In order to use Genesis, you must have a Genesis Child Theme and the Genesis Theme Framework installed. So, if you are new to Genesis (and have never installed it previously), you will be going through the following process twice—once for the Genesis Framework and secondly, for your Child Theme.
Or you will do what I did in the video and quickly realize your mistake. 
Can't see the video? Watch it here.
Video Notes:
- After you go through the purchase process for Genesis and/or your Child Theme, check your email for a link to download it (There's also a huge amount of very helpful accompanying information you'll definitely want to peruse and keep for future use.)
- When you download the theme, it will be in a zipped file. The zipped file is what you will need for the following step, so if your computer automatically unzips zipped files, locate the zipped version on your computer before moving on.
- To upload your theme, go back to your Dashboard –> Appearance –> Themes.
- On the Themes page, click the "Install Themes" tab at the top of your screen.
- Click the "Upload" link and choose the zipped file on your computer. Click "Install Now."
- Remember: In order for your Genesis Child Theme to work, you must have Genesis installed as well! You will activate your Child Theme but Genesis must be present.
Disclosure: I am compensated for purchases made via the referral links in this post.
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I'm trying to set up a WordPress blog for the purpose of blogging/not running a business. This article is titled installing Genesis and a Genesis child, but it doesn't say how to insteall Genesis. I have HostGator…
Thanks,
Shannon
The process is the same for installing both the Genesis Framework and the child theme. You would download the Genesis Theme Framework and upload it to your Dashboard. Then you would repeat the same process withe the child theme. Then you would Activate the child theme (but leave the Genesis Theme Framework) theme in the Themes folder. It must be present, but the child theme is the one that will be activated. I hope that helps make it a bit less confusing.
I have bought genesis and news theme I have the down load link for genesis but cant find the link for the news child theme…can you tell me where to find that?
It should have come together I believe. If you still haven't received it, I would definitely contact StudioPress! If I remember correctly, I bought the framework and child theme together the first time and the links to both came in the same email.
Hi! I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for all this content! I have been wanting to start a blog and it just seemed too overwhelming, but by following your instructions, step-by-step, post-by-post, I am finally seeing some progress.
So glad it's hepful, Kim!