In 1839, English writer Edward George Bulwer Lytton wrote: “The pen is mightier than the sword.” Words are so powerful that strong words–whether of love or hate–persist in our memories far longer than either a hug or a hit.
Blogging takes the mighty pen (or keyboard, really) and combines it with visuals. Because humans are wired to process visual information much faster than writing, blogging has the capacity to inspire, motivate, and inform your readers in a way that traditional essay-writing cannot.
Start here with this 10-ish minute video to take you through the first steps of starting a WordPress account from scratch.
Don’t have the time or energy (or cares) to watch the video? Ultra-fast recap: create a sign-in, don’t purchase or select a domain; select the cheapest paid plan ($4/month); then when it takes you to your shopping cart, click the trash can icon next to any charges. NOTE: If you’re starting this on a phone, the little trash can icon is wayyyy down at the very bottom of the purchase page. Sneaky.
Next steps: Work through the Site Setup List
Remember, you are naming your site, not your assigned post for the week. Your website is basically the book that you’re writing (and publishing!) of your life.
Because this is a blog that is totally yours….but assigned for English class…consider what content you’ll be adding. If you don’t plan on creating or publishing anything outside of the class assignments, consider that as you name your blog.
DON’T FORGET: Check your email and confirm your email address. This is a super-easy, 30-second step, but your blog won’t publish without it.
Take some time to make your homepage…home-y.
Yes, you absolutely need to do this part. If not, your site will look totally generic. The templates available–even with the free version of WordPress–are quite visually appealing, and they are laid out nicely.
But nice layouts don’t mean anything if you don’t personalize them, replace the pre-loaded pictures, and make it all reflect who you are.
Last section: LAUNCHING!
Once your site has a title and you’ve customized your homepage (and saved settings every step along the way), click this big button to the right side of your home screen.
Get ready to pass through the last gauntlet of WordPress making it look like you have to pay money!
I promise, you don’t have to pay.
WordPress will try to sell you on a paid plan and a unique domain again. At the bottom of your options, look in the bottom righthand corner. Click SKIP PURCHASE.
Oh wait. Another request that you buy a plan? Surprise.
We’re smarter than the marketers! Go ahead and click “Continue with your free site.”
8th grade English @ CVLCC 