How to Create a Blog Using WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)

WordPress is one of the most popular platforms for blogging — in fact, it was originally designed with blogging in mind. That means setting up your own blog is quick, flexible, and doesn’t require coding knowledge.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a blog in WordPress, from setting up your first post to organising categories and menus.

By default, WordPress makes it easy to get started:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Posts > Add New.
3. Enter your blog title and content.
4. Add a featured image (this will often display in previews on your site and social media).
5. Click Publish to make your post live.

By default, WordPress displays your latest blog posts directly on the homepage in date order. This means your most recent post will always appear at the top.

Not every website owner wants their blog on the homepage. Many prefer a static homepage (e.g., an “About Us” or services page) and a separate page just for blog posts.

To do this:

1. Go to Pages > Add New and create a new page called “Blog” (or another name of your choice).
2. Then go to Settings > Reading.
   • Set your Homepage to the page you want as your main landing page.
   • Set your Posts page to the “Blog” page you just created.

Now all of your blog posts will automatically appear on that page.

If you’re planning to publish regularly, categories help keep your content organised and easy to navigate.

For example:

• A company blog might have categories like News, Events, and Case Studies.
• A lifestyle blog might use Food, Travel, and Fitness.

To add categories to your site navigation:

1. Go to Appearance > Menus.
2. If you don’t see “Post Categories” listed, click the Screen Options tab at the top right of the page and tick “Categories.”
3. Select the categories you want to display and click Add to Menu.
4. Drag and drop them to arrange where they appear in your navigation.

This way, visitors can filter your blog by topic at a glance.

Your theme controls how your blog posts look. Most WordPress themes are blog-friendly, but you may want to:

• Add widgets like a search bar, recent posts, or categories list in your sidebar.
• Install a theme that includes a dedicated blog layout.
• Use a page builder (e.g., Elementor, Divi, or Gutenberg blocks) for more control over design.

Publishing is only the first step. To make sure your blog gets read:

• Use headings (H2, H3) to break up content and improve readability.
• Add images and media to keep posts engaging.
• Install an SEO plugin (like Yoast SEO or Rank Math) to optimise titles, descriptions, and keywords.
• Share your posts on social media or in email newsletters to drive traffic.

The real key to blogging success is consistency. Set yourself a publishing schedule (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly) and stick to it. Over time, your blog will grow into a valuable resource for readers and a powerful marketing tool for your website.