Learn How To Blog (Part 2)
In a previous post, I mentioned a little about what a blog is and what you could do with it. If you’re reading this article, maybe you’re thinking that you could try this “blog thing” and see what happens? The good thing about blogs is that you can get going for very little money. You can actually get a blog up and running for free, although I will be explaining how to use a blogging tool called WordPress, and going with an inexpensive host for your domain.
If you think you’re going to be in blogging for the long haul, and think you’d like to make money with your blog, I’d recommend using WordPress and a paid hosting service. WordPress is free! You can download it off the internet, or many webhosts have an installation script that will install it for you! In addition, there is an enormous amount of WordPress “themes” available, (a theme is like the “clothes” for your blog…if you feel colorful, pick a colorful theme, if you like forests, pick a forest theme…way too many choices to list here). Also with WordPress, you will be able to choose from a multitude of free plugins. (Think of plugins as little “accessories” that you can install and use with your theme.
Here are the basic steps:
- Pick a domain name
- Pick a host for your website
- Install the latest version of WordPress
- Pick a WordPress Theme
- Pick plugins for desired functionality
- Start blogging!
Yeah…that looks simple on paper, but if you don’t mess with computers much, you might think all that is a little overwhelming? If you have questions…ask. If you look at this and say, “but Chris….I just want to get on my computer and start writing….can’t you just make it all work for me???” I’m willing to help set up a blog and train someone how to log on and post…but it can’t/won’t be for free. I have a hard enough time keeping up with my own stuff….much less someone elses. But if you don’t mind paying, I don’t mind doing the work. 
My recommendation for a domain name registrar is Godaddy. They are easy to work with, relatively cheap and have a pretty good reputation. Maybe you can find domains cheaper? I don’t know….this is the company I use and I know they do a good job for me.
If you haven’t already thought of a domain name you’d like to use, give that some thought. Here is a little secret…if you plan on using your blog for a particular “niche“, try to pick a domain name that relates to your niche. If you’re blog is going to be about “raising elephants”, think of something a person might search for to get to your blog someday….”raisingelephants.com, raiseelephants.com, elephantsinMYSTATE.com, etc. Godaddy has a function where you can plug in potential domain names, and they will tell you if it is taken or not. If the domain you choose is taken, they will recommend something else that may be of interest.
Next I’ll discuss web hosting. I’ll try not to take so long in between posts. If you’re in a hurry, please feel free to contact me with questions.
