- How to Set Up a WordPress Blog in 2025 (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Choose Your Blog’s Niche
- Step 2: Pick a Domain Name
- Step 3: Get Hosting for Your Blog
- Step 4: Install WordPress
- Step 5: Choose a Theme
- Step 6: Install Essential Plugins
- Step 7: Create Core Pages
- Step 8: Publish Your First Blog Post
- Step 9: Promote Your Blog
- Bonus: Track Your Progress
- FAQs: Setting Up a WordPress Blog
- Is WordPress free to use?
- What’s the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?
- How long does it take to set up a blog?
- Can I blog from my phone?
- What if I want to change my blog’s theme later?
- How do I make money from my blog?
- Do I need to know how to code?
- Is WordPress still worth using in 2025?
- Final Thoughts
How to Set Up a WordPress Blog in 2025 (Step-by-Step)
Starting a blog in 2025? WordPress remains the go-to platform for beginner bloggers and pros alike — and for good reason. It’s powerful, flexible, and easier to get started with than you might think.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to set up your very first WordPress blog, step by step.
Step 1: Choose Your Blog’s Niche
Before setting up your site, decide what your blog will be about.
- Ask yourself: What topics excite me? What can I write about consistently?
- Examples: personal finance, travel, parenting, productivity, freelancing, food
Read more: How to Choose a Blog Niche
Step 2: Pick a Domain Name
Your domain is your blog’s address (e.g., yourawesomeblog.com).
- Use a tool like Namecheap or Google Domains to search availability.
- Keep it short, memorable, and easy to spell.
- Use keywords if possible (but don’t force it).
Step 3: Get Hosting for Your Blog
Web hosting is what keeps your site online.
Recommended Hosts for Beginners:
| Host | Key Feature | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| SiteGround | Great support, fast loading | $2.99/month |
| Bluehost | Official WordPress partner | $2.95/month |
| Cloudways | More advanced, flexible pricing | $11/month |
Choose a host that offers 1-click WordPress installs.
Step 4: Install WordPress
Most hosting providers offer 1-click installation of WordPress. Once installed, you’ll get access to your dashboard via:
yourdomain.com/wp-admin
Login and familiarize yourself with the dashboard — this is where the magic happens.
Step 5: Choose a Theme
Your WordPress theme controls your blog’s layout and design.
Great Free Themes for Beginners:
- Astra
- Kadence
- Blocksy
- GeneratePress
Make sure your theme is:
- Responsive (mobile-friendly)
- Fast-loading
- SEO-friendly
Step 6: Install Essential Plugins
Plugins add features to your site. Some basics to start with:
- Rank Math SEO – helps optimize content for search
- WP Super Cache – improves load speed
- UpdraftPlus – automatic backups
- Antispam Bee – protects against spam comments
- WPForms Lite – create contact forms easily
Step 7: Create Core Pages
Before publishing blog posts, create key pages:
- About – share your story and mission
- Contact – let readers reach you
- Privacy Policy & Disclosure – important for legal and monetization purposes
Step 8: Publish Your First Blog Post
Ready to go live? Start with your first post!
See: How to Write Your First Blog Posts
Make sure you:
- Include at least one image
- Format your post for readability
- Add internal links to other posts/pages
Step 9: Promote Your Blog
Once published, don’t wait for readers to find you — go find them!
- Share on social media
- Join relevant online communities
- Start building your email list
See: How to Promote Your Blog in 2025
Bonus: Track Your Progress
Install Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor traffic and performance.
Need help? Check out our beginner’s guide to blog analytics
FAQs: Setting Up a WordPress Blog
Is WordPress free to use?
Yes! WordPress software is free. You only pay for domain and hosting.
What’s the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?
WordPress.org gives you full control and is self-hosted (recommended). WordPress.com is more limited and hosted for you.
How long does it take to set up a blog?
You can set it up in an afternoon — seriously! Writing and growing it takes longer.
Can I blog from my phone?
Yes! WordPress has a great mobile app. Just don’t forget to edit on desktop for formatting.
What if I want to change my blog’s theme later?
No problem. You can switch themes anytime in your dashboard under Appearance > Themes.
How do I make money from my blog?
Start with affiliate marketing, digital products, or ads once you have consistent traffic.
Do I need to know how to code?
Not at all. WordPress lets you build a site without touching code.
Is WordPress still worth using in 2025?
Absolutely — it powers over 40% of the web and continues to evolve with user-friendly features.
Final Thoughts
Setting up your blog is easier than ever in 2025 — and you’re already ahead of most by starting now.
Once you’re live, the next step is consistent content. Stick with it, and your blog can become a powerful tool for income, community, and creativity.
👉 Need help choosing your niche? Check out our niche selection guide
📥 Ready to build your audience? Set up your email list now
