For me better is to
- learn how WordPress work
- buy from themeforest or another market place a very strong Theme
- learn a little Gimp or PS to manipulate images
- learn SEO (see Yoast)
- learn Security (see WordFence)
- learn marketing policy
- leran backup (better use the hosting, do backups and download them on your disk
The Theme is a must, study courses in Udemy on how operate a blog and how to earn money.
I hope to help.
