How to Create a Blog Website for Free with Top Free Websites and Themes

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Posted Oct 22, 2024

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If you're looking to create a blog website for free, there are several options available to you. WordPress.com is a popular choice, offering a free plan that lets you create a blog with a custom domain name.

To get started with WordPress.com, you can sign up for an account and choose a free theme from their extensive library. With over 200 free themes to choose from, you're sure to find one that fits your style.

One of the benefits of using WordPress.com is that it's easy to use, even for beginners. Their drag-and-drop editor makes it simple to customize your blog's design and layout.

You can also use Blogger, a free blogging platform from Google, to create a blog website.

A fresh viewpoint: Create One Page Website Free

Choosing a Platform

WordPress is the most popular blogging software and content management system in the world, powering about half a billion websites.

WordPress currently powers 39% of the web, and more bloggers, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies use WordPress than all other options combined.

You can choose from other content management systems like Joomla, Drupal, Squarespace, Shopify, and Wix, but here's why WordPress stands out: 500+ sites are built each day using WordPress, while only 60-80 per day are built on platforms like Shopify and Squarespace.You can get started for free.WordPress has an incredible developer ecosystem, making it easy to build your web development skills.

Why Choose?

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WordPress is the most popular blogging software and content management system in the world, powering about half a billion websites.

39% of the web is built on WordPress, making it the obvious choice for blogging software, with 60% of the market share.

You can't ignore the numbers: 500+ sites are built each day using WordPress, compared to only 60-80 per day on platforms like Shopify and Squarespace.

Getting started with WordPress is free, which is a huge plus for anyone looking to start a blog or website.

WordPress has an incredible developer ecosystem, making it easy to build your web development skills quickly.

Here are just a few reasons why WordPress stands out from the rest:

Choose a Domain Name

Choosing a domain name is a crucial step in setting up your website. A domain name is like yourwebsite.com, and you'll need to choose a domain extension like .com, .net, .org, or .co. While .com is the most preferred, other extensions will work just as well.

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You'll need to check if your desired domain name is available. If it's not, try a different extension, abbreviating or rearranging words. This will help you find an available domain.

A good domain name should be easy to remember and proclaim, and it's best to keep it short and precise. For example, a name like www.wperp.com is a good choice. Avoid using hyphens or numbers in your domain name.

Some top domain name service providers to consider are Domain.com, Bluehost, and Namecheap. If you want to buy a domain name from Domain.com, navigate to the domain search area, type your desired name, and click on the "add to cart" button to complete the purchasing criteria.

Medium

Medium is a highly popular platform for free blogger sites, with no paid registrations required to get started. It's a great place to share your ideas or stories.

You can support the platform and authors by purchasing a membership starting from $5/month, but most posts are available to read and publish for free. This makes it a great option for those on a budget.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Start Writing on Medium (2024) Medium Article Writer Tutorial

Medium provides tools for basic text formatting before you publish your post, similar to WordPress. You can also share your publications, add links, and featured images to attract readers' attention.

Medium supports customization of SEO data, such as title and description, to properly display your post in search results. This is a big plus for those who want to increase their online visibility.

Here are some of the highlights and features of Medium:

  • Highlights & embeddable elements;
  • Social cards for more interactive sharing;
  • Tags & in-line notes;
  • Different topics for each publication;
  • Built-in SEO tools.

Medium was launched in 2012 by A Medium Corporation.

Tumblr

Tumblr is one of the few blog websites that focuses on visual content over text. It's a great platform to express yourself and share your thoughts and ideas through various types of posts.

You don't have to worry about word limits on Tumblr, which makes it perfect for personal blog websites. This flexibility is a big plus, especially if you're used to the character limits of other social media platforms.

Credit: youtube.com, WordPress vs Tumblr Blogging Platforms Comparison

Tumblr supports 7 different types of blog posts, including text, images, video, audio, and even chat. You can also connect a custom domain without any extra fees, which is a great way to give your blog a professional touch.

The platform has a well-developed post tagging system, making it easy to categorize and organize your content. However, it's worth noting that Tumblr's customization options are a bit limited.

Here are some of Tumblr's key features:

  • 7 available blog post types;
  • Integrated advertising tools (Tumblr Blaze);
  • Custom domain support;
  • Well-developed post tagging system;
  • Limited blog customization features.

Hashnode

Hashnode is a great choice for developer bloggers who want a hassle-free experience. It's a free blogging platform that's specifically designed for developers.

One of the standout features of Hashnode is its WYSIWYG post editor, which makes it easy to create and format content. This editor also supports highlighting and embeds, making it perfect for developers who want to share code snippets or embed videos.

Hashnode is built for performance and user-friendliness, making it a joy to use. Its automated GitHub backup of your articles is also a major plus, giving you peace of mind that your content is safe.

Here are some of the key benefits of using Hashnode:

  • Best choice for developer bloggers;
  • WYSIWYG post editor with support for highlighting and embeds;
  • Built for performance and user-friendly blogging;
  • Automated GitHub backup of your articles.

Setting Up Your Website

Credit: youtube.com, How To Make A WordPress Blog 2024 ~ A Blog Tutorial For Beginners

WordPress is a free blogging platform that's perfect for creating a website. It's open-source software, which means it's free to use and customize.

To get started, you'll need to install WordPress on your website, which can be done in a few minutes by choosing from thousands of pre-made templates and using simple drag & drop editing features. No coding necessary.

Once the WordPress installation is complete, you'll get an email with your WordPress login information, so make sure to keep track of your login info.

You can also create a custom email address to use with your website, such as [email protected]. To do this, from the BlueHost dashboard, click the “Advanced” tab on the left sidebar and fill out the details for your email account.

If this caught your attention, see: Free Email Search Website

Provide Website Details

Now that you have your website installed, it's time to provide some essential details. Your website's domain name must be unique, so choose one that hasn't been taken already. If you're using a free platform like Blogspot, your domain name will be suffixed with blogspot.com by default.

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Here are some examples of domain names: bestbooks.blogspot.com or itbooks.blogspot.com. You can also use a custom domain name, but we'll cover that later. For now, let's focus on getting your website's title and address set up.

Your website's title is what appears at the top of the page, and it should clearly reflect the content and purpose of your site. For example, if you're creating a website about books, your title could be "Best IT Books Blog". Make sure to choose a title that's easy to remember and relevant to your content.

Here's a quick checklist to help you get started:

Remember, your domain name and title are the first things visitors will see when they land on your website, so take your time and choose wisely!

Setting up the permalink structure for your website is a crucial step in creating a user-friendly and search engine optimized online presence.

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You can choose a custom permalink structure in your blog's settings, as seen in Blogspot, where you can provide a value for it. Lowercase words with hyphens in between are ideal choices for this.

To set the desired permalink structure, simply choose custom permalink in your sidebar and provide the value. This will help your website's URLs look clean and organized.

Here's a list of the key points to consider when setting up your permalink structure:

  • Use lowercase words with hyphens in between
  • Choose custom permalink in your sidebar and provide the value
  • This will help your website's URLs look clean and organized

Blogger

You can use Blogger to create a website, and it's a great option if you want to start quickly and easily. It was originally launched in 1999 and is owned by Google.

Blogger provides a range of features, including multiple themes with customizable color schemes, which can be a great way to personalize your website's design. You can choose from 12 themes and multiple color variations.

The platform also offers detailed analytical tools, which can help you track the success of your posts and learn more about what interests your readers. This can be especially useful if you're just starting out and want to see how your content is performing.

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One of the benefits of using Blogger is that it's free, with no maintenance costs or fees to worry about. The developers of the platform handle all the maintenance, so you can focus on creating content and engaging with your readers.

Here are some key features of Blogger:

  • Multiple themes with customizable color schemes;
  • Blog monetization with Google AdSense;
  • Detailed analytical tools;
  • Support of custom domains.

Blogger is a great option if you want to create a website quickly and easily, and it's a good choice for personal blogs.

Designing Your Website

Designing your website is a crucial step in creating a blog website for free. You can choose from thousands of different themes in WordPress, which are known as "themes" or "designs". Changing your theme will completely change the design of your website.

To browse the available free themes, go to the left sidebar in the WordPress dashboard and click on "Appearance –> Themes". You can browse the available themes or search for something specific. I would suggest using the Astra theme, as it offers a variety of pre-designed websites that make this process easy.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Make a Free Blog Website on Blogger.com

If you choose the Astra theme, you'll be taken to a page with a variety of website templates to choose from. Be aware that some of the templates require that you pay to use them, but there are many free options available. To install the Astra theme, go to the search box and type "Astra", then click the blue "Install" button.

Here are some popular free WordPress themes to consider:

Remember, the key to finding the right template for you is to look at the overall layout and functions, not just the name. You can preview each template by clicking on it and then clicking on the "Preview" button on the bottom left. If everything looks good, go ahead and click the blue "Import Complete Site" button.

Site Design

Choosing a site design is a crucial step in designing your website. You can browse thousands of free themes on the WordPress dashboard by clicking on "Appearance –> Themes" on the left sidebar.

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WordPress offers a vast array of themes, making it easy to find one that suits your needs. You can search for something specific or browse through the available options.

One of the best free themes available is Astra, which offers a variety of pre-designed websites. To install Astra, simply type "Astra" in the search box and click the blue "Install" button.

Once installed, you'll be taken to a page with various website templates to choose from. Be aware that some templates require payment, but there are plenty of free options available.

When selecting a template, don't get too hung up on the name – it's the overall layout and functions that matter. If your website's main goal is to sell products, any store template will work for you.

To get a full preview of a template, click on it and then click the "Preview" button on the bottom left. If everything looks good, go ahead and click the blue "Import Complete Site" button.

Here's a list of free WordPress themes and plugins to get you started:

Remember, themes can be endlessly customized, but starting with a great theme will make your life much easier. You can select from thousands of themes available on ThemeForest and WordPress.org.

Create a Header

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Creating a header for your website is crucial, as most conversions and traffic are generated through an engaging header.

A header should include social icons, quick navigation, important links, and a search button, among other essential elements.

You want to showcase these primary elements in the right place on your website and in an appropriate way to make a great first impression.

Most websites use a header to draw attention to their most important features and call-to-actions.

By putting all the necessary elements in the header, you can create a professional-looking website that encourages visitors to stay and explore.

Customizing Your Website

To customize your website, start by accessing the customizer in the WordPress dashboard, found under "Appearance" on the left sidebar. This is where you can see all the available options for customizing your site.

You can also use free plugins like Stratum and Getwid to enhance your blog's functionality and design. These plugins provide widgets and blocks that feature professionally designed elements for your blog.

For deep customization, consider using block-based themes for WordPress, such as Prime FSE or Getwid Base, which can be easily customized and come with pre-designed blocks.

Other Customizations

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To customize your website, you can access a range of options by going to "Appearance –> Customizer" on the left sidebar of the WordPress dashboard.

You can use free plugins to enhance your blog's functionality. For example, Stratum and Getwid are free plugins that improve the functionality of Elementor and Gutenberg builders by providing widgets and blocks with professionally designed elements.

Block-based themes for WordPress are a great choice for easy customization. Prime FSE and Getwid Base are suitable solutions that come with design elements to help you get started with online publishing.

The WordPress dashboard offers a range of customization options, and you can access them by navigating to "Appearance –> Customizer".

Editing Existing Pages

To edit an existing page, you'll want to navigate to the page you want to edit. Let's start with the homepage.

Hover over the home icon at the top left of the WordPress dashboard, then click on “Visit Site” to see what your homepage looks like currently.

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To edit the homepage, click “Edit with Elementor” from the top menu bar. You'll only see this option because you're logged in as an administrator.

You'll now see the Elementor page editor, which lets you edit your page in a visual and intuitive way.

The page you're editing will appear on the right side of the screen, while various editing options will be available on the left.

Click on any element on the page, such as a headline, and the editing options will show up on the left.

You can add new text, a link, or change the text size by using the editor box that appears.

If you want to add more editing options, click the “Style” tab at the top of the editor.

To save your changes, simply click the “Update” button at the bottom of the editing panel.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Free Add Website to Search Engines

Add Gadget to Website

You can add gadgets to your website's sidebar, below the navigation menu, and in footers.

Clicking the "Add a Gadget" button in the layout section opens a popup window where you can browse and add gadgets.

To add a gadget, don't forget to save the settings after making your selection.

Publishing Your Website

Credit: youtube.com, How To Make A WordPress Blog 2024 - A Blog Tutorial For Beginners

Now that you've created your website on Blogspot, it's time to start publishing articles. You can start by writing content, adding a title, and hitting Publish to make your post live.

Blogspot will automatically generate a permalink for your post, which is a link to your article that you can enter in your browser to view it.

As soon as you publish your post, you'll be asked if you want to share it on Google+, which can be a great way to drive traffic to your website.

Your permalink will be based on the title you provided in the title section, so make sure to choose a title that accurately represents your article.

Add Content to Your Site

Adding content to your site is where the magic happens. You can create webpages like your homepage, about page, contact us, and more using Pages in WordPress.

Whatever you need your WordPress blog to be, it all starts with the content. Whether it's a simple landing page to collect emails or a publishing superpower like TechCrunch, people want to see your content!

Credit: youtube.com, How To Make A WordPress Blog 2024 - A Blog Tutorial For Beginners

WordPress is an open-source and user-friendly platform for blogging, and it's one of the main choices for creating a free, responsive, and content-rich blog. With WordPress, you have full control over every aspect of your blog.

Here are some benefits of using WordPress:

  • Constant free updates;
  • Lots of free & premium plugins to enhance your blog’s functionality;
  • SEO-friendly and ready for mobile devices;
  • Perfect for all types of blogging;
  • Strong & supportive user community.

To create your first blog post in WordPress, navigate to WP Dashboard > Posts > Add New. You'll find a plus-like button that gives you access to useful options like paragraphs, headings, lists, images, codes, and more.

Using Free Tools

Using free tools can be a great way to start a blog website without breaking the bank. WordPress, the best free blogging platform, offers a variety of free themes and plugins to enhance your blog.

You can use free plugins like Stratum and Getwid to improve the functionality of Elementor and Gutenberg builders. These plugins provide widgets and blocks with professionally designed elements for your blog.

To design your blog, consider using block-based themes for WordPress, such as Prime FSE and Getwid Base. These themes can be easily customized and come with pre-designed blocks to make your blogging experience more attractive.

Here are some key facts about popular free blogging platforms:

Free Domain Names

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Free domain names are available with web hosting, and you can get one for free when you purchase web hosting from a provider like BlueHost. They will register your domain name for free.

You can create a custom email address with your free domain name, such as [email protected]. This is included with web hosting, and you can access your email account from the BlueHost dashboard.

WordPress is free to use, and it's known as "open-source software", which means it is free to use and customize. You just need to have a web hosting account.

To create a custom email address, go to the BlueHost dashboard, click the "Advanced" tab, and fill out the details for your email account. You can then click "Create" at the bottom.

Some key features of free domain names include:

  • Free registration of your domain name
  • Free professional email accounts
  • Free automatic installation of WordPress
  • Good customer service and a money-back guarantee
  • Fast and reliable web hosting

Keep in mind that you'll need to choose a unique domain name, and if the one you want is already registered, you'll need to try a different one.

Top 10 Free Websites

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If you're looking to create a blog without breaking the bank, there are plenty of free websites to choose from. These platforms offer a range of benefits that make them perfect for bloggers of all levels.

Here are some key features to look out for when selecting a free blog website:

  • Free publishing: This means you can create and publish content without incurring any costs.
  • Quick & easy setup: Most free blog websites have an intuitive setup process that doesn't require any technical expertise.
  • Detailed analytics: Built-in analytics tools help you track your blog's performance and understand what resonates with your readers.
  • Zero maintenance cost: This means you don't have to worry about maintenance or technical issues, freeing up more time for creative pursuits.

With these features in mind, you can start exploring the top free websites for bloggers.

Free Themes and Plugins to Kickstart Your Website

WordPress is a free blogging platform that offers a wide range of benefits for bloggers. It provides free publishing, quick and easy setup, detailed analytics, and zero maintenance cost. You can create a custom email address and get a free domain name with web hosting.

WordPress has a vast collection of free themes and plugins that can enhance your blog and make it more attractive. For example, you can use Stratum and Getwid plugins to improve the functionality of your blog. These plugins provide widgets and blocks with professionally designed elements that can be easily customized.

Credit: youtube.com, Create An Astra Theme WordPress Website 2024 ~ A Free Astra Tutorial For Beginners

You can choose from thousands of free themes available on WordPress.org. Themes are a fundamental part of WordPress and can be endlessly customized. You can select a theme that suits your website's type and install it easily by uploading a zip file into the WordPress dashboard.

Here are some of the best free themes and plugins to kickstart your website:

Prime FSE is another suitable solution for your blog, offering a range of design elements to help you get started with online publishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a simple blog website?

To create a simple blog website, start by choosing a blogging platform with customizable templates and hosting, then follow the essential steps of setting up your blog, selecting a niche, and writing engaging content. Begin with a solid foundation and you'll be on your way to creating a successful online presence.

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Claire Beier

Senior Writer

Claire Beier is a seasoned writer with a passion for creating informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for simplifying complex concepts, Claire has established herself as a go-to expert in the field of web development. Her articles on HTML elements have been widely praised for their clarity and accessibility.

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