Using WordPress Hosting to Host Domains

Tired of the free "username.wordpress.com" URL for your WordPress blog? Just as having your own domain looks more professional than using free sub-domains, the same is true for blogs. If you are blogging for business, using WordPress hosting to host your own domain is an excellent, and relatively easy, choice.

For example, let's say that you're currently blogging for business with a free WordPress blog and your blog's address is "yourname.wordpress.com." Wouldn't it be more professional to lose the ".wordpress.com" extension and instead own the YourName.com site? You can easily own your own domain and host it on WordPress by registering the domain name of your choice, signing up for a WordPress hosting account, and installing WordPress to your domain.

Register Your Domain

First, you'll need to see if your desired domain name is available. Just about all Web hosting companies provide a domain lookup tool. Simply enter the desired domain and click the search button. The search results will let you know if the URL is available for common extensions including .com, .net, and .org. You'll also see variations of the URL. If your desired domain name is available, you'll need to register for the domain and pay a small annual fee.

Sign up for WordPress Hosting

In addition to securing the domain name, you'll need to sign up for a WordPress hosting account and pay for hosting, usually either on a monthly basis or prepaid terms. Dozens of Web hosts are compatible with WordPress hosting including GoDaddy.com, DreamHost, and Blue Host.

Install WordPress on Your Domain

Once you have your domain name registered and have signed up with a WordPress hosting compatible Web host, you'll need to install WordPress on your domain. This isn't as difficult as it sounds, especially if you signed up with a Web host that offers "one click" WordPress installations. The process will vary depending on the Web host, but generally speaking, you'll sign into your hosting account and click on "add an application" or "add WordPress." From there, you'll be prompted to select a directory such as YourName.com/wordpress (or install it to the root domain such as YourName.com) and create your user credentials. It will take a few minutes for the installation process. Once complete, you can then sign into YourName.com/wp-admin where you can then customize your blog, select WordPress themes, add content, and begin enjoying your WordPress hosted blog.

Blogging with WordPress and a custom domain is a terrific way to create a professional presence in cyberspace. With hundreds of available themes and plugins, the possibilities are endless!