Click here to start your website on WordPress, then use the instructions below.
Like many musicians, you’re probably looking at hosting and thinking what in the world is going on here. We recommend using Bluehost for your domain and hosting needs. Bluehost is a great web host that offers cheap and reliable hosting.
Bluehost has been one of my favorite web hosting companies creating blogs and is even one of the top web hosting companies for the past few years. Now you can kickstart your own blog for as low as $3.49 per month. Also if you sign up using that link, then you will get your domain for free if you purchase a 12 month or longer hosting plan through Bluehost. There are no contracts, so if ever at any point you want a refund, you can get one anytime.
While there are many cheaper solutions through Wix, Blogger and WordPress.com, we highly recommend steering clear of these websites.
Here are some reasons we recommend choosing Bluehost for your WordPress website for bands and musicians:
- It’s easy to use.
- Bluehost offers great technical support.
- It’s very affordable at $3.49 per month.
- You get a free domain name.
- WordPress is easy to install.
- WordPress through Bluehost is free.
- You will have a self-hosted website.
Click here to start your website on Bluehost.
Step 1: Register Your Domain Name
The first thing you need to do when starting to build your musician’s website is to think about what your domain name will be. Typically we recommend trying to register a domain with a .com, but there are many reasons to go with a different extension such as .fm, .io, .net, and even .org. While .com has typically ranked higher on search engines, it’s a pretty level ballgame now.
You can get your domain directly through Bluehost to make the whole process much easier. If you do this, you will get your FREE domain for the first year as long as you buy 12 months worth of Bluehost web hosting. We recommend buying at least 12 months of hosting as it’ll be cheaper in the long run.
Related: 7 Best Domain Name Generators
Step 2: Buy Hosting For Your Website
Setting up your WordPress website on Bluehost is very easy. To receive the cheapest price to start your website, choose the “Basic” plan. It’s only $3.49 per month if you sign up for 36 months. If you sign up for 24 months, then the price is $4.95 per month and if you only can sign up for 12 months, it is $5.95 per month. We recommend skipping the Site Backup Pro, Search Engine Jumpstart, SiteLock Security and Comodo PositiveSSL Bundle options to save on price. The only option we may recommend is the Domain Privacy Protection which will hide your contact information to others on the web. This cost is $0.99 per month.
When you are ready to create your website, follow these steps:
- Go to Bluehost and click “Get Started Now.”
- Click on the package you are interested in.
- Enter the domain name.
- Enter your personal and payment information.
- Create your password.
Step 3: Install WordPress
Now is the moment you’ve been waiting for. If you want to start your website on WordPress, please continue reading.
Step 4: Install Your Website Theme
One of the largest marketplaces for WordPress themes in the world is ThemeForest.net. By clicking this link here, you will be presented with WordPress themes. Once you find the one you love, purchase it and then download the “Installable WordPress file only.”
Now head back over to your WordPress dashboard and click Appearance >> Themes // Upload.
Now locate the WordPress theme you’ve purchased from ThemeForest and Install onto WordPress! Now all it takes is some configuration based on the theme you selected.
Woohoo! You’re all done. You’ve officially created your very own website for bands and musicians. These instructions also work for a record label you’ve been wanting to create, a blog or even your personal website.
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