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).

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.

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.

Pros of WordPress.org

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

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.

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!

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 |

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.

Monetization Ideas

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

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.

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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