Friends and family members often ask me how to start a blog, and I always enjoy explaining the advantages of a blog
over a traditional website, but it is a lot information to take in over
dinner. I thought I would document the process to make it easier to
understand.
I recently created a video that documents some of what is discussed in this article.
Free Blogging Services
Yes, it's free, but nothing is really free. When you start a blog with a free blogging service, you don't get your own domain. You get something like mygreatblog.blogspot.com (where there are a million other blogs at blogspot.com) and you don't actually own the blog. If you ever do decide to move to your own domain, you have no way to take your readers with you, because you have no control over the site.
Cheap - Host your own blog using WordPress free Blog software
This is the method I suggest, because it offers much more flexibility and freedom to do what you want. You will have your own domain name, like mygreatblog.com. You can get this for as little as $30 per year. In my experience, WordPress is excellent free blog software that allows you flexibility and room to grow.
If you want to go the free blogging service route, check out links to free blogging services. If you want to host the blog yourself, read on.
"1-click" (easy) Installation
Dreamhost Hosting
For beginners, I recommend Dreamhost, because they tend to care, where as many other huge hosting companies don't. They cost a bit more, about $119 for a year, but it is worth it. Edit: I actually used a promo code and was able to get 1 year for about $60. Go to: Dreamhost.com and enter Promo Code: WMLGS1 to save $50.
(**New) GoDaddy Blog Hosting
Another great blog host I recently learned about is GoDaddy. They have a 'one click install' Economy WordPress hosting plan that is really a great deal (as low as $3 to $5/ month (that's $36 to $60/ year) depending on how long you sign up for). Go to GoDaddy to check it out.
Standard Hosting
1and1 Hosting
If you are on a budget, I recommend 1and1 hosting. They are much less expensive, but the one thing to be aware of is that can take a little bit longer to get good support at 1and1. Having said that, I have been using 1and1 for over 4 years (this site is hosted at 1and1). Compared to a lot of other hosts, they have an extremely user friendly control panel, and their servers are extremely dependable. Prices start at 3.99 / month. Go to 1and1.com
1. Decide What You Want To Blog About
There are a lot of bloggers on the web already. If you want to attract readers, you are going to need to establish your credibility. Don't just blog about anything. Pick a topic you are are passionate about. Something that you have lots of experience with.Decide: To Host or Not To Host
When it comes to starting a blog, your biggest decision will be whether you want to host the blog yourself, or use a free blogging service that is hosted for you.Free Blogging Services
Yes, it's free, but nothing is really free. When you start a blog with a free blogging service, you don't get your own domain. You get something like mygreatblog.blogspot.com (where there are a million other blogs at blogspot.com) and you don't actually own the blog. If you ever do decide to move to your own domain, you have no way to take your readers with you, because you have no control over the site.
Cheap - Host your own blog using WordPress free Blog software
This is the method I suggest, because it offers much more flexibility and freedom to do what you want. You will have your own domain name, like mygreatblog.com. You can get this for as little as $30 per year. In my experience, WordPress is excellent free blog software that allows you flexibility and room to grow.
If you want to go the free blogging service route, check out links to free blogging services. If you want to host the blog yourself, read on.
Find a Domain Name
For me this part is fun. You know what your theme is already, so now you have to find a good domain name.Find a Web Host for Your Blog
By far, the easiest way to get a website is to go with a hosting company that offers "1 click installs", or instant installations for Blogging and Forum software. Blogs and Forums make it possible for someone with no experience to get good content up fast."1-click" (easy) Installation
Dreamhost Hosting
For beginners, I recommend Dreamhost, because they tend to care, where as many other huge hosting companies don't. They cost a bit more, about $119 for a year, but it is worth it. Edit: I actually used a promo code and was able to get 1 year for about $60. Go to: Dreamhost.com and enter Promo Code: WMLGS1 to save $50.
(**New) GoDaddy Blog Hosting
Another great blog host I recently learned about is GoDaddy. They have a 'one click install' Economy WordPress hosting plan that is really a great deal (as low as $3 to $5/ month (that's $36 to $60/ year) depending on how long you sign up for). Go to GoDaddy to check it out.
Standard Hosting
1and1 Hosting
If you are on a budget, I recommend 1and1 hosting. They are much less expensive, but the one thing to be aware of is that can take a little bit longer to get good support at 1and1. Having said that, I have been using 1and1 for over 4 years (this site is hosted at 1and1). Compared to a lot of other hosts, they have an extremely user friendly control panel, and their servers are extremely dependable. Prices start at 3.99 / month. Go to 1and1.com
Install WordPress
Installation Overview If you have experience with installing web applications that use mySQL, this could take as little as 5 minutes to do, and the 5 steps below may be all you need, however, I have further explained each step below for beginners.- Make sure your host meets the requirements. details
- Make sure you have a database ready with proper username and password. details
- Download and unzip WordPress. details
- In the WordPress folder, find and make a copy of
wp-config-sample.php. Rename the copy towp-config.phpand fill in your database details. Save the new file. details - Upload all the files to the directory in your web host where you want the blog to live - details
- Run the installation file.
install-folder/wp-admin/install.php. details
No comments:
Post a Comment