So you want to start a food blog but your not sure where to start? I completely understand how confusing it can be to get started. Which is why I decided to share this information to help you get started. There is a lot to learn, but it does not have to be complicated and it truly is not! There are so many resources available to help you out. You just need to be willing to put in the time to learn and do the work.
Let's get started!
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I have used these products and have found them trustworthy and helpful.
Below are the steps to set up a self-hosted WordPress food blog.
Step 1: Naming Your Blog and Set Up Your Hosting Account
This will probably be one of the hardest steps, or at least it was for me. You can start brainstorming and come up with some names and then head over to Bluehost and check to see if the name is available.
Bluehost is one of the easiest options for getting started. If you signup from this page you will get a special offer price of $3.95/month, which is normally $7.99/month. Plus a FREE Domain Name for the 1st Year and FREE SSL Certification is included.
First, let's go to Bluehost's home page and click the green Get Started Button.
Then select which hosting plan is right for you. I suggest starting with the basic plan because you can always upgrade later right inside your account.
Now we are at the step you need to choose your domain name. If you already have one you can add it to the "I have a domain name box and it will walk you through getting your DNS point to Bluehost. If you don't already have a domain name select the "New Domain" box and click next.
Lastly, you will fill in your personal information and choose your package information and payment information. To help save you money, the longer term you purchase the lower the monthly rate will be.
Pin This ⬇ so you will have it to reference at any time.
Step 2: Install WordPress
Once you have finished registering with Bluehost you will need to install WordPress.
To get started:
- Log into your new Bluehost account.
- Go to the My Sites tab.
- Click the Create Site button in the top-right corner.
4. Enter some basic information about your website, which includes your site name and site tagline.
5. Use the Domain drop-down to select the domain name that you chose when you created your Bluehost account.
6. Click Next to install WordPress on Bluehost
To Open your WordPress website, click the Login to WordPress link.
Step 3: Install a WordPress theme
Now for the fun part! It's time to pick a theme. If you are completely new to WordPress you might be asking, what is a theme and why do I need one? To answer this very simply, a theme is what controls how your site looks. It makes it pretty.
This step is very important and can take a little time as there are just so many themes to choose from. Bluehost offers a marketplace that contains premium WordPress themes. You can browse these but do not feel limited to just this selection. There are thousands of free and premium WordPress themes available outside of what you will find at Bluehost. WordPress offers lots of free themes and you can view them here.
Here at Thyme To Change we currently use a StudioPress Theme, the Foodie Pro Theme. This theme also runs with the Genesis Framework which is the driving force behind your site.
Foodie Pro is an amazing Studiopress theme that is designed specifically for food blogs. It offers a beautiful design and is a very nice clean design.
StudioPress also offers a few other themes that are great for food blogs. One being the Brunch Pro Theme. This is the little sister of the #1 selling Genesis theme, Foodie Pro. This theme has a minimalist style and an improved recipe index.
Another Theme offered by Studiopress is the Cooked Pro Theme. This theme is a bold and super clean design. Any of these amazing themes will make a beautiful, functional site.
Restored 316 has some of the most beautiful themes. They are easy to use and customizable. For the food blogger, the Thyme theme is a great option.
Two of Restored 316 best selling themes are the Captivating theme and Refined theme. Both have a very simple and polished look.
Step 4: How To Install a WordPress Theme
This is an easy step. Now that you are logged into your WordPress account look over to the left sidebar and search for appearance. While hovering your mouse, click on themes. Click Add New and then Upload Theme or you can browse the free themes.
Now that you have everything set up and looking pretty let's set up some important and helpful Plugins. You can learn about plugins here.