I spent a month writing my first blog post back in the day.

A whole month. For one post.

Why? Because I was trying to be a mind reader, guessing what people wanted instead of just… starting.

That’s why I wrote this: “How to Start a WordPress Blog in 2026”, so you don’t waste a month like I did.

This is the step-by-step guide I wish I had in 2008 when I started my first messy blog with zero instructions.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How to choose a blog topic without overthinking it (give yourself 3 days max)
• Where to actually get your domain name and hosting (hint: not all those “recommended” hosts)
• The exact 9 plugins you need, nothing more, nothing less
• How to write your first post without comparing it to an essay
• Why most blogs fail in the first 6 months (and how to not be one of them)

The best part? You can get your blog live in 2-4 hours this weekend.

No design degree needed. No coding skills required. Just you, a weekend, and this guide.

​[Read the complete guide here →]​

Quick hosting note:

If you’ve been putting off starting your blog because you’re overwhelmed by hosting options, I get it. I’ve been through HostGator, Bluehost, SiteGround, all the ones everyone promotes.

They were fine… until year two when I had 90% downtime and constant “upgrade for more bandwidth” demands.

Now I use Cloudways (some sites) and BigScoots (others) because I refuse to lose money to downtime again.

Full disclosure: If you sign up through my link, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. But I genuinely use and recommend Cloudways, I've hosted my own sites there since 2015 and wouldn't suggest something I don't use myself.

If you’re starting fresh, go with Cloudways. Through January 15th, you get:

• 30% off for 4 months
• 15 free expert migrations (if you’re switching)
• 3-day free trial – test it risk-free

Use code: WELCOME26

​Start your free trial →​

Look, I know starting feels overwhelming.

You’re worried about picking the wrong niche, the wrong name, the wrong everything.

But here’s the truth: The blogs that fail aren’t the ones that start imperfectly. They’re the ones that never start at all.

This guide walks you through everything, domain name, hosting setup, WordPress installation, your first post, with zero guesswork.

Stop waiting for the “perfect time.” This weekend is good enough.

​[Get started with the guide →]​

Talk soon,

Marilyn

P.S. The guide includes my exact keyword research method using Ubersuggest’s 7-day free trial. No more guessing what people want to read, you’ll know from real search data.