If you’re here, it’s probably because you want to start a blog and use it to make money or have fun. You want to learn how, maybe only for work, maybe just for fun. You’re going to want to learn the ropes.
Yes, you have found the correct location.
You can’t have missed the explosion in blog traffic which has led you here. People are starting blogs for various reasons, including advertising their products and services and communicating with friends and family. You can make money with a blog, which is becoming increasingly important to online businesses.
So many people have asked me what a blog is that I’ve given up trying to keep track. The term “blog” seems to throw people off, but the concept behind it is relatively straightforward. A blog is just a website with an interactive component (the comments section) and a chronological arrangement of posts.
A blog’s “comments” portion allows visitors to offer their thoughts, images, and other “comments” on a post already published on the site. The word “blog” was derived from “weblog,” which is short for “weblog.”
Easy to understand.
Creating a Blog for Profit and Pleasure.
First, I’ll review the fundamentals of getting a blog up and running. Whether you want one to make money or just for enjoyment, I’ll show you some best practices and some to avoid.
Should You Use a Free Blog Host When Starting Your Money-Making or Fun Blog?
You can go the “free” route by creating a blog account on a hosted site like Google’s blogspot.com or another similar service.
While it’s true that hosted services are straightforward to use, there are a few significant drawbacks:
Firstly, your content is not yours; these sites ‘own’ it. Your content and account information will be stored on their servers. They are the ones who finally decide its fate.
Although some sites provide many useful features, there are limitations on what you can do with the blog’s look and functionality, and others may even limit the types of advertisements you can display.
They can arbitrarily delete your blog; the service could go under, etc.
Having your domain and hosting account is crucial in learning how to set up a blog for yourself. To put it bluntly, you absolutely must do this.
How to Create a Blog for Pleasure and Profit: Choosing a Topic
You can skip this part if you already know what you want to write about or your “niche,” as we elitists call it. But if not, you’ll need to decide your blog’s topic.
Don’t get all tense and sweaty. It’s not difficult, and the answer is easy to figure out.
Pick a subject you have some familiarity with, if at all possible. Something you care deeply about and that moves you daily. This will significantly facilitate your blog launch.
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Choosing a Blog Name and Purchasing a Domain Name (Part 1) of “How to Start a Blog for Money and Fun”
The following steps are to decide on a name for your blog and register the domain. Both of these terms can apply. Use “mycoolblog.com” as an example of a domain name and “name is” as an example of a name. For the sake of argument, say, “MyCoolBlog.com” (same). Simply put, it should be anything associated with your company or field.
The next step is to visit GoDaddy.com and purchase your desired domain name. If you don’t already have one, create an account with GoDaddy and follow the instructions to select and buy your domain name.
After that, you’ll want to get blog hosting. There are countless web hosts available to accommodate your blogging needs. Honestly, most of them are terrible. Some of these I’ve even used myself throughout the years!
If you’re starting your blog, you need a solid, low-cost host with excellent support. Let me tell you, that is quite difficult to come by.
However, a select few businesses meet these requirements; my top pick is Hostgator. Their entry-level hosting options are cheap (beginning at roughly $5/month) and feature top-notch service and support. They’re fantastic, and I can’t sing their praises enough.
Have a look at HostGator. After you sign up, you’ll receive an email with more instructions on how to set up your account. You should also consult your web provider for instructions on “pointing” your domain to your hosting account. They will help you accomplish your goal.
Starting a WordPress.org Blog for Profit and Pleasure.
Remember that I suggested earlier that you create your blog hosting environment rather than using a free service like Blogger. The next step in learning how to set up a blog is to decide on your blogging platform.
You can choose from several firms and platforms, like Moveable Type and Typepad, but I advise you to go with WordPress.org. Why? Millions of bloggers use WordPress.org, which means a sizable community is working to ensure that the software remains constantly evolving; many plugins are available to customize your blog further; and best of all, WordPress.org is entirely free.
A link to the program is available at WordPress.org; visit that site.
How to Install WordPress.org on Your Webhosting Account and Start Blogging for Fun and Profit
You have the WordPress software installed on your computer, your domain name registered, and a web hosting account set up. Putting WordPress live on your web host is the next step.
To accomplish this, you’ll require an FTP client. FTP stands for “File Transfer Protocol,” said the software automates the process of uploading the files to your web host.
Look for “Filezilla” online to get your hands on this handy file-sharing tool. The service is hassle-free and cost-free.
Now that you have the blog files on your web hosting account, you may return to the WordPress site for uploading instructions.
Kenneth Holland is a blogger, rock fan, and foodie who uses Blogging and Social Media to help others establish themselves online. Visit his site at How To Set Up A Blog to learn how to build a blog and establish a social media presence.
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