Hey there, future bloggers! So you’re all set to take the blogging world by storm, but you’ve never coded a line in your life? Fear not; this guide is here to help.
Using SiteGround, WordPress, and Elementor, creating your blog has never been easier. And you’ll love working with the Astra theme and integrating plugins like Rank Math SEO and Wordfence. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a sleek, functional blog, and no one will ever know you’re a complete beginner. Let’s dive in!
- Log Into WordPress
- Go to ‘Appearance’ > ‘Themes’: Search for ‘Astra’ and Install It
- Activate Astra Theme
- Install Elementor
- Design Your Blog
Troubleshooting Guide
Conclusion
Setting Up SiteGround
First things first, open your favorite browser and head to the SiteGround website. This is where your blogging journey begins.
SiteGround is a web hosting platform that’s beginner-friendly, reliable, and offers excellent customer support.
Take a moment to explore the homepage, get familiar with what’s on offer, and when you’re ready, click the “Sign Up” or “Get Started” button, usually prominently displayed on the homepage.
2. Choose Your Plan
SiteGround offers various hosting plans to suit different needs and budgets. As a beginner, you’ll likely be interested in the StartUp plan, designed specifically for people starting a new website. This plan typically includes 10GB web space, unmetered traffic, daily backups, and other essential features.
If you’re planning something bigger or envision quick growth, you might consider their GrowBig or GoGeek plans. Compare the features and select the one that fits your goals by clicking the corresponding “Get Plan” button.
3. Domain Name
A domain name is your website’s address on the internet, like yoursite.com.
Here, you have two options. If you have an existing domain name, you can enter it. If you don’t, you’ll need to create a new one. Think of something catchy and relevant to your blog’s content. Check for availability – it should be unique.
SiteGround offers a domain registration service, so you can register your chosen domain right there. There might be a small yearly fee for the domain registration.
4. Finalize the Setup
You’re almost there! This last step involves entering your personal and payment details. Fill in your email, name, country, city, ZIP code, and phone number under the “Client Information” section. Under “Payment Information,” enter your card details.
Review the “Purchase Information” section to make sure everything (hosting plan, data center, period, extra services) is as you want it. You may also choose any additional services like Site Scanner if you wish. Read and accept the Terms of Service, and click the “Pay Now” button. Congratulations! Your SiteGround hosting account is now set up.
By following these steps with care, you’re laying a robust foundation for your blog. SiteGround‘s interface is intuitive, and their customer service is there to assist if you need any help. With the hosting taken care of, you’re ready to dive into WordPress and the exciting world of blogging!
Installing WordPress
1. Log into SiteGround
Begin by logging into your SiteGround account. You’ll need the username and password you created when you signed up.
Once you’ve accessed the SiteGround dashboard, you’ll find a host of options and tools. Don’t be overwhelmed; we’re focusing on WordPress. SiteGround often updates its dashboard, so don’t worry if it looks slightly different.
Just look for something along the lines of “Site Tools” or “Manage Account” to move to the next step.
2. Click on 'WordPress'
Once you’re in the “Site Tools” section, you’ll see several categories like ‘Dashboard,’ ‘Site,’ ‘Security,’ etc. Among these, find and click on ‘WordPress.’ This might be located under a section named ‘Site’ or something similar, depending on the version of SiteGround you’re using.
By clicking on ‘WordPress,’ you’re telling SiteGround that you want to create a website using this specific platform, which is incredibly user-friendly and perfect for blogging.
3. Click 'Install'
Now that you’re in the WordPress section, you’ll see an ‘Install’ button or ‘Install & Manage’ option.
Clicking this will lead you to a new window where you’ll fill out some essential details. This includes selecting the domain you want to install WordPress on (if you have more than one), choosing a protocol (usually ‘http://www.’), setting your site’s name, and creating an admin username, password, and email.
These credentials will be your WordPress login details, so make sure to save them. Fill in all the fields and review everything to make sure it’s correct.
4. Click 'Complete'
After filling in the necessary details, you’re almost done. Clicking the ‘Complete’ button or ‘Install’ button (depending on the version) will initiate the WordPress installation. This process might take a few minutes, so grab a coffee or take a quick stretch.
Once the installation is complete, you’ll see a success message with your new WordPress site’s URL and the admin URL (usually yoursite.com/wp-admin). Bookmark this admin URL, as it’s where you’ll log into WordPress to manage your site.
And voila! WordPress is now installed on your SiteGround hosting. This combination of SiteGround and WordPress creates a powerful platform that’s perfect for your blogging needs, even if you’re a total beginner. Now that WordPress is installed, you’re ready to explore themes, plugins, and start creating your fantastic blog content. The blogging world awaits!
Elementor and Astra Theme
1. Log into WordPress
Start by navigating to your WordPress admin login page, typically found at yoursite.com/wp-admin. You’ll need the username and password you created during the WordPress installation.
Once logged in, you’ll land on the WordPress dashboard, home to all the tools you’ll use to build and manage your site. It might look intimidating, but don’t worry; we’re focusing on themes and plugins for now.
2. Go to 'Appearance' > 'Themes': Search for 'Astra' and Install It
From the dashboard, hover over ‘Appearance’ in the left sidebar and click ‘Themes.’ Click ‘Add New’ at the top, and then type ‘Astra’ into the search bar. The Astra Theme will appear in the results. Click ‘Install,’ and WordPress will do the rest.
Astra is known for its lightweight design, speed, and extensive customization options. It’s a perfect theme for beginners and works wonderfully with Elementor.
3. Activate Astra Theme
After installing Astra, you’ll see an ‘Activate’ button appear. Clicking this applies the Astra Theme to your site, transforming the appearance to match Astra’s design. But don’t worry, everything’s customizable!
You might be prompted to install recommended plugins or start with a pre-made site. For a beginner, these options can simplify the design process, but feel free to explore or skip as you see fit.
4. Install Elementor
Elementor is a drag-and-drop page builder that lets you create beautiful pages without knowing any code. To install it, go to ‘Plugins’ > ‘Add New’ and search for ‘Elementor.’ Click ‘Install,’ then ‘Activate.’
You’ll see a new ‘Elementor’ tab appear in your dashboard, and when editing a page, you’ll have the option to ‘Edit with Elementor.’ This plugin turns page building into a visual, intuitive process, perfect for beginners.
5. Design Your Blog
Now for the fun part: designing your blog! Click ‘Pages’ > ‘Add New’ to create a new page, and then click ‘Edit with Elementor.’ You’ll see your page, ready to be designed, with a sidebar full of widgets like headings, images, and buttons. Simply drag and drop them onto the page, then click on them to edit. Explore Elementor’s pre-made templates or build from scratch.
Your changes are live-previewed, so you’ll see exactly what visitors will see. Save often, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Elementor’s designed for creativity!
The combination of the Astra Theme and Elementor provides a robust, beginner-friendly platform for creating beautiful, functional websites. Their customization options are nearly endless, but the interfaces are designed with beginners in mind. Don’t hesitate to play around, explore, and make the site truly yours. Remember, there’s no coding required, so let your creativity run wild!
SEO and Security with Rank Math SEO and Wordfence
1. Install Rank Math SEO Plugin
Rank Math SEO is a fantastic plugin to guide your site’s SEO. To install it, go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to ‘Plugins’ > ‘Add New,’ and search for ‘Rank Math SEO.’ Click ‘Install,’ then ‘Activate.’ Once activated, Rank Math may present a setup wizard that guides you through the process of configuring your site’s SEO settings. This includes adding meta titles, descriptions, connecting to Google Analytics, and more.
Even if you’re new to SEO, Rank Math makes it easy with step-by-step guidance and recommendations. Spend time configuring it as best as you can – good SEO is essential for attracting visitors to your blog.
2. Install Wordfence Security Plugin
Your site’s security is equally vital, and Wordfence is here to help. To install it, go to ‘Plugins’ > ‘Add New,’ and search for ‘Wordfence.’ Click ‘Install,’ then ‘Activate.’ Wordfence will monitor your site for malicious activity, protect against brute force attacks, and even scan for malware.
Like Rank Math, Wordfence offers a guided tour and setup process, allowing you to tailor the security settings to your needs. You can set up email alerts for any suspicious activity and regularly review security scans. By keeping Wordfence up-to-date, you’re adding a robust layer of protection to your site.
3. Configure and Monitor Your Plugins:
Both Rank Math SEO and Wordfence require occasional attention to ensure they’re performing optimally.
For Rank Math, regularly review your site’s SEO performance, update meta descriptions as needed, and follow any recommendations or insights provided within the plugin.
With Wordfence, make a habit of reviewing security alerts and scans, ensuring that your site remains secure. Both plugins offer premium versions with additional features, but their free versions are more than adequate for new bloggers.
Spend time getting familiar with these plugins, and don’t hesitate to consult their respective documentation or support if you need help.
By leveraging Rank Math SEO for search engine optimization and Wordfence for security, you’re addressing two critical aspects of your site that often intimidate beginners. The good news is, these plugins are designed with users like you in mind, making these complex tasks more approachable. With a bit of time and attention, you’ll find that managing both SEO and security becomes second nature, allowing you to focus on what you love most – blogging!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If your WordPress site isn’t visible post-installation, there could be several reasons:
Domain Propagation: Sometimes, after setting up your domain, it takes a while (from a few hours to 48 hours) for domain changes to propagate across the internet. This is normal and is akin to sending out a new address change notice to everyone you know.
Cache Issues: Your browser saves versions of websites to load them faster, known as caching. If an older, non-WordPress version of your site is cached, you might not see the changes. Try clearing your browser’s cache or checking your site from a different browser or device.
Installation Errors: Occasionally, there might be errors during installation, especially if done manually. Ensure all files were uploaded correctly and that you followed the installation process to the letter.
If you’ve checked all of these and still face issues, it might be a good idea to contact SiteGround’s support, as they can offer deeper insights and solutions.
Ensuring your content is SEO-friendly is essential for better search engine visibility:
Use the SEO Analysis Tool: Rank Math comes with an in-built SEO analysis tool for each post and page. It provides real-time feedback on your content, guiding you to make SEO-friendly decisions, like keyword density, meta descriptions, and URL structure.
Focus on Keywords: Before you write a post, research relevant keywords that people might search for. Tools like Google’s Keyword Planner can help. Once you’ve identified a primary keyword, ensure it’s present in your title, first paragraph, sub-headings, and meta description.
Readable Content: SEO isn’t just about keywords. Search engines prioritize content that’s readable and valuable to users. Ensure your posts are well-structured, with short paragraphs, clear sub-headings, and relevant images.
Remember, while Rank Math offers great tools and advice, consistently producing high-quality, original content is key to SEO success.
Noticing suspicious activity can be alarming, but Wordfence equips you to handle it:
Review the Alerts: Start by examining the details of the suspicious activity. Wordfence provides information like the IP address, location, and the specific action that triggered the alert. This can help you discern whether it’s a false alarm or a genuine threat.
Take Action: If you believe the activity is malicious, use Wordfence’s features to block the offending IP address. If you notice multiple attempts from a specific region or IP range, consider blocking that as well.
Change Passwords: If you suspect any unauthorized access or if there’s an alert regarding a login breach, immediately change your passwords, starting with your WordPress admin password.
Stay Updated: Ensure Wordfence and other plugins/themes are updated. Developers constantly release security patches, so keeping everything updated is crucial for security.
If the suspicious activity continues or if you’re uncertain about any alerts, consider consulting a security professional or Wordfence’s support documentation for further guidance.
Troubleshooting Guide
SiteGround is generally known for its reliable service, but if you encounter connection issues with your hosting, it can be nerve-wracking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot:
Check Your Internet Connection: Sometimes, the issue might be with your local internet connection. Try accessing other websites to ensure that’s not the problem.
Clear Browser Cache: Old cached data might cause conflicts. Clearing your browser’s cache can often resolve connection issues.
Access SiteGround’s Support: SiteGround provides an extensive array of resources including a Knowledge Base and 24/7 support. Don’t hesitate to use their live chat support, where technicians can investigate the issue in real time.
Review DNS Settings: If you’ve recently altered DNS settings, there might be a propagation delay, or perhaps the settings were not entered correctly. Verify the DNS settings with your domain registrar.
Contact Your ISP: If all else fails, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might be blocking access to your host. Contacting them can often resolve this issue.
Remember, patience is key here. Some solutions might take time to take effect, especially those related to DNS.
While WordPress is widely used and known for its ease of installation, errors can still occur. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
Check PHP Version: Ensure that your hosting environment is using a PHP version compatible with the WordPress version you’re installing. Many hosts, including SiteGround, allow you to switch PHP versions from your hosting control panel.
Verify Database Credentials: WordPress requires correct database credentials (database name, username, password, and host) to connect. Make sure these details are entered correctly in your wp-config.php file.
Increase PHP Memory Limit: Sometimes, WordPress may exceed the default memory limit, leading to an error. You can increase the limit by editing the wp-config.php file, adding the line
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '64M');Consult Error Messages: If you encounter an error message, don’t ignore it! Often, the error message itself can guide you to the exact issue. Search the error online or consult WordPress support forums.
Reinstall WordPress: If nothing seems to work, and you’re sure that the server settings are correct, consider reinstalling WordPress. Sometimes, starting fresh resolves unseen conflicts or corruptions.
If these solutions don’t resolve the problem, don’t hesitate to reach out to SiteGround’s support team or consult the WordPress community. Both have extensive experience in handling a wide range of issues, and their insights can be invaluable.
Check out my post that covers 39 Web-Based Software and Website Ideas
that can be built using these same processes.
Conclusion
And there you have it, a beautiful, functional blog without writing a single line of code! By following these steps and embracing SiteGround, WordPress, Elementor, the Astra Theme, Rank Math SEO, and Wordfence, your blog is ready to welcome the world.
These methods are not reserved for just blog websites. Extensive software based websites like YouUplift.com and TVLeaderboards.com were built using similar foundational principals!
Happy blogging, and never hesitate to refer back to this guide as you continue your blogging journey!
