How to use this Page

One of the more popular series I’ve written is 30 Days to a Stronger Author Website. It breaks the process of creating an author website and blog into a series of daily tasks. Theory covers the WHY, WHEN, and HOW. Technical aspects are covered in depth. More important, it gives solid reasons for WHAT, or the content of your site. Learn what readers want on each of these pages: Home, About, Books, News, Contact, Privacy. Get ideas on how to write your first 15 blog posts.

But first you need a site.

This post will lay out a clear, simple, 15-minute process for starting your website, with lots of visuals. For other details, read the 30 Days to a Stronger Author Website series.

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase. Thank you for your support in this way.

1) Hosting

First, you’ll need to decide where to host your website/blog, or where your computer files will actually live on a server. While some opt for free services, I’ve had a self-hosted WordPress site/blog for over seven years and love the freedom of doing whatever I want on my own site. I don’t have to worry about the terms of service, because I create my own policies.

While there are multiple options for hosting, one of the most popular is Blue Host, which I recommend because of its simplicity and reliability.

Click here to go to BlueHost. This opens a new window so you can go back and forth on the instructions here.
Click the green GET STARTED NOW button.

Next, you’ll need to choose a plan. All of BlueHost’s plans come with one free domain, so there’s not an extra step for registering that–it’s a one-stop service.

2) Choose a Domain

Authors, you should use your name or pen name for your domain. And get a .com if at all possible. This website is DarcyPattison.com. Sometimes, you may want to create a website for a book, so you can use a book title, if desired. But the gold standard is your name.

If you already have a domain, BlueHost makes it simple to switch over; just use the Transfer Domain box.

You’re almost there. Fill in the form with contact info. Make sure the email is working because that’s where you’ll receive information about how to login.

3) Hosting Package

You have a choice now of hosting packages. I’m always amazed at the affordability of a self-hosted package.

I rarely add on any of the extras. Some people like the privacy option, but I’ve never found it necessary.

Of course, it’s time to fill in your billing information. Read the Terms of Service and policies and confirm. Then click NEXT.



You’ll be asked if you want upgrade; I usually skip all these. You can always add things later, if you need something. Instead, skip over to your email and find the welcome email from BlueHost. It’s time to look at your dashboard or the backend of your site. Most hosting companies use a CPanel. You’ll want to read more later on CPanel basics, but for now, we’ll cover how to install your WordPress site.

4) Install WordPress

Go back to BlueHost and Click LOGIN at the top.

Use the info you received in your welcome email to login.
At first the CPanel can look overwhelming (read more on CPanels here), but we just need to install the WordPress that’s listed under Website Builders.

Click on the green START button.

Click on the website where you want to install the WordPress blog. Usually, you leave the directory blank.

Your WordPress user information is important. Do NOT use ADMIN. This will be your login information for the site, so create this with care. Click on the Advanced Options and fill in your site information. Don’t worry: you can always change this later. The admin email is also important because this is where you’ll get emails about the site. When you’re sure everything is correct, click Install Now.

You should see a “SUCCESS” status. Wahoo!

5) Log in to Your Author Website!

You should receive an email with login instructions. Basically, you’ll go to www.YourWebsite.com/wp-admin/login (Replace YourWebsite with the name of your site).

Now, the fun really begins. It’s time to create some content and get your site/blog going.

First, you’ll want to customize your WordPress installation, develop the functionality of the site with plugins, and choose a theme that governs how it looks.

No worries! The 30 Days to an Author Website series will walk you through the next few days!

Guest Expert: Jo-Anne Vandermeulen

The characteristics of a successful blogger are not too far off from the attributes as being an excellent teacher. I taught school for 20 years and swimming for 5 years before that. Classroom management was my strong suit…and the fact that I loved my students, they in turn…loved me back. I can honestly say that I was a great teacher…and, I truly had wonderful students.

Having a teaching background has helped me become an expert blogger in such a short amount of time, but it is not a requirement…so don’t worry if education is not in your background. You may still have the essential qualities to *conquer all obstacles* and become a blogger with a huge following. Ask yourself these questions:

1.) Can you captivate an audience? Whether it’s on a one-to-one or in front of a group, are all the eyes cast upon your face and anticipating your next words?

Write articles in a variety of ways – Include various instructional methods—all levels of learning will be your viewers. They will be at different stages. Presenting a variety of methods and the complexity of the content is so important. When I write a post, I sometimes use point form, questions, bold statements, quotes, and usually include examples. Hook your audience right from the beginning. Repeat what works.

2.) Are you speaking from the heart? Do you show empathy, opening yourself by sharing honest examples of yourself; thus, exposing vulnerability?

Write with no fear – This is no time to consider judgements from others. Remember that what we say is subjective and our job is not to make everyone happy. Take chances and open yourself up…you’ll be amazed at how many others can relate to your story and come on board as more than just followers…but also as fans.

3.) Are you sincere when you show each individual is special?

Accept all attitude—The viewer must feel included and part of a community. They will not only want to stay until the end of the post; but also, will come back to read more. Begin the post with a ‘welcome’. Be inviting for the newbies by encouraging their talents…invite them to guest blog and offer to guest blog on their site. Thank the followers and fans—really show your appreciation by telling them that without an audience, you definitely wouldn’t be a blogger. You need them…and tell them that. Your viewers are needed!

4.) Is your message positive and the new content attainable?

Use the word ‘always’— Present content in a fashion of ‘do’ instead of what ‘not to do’. Keep the negative words out. Instead of using the word ‘never’, use ‘always’. As a lifeguard, I use to call out to a running child to walk on the deck…not the words, “don’t run”. The word ‘walk’ is positive and shows the behaviour you need for them to understand. Yelling the words, “Don’t run”, is negative and plants the seed of the inappropriate action as being acceptable. Words are powerful so check to see the phrases you use in your posts.

For your viewers to respect you, first you must genuinely respect them. As a blogger, our job is not only to supply valuable content; but also, to make the readers feel special. I use the brand or motto, *conquer all obstac