Everyone knows that hosting a blog can become an expensive affair, and the question of cost arises in every new blogger’s mind.
How much does it cost to create a self-hosted WordPress blog?
There is no upper limit to how much you can invest in a blog, and in this guide, I’ll share the minimum amount you need to spend to create a professional blog that you can be proud to share with the world.
How much does it cost to create a WordPress blog?
With WordPress, you can start a blog for very little money .
**The WordPress software is free. You can download it from **WordPress.org .
However, you will also need to pay for some other necessary expenses (such as domain name and hosting space). These additional costs will depend on your specific requirements.
You may also choose to invest in customization, SEO, or other factors during the process. These things may cost money, too.
If your goal is just to create a blog on WordPress , you can get started with Bluehost hosting for as little as $60 with unlimited hosting and a free domain name. The best part is, Bluehost will automatically install the WordPress software for you.[](http://127.0.0.1:86/visit/bluehost)
Get Bluehost Hosting Now (Free Domain)
Domain cost to run a WordPress site: $8 per year
The first thing you need to buy is a domain name. Owning a domain name is like buying a property and having an address for your new website.
You need to make sure your domain name is brandable , or at least keyword-rich.
You should choose a .com, .org, or .net domain name. If you purchase through Bluehost , you will get a free domain name, which can save you a ton of money.
If you need to purchase additional domains, Namesilo is one of the better cheap domain registrars.
- Namesilo : Buy cheap domain names
- Cloudflare : $7.85 for a .com domain
- NameCheap : Another popular website for buying domain names like GoDaddy
The following guidelines can help you choose a domain name:
WordPress web hosting cost: $56-$100
This is a significant investment you make in starting your own WordPress blog .
I would recommend that you do not compromise on the quality of hosting services. You should try to get reliable (but affordable) web hosting. For new blogs, shared hosting is best.
Here are some recommended WordPress hosting services and their prices for a year:
WordPress installation cost: Mostly free
There are many tutorials and resources on the internet to help you learn how to install WordPress .
Here are some tutorials I’ve written that can be used to walk you through the process of installing WordPress and setting up a blog:
- 11 basic settings after installing WordPress
- Must Have WordPress Plugins (Our Exclusive List)
You can easily do all of this by following the DIY guide above.
However, if you find that this requires too much technical knowledge for you, or you don’t have the time, you can take advantage of ShoutMeLoud’s WordPress services.
You can also refer to our WordPress guides page for more WordPress resources.
WordPress Theme Cost: (Free to $400)
In my experience, the most difficult task is choosing the right theme for your website in terms of speed, price, and functionality . There are many free WordPress themes, but they lack some important aspects of premium WordPress themes .
If you are looking for a low-cost solution, I recommend using Genesis Theme or Astra Theme .
WordPress Premium Plugins: ($47-200)
One of the main advantages of WordPress is the large number of free plugins available, many of which can be found in the WordPress plugin repository.
There are also many premium plugins to choose from, at varying prices.
Technically, as a new blogger looking to start a blog with minimal investment, you may not need any premium services or plugins. But if you don’t have a problem with investment, you can get some premium plugins to help you improve the functionality of your site (for example, improving on-page SEO optimization).
- Here is a list of plugins I use in SidelinePlay[](http://127.0.0.1:86/the-best-wordpress-plugins.html)
Now let’s calculate the cost of a WordPress blog (you need to do everything yourself):
- Basic setup for a free theme: $70
- Basic setup for a premium WordPress theme: $110
- Professional setup with Astra theme: $399
- Professional setup with all the advanced elements: $499-$1499
As a new blogger, you may consider using a basic setup with a premium WordPress theme.
Here are some frequently asked questions about WordPress costs:
Do WordPress plugins cost money?
WordPress is the cheapest way to build a website or blog. Especially for anyone who wants to start a business online, the cost of WordPress is negligible compared to other platforms.
Can you make monthly payments on WordPress?
Yes, there are a lot of monthly hosting services that you can pay month to month. However, prepaying for a year or more can help you save a significant amount of money. I discussed this in depth in my previous guide to saving money on WordPress hosting .
Can you accept payments on WordPress?
Yes, there are many ways you can accept payments on WordPress. Whether it’s PayPal or Stripe, there are many WordPress plugins for that.
How much should I pay someone to build a website using WordPress?
In addition to the cost of WordPress hosting, you should also consider paying $100 to $500 to build your website on WordPress.
How much does WordPress cost per year?
Once your website is up and running, the only fees you’ll pay are:
Hosting Renewal,
Domain Renewal
And if you use any premium plugins, you will need to renew.
If you have any more questions about setting up a new self-hosted WordPress blog, let me know!
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Further reading:
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