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How To Start A WordPress Gaming Blog?

how to start a wordpress gaming blog

Do you want to learn how to start a WordPress gaming blog?

I know, you want to share your passion for gaming with the world, right?

Gaming blogs have become a digital playground where enthusiasts like us can express our love for all things gaming.

And the best part? It’s EASIER than ever to start your gaming blog, especially with WordPress.

It’s like choosing the right character class in an RPG; with WordPress, you’re setting yourself up for success.

Whether dissecting the latest triple-A titles, revisiting nostalgic classics, or exploring indie gems, gaming blogs offer a unique space to connect with like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasm.

And you’ll learn how to start yours – even if you have 0 experience!

Create a gaming blog that’s as captivating as your favorite game.

This post covers:

Choose A Domain Name & Hosting

choose- gaming domain name and hosting
First things, first: choose a domain name and find the right hosting provider.

It’s like naming your character in a new game or picking out the perfect gaming setup.

Pick A Perfect Domain Name

  • Make it memorable: Your domain name is your identity on the web. Choose something catchy that sticks in people’s minds. Think of it as your online gamer tag – it should be unique and reflective of your gaming persona.
  • Keep it relevant: Incorporate gaming-related words. Consider weaving that into your name if you love a particular genre or game. It’s like choosing a class in an RPG – make sure it represents you!
  • Short & sweet: Long and complicated names are like difficult game levels – best avoided. Keep your domain name short, so it’s easier to type and remember.
  • Avoid odd spellings: Don’t make it a puzzle. If it’s hard to spell, people might end up in the wrong place. Keep it simple.
  • Check availability: Make sure your chosen name isn’t already taken. It’s like ensuring your favorite character isn’t already picked in a multiplayer game!

Choose A Hosting Provider

  • Reliability is key: Like a dependable gaming console, your WordPress hosting provider should have a great uptime record. Your blog should be accessible all the time, like your go-to game.
  • Speed matters: In gaming and web hosting, speed is crucial. Look for a host with fast loading times to keep your visitors happy. Slow load times are as frustrating as lag in an online game!
  • Support system: Choose a host with strong customer support. It’s like having a skilled team in a co-op mission – they’re there to help when things get tricky.
  • Room to grow: Ensure your hosting can scale as your blog grows. It’s like leveling up in a game; you want your hosting to level up with you.

Set Up Your Domain & Hosting

  • Choose your domain: Once you’ve picked a name, it’s time to make it official. Use a domain registrar to check its availability and register it.
  • Select your hosting: Compare different hosting providers based on the tips above. Once you’ve found your match, choose a plan that suits your needs.
  • Link domain & hosting: If your domain and hosting are from different providers, you must point your domain to your hosting account. It’s like connecting your console to the internet – a necessary step to get things going.
  • Install WordPress: Most hosts offer easy, one-click WordPress installation. Follow their guide to install WordPress and get ready to start customizing your blog.

Install WordPress

install wordpress for your gaming blog
You’ve conquered the first boss-level challenge of picking a domain and hosting provider.

Now comes installing WordPress.

Installing WordPress

  • Access your hosting account: First things first, log into your hosting account. It’s like entering the lobby before the game starts.
  • Find the WordPress installer: Look for the WordPress installer in your hosting dashboard. Most hosting providers offer a one-click installation process. It’s like selecting your favorite RPG’s “New Game” option.
  • Click & install: Hit that install button! You’ll usually be asked to choose the domain where you want to install WordPress. Select your newly registered domain from the drop-down menu.
  • Set up login details: You’ll need to create a username and password for your WordPress site. Think of it as creating your character for a new gaming adventure – choose a strong, secure password to protect your blog.

Basic Blog Configurations

  • Access your WordPress dashboard: Once WordPress is installed, access your WordPress dashboard by going to “yourdomain.com/wp-admin.” Enter the username and password you just created.
  • Pick a theme: The first thing you’ll see is the default WordPress theme. But you can change it to match your gaming style. Browse through “Appearance” > “Themes” to find something more your speed. (More on themes below.) See how to choose a WordPress theme.
  • Set up your site title & tagline: Go to “Settings” > “General” and enter your site title and tagline.
  • Configure permalinks: In the “Settings” menu, find “Permalinks.” Set them to “Post name” for a clean, SEO-friendly URL structure.
  • Delete default content: WordPress (and themes) has a sample post and a page. Go ahead and delete these.
  • Create essential pages: Consider adding key pages like “About,” “Contact,” or “Privacy Policy.”
  • Familiarize yourself with the dashboard: Take a moment to look around your WordPress dashboard. It’s like the main menu of a game – you’ve got everything you need right there.

Select A WordPress Gaming Blog Theme

select a wordpress gaming blog theme
You’ve successfully set up your WordPress site, and now it’s time for one of the most creative parts of building your blog – choosing the perfect theme.

Select The Perfect WordPress Theme

  • Reflect your gaming style: Your theme should mirror your passion for gaming. Are you into retro games, eSports, RPGs, or something else? Pick a theme that matches the vibe of your gaming niche.
  • Responsive & mobile-friendly: Like a game that plays well on all devices, your theme should look great on desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Test the theme on different devices to ensure it’s responsive.
  • Fast & furious: Speed matters. Choose a lightweight theme that loads quickly to keep your readers and search engines happy.
  • Customization options: Your theme should be like a character creation screen – lots of options to make it uniquely yours. Look for themes with customizable headers, colors, and fonts.
  • Plugin compatibility: Ensure the theme works well with essential plugins, like SEO tools and social media integrations. It’s like making sure your gaming peripherals are compatible with your console.
  • Regular updates & support: Choose a theme that’s regularly updated and supported by its developers. It’s like having ongoing game updates and patches – essential for smooth running.

Popular Themes For Gaming Blogs

  • GameZone: This one’s a winner for those who love a bold and dynamic look. It’s great for reviews, news, and community discussions.
  • PlayerX: Ideal for the eSports crowd. It has a modern, high-energy design perfect for gaming tournaments, teams, and player profiles.
  • Blackfyre: Perfect for community-driven sites. It offers excellent support for user profiles, clans, and forums.
  • YouPlay: Great for a variety of gaming blogs. It has a dark, stylish layout perfect for game reviews and news.

Customize Your Theme

  • Experiment with colors & fonts: Play around with different color schemes and fonts to find the perfect look for your blog.
  • Add your logo & header: Personalize your theme by adding a unique logo and header image.
  • Configure the layout: Most themes offer different layout options. Experiment with them to find the best look and feel for your content.
  • Test widgets & menus: Widgets and menus are like your in-game inventory – they hold useful tools and navigation options for your blog. Customize them to fit your needs.
  • Preview before going live: Always preview changes before making them live. It’s like doing a quick run-through before a gaming session.

Note: We also have a more detailed tutorial on how to customize a WordPress theme.

Install Essential Plugins For A Gaming Blog

install plugins for a gaming blog
After making your blog look fantastic with its new theme, it’s time to gear up with some powerful tools – WordPress plugins.

Must-Have Plugins for Your Gaming Blog

  • Yoast SEO: This is your blog’s navigation map, guiding you through the SEO world. It helps optimize your content, ensuring your blog ranks higher in search results.
  • Wordfence Security: This is your digital shield! It protects your blog from hackers and malware.
  • Jetpack: A versatile tool, Jetpack offers features like site statistics, performance enhancements, and security measures. It’s like an all-in-one utility tool in your gaming backpack.
  • Akismet Anti-Spam: No one likes spam, either in their inbox or on their blog. Akismet keeps those annoying spam comments at bay, ensuring your blog remains a troll-free zone.
  • Social Media Share Buttons & Social Sharing Icons: Your achievements in gaming are meant to be shared, and so is your blog content. This plugin adds social media sharing buttons to your posts, making it easy for readers to share your content.
  • WP Super Cache: Speed is crucial in gaming and on websites. This plugin creates static HTML files from your dynamic WordPress blog, speeding up load times for your visitors.
  • Site Kit by Google: This gives you a real-time stats dashboard in WordPress. Track your visitors, see what’s popular, and use the data to strategize your next moves.

How To Install & Configure Plugins

  • Access your WordPress dashboard: Log into your WordPress site, and look for the “Plugins” menu on the dashboard.
  • Add new plugin: Click “Add New” under the “Plugins” menu. You’ll enter the WordPress plugin repository.
  • Search & install: Type the name of the plugin you want in the search bar. Once you find it, click “Install Now.” It’s as easy as downloading a new game add-on.
  • Activate & configure: After the installation, click “Activate” to start using the plugin. Then, dive into the settings of each plugin to configure it. This might involve entering API keys (for Jetpack or Akismet), setting preferences (like SEO settings in Yoast), or choosing display options (for social share buttons).
  • Keep them updated: Regularly check for updates to your plugins. Keeping them updated ensures they work correctly and your blog is secure.

If you’re unsure how to do it, check out this how to install a WordPress plugin guide.

Create Your First Gaming Content

create your first gaming content
Are you ready to create your very first blog post?

Whether it’s about the latest game review, a walkthrough, or the newest buzz in the gaming community, your content will draw fellow gamers to your site.

Here’s how to make it happen.

Craft Your Gaming Content Strategy

  • Diversify your topics: Mix it up with game reviews, news updates, how-to guides, and personal gaming stories. It’s like playing different game genres; each type of content offers a unique flavor to your audience.
  • Stay current: Keep an eye on gaming trends and upcoming releases. Covering hot topics can attract more visitors.
  • Know your audience: Understand what your fellow gamers are interested in. Are they hardcore RPG fans or casual mobile gamers? Tailor your content to their interests.

Write Engaging & SEO-Friendly Content

  • Catchy headlines: Your title is the first thing readers see, like a game’s cover art. Make it intriguing and catchy to draw readers in.
  • Quality is key: Write informative, entertaining, and honest content. Share your unique perspective – your blog is your voice in the vast gaming universe.
  • Optimize for SEO: Use relevant keywords naturally in your posts. Tools like Yoast SEO can guide you on where and how often to use them, helping your content rank higher in search results.
  • Engage your readers: End your posts with a question or a call-to-action, inviting readers to comment. It’s like inviting fellow gamers to join your guild.
  • Edit, then edit again: Proofread your posts for grammar and clarity. Clear, error-free writing makes your content more enjoyable.

Add Images & Videos

  • Visual appeal: Break up text with relevant images and videos. Screenshots, game cover art, or your own gameplay videos can make your posts more engaging.
  • Caption & credit: Always add captions to explain the relevance of the image or video. And don’t forget to credit the source, especially if it’s not your content.
  • Optimize media: Ensure images and videos are optimized for web use – they should be high quality but not so large that they slow down your page load times. (This is how to optimize images for WordPress the right way.)
  • Alt text for images: Add alt text to your images. This improves accessibility and also helps in SEO, as it tells search engines what the image is about.

Engage With Your Audience

engage with your gaming audience
The time has come to turn your readers into a vibrant community.

Just like forming a guild in your favorite MMORPG, engaging with your audience is all about creating connections and building a space where everyone feels welcome to share their love for gaming.

Build Your Gaming Blog Community

  • Encourage comments: End your blog posts with a question or a thought that invites comments. It’s like leaving an open invitation for a group quest – you’re welcoming others to join in.
  • Respond to comments: Make sure to reply to comments on your posts. It shows you value your readers’ input, like teaming up with other players in a co-op mission.
  • Create a forum: Consider adding a forum to your blog. It’s a great gathering spot for your readers to discuss games, share tips, and connect. (You can easily create it with any of these WordPress forum plugins.)
  • Leverage social media: Share your posts on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Use these channels to engage in conversations, share gaming news, and connect with your audience.

Encourage Interaction & Feedback

  • Ask for feedback: Don’t hesitate to ask your readers what they want to see on your blog. You could do this at the end of your posts, through social media, or via email newsletters.
  • Run polls & surveys: These are great tools for understanding and engaging your audience’s preferences. (Spice things up with a free WordPress survey plugin.)
  • Host giveaways or contests: Everyone loves a good contest or giveaway. It could be for game codes, merchandise, or even a shoutout on your blog. It’s a fun way to keep your audience excited and returning for more.
  • Feature user-generated content: Showcase content your readers create, like fan art, game reviews, or gaming experiences.
  • Newsletter sign-ups: Encourage your readers to sign up for your newsletter. This can be a more personal way to share updates, behind-the-scenes stories, or exclusive content.

Monetize Your Gaming Blog

monetize your gaming blog
So, your blog is buzzing with awesome content and a growing community of fellow gamers.

That’s when you might start thinking about monetizing your blog.

Yep, turning your passion for gaming into some extra coins is possible.

But approach it strategically!

Monetization Strategies For Your Gaming Blog

  • Ads: Platforms like Google AdSense can place relevant ads on your blog, and you earn money each time a visitor clicks on these ads. Just be sure not to overload your blog with too many ads – nobody enjoys a cluttered gaming interface.
  • Affiliate marketing: This is like joining a guild where you recommend products or services (like gaming gear, games, or platforms) through affiliate links. When someone purchases through your link, you earn a commission. Amazon Associates is a popular choice for many bloggers.
  • Sponsored content: Imagine getting paid to play and review a game! Companies might pay you to write about their products or games. It’s important to choose sponsors that align with your blog’s niche and ethics.

Ethical Considerations & Best Practices

  • Transparency is key: Always be upfront with your readers about monetized content. If a post is sponsored or includes affiliate links, make it clear.
  • Quality over quantity: Don’t let monetization overshadow your content quality. Your readers come for your unique voice and gaming insights, not a sales pitch. Keep delivering the content they love.
  • Relevance matters: Choose relevant ads, affiliates, and sponsorships to your gaming blog. It’s like selecting gear in a game – it should enhance your experience, not detract from it.
  • Build trust: Your readers trust your opinions, so endorse products or services you genuinely believe in. It’s like recommending a game to a friend – your sincerity matters.
  • Stay updated on policies: Platforms like Google AdSense have specific policies. Ensure you’re compliant to avoid any penalties or bans.

Maintain & Grow Your Gaming Blog

maintain and grow your gaming blog
Like any good game, the adventure doesn’t stop.

Focus on maintaining and growing your blog, turning it from a hidden gem into a legendary destination for gamers

Maintain Your Gaming Blog

  • Keep the content coming: Consistent content updates are key. Aim to post regularly – whether it’s reviews, news, or personal gaming stories. It keeps your readers coming back for more.
  • Site maintenance is crucial: Regularly update WordPress, themes, and plugins. It ensures everything runs smoothly and securely.
  • Backup your blog: Always have a backup of your blog. In gaming terms, it’s like saving your progress so you don’t lose all your hard work. Using a WordPress backup plugin is the easiest way to do it.

Grow Your Gaming Blog

  • Analyze your audience data: Use tools like Google Analytics to understand your audience better. What are they reading the most? When are they visiting? (You might be interested in reading how to install Google Analytics in WordPress first.)
  • Refine your strategy based on data: Once you understand your audience’s preferences, tweak your content strategy to better match their interests.
  • Engage beyond your blog: Don’t limit yourself to just blog posts. Engage with your community on social media, start a YouTube channel, or even stream.
  • Collaborate with other gamers & bloggers: Join forces with other gaming enthusiasts. Guest posts, co-streaming sessions, or collaborative giveaways can introduce your blog to new audiences.
  • SEO optimization: Keep working on your SEO strategy. Use relevant keywords, optimize your images, and keep your site fast and mobile-friendly.
  • Consider expanding your team: As your blog grows, you might need a party to tackle the bigger challenges. Guest bloggers, a virtual assistant, or a social media manager can help you manage the increasing workload.

Conclusion: Master Your Gaming Blog!

From the initial spark of wanting to share your gaming passion to the nitty-gritty of setting up and growing your very own WordPress gaming blog, you’ve powered through like a true champion.

Let’s take a moment to hit the pause button and recap the amazing adventure we’ve embarked on:

  1. Choose your domain & hosting: You started by selecting a domain name as unique and catchy as your gamer tag, followed by choosing a reliable hosting provider – your blog’s digital fortress.
  2. Install WordPress: Like equipping yourself with the best gaming gear, you installed WordPress, setting the stage for your blogging journey.
  3. Select the perfect theme: You then chose a theme that reflects your gaming style as perfectly as your favorite character skin.
  4. Gear up with plugins: Essential plugins were added, enhancing your blog’s abilities like power-ups in your favorite game.
  5. Create engaging content: You learned the art of crafting content that resonates with your audience, from game reviews to the latest gaming news and strategies.
  6. Build a community: Like forming an unbeatable guild, you engaged with your audience, building a community around your shared passion.
  7. Monetization: You ventured into monetization, finding ethical ways to turn your passion into profit.
  8. Maintenance & growth: Lastly, you focused on maintaining and growing your blog, keeping it as dynamic and exciting as the gaming world itself.

You’re launching more than a gaming blog; you’re shaping a space that mirrors your gaming passion and unites an enthusiastic community.

So, here’s to the beginning of an incredible blogging adventure.

May your content be great, your community vibrant, and your gaming experiences epic!

FAQs About How To Start A WordPress Gaming Blog

How do I choose a domain name?

Pick something catchy and related to gaming. Make it easy to remember and spell.

Which hosting service should I use?

Go with a reliable one like Bluehost or SiteGround. They’re beginner-friendly and have good support.

What WordPress theme is best for a gaming blog?

Try themes like “Astra” or “Newspaper.” They’re customizable and look great for gaming content.

How do I drive traffic to my gaming blog?

Use social media, join gaming forums, and optimize your posts for SEO. Consistent, quality content helps a lot too.

What plugins should I install?

Essential ones include Yoast SEO, Jetpack, and a good caching plugin like W3 Total Cache. Also, consider gaming-specific plugins for reviews and forums.

About Author

Rok decided to put his original approach and vision into action by starting ULTIDA, thanks to his extensive experience with web development and design since 2011. Working with 100s of clients made his subconscious mind think of nothing but themes, HTML, plugins, mockups, etc.