Definition of a Blog
In order to build a successful blog, we must first understand what the term blog really means.The definition below is what I will discuss most often on Blog Basics:
Now, that we’ve level set, let’s dive in and discuss specific tactics for setting up your blog.A blog is a means of communication used to examine a topic that often consists of written text, video, audio or other ways to exchange information.
Why You Should Build a Self-Hosted Blog
Many people decide to use a free hosting service when they initially start blogging. There are several free hosting platforms and new platforms continue to be released.Two of the most popular free hosting platforms are Blogger.com and WordPress.com. You may decide to use one of these free hosting platforms initially and that’s fine. However, if you’re serious about building a popular blog, I don’t suggest utilizing one of the free hosting providers.
When you use Blogger.com, WordPress.com or any of the other free hosting platforms, they almost always add their domain name to the preferred domain name of your website.
Here is an example: If I had decided to use WordPress.com for Blog Basics, the domain name would be blogbasics.wordpress.com instead of blogbasics.com.
The result of using a free hosting service is a less professional domain name that is likely more difficult to remember for your audience. You will also have fewer options to customize your blog with limited plugins, themes, design options and monetization opportunities.
The only way I would recommend using a free hosting provider is if you only plan to blog for fun. This means that you have no intention of ever building a business around your blog or monetizing your blog. If there is even a remote possibility that you eventually want to have a serious blog, then I suggest you build a self-hosted website.
Free setup & domain for only $3.95 per month – professional Bluehost web hostingBelow is a walkthrough of the steps that you will need to complete to setup a self-hosted WordPress.org website. I only recommend using WordPress.org due to simplicity, customization options and ongoing support. It’s easily the best self-hosted blogging platform available.