy,
Just found your blog today and I'm plugging through a ton of this info. It's great, thank you. My one lingering point of confusion is this:
I started out at wordpress.com they sell a $99/year package. Is that for hosting? It doesn't really describe what the, "package," covers. So where I'm confused is, if I buy hosting with bluehost, do I still need to pay for whatever (licensing, access, etc.) through wordpress in addition to the primary hosting?
Thank you,
Seth(ro)
I'm not familiar with all of WordPress.com's packages. If I were in your shoes, I would leave WordPress.com completely by setting up a brand new self-hosted WordPress site and then importing your posts from your WordPress.com site. This post might help.
Hi Amy! Glad I found your amazing blog. Thanks for all the info! Do you still recommend HostGator? It looks like you posted this two years ago and I've been reading that they're under new ownership and the quality has gone way down. Just wondering how you felt?
Thanks.
I still do use HostGator myself for one of my sites, although I do still prefer Bluehost.
Thank you! Had some troubles trying to sign with HG last night so I'm going to go with Bluehost. Take care.
I am setting up on bluehost right now – wahoo! Do you use the upsite feature listed when installing the wordpress software?
Hi Shannon,
Hmmm…I'm not sure what the upsite feature is so I'm thinking probably I don't.
Is it telling you what it does?
Hi Amy,
Can I change my hosting to a different domain name if I decide on a different website name? I originally purchased my name as my domain, but realized this will not work with my current situation. I'd like to change my hosting to another domain name. Is this possible without paying for additional hosting?
This series is so incredible helpful!
It sounds like you are asking if you can change the domain of your website? Yes, you can do this. It does require more than just flipping a switch, but I would contact your host and ask them to walk you through.
Hi Amy! This series has been SO helpful. I used it to set up my first site and am using it to set up my second site. I just wanted to know if I can follow the tutorial exactly if I'm registering my domain at Bluehost and hosting at Bluehost again? Do I need to install wordpress again? Should I call bluehost to help me walk through it?
Thanks
Hey Amy, I bought my domain name with Namecheap and my hosting with Bluehost. After logging it, Bluehost has a link for "Verifying my domain name"….Is that necessary?
Thanks!
I'm not sure what spot you are in the process, but I would just call Bluehost and have them walk you through.
I've managed to point my domain name to Bluehost's name server and I've set up a WordPress. However, apparently there's a process to "verify the purchase of my Bluehost account," that involves either calling or emailing them. Thanks for your response!
Hi Amy,
Blogelina (I saw it on money saving mom) is offering a free blog class and along with it a year of free hosting on godaddy. Always ready to save a dollar., but I am curious what you think of godaddy. I have been thinking of starting a blog for several years and I thought you used to recommend them….maybe I am wrong. Save the money or go with blue host? Advice?
Such an amazing post! No matter what hosting company you choose to host your wordpress blog, you have it all in video.
Great stuff!
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