Have you always wanted to make your own blog but never really knew how to? Do terms like file transfer protocol and self-hosting make you want to run the other way screaming? Technology for many people can be a scary thing as it requires a change from the norm in order to adapt.
The simple facts are that setting up your own online site is actually very easy and doesn’t cost a lot. If you want to learn these simple steps, keep reading.
Why Start Your Own Site?
You may be asking yourself why would you ever need to make your own blog? After all, you probably have a facebook or Twitter account that serves your online needs already. A blog can actually be used for many different things that social networking tools cannot.
Here are just a few reasons why you may want to make your own site -
- Build a niche website and earn passive income.
- Stay connected with friends and family.
- Create an online presence for your small business.
- Share your opinion with others by expressing your views and beliefs on a particular topic.
- Help people learn about a subject where you may have expert knowledge.
The list of reasons could go on and on. Chances are you could probably find several reasons to establish your own piece of internet real estate. The question then becomes – What steps are needed to take action and build your own site?
Blogging Options
If you have a desire to make your own blog, there are several options to choose from. Blogging platforms range from FREE options like Blogger and WordPress.com to other platforms that may have associated costs. While free blogging platforms are easy to setup and don’t cost any money, you lose full control over your site which is important to many bloggers.
An alternative to using a free blogging tool is selecting a platform that offers total control and flexibility over your site. A very popular choice among bloggers is WordPress.org which can be quick and easy to setup. For less than $10 per month, you can have your own piece of internet real estate by using a blogging platform like this.
Selecting a Blogging Platform – WordPress
While there are plenty of viable options to use when you build your site, I prefer to use WordPress.org for it’s flexibility and ease of use. That is not to say that other similar platforms are any less effective. Over the next several weeks, I will detail just how simple it can be for the average user to setup a self-hosted blog of their own!
Don’t let technology and fear of the unknown stop you from setting up your own site. If you have a computer and are can perform basic online tasks like checking emails – then you will have no problem following the steps I will detail!
Low Cost Start-up
If you are convinced that you can get over the technology hurdle but are still concerned about the costs associated with running your own blog – don’t be! For just a few dollars per month, you can pay for a hosting account and domain name for your site. The trade off for these associated costs are tremendous when you think about the flexibility and control this option can provide.
Make Your Own Blog in 10 Steps
Over the course of the next several weeks, I will detail the technical steps required to make your own blog. Here is a preview -
- Introduction – Today’s Post!
- Choosing a Domain Name
- Finding a Hosting Account
- File Transfer Protocol
- Installing WordPress
- Selecting a WordPress Theme
- Adding Plugins
- Miscellaneous Blogging Tips
- Backing Up Your Content
- Wrap Up and Summary
Final Thoughts
The steps involved to make your own blog are actually very easy when you get down to it. If you can get over your fears of the unknown and using technology to start a blog, the steps involved are actually quite simple. Stay tuned for a step by step guide that will teach you how to setup a WordPress blog using just a few simple steps.
What other factors are holding you back from setting up your own self hosted online site? Does technology or costs have any impact?
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- How to Make Your Own Blog – Choosing a Domain
- 3 Ways to Earn Blog Income
- How to Make $2,000 a Month Online – eBook on Sale
- How to Start Your Own Blog
- Use Carnivals to Drive Blog Traffic
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I thought about posting something like this for my blog but thought against it. I am building a resources page however.
Even t hough I’m a programmer, I’m the lazy breed of programmer and sometimes technical stuff looks like a huge mountain, even to someone like me. It all boils down to how smoothly you can get through the process
@Moon – I have been asked by many people how hard is it to setup a blog like WordPress. I felt it would be helpful to provide a guide for those who are worried about the technical aspects of setting up a blog. I take a lot of these small steps for granted and hopefully can teach someone else about the process.
I agree that a lot of people shy away from the technology, but I’m sure many will be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to set up their own hosting and launching a blog if they break it down step by step.
@Des – I take my mother as a great example. She is working to start her own business and is avoiding setting up any kind of online site because she just doesn’t understand how to do it. If I can help people like her get over the technology fear, then I have accomplished my mission.