Updated: February 2025

If you’ve been dreaming of turning your IEP experience into income – you’re going to need a website.

And, yes, I’ve helped hundreds of parents, teachers, admins, and therapists set up beautiful one-page websites inside of the become a Master IEP Coach® Mentorship – but my absolute FAVORITE way to share my voice and change Special Education is through blogging.

This website you’re reading right now – it’s a blog. Every single page of it is built on a blogging platform called WordPress.

Now, before you start looking up all the free ways to start a blog, there’s a reason why your small investment in your blog is so important. When you build on WordPress on SiteGround, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.

I’ve been creating income by helping parents and teachers build IEPs since 1996. I’ve been an advocate, speaker, podcaster, blogger, online course creator, and I’ve loved it all. But if there’s one thing I regret, it’s this: not starting my blog the right way (on WordPress) from day one.

Back in 2006 when I started blogging, I had no idea how powerful a blog could be. If I had set it up properly from the start, it could have saved me years of trial and error trying to find the right website platform, established me as a leader in my niche (Special Education Advocacy) faster, and provided long-term financial security way quicker than I realized.

I don’t want you to make the same mistake.

Since 2018, blogging has been one of the best things ever for me. It’s been the foundation for all my other streams of income – online courses, coaching, speaking, and brand collaborations with my favorite companies that create Special Education tools. Thanks to my tiny, but mighty Special Education blog, I can run my entire six-figure business on a shoestring budget with just me, my coffee, and my Macbook.

Whether you’re looking to add extra income while working full-time or you simply need to create income on your own terms, blogging is an easy and affordable way to start sharing Special Education strategies and helping others. But only if you set it up the right way from the beginning.

Disclosure: I am an affiliate for SiteGround, and will receive a commission if you sign up through my referral link. This is at no additional cost to you, and you will get great pricing and a free domain name through my link.

Let’s get your blog up and running—quick and easy with SiteGround.

Step 1: Brainstorm Your Domain Name – Right Now

The first thing you need is a domain name—your blog’s unique web address. I often recommend you use your own name if possible.

Why? Because in a world filled with AI-generated content and generic advice, real people trust real people. Your name gives you credibility, allows people to find you quickly on the internet, and builds trust that you are a real person giving Special Education advice.

If your name isn’t available during checkout, don’t stress!

• Try adding a middle initial
• Include a generic word that can be flexible as you find your voice (like “ChatWithChelsea” or “GrowWithAnna”)

💡 Pro Tip: I do NOT recommend using the word advocacy or IEP in your domain name. It limits what your site could be about. As your voice grows, you may find yourself talking about everything from IEPs to traveling with a disability – you never know!

You’ll get a free domain for the first year if you sign up through my SiteGround link – grab your name before someone else does!

Step 2: Set Up Your Blog Hosting

Your blog needs a home on the internet, and that’s where SiteGround comes in. It’s one of the best hosting platforms out there, and I personally use it because it’s reliable, fast, and easy to navigate.

To Get Started:

• Click here to sign up for WordPress hosting on SiteGround
• Choose the StartUp Plan (just $2.99/month with my link!)
• Select 12 months or more to get the best pricing + free domain

💡 Pro Tip: Paying for at least 12 months upfront saves you money, gives you a free domain, and prevents you from losing your site due to monthly billing issues.

⬇️ This is what your checkout cart should look like.

Step 3: Connect Your Domain to Your Hosting

If you bought your domain through SiteGround, skip this step—it’s already connected for you!

If you purchased your domain elsewhere (like GoDaddy), you’ll need to update your nameservers to connect it to SiteGround. Not sure how? No worries! SiteGround’s support team is amazing and will walk you through it after you checkout. And… you can always work with me inside the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship if you get stuck.

Step 4: Install WordPress

This is the fun part—bringing your new Special Education blog to life!

SiteGround makes this ridiculously easy:

• Log into SiteGround
• Set up a new WordPress installation
• Pick a theme (or skip this step—you can change it later!)

💡 Pro Tip: I recommend the Kadence theme for a professional, customizable look. There are tons of free and affordable templates that make your blog look polished with minimal effort.

And that’s it—you officially have a blog that can help you share Special Education strategies and more!

Need Help? I’ve Got You! When you sign up to become a Master IEP Coach®, you get 1:1 help setting up your blog and creating everything your need to build a sustainable, profitable, IEP Coaching business!

Your blog has the potential to change everything for you. Whether it’s extra income, a way to transition out of the classroom, or a platform to share your voice and experience with the world— give yourself permission to stop overthinking and get started.

Special Education Teachers and Parents need your voice – you got this!