TL;DR
- On a WordPress site: create a page called Blog, then set it as your Posts page under Settings, then Reading. Your posts show there automatically.
- Add the Blog page to your menu so visitors can find it.
- Not on WordPress? A WordPress blog can sit alongside your current site. It just needs its own updates.
- A blog needs upkeep: regular posts and regular updates.
How Do I Add a Blog to My WordPress Website?
WordPress already has a blog built in. You just need a page to show it on:
- Go to Pages, then Add Page (Add New Page on older versions). Title it Blog (or News, or Articles) and publish it. Leave the page empty.
- Go to Settings, then Reading.
- Under “Your homepage displays,” choose A static page. Set Homepage to your home page.
- Set Posts page to the Blog page you just made.
- Click Save Changes.
- Add the Blog page to your menu. See How Do I Add a Page to My Website Menu?
- Publish your first post. See How to Publish a Blog Post on Your WordPress Website
See WordPress’s guide to the Reading settings.
Can I Add a Blog to a Website That Isn’t WordPress?
Yes. A WordPress blog can sit alongside your current site, with links between the two. Webmaster For Hire has set up a site like that, with new posts feeding onto the main site’s home page.
Keep in mind what you’re adding. As Beth explains, “A blog is a website.” It needs its own updates: “You have to update WordPress itself, the theme, and any plugins you add. Otherwise, you can get hacked.”
Already have a blog in WordPress? Keep it there. As Beth told one client, “Your blog is in WordPress. You’re fine. There’s no reason to jump ship and add more unnecessary work.”
How Often Should I Post on My Blog?
Aim for at least once a week. As Beth puts it, “Typically, a minimum of four blog posts a month is great.” Posting on a steady schedule matters more than posting a lot at once.
How Will Visitors Find My Older Posts?
- Categories. Clicking a category shows every post in it.
- Older posts links. Your blog page shows a set number of posts. Links at the bottom lead to older ones. Change the number under Settings, then Reading, in “Number of recent posts shown on archive pages” (“Blog pages show at most” on older versions).
- Search. A search box on your blog page helps visitors find a topic fast.
How Do I Separate Written Posts From Video Posts?
Use categories. Give each video its own post, embed the video in it, and put it in a Video category. See How Do I Add a Video to My Website?
Rather Have Us Set It Up?
We’ll add your blog page, set up categories, and add it to your menu on your Webmaster Retainer. Want us to write the posts too? See How Does Monthly Blog Posting and Approval Work?
What Webmaster For Hire Recommends
- Keep your blog on your own domain, so every post builds up your website.
- Set up categories before you start posting.
- Post on a schedule you can keep.
- Keep the blog updated like the rest of your site. See How Often Should I Update WordPress and My Plugins?
:: Common Questions ::
Does My Blog Need Its Own Updates?
Only if it’s a separate site. A blog built into your WordPress site gets updated with the rest of your site. A WordPress blog next to a non-WordPress site is its own install, so it needs its own updates. See WordPress Support Services.
Can My Home Page Show My Latest Posts?
Yes. Most themes and page builders (drag-and-drop design tools) have a posts section you can add to any page. It updates on its own as you publish.
Ready to Start a Blog?
See our Webmaster Retainer, or request a consultation.
