Login to WordPress

Go to http://en.wordpress.com/wp-login. On the top left of the page you’ll see the login and password and you can insert the details you saved when you set up the blog in the first place. Alternatively, you can login at http://youblogname.wordpress.com/wp-admin.

Dashboard - We'll adjust the settings in the red box

Adjust the Settings

1. Click on Settings (left hand column)
2. Once the window opens, you can change the name of your blog (but not the address) and the tagline for your blog. Be sure to use some important keywords in your tagline.

Change your title if you want to and create your tagline.

Adjust the Discussion Settings

There are a number of options to adjust. For now, we’ll deal with the essentials. The privacy settings we’ll reset after the blog is up and running.

Below you’ll see a sample of how to setup the discussion settings.

Discussion Settings

The fewer barriers to discussion you have, the better. However, you also want to be aware of what people are saying and try to prevent spamming of your blog.

Let’s Change the Appearance of Your Blog

Click on Appearance. Browse the myriad options for the look of your blog. Preview a few and see what you like and what suits your business and your personality. When you find one you like, click “Activate” and visit your blog to see the new design. If you don’t like it after all, then go back to Appearance and select again. If you want to customize it, you’ll need the help of your web designer.

My decision on a look.

Tomorrow I’ll show you how to add widgets to your site. Please ask any questions or make comments via the “No comments/comments” link below this post.

The First Steps:

1. Go to wordpress.com. If you are using the other alternative where you put the blog into your website, you would go to wordpress.org. But today, we’ll be in wordpress.com.
2. You’ll see a number of things. Near the top right of the page you’ll see, “Express Yourself” and underneath that, a button that says, “Sign Up Now”. Click on that orange button.
3. Fill in the blanks.
   • First, make up a user name. Be sure to write it down so you can remember it.
   • Create a password. Avoid things like your name of birthdate. Again, write it down.
   • Confirm the password.
   • Check the legal.
   • Click on “Give me a blog”.
   • Click Next
   

   The first step in setting up your blog.

   A problem arises.
   

   

   The name is already taken. I have to think of something new.

   It took a few tries but I came up with a name that works. Here is the view of that.
   

   

   Successful choice of name.

   Click Signup.

   Now, you will see the following message.
   

   

   Check your email to confirm your registration.

   Check your email and you’ll see a similar message to this. Click on the link and your account will be activated.

   

   Follow the instructions in the email to activate your blog.

   If that works, you should see the screen below.
   

   

   You now have a blog. Congratulations!

   You can click on “View your site” if you want but it will be pretty boring at this point. Tomorrow I’ll show you how to jazz it up and create some of the settings.

   Please let me know via the “No comments/comments” link below if you have any questions about what I’ve written today.

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