If you want to start a blog or website, there are tons of ways you can do it. You can choose a commercial software application (such as Microsoft Expression Web or Adobe Dreamweaver) to help you design it. The only problem is that these are commercial applications (meaning they will generally set you back a few hundred), and they are not very user friendly. They also really aren’t set up to best be used with a blog format.
Which Blog Software Is Best? WordPress? Blogger? Joomla?
If you are wanting to start a blog for free, and you need a great script to help you streamline the blogging process, manage photos, update posts easily, etc., then look no further than WordPress.
WordPress is a free open-source program that will help you manage your blogs with ease. It literally has thousands of plugins, which can help you add functionality to your blog (create sitemaps, paste in adsense, optimize it for search engines, etc.). The plugins are generally 100% free, and are easy to install and use.
I used to use Microsoft FrontPage 2003 to manage my websites. However, after playing around with wordpress on a site, I was totally overtaken with amazement. It is written in PHP code, and it stores everything in a database. This means it is incredibly easy to keep up with posts, update things (such as your adsense placement), and more all by simply editing the core files.
It used to take forever to update designs, change Adsense coding, and more. Now, it can be done in minutes by just changing one file. Furthermore, it is easier and faster than ever to publish articles, upload pictures, keep track of posts, and more. There are also tons of free themes to choose from, so you can customize the design of your blog for free!
Is WordPress Better than Blogger or Other Scripts?
In my opinion, http://www.wordpress.org blows blogger or any other scripts out of the water. It is so much more user friendly, has way more plugins, and is used by the majority of the “big bloggers.”
I am still sometimes amazed that WordPress is free! After all, it really makes blogging super easy. It is literally used by millions of blogs, and is constantly adding new features, new plugins, and more.
If you are asking yourself, “How do I start a blog,” look no further than WordPress.
How Do WordPress Blogs Work? Can I Host My Blog Myself? Can I Host it At WordPress?
Another great thing about WordPress is that the script is totally free to download and use. You can install it as many times you want. You can use it on your own servers, and there is no limit to the number of blogs you can use with it.
You can also use free hosting by WordPress itself. This may be a good option for people just wanting to publish some ideas and opinions, but don’t want to invest in a domain name or hosting.
If, however, you expect to eventually make money (monetize) your blog, or you feel as if you want your own domain, then you should definitely get your own domain & hosting plan.
I use Godaddy.com to run several blogs. The domains are as inexpensive as $9.99 per year (or less). The hosting plans start as low as $4.99 per month, and go all the way up to as large and robust as you need. So you can update and change as your blog grows.
Conclusion: How to Start a Blog Free, and the Best Blog Format to Use
If you decide to start a blog, I would recommend WordPress hands down! It is easier than most others, has almost unlimited plugins and options, and it is totally free!
So if you want to start blogging, grab a free copy of WordPress, and go to town! If you plan to make money or eventually have a “big blog,” you may want to go ahead and snag up a domain & hosting plan as well.
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Posted under Website Tips, design
This post was written by Ben on May 31, 2009
