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🔐 Step 1: Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard

1. Go to your WordPress website.
2. At the end of your URL, type:
   yourwebsite.com/wp-admin
   (Example: owl.com/wp-admin)
3. Enter your username and password.
4. Click Log In.

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➕ Step 2: Start a New Blog Post

1. From your dashboard, on the left-hand menu, click Posts > Add New.

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✍️ Step 3: Add Your Title and Start Writing

1. At the top, you’ll see: Add title. Click and type in your blog post title.
2. Below that is the writing area. Click and start typing your blog post content.
3. WordPress uses “blocks” for everything. Each paragraph, image, or header is its own block.

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🧱 Step 4: Format Your Content (Make It Look Nice)

• To make text bold: Highlight the words, then click the B button that appears.
• For italics: Click the I.
• To add headings:
  1. Click the + button (top left or between blocks).
  2. Choose Heading.
  3. Select the size (H2, H3, etc.)—H2 is perfect for subheadings.

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🖼️ Step 5: Add Images (Optional But Recommended)

1. Click the + icon where you want to insert an image.
2. Choose Image.
3. Click Upload to add a new image from your computer.
4. Or choose Media Library if you’ve already uploaded it before.

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🧹 Step 6: Clean It Up (Spell Check & Read Through)

• Reread your post.
• Fix typos.
• Make sure your ideas flow.
• Don’t worry about being perfect—just be clear.

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🌟 Step 7: Choose Categories & Tags

1. On the right side of the screen, look for Post Settings.
2. Under Categories, check the box(es) that match your post (like “Writing Tips”).
3. Under Tags, type words that relate to your post and press Enter (like: “indie author”, “self-publishing”).

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🖼️ Step 8: Add a Featured Image (This Shows Up as the Thumbnail)

1. On the right side, scroll down to Featured Image.
2. Click Set Featured Image.
3. Upload a new image or choose one from your Media Library.
4. Click Set featured image.

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📅 Step 9: Choose When to Publish

• To publish immediately: Click the blue Publish button (top right).
• To schedule for later:
  1. Click the date under “Publish Immediately.”
  2. Choose a future date/time.
  3. Then click Schedule.

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✅ Step 10: Hit Publish (You’re Live!)

• Ready? Click Publish.
• WordPress will ask, Are you sure?
• Click Publish again to confirm.
• Boom! Your post is live!

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💡 Bonus Tips:

• Use short paragraphs. Easier to read.
• Add calls to action like: “Let me know what you think in the comments!” or “Share if this helped you!”
• Preview before publishing: Click Preview to see what your post looks like to readers.

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If you’re still feeling stuck, Owl Mountain Press is happy to walk you through your first post—or even set up your blog layout and branding. Just reach out.

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Much love and many blessings,
Mrs. B & the Owl Mountain Press Team 🦉