Access WordPress
Go to https://wordpress.com/start to begin the process. You may get asked to create an account or sign in to your existing WordPress account.
If you have an account, click on the Log in to create a site for your existing account link at the bottom of the page.

Step 1 – Choose a type
Once you have logged in, you will be taken through six steps to set up your new site. Step 1 asks you what type of site you want to create. Select ‘Blog’ (top option).

Step 2 – Site topic
You will be asked to choose a topic for your site. Use the search field or pick from the popular options below. If you would like to keep it generic select ‘Blogging’.

Preview
WordPress will ask what your site is about to help you set it up (however, you don’t have to specify anything at this stage if you don’t want to).
You will also be shown a preview of your site (desktop and mobile). Click ‘Continue’ to proceed

Step 3 – Give your site a name
In this step you will need to give your site a name. This will appear at the top of your blog and can be changed at anytime.
Again, below you will see a preview of how your site will look.
Click ‘Continue’ to proceed to the next step.

Step 4 – Choose a domain
In this step you will be given some options for your website’s domain (the Web address you see at the top of your browser page – this will be the link to your blog).
Type in your website’s name or a few keywords in the text field at the top of the page and WordPress will give some suggestions for possible domains.
CAUTION: certain domains are available for a fee only. Look through the list to pick one that is free. Watch out for domains that are free for a year, but renew for a fee later. Choose one ending in .blog which is free (click ‘Select’ on its right).

Step 5 – Pick a plan
You will be presented with a number of ‘Plans’, all of them carry a fee for certain features. The free option is available, though it’s not easy to see. Look for a button at the top saying ‘Start with a free site’.

Your site is ready
That’s it. Your site has been created. You can now go through the site setup list to add some content and launch your new website.

Switching between multiple WordPress sites
If they have multiple WordPress sites they can switch between them by going to ‘Switch site’ on the top left of the page (see image above).
Last reviewed 24/1/2020