One of the biggest questions I get online is ‘Gavin, how do I set up my blog?’ and to be honest, if you’ve never done it before, it can seem rather daunting!
3-4 years ago, I learned the hard way… (trial and error) until eventually I succeeded and built my own blog.
I was happy 
It didn’t look great, but hey, I’d done it and now I could teach others how to do the same.
So, if you’ve seen all those superstar bloggers on Facebook, in the tribes, and on the web with their own great looking blogs, I’m about to show you how they did it!
All you need is:
- A Domain Name and a Hosting Account – (This is an affiliate link. If you know of anyone else who recommends Hostgator who you admire and trust and would like to give them something back in return, please click through their link rather than ours. If you don’t have anyone like that, please use this one.) Or, a MUCH cheaper option for hosting is from a good friend of ours at Web Host Solutions.
- The knowledge to Install wordpress
- A Premium WordPress Theme
- Killer graphics to bring your blog ALIVE
So, lets dive straight in and follow along with me as I show you exactly how to set up your own fantastic looking WordPress blog
Fast Start Blog Set up Guide
Step 1
Click here to Grab a domain name and hosting account from Host Gator, or Web Host Solutions (Which is cheaper).
I’ve been using HostGator for years for several of my blogs. They are a reliable company with great support, therefore I am recommending them to you.
Watch the video below as I show you how to set this up.
(Have a look at the icons at the bottom of the video player and click the little square icon, which will allow you to view the video in full screen so you can see exactly what I’m doing. Otherwise you may struggle to see.)
Step 2
Install WordPress on your hosting account. (Follow the instructions in the video below and remember that once you’ve finished step 1, it can take anywhere from 12-48 hours for your domain name to propagate so it works correctly. You’ll need to have patience for this part
Step 3
Click here to Buy your premium WordPress Theme. This will help bring your blog alive. Make sure you watch the instructional video below to learn how to buy and install your theme…
There are thousands of WordPress themes online, but I recommend Woo Themes as a great place to get your Premium theme from. If you’ve got a Woo theme installed on your blog, you’ll then be able to follow along with the rest of my WordPress video course where I’ll show you how to customize your theme and add your plugins etc. (Keep an eye out on my blog for the rest of the course)
Congratulations, You’ve Just Installed Your Brand New Blog!
You can now take the following steps to further enhance your blog and earn an income at the same time…
Step 4
Click here to Order your Killer Website Graphics Kit to make your blog STAND OUT!
When you’ve installed your new blog, with your Premium theme, there will still be a few things missing. You’ll want a Killer Header and a custom Add me Button which you’ll find on this page.
Armed with your brand new blog, premium theme and killer graphics, you’ll quickly be seen as an expert in the home based business industry which will help you generate many more leads and prospects for your business, give you the credibility you need and help you earn a much bigger income from this business. (Of course you’ll need to write great quality content and actually know what you are talking about)
Step 5
If you struggle to set up your blog in anyway, or just don’t have the time to do it, you can pay us to set it up for you. So, Click here to take advantage of our Done for you Blog Starter Kit service!
If you’d like to keep up with latest TSA Mastery news on Facebook and Twitter just click the links and connect with us.
I’d love to know your thoughts on this blog set up tutorial. If you know ANYONE who’s struggling to set up their blog or wants to transfer over to WordPress, please feel free to recommend this tutorial to them.
Thank You,
Gavin Mountford & Dave and Dawn Cook
P.S. Be sure to leave a comment below and share this on Facebook + Re-Tweet the post on Twitter. Your friends and followers will thank you for it later.
P.P.S. If you aren’t yet a member of the TSA community and system, be sure to sign up and I’ll see you on the inside…
About 
thanks you for this post. the videos and instructions were a big help to me. and also, considering the fact that many of us are also writers, this post also touches the betterment of every writers individual purposes. thanks!
Crescele recently posted..A Reader Shares His Experience About The Ending Of His Relationship
Twitter: brotherbillamis
says:
This has helped with my week of problems at my domain. I made attempts to import my blog and ran into some issues. I will put this information to quickly resolve all my issues.
Gavin, thank you for making my life easier. You are fantastic and a great help. Please, keep us updated with all new tech information.
William Earl Amis, Jr III recently posted..Understanding Your Business Choices
Gavin,
Thanks, you have created a wonderful blog for me.
Great tutorial videos. Now that you have shown me the videos I can now share these information with some of my friends that are thinking of starting their own blog page..
Good to know that I can refer back to these video should I wish to change some formats.
Can’t wait for our next tutorial to see what else I can do at the back office…
Irene Pereira recently posted..Definition of Leadership
Twitter: vivianso_
says:
I personally recommend http://www.webhostingworld.net/ for hosting
Why $12 dollar per year. That’s with cron job, ioncube and many other features.
I made website for so long. I am very please and find the tools quite complete.
And they swear they won’t ever increase the price of the service.
Blue Host however, follow Tim Berker link u got customize website that is working in couple days but of course then u have to pay for the domain.
So one super cheap hosting
the other if u paid the domain, they do the rest. Which is cool, too.
Disclaimer, i am not affilate with them. u see there is no affliate link here
It is really my honest opinion.
Outstanding stuff…. this is what I like about the TSA… even a brand new member will be able to immediately extract value from their ~FREE~ membership and get started participating and also learn how to build their most important asset for their online enterprise– their personal blog.
Definitely getting new team members hooked up on the training here.
Thanks so much for adding so much value!
-Jamie
Jamie Bennett recently posted..The Inside Secret- What You Don’t Know that You Don’t Know
Gavin
Thanks for the great tutorials, and all you do for TSA. I’m sure there are lots of people who will be stopping by to learn how to set up thier bolgs.
Thanks Agian
Have a Great Day
Chester
Great post Gavin you never disappoint. Reading this and with the tutorials I really need to get
some good graphics for my blog a good header would do. You do a great job in your videos I always like your instructional stuff.
Steve
Steve Shoemaker recently posted..How To Add A iframe Tab To Your Facebook Like Page With This WP Plugin
Wonderful Post !!
Do you remember when websites had to be ordered month’s in advance?
Technology has sure come a long way since the beginning and your tutorials make it look very easy, thanks.
Gavin,
once again you have proven to be a great asset with TSA. Your presentation was easy to follow for my members. This saves time and money when getting out thier to brand your name.
Learning from your videos, is a remarkable and easy duplication system. I love the simplicity utilize, through out each step. It is update, and works!
Most stuff out there, is outdated, and makes the task more trying! You have demonstrated, great love in giving back.
We are blessed, to have such dedicated professionals, such as yourself. Supplying real content for others, without a hidden agenda. Remarkable!
I look forward to sharing this link to more people, now and in the future. I have become aware of the people here at TSA. They are great teachers, mentors, and leaders of our business.
Thanks Gavin, please keep doing such a wonderful job!
Gavin,
Although it may be fairly simple to set up a blog, when I created my blog I used a template and then had a technical person make that template smaller at the top and impose it onto a different template – and insert my face into the first template. The whole process was quite complicated so it was just too much for me to even attempt. But I like having the information so that I understand what goes into setting it up.
Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone recently posted..The 3 Serious Relationship Sins
Twitter: WillenaRose
says:
TSA just keeps getting better and better! I so appreciate all you guys do for us, to make it possible for us to get our blogs out there. It never hurts to go through the steps again, and see if there’s something you’ve forgotten or missed.
Willena Flewelling
Willena Flewelling recently posted..The Mystery of Sex Transmutation – The Cricket and the Coins
This is a really comprehensive post, Gavin. I syndicated it because although I am happy with my blog, I know there are lots of people out there who have no idea where to begin. This post is a great jumping-off place.
Wishing you a song in your heart,
Miss Leslie @ Music with Miss Leslie.com
Miss Leslie recently posted..Basic Singing Course Lesson 10- Singing ‘Re’
Twitter: alanjenkin
says:
Another great post, Gavin: I’m amazed at the value you always bring. (I think I want to be like you when I grow up!!!)
I just wish I’d seen this a week or so ago when I started setting up a new blog. I’ll definitely run through it again, but I think most of the time I wasted rediscovering things I thought I knew was probably a good learning experience. The lesson? Check first to see if Havin has a video about it!
Alan
Alan Jenkin recently posted..7 Ways to Improve Windows Performance
@ Dave and Dawn
Wow! Congratulations!!! Good luck on the sale! I happen to like all the snow up here on the East Coast! LOL! Can’t wait to see what you guys are up to!
Great info Gavin,
I remember how I was going crazy setting up my blog and didn’t know anyone to help me… that was before TSA. So for someone who is starting out for the first time this will help them greatly. One thing I discovered is that depending on the theme you chose, not all plugins work. Is that true or is that my imagination ? Thanks!
Wow Gavin! I wish I would of had known about this post two days ago when I was setting up another new site. LOL Just kidding, but I did have to go back in my memory when I was doing a couple of things.
With all the stuff Dawn and I have going on over the last year, we are to the point and made the decision to sell our franchise down here in Florida and work our primary and social media Full Time!
What better way to sell a business or even yourself other than designing a site just for it. It’s not 100% complete yet, but feedback is always welcome.
So, if you know of anyone who wants to move to Florida and wants a FUN business, send them our way. http://floridabusinessforsale.info/
Gavin, Thanks for putting more great content out their for the TSA family! You are one of the Best! Dave and (Dawn)
Dave and Dawn Cook recently posted..“One of the TOP TEN Hottest NEW Franchises!” – Success magazine
Dave and Dawn, Congratulations on your decision to sell your franchise. Will you stay in Florida? Also, do you ever get to the east coast. I would love to connect if ever possible.
Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone recently posted..The 3 Serious Relationship Sins
Twitter: _MandySwift_
says:
Hi Gavin,
‘Behind the scenes’ with WP is definitely not one of my strong points, – plugins are my biggest nightmare at the moment. It all seems so simple yet there is so much to learn so thanks for the great tips. Happy to declare I am a ‘Woo’ themes owner, so looking forward to the addtional training over the next few weeks
Loving all the benefit you guys keep on delivering for us all here. Really appreciate the community
Mandy Swift recently posted..Why Isn’t Your Email Marketing Campaign Working
Gavin-
If only I had your videos when I set my blog up! I too learned by trial and error and it seemed to take forever to get things going. I still don’t know sometimes if I have things going!!!! Anyway thanks for the great resource as I will be sharing with others who need help with their blog. Also, thanks for making TSA great!!!!!!!!
Cori
Cori Hughes recently posted..Were You Duped By Your Network Marketing Company
Oh My Goodness what a fabulous tutorial – very thorough!
Excellent! I know a lot of people who are still using blogger etc and they would love this info!
I struggled a lot with mine, being a simple sailing girl and all that!
Thank you for all you do…
Kind regards,
Emma
Emma recently posted..The Rescue Mission
Awesome information. I have a blog with blogger but I will liketo host my own because of the benefits behind it. I will be using this tutorial to help me out with it.
Is it possible to do some sort of merging between the 2 blogs?
Marlon Acosta recently posted..Five Great Things about Your Network Marketing Opportunity
Hi Gavin & thanks for the very detailed info & step by step videos…will definitely come in handy as I have a new friend who, just the other day, was asking me about how to establish a professional looking blog, and now I can forward on to her
Christine
Christine Casey recently posted..How to Create Safe Passwords
Twitter: gavinmountford
says:
Pleasure Christine, if your friend needs any help please let me know.
Thanks
Gavin
I know what you mean. I felt the same way 2 years ago when I just started with my blog. It even took me a while to figure out why do I even needed a blog. Today, after sharing so many wonderful and valuable thoughts I can’t imagine being without a blog. It is sure much easier when you have the right guidance (whether with putting together a blog or anything else that one wish to succeed with and shorten the amount of time it takes) Thanks for all these videos, I will recommend to others to come by and get these valuable tips from you.
Sigal Zoldan
Still Single? http://AttractYourTrueLove.com
http://blog.sigalzoldan.com
Sigal Zoldan recently posted..Still Single Free Teleseminar Will Teach You Some Powerful Secrets Please ReTweet-Post-Share
Wow I remember going through this process I followed a friend mines videos and this took forever. Not that the information wasn’t good it was I just wasn’t at the time. I am proud to share this quality info to as I hope it will help someone like the info I found helped me.
Steve
Steve Shoemaker recently posted..Add Your YouTube RSS Feed To Your Facebook Like Page Or Profile
Twitter: gavinmountford
says:
Lol, yep brings back memories doesn’t it? Appreciate you sharing the info… I know there are still MANY people out there who have no clue how to set up their blogs… my goal was to create a piece of training which empowers people to do it themselves.
We still offer the blog set up service for people who are struggling, which again is very powerful as it ensures we have everything set up exactly right for the customer,
Thanks
Gavin
Hi Gavin,
This is a great post:)These tutorials are very useful for everybody who is serious about his online business.Nobody should miss them.
The blog is your business card so we all have to our best to look great and to be filled with valuable content.
The best part is that you don’t have to struggle if you follow these simple and clear instructions:)
Thank for sharing this!
All the best,
Radu
Radu Dascalul recently posted..Burning Desire-The fuel for success
Twitter: gavinmountford
says:
You’re right… your blog is effectively your business card. It’s where many people make a first impression of you before they ever buy your product or join your business.
So, people MUST work hard to create a great looking blog with awesome content along with their contact details and social proof, ie blog comments etc.
Great to hear from you,
Gavin
Hey Gavin!
Thank you for this great resource you have established here. This goes much further then the article I wrote in the past (see link below) with much more view on the details.
Excellent work and this mini tutorial will be handed out by me in future. Tell us… What was your biggest hurdle when you started building your blog and how did the today services eliminate these problems? I agree with Marc that blogging is a very vital part of building a brand online. Look forward to catch up soon on this blog…
All the best,
Alex
Alexander Paul recently posted..Creating A Blog Can Save You!
Twitter: gavinmountford
says:
Hi Alexander, I think for me it was looking at the cpanel without the use of fantastico. When I first set up my first blog, it was all done through ftp and cpanel + creating a database and username etc on my own.
That was pretty tricky when I had no idea what to do.
It’s much easier now with fantastico and other simple tools. I actually think it was a better learning curve back when I first set up my blog because it forced me to understand more about cpanel and databases etc.
Great question to ask!
Thanks
Gavin
Thanks Gavin, very useful tutorials! Creating a WordPress blog and knowing how to customize it is an essential thing for anyone who wants to start building an online business. Most people are just afraid to start, but once they do it they realize that it is not that hard at all.
I think anyone can become a skilled internet marketer if they are willing to take that extra step beyond their comfort zone.
All the best,
George
George Tiganus recently posted..Traffic Geyser vs Tubemogul vs Content Buzz
Twitter: gavinmountford
says:
It’s definitely stepping out of that comfort zone isn’t it? People are afraid but unfortunately they never grow if they just stick to what they know.
It’s great to see so many people within TSA breaking out of their comfort zone! I’m so happy for people when they do so.
Thanks George,
Gavin
Gavin,
Great video series…your training is ALWAYS TOP NOTCH and this will help a lot of people. I will be sharing it often.
Blogging is so critical these days and is the best way to really brand yourself and gain massive exposure and build great relationships.
It serves as the central hub of ALL of your Networking and marketing activities and with your training, anyone can be up and running with their own blog quickly.
If you are passionate about ANYTHING, just blog about it and share your passion with the world!!
To your massive success,
Marc
Marc Korn recently posted..Stop Procrastination Now and Eat That Frog!
Twitter: gavinmountford
says:
Glad to hear Marc, and thank you for helping us get the message out… I always aim to create top notch content which anyone would feel happy to share with their friends and followers!
The blog is so important as you said! I know it took you a while to get a blog if I can remember correctly? But glad to see you have it all set up now!
Thanks
Gavin
Gavin, this is outstanding!! I will be sharing this often with friends who ask about blog setup, as I could not say it better myself!!
I too have set up my own blog and felt very “stupid” about the whole thing during the process. Once I got to the end (and thanks to the very friendly customer support from Hostgator!!) I made it through (felt quite brilliant at that point by the way) and am now the proud owner of not one but two blogs!!
Lorri Ratzlaff recently posted..No More Excuses!
Twitter: gavinmountford
says:
Hi Lorri,
Yeah, feel free to share a-way
There are many people who have no idea and no clue.
Definitely not worth feeling stupid about though as it’s a learning curve just like everything else…
2 blogs is excellent! Certainly takes up a fair bit of time though doesn’t it?
Gav,
TSA is rocking!
Thanks for sharing these tutorial videos. It is easy to set up a basic blog and like you I learned the hard way.
I know hiring someone to do is process is affordable (I have done it myself for others) but easy enough to do on your own.
Blogging is such an important aspect because not only is it only central hug but it gives you a mark in the online community.
TSA is a perfect example how this works to your advantage.
Have a great one and hope the back is feeling better!
Tommy D.
Twitter: gavinmountford
says:
Agreed, it definitely takes a bit of time the first time someone does it but I always tell people to go through the experience, make mistakes and eventually do it. People feel much better when it’s done.
On the other hand, people just don’t have the time to set it up, or would like to save time… so hiring someone to do it makes much more sense.
Thanks Tommy! Hope the networking is going well!
Gavin