This document provides instructions for setting up a blog on WordPress and Tumblr. It explains that for WordPress, you register on wordpress.com and can choose a custom domain name, then select a theme and start writing posts. For Tumblr, you register on tumblr.com and are only given a tumblr address, but can point a purchased domain to Tumblr; you then select a theme and begin posting. The overall purpose is to discuss how to set up blogs on these two platforms in a straightforward manner.

1. WordPress & tumblr 101: Getting Started
Image by zanderchance.com
Writing a blog is great way to share yourideas and market your expertise in an
area. I began blogging back in November 2011. Blogging had connected me
with so many great people around the globe. I began publishing on the
Wordpress platform. Recently, I began cross publishing my blog on Tumblr.
In this post, I am going to discuss how to set up your blog on Wordpress and
Tumblr.
WordPress

2. The first thing that you need to do is to register on the site. You will have the
option to create either a wordpress.com address or a custom domain name. I
suggest that you pick a custom domain name because your blog will come up
better in search results. Wordpress gives you a choice of web suffixes to choose
from, for example .com, .me etc. I chose the address http://dangalante.me. If you
decide to change the address after you set up the blog that is ok. The
wordpress.com address will automatically be directed to your new address. It
is important to note that you will have to buy the domain name if you want
your own. Hosting is inexpensive and should cost about $25 per year at most
depending on the name you choose. The investment is well worth it because
this will give yourblog its own brand identity.
Once you register, you will see WordPress’s default theme. Click on the
appearance tab and browse the free and premium themes that are available.
You can then choose the one that you would like to install.
Now you are ready to write a post.
To do this click, on the new post tab. A window will pop up. Here you will find
tools to write and edit yourpost. When you are ready to post, just click publish
and you are ready to go.
Tumblr
Like Wordpress, you will have to register on tumblr to set up yourblog. I have
provided the link to the registration page. If you land on the home page, just
click on the sign up button.

3. Once you have signed up, you will be prompted to create a web address. You
will notice that the only address you could create is a tumblr.com address.
Tumblr does not support or partner with site hosting companies. In other
words, you will need to find a third party host on your own. I purchased a
domain name fromYola.com . The name I purchased
is http://askdangalante.com . Once I secured the name, I had to point the address
to the Tumblr servers. (Tumblr provides the specific address and exactly what
CNAME or A-Records needto be changed. Here is the link. You will know if
this is correct if your address redirects to Tumblr and it say page not found.
You can test your domain address in the box under yourTumblr address in the
blog settings. Your address will not link to the site right away. It took 24
hours; although it can take up to 72.
Now you can click on the customized theme and browse through the free and
premium themes. Pick a theme and now you are ready to post. To post, click
on the text tab which is located underneath the Dashboard tab. You will see a
window where you can copy, paste, write and edit your posts. When you are
done, just click the publish button.
As you can see, both Wordpress and Tumblr is user friendly. All you have to do
is start writing! My decision to start writing has been the best decision I have
made. I wish I had started earlier!