Whether you're a beginner or an aspiring blogger, follow this guide to set up your blog using WordPress.org (self-hosted) or WordPress.com (hosted).

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Option 1: WordPress.org (Self-Hosted) with Hostinger

Why Choose This? - Complete control over your blog.
- Monetize freely with any plugins or themes.
- Costs start as low as $2.69/month.

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Steps to Start a WordPress Blog with Hostinger

• Choose Hostinger Hosting
• Visit Hostinger's website.

• Select a hosting plan (recommended: 12 or 24-month plans for cost savings).

• Set Up Your Account

• Register with your email, payment details, and a strong password.

• Verify your email and activate your account.

• Choose a Domain Name

• Use Hostinger’s domain name finder to check availability.

• Pick a name that is catchy, memorable, and relevant to your blog's purpose.

• Install WordPress (One-Click)

• Use Hostinger’s setup wizard to install WordPress.

• Choose a Content Management System (CMS), and select WordPress for flexibility and ease of use.

• Select a WordPress Theme

• Use built-in theme options or browse WordPress’s theme repository.

• Customize themes through the WordPress dashboard.

• Customize and Publish

• Access the WordPress dashboard at yourwebsite.com/wp-admin.
• Add plugins, configure settings, and start creating content.

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Pros of WordPress.org

• Complete control over your blog.
• Use any theme, plugin, or monetization strategy.
• Large community support.

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Option 2: WordPress.com (Free or Paid Hosting)

Why Choose This? - Beginner-friendly, no setup hassles.
- Ideal for those who only want to publish stories.

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Steps to Start a Blog with WordPress.com

• Visit WordPress.com.
• Click "Get Started" and select the type of website you want (e.g., blog, portfolio).
• Choose a free theme and name your blog.
• Opt for the free plan or upgrade for advanced features (e.g., custom domain, monetization tools).
• Start creating and publishing content!

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Comparison: WordPress.org vs WordPress.com

| Feature | WordPress.org (Hostinger) | WordPress.com Free | WordPress.com Business | |-----------------------|------------------------------|-------------------------|----------------------------| | Cost | $2.69/month | Free | $25/month |
| Domain | Free custom domain | Subdomain only | Free custom domain |
| Storage | 100 GB | 1 GB | 50 GB |
| Customization | Full control | Limited | Advanced |
| Monetization | Unlimited | Limited ads | WordAds program |

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Writing Your First Blog Post

• Log into the WordPress dashboard.
• Navigate to Posts Add New.
• Use the editor to write, add images, and format your content.
• Hit "Publish" when ready to go live.

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Monetization Ideas

• Ads: Use CPC/CPM or private ads.
• Affiliate Marketing: Earn commissions by promoting products.
• Selling: Offer digital goods, memberships, or sponsored content.

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FAQs

• Can I start for free?
  Yes, WordPress.com offers a free plan, but self-hosting with WordPress.org gives more control.

• Do I need technical skills?
  No! WordPress is user-friendly, and tools like page builders make designing easy.

• Can I earn money blogging?
  Absolutely! Monetize through ads, affiliate links, and premium content.

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Summing it up

For full customization and monetization options, WordPress.org with Hostinger is the best choice. However, if you want something quick and simple, start with WordPress.com. Happy blogging!

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