A beginner’s guide to creating your first website
Have you ever thought about starting a blog but weren’t sure where to begin? Whether you want to share your expertise, promote your business, or simply have a creative outlet, blogging is one of the most rewarding ways to build an online presence.
Let’s walk through how to get started—from choosing your platform to promoting your first post.
Blog vs. Website: What’s the Difference?
A blog is a regularly updated section of a website where you post articles, reflections, or resources—usually arranged with the newest entry first.
A website, on the other hand, is a broader online home that might include your blog along with other pages like About, Services, or Contact.
In short: all blogs are websites, but not all websites are blogs.
Choosing a Website Builder
Before you start writing, you’ll need to choose where your blog will live. Popular website builders include:
While each platform has advantages, WordPress remains the most popular choice for bloggers worldwide because of its flexibility and ease of use. Take a look around each of the platforms to see which one will work best for you.
What Is WordPress?
WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) written in PHP. It’s used by millions of sites—from personal blogs to major media outlets.
There are two versions of WordPress to choose from, and understanding the difference will save you time later.
WordPress.com (Hosted Platform)
WordPress.com hosts your site for you. You don’t need to worry about web servers, software updates, or security.
Pros:
- No hosting setup required
- Free version available (with upgrade options)
- Great for beginners and casual bloggers
Cons:
- Ads appear on free sites
- Limited themes and plugins
- Can’t use Google Analytics
- “WordPress.com” branding in your URL
- No eCommerce support
🟣 Best for hobby bloggers or anyone who wants a quick, low-maintenance start.
WordPress.org (Self-Hosted Platform)
WordPress.org lets you host your own site using the WordPress software. This option gives you full control over your website’s design and functionality.
Pros:
- You own your site and content
- Unlimited customization
- Thousands of templates and plugins
- Supports eCommerce and monetization
🟢 Best for professional or long-term bloggers who want room to grow.
WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org — Which Should You Choose?
Ask yourself a few key questions:
- Do you plan to sell products or monetize your site?
- Will you use custom themes or plugins?
- Do you want to track traffic using Google Analytics?
- Do you need features like forms, databases, or membership options?
If you said yes to any of the above, WordPress.org is likely your best choice.
Choosing a Domain Name
Your domain name is your web address—for example, professorvictoria.ca.
You can usually buy it directly through your hosting company or a domain registrar like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains.
Quick tips:
- Your first choice might be taken—try short forms or hyphens.
- Consider different domain extensions:
.com– commercial.ca– Canadian.net– network.org– organization (often non-profit).biz– business.info– informational
Selecting a Hosting Service
If you choose WordPress.org, you’ll need a hosting service—the company that stores your site’s files.
Start simple:
- Determine your needs. Most new bloggers only need basic hosting.
- Compare options. Look at uptime, customer support, and pricing.
- Stay flexible. You can upgrade later as your site grows.
Designing Your Blog
Choose a Theme
Your theme controls your site’s look and feel. Choose something clean, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.
Text and Fonts
- Use sans serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri for readability.
- Stick to 10–12 pt for paragraph text.
- Black text on a white background is easiest on the eyes.
- Make sure links stand out (underlined or highlighted).
Using Images
- Use authentic, relevant images whenever possible.
- Show diversity and real-world representation.
- Limit to 3–4 images per page to keep your layout uncluttered.
- Always optimize images before uploading—they should be clear but not large enough to slow down your site.
Pro tip: Avoid low-resolution or pixelated photos. They instantly make a site look unprofessional.
Encouraging Reader Interaction
A great blog invites conversation. Enable comments on your posts and reply regularly.
- Develop a clear comment policy for handling spam or negativity.
- Pay attention to what readers say—comments can spark ideas for future posts!
Pages vs. Posts
Knowing the difference helps you organize your content effectively:
- Pages are static (like About Me, Contact, or Resources).
- Posts are dynamic entries that appear in your blog feed.
Think of pages as your blog’s foundation and posts as the ongoing story.
Measuring Success
How will you know your blog is growing? Through analytics.
Many platforms include basic stats, but Google Analytics offers deeper insights into:
- Visitor demographics
- Popular content
- Social media referrals
- Time spent on page
- Bounce and exit rates
Use these metrics to refine your strategy and see what resonates with readers.
Promoting Your Blog
Your blog deserves an audience—so share it!
- Post links on your social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.).
- Use high-quality visuals to grab attention.
- Repurpose content: turn a blog excerpt into a quote graphic or short video.
- Engage with followers who comment or share your posts.
🌍 Cross-promotion grows your visibility and drives traffic both ways.
Final Thoughts
Starting a blog doesn’t require technical expertise—just curiosity, creativity, and consistency.
Whether you use a hosted platform or build your site from scratch, the most important step is to start writing.
Your perspective matters, and your blog can be a space to inform, inspire, or connect.
So go ahead—open that first draft, add your first photo, and hit “publish.” The world is waiting to hear what you have to say!
