Finally!

Well, after a night of debugging, I finally got to actually putting my blog into motion, and that involved getting the domain name active, installing WordPress, getting themes, etc.

So here we go!

First, Domain

Once I determined the niche I was to target, I then purchased my domain name. However, I didn’t set it up on my host (due to the problems I had with my server last night).

So the first thing tonight, I attached my domain name to my hosting account, and I was up and running (with a really bad landing page). You will need to check with your hosting account to determine what needs to be done.

Second, WordPress

Then comes the granddaddy – WordPress. I downloaded the latest version of Wordpress, extracted it to my hard drive, then copied it to my web hosting account. Easy enough.

I then had to add the database, username, and password information. To get this information, I had to first create it on my domain. Now, this can occur in any number of ways, depending upon the rights and tools that your hosting company has given you. So check with them to find out how it was done.

BONUS TIP: If you can, copy your WordPress outside of the web space allocated to your account. Then, when you create more domains, all you have to do is copy that installation to the new domain. Why do you want to do this? If you’re like (and I know you hope you’re not), your internet connection is slow for uploading. It can take 15 minutes for WordPress to upload. However, if it’s always on the server, then you dump into a command prompt and issue a simple copy commands. Seconds later, you’re done. Now, you may not be able to do this, especially if you are in a “shared” environment, but this will save you a lot of time.

Third, Themes

I then looked at a number of themes that would help me with the blog. I specifically looked for SEO themes (although most anything that looks good will work). I then downloaded these themes, put them on my hard drive, then copied them to my account inside my domain.

I now have 15 themes from which I can choose that will make the blog look great.

Finally, Plug-ins

A WordPress plug-in is a special “component” that can be added to WordPress to give you additional functionality. Currently, I am reviewing a video for the type of plug-ins I will need, and so I will be able to better report on these tomorrow.

So I hope by Thursday, I can start adding content.

Recap

It’s been a great day – I have WordPress with a lot of themes, and I’m starting to load down the plug-ins. It’s getting so near I can taste it.

Best wishes, hold your head high, and Control Your Destiny.

Mike P Smith