WordPress for Beginners - Learn How to Create a Blog

Based on the comprehensive outline you've provided, here's a step-by-step guide to accompany the points mentioned:

Setting Up Your Hosting Environment

1. Choosing a Hosting Provider: Research and select a reliable hosting provider that offers SSL certificates (like SiteGround, Bluehost, or HostGator).

2. Domain Name Registration: Register a domain name if you don't already have one.

3. Installing WordPress: Many hosts offer a 1-click WordPress installation feature. Use it to get started quickly.

4. SSL Certificate Installation: For a free SSL certificate, you can use Let's Encrypt via cPanel or a plugin like SSL Insecure if your host doesn't auto-install it upon signing up.

5. Setting Up Email Accounts: Use the hosting control panel to set up business email accounts (like mail@yourdomain.com) using services like Mailgun, SendGrid, or the built-in email service if provided by your hosting.

Navigating the WordPress Dashboard

1. Understanding the Dashboard Layout: Familiarize yourself with the dashboard's left sidebar menu items: Dashboard, Posts, Media, Pages, Comments, Appearance, Plugins, etc.

2. Customizing Settings: Go through each setting in Settings > General to configure your site's timezone, default date format, and site title/tagline.

3. Permalink Structure: Adjust the permalink structure for SEO purposes under Settings > Permalinks.

Installing Themes and Plugins

1. Choosing a Theme: Install and activate your chosen theme (like 'Bam') via the Appearance > Themes menu in WordPress.

2. Customizing Your Theme: Utilize the theme's customization options to tailor your site's appearance.

3. Installing Plugins: Use plugins like Ninja Forms for contact forms, Yoast SEO for SEO, and Google Analytics for tracking website traffic.

Creating Content

1. Writing Posts and Pages: Learn how to create engaging content for both blog posts and static pages using the WordPress editor.

2. SEO Best Practices: Use Yoast SEO to optimize your content with targeted keywords, meta descriptions, and meta titles.

3. Keyword Research: Utilize tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest for keyword research.

4. Google Analytics Integration: Install Google Analytics via a plugin like MonsterInsights to monitor your website's traffic and user behavior.

5. Google Search Console: Verify your site with Google Search Console to receive insights into search performance and to identify crawl errors.

Getting Support and Further Learning

1. Join a Community: Engage with the WordPress community in forums like WordPress Stack Exchange or Facebook groups, such as 'WordPress Explained'.

2. Continuous Learning: Keep learning about WordPress updates, new features, best practices, and security measures to stay up-to-date with the platform's evolution.

By following these steps, you should be able to set up a functional and optimized WordPress site, complete with SSL encryption, business email, and SEO-friendly content. Remember, the process may vary slightly depending on your hosting provider and the specific WordPress theme and plugins you choose.