3. Following Bluehost’s Set-Up Prompts
I began on bluehost.com and signed up for the company to host my site, establish my website’s address, and allow me to install WordPress software that I could access through their portal (which, in contrast to a download to my computer, would allow me to make changes from any device).
Bluehost’s set-up process is extremely user friendly. The site walks users through the entire process step by step, so there is no need for me to rehash every detail here. In essence, clicking the Get Started Now button on Bluehost’s homepage guides the user through the following:
- Selecting the hosting plan (the basic plan fit my needs)
- Signing up by registering a domain name (or designating an existing domain)
- Providing account information (name, address, phone number, and email)
- Deselecting package extras (online sources convinced me they were unnecessary, but details can be found linked to each option)
- Entering payment information
- Clicking submit
After the order finished processing, I was asked to create a password to establish my account.
Once that was done, a welcome screen appeared and offered help setting things up, asking what kind of help I thought I’d need. I was curious about the automated system and I’m a sucker for an organized procedural list, so I bit. I clicked on the option that offered step-by-step guidance.
I clicked through several screens that clarified my intentions for the site (to be a portfolio of work), specified that the site was for my personal use (not for an employer or client), and reiterated my interest in receiving the system’s help.
I was asked to create a Title and Tagline, but I was assured that both could be changed at any time. As placeholders, I used my name as the title and “Writing Sample Portfolio” as the tagline.
Next, I had to choose a Theme, a step which produces a mock-up of what the site could look like. Knowing that this choice was not permanent, I selected one of the suggested options. No need to overthink it at this stage.
At that point, WordPress was automatically downloaded and I was taken to Bluehost’s portal. It was finally time to move on to the main event: making the website come to life.
- Choosing a Web Address
- Selecting a Web Builder and a Host Server
- Following Bluehost’s Set-Up Prompts
- Using WordPress Through Bluehost
- Adding and Editing Blocks in WordPress
- Adding Additional Pages (and Links to Them)