Wanderhoney.com

This post is specially written for all the newbies who are just starting out in the world of blogging. But before we dive in, let me give you a little intro about this blog you’re reading—Wanderhoney.

I created this blog back in early 2016 without any background knowledge. Yup, zero. People always ask me if I hired someone to build this blog. Nope! I figured everything out on my own through YouTube and WordPress forums. 😅

And let me be honest—I wasn’t even good at writing at the start. If you compare my writing now with how I wrote a year ago, the difference is huge. Like, wow. I never thought this blog would grow the way it has. Alhamdulillah, I’ve received so many kind messages and positive feedback from readers, and I get emails almost every day.

After two years of blogging, I finally started earning money from it. Can you believe I once got paid $50 (yes, USD not MYR) just to share a link on my blog? Just the link—no need to write anything! Now imagine if I posted 10 links? 😉 You do the math.

So, if you’re inspired and want to start a blog like mine, here’s how you can do it:

1. Create a Free Blog on WordPress.com

Let’s clear up something first—WordPress.com and WordPress.org are two different things. Both are great, but the main difference is:

• WordPress.com = free to use, beginner-friendly, hosting included.

• WordPress.org = for advanced bloggers, requires separate hosting (more on that later).

For now, if you’re just getting started, I highly recommend WordPress.com. You don’t have to pay anything, and they offer lots of nice free themes. Just know that your blog URL will include wordpress.com unless you decide to buy your own domain name later (you totally can once you’re ready!).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to www.wordpress.com

2. Click “Get Started” at the top right

3. Choose “Start with a blog”

4. When asked for a category or theme, just skip or pick anything for now

5. Type your desired blog name and choose a FREE domain (avoid the paid options for now!)

6. Select the Free plan when asked about hosting

7. Create your account with an email, username & password

Tadaa! You’ve just created your first blog. Easy, right?

2. Get Familiar with Your WordPress Dashboard

Before you rush into writing your first blog post (I know you’re excited!), take some time to explore your WordPress dashboard. Click around. Try things. Don’t worry—you won’t break anything. 😄

Go to Settings → scroll to the bottom and under Privacy, set your blog to Private for now (until you’re ready to share it with the world).

To manage your account, click the icon on the top-right corner. You can change your password, update your profile, or check purchases (if you ever decide to upgrade later). Once you’re done there, click “My Sites” on the top-left to go back to your dashboard.

Next, it’s time to customize your blog! WordPress.com offers tons of free themes. Just click Activate on the one you like. If you change your mind later, it’s super easy to switch. Wanna go premium? You can upgrade anytime.

To see how your blog looks to readers, just click “View Site”. This is where you can check what needs editing before you start publishing posts.

3. Why I Recommend WordPress.com Over Blogger.com

My very first blog? It was on Blogger—good ol’ Blogspot days, 7 years ago. 😅
But now? I use WordPress exclusively.

Here’s why:
Blogger is great for casual blogging or if you’re just playing around. But if you’re planning to turn your blog into something serious, WordPress is the way to go.

With WordPress:

• You truly own your blog and content.

• You have more control, flexibility, and long-term growth.

• Most successful blogs and websites use WordPress.

Unlike Blogger (owned by Google), WordPress doesn’t randomly take down your site. It might take time to learn, but trust me, it’s so worth it.

P/S: Want to Get Serious with Blogging?

Once you’re ready to go pro and move to WordPress.org (self-hosted), you can buy your own web hosting. That gives you full control over your blog with no restrictions. You’re the boss. 

Start small, enjoy the process, and have fun with your new blog.

Till next time, happy blogging! 💕

Coffee helps me write. Support helps me shine. 🥰