Before you can start blogging you need to set up your own blog. However before we dive in exactly how to set your own blog up lets look at what’s on offer?
For beginners, people new to the Internet and people who just want to dive straight in I would suggest opting for a solution that requires as little work as possible for both setting up and maintaining.
Blogger.com is probably most well known for its brand as well as its ease of use. One of the best options is the fact that it’s free for both using their service and even for hosting it. Hosting with them is not a bad idea if your not used to running your own website already. However they do put adverts sometimes as a way for contributing to your hosting costs which is a fair deal. Though if your are a dab hand with the old FTP settings (and you have your own hosting) then Blogger.com offers a superb facility for publishing your blog on your own hosting. That way you only have the adverts you want.
Another useful way is going to a paid blogging service. All the blogging sites I have listed below provide the full works in terms of hosting and blogging facilities, so there’s no need to worry about anything.
Squarespace: It’s a brilliant looking service that has many cool looking templates and features. There is no third party software and price start from $7 to $17 per month* I do like the look of it and would recommend the middle option at $12 per month. This is on the basis that you can have domain mapping. Domain mapping means if you own a domain name i.e. thisismyblog.com you can point it to your Squarespace account. Therefore your visitors can type http://www.thisismyblog.com/article39.html instead of http://thisismyblog.squarespace.com/article39.html.
Click here to see Squarespace’s pricing matrix to compare their packages.
TypePad: Big company, cool style and good price. Publishing wise you get a whole host of features like podcasting & video support, category and date archiving, and photo albums. I would even recommend the basic package as it would get any new blogger well on there way at $4.95 per month. The next package up provides a few extra features included the domain mapping that we spoke about earlier.
Click here to see TypePad’s pricing matrix to compare their packages.
The most important thing about choosing for a paid service is to know you feel comfortable with it. That’s why if you choose either one you’ll get a free trial with them just so that can to grips with them or not. As a new blogger you may well need a helping hand so have a look at their manuals and support pages:
You can view Squarespace’s “How to blog” information by clicking here.
TypePad have there whole manual online ready to view. Click here to see if it’s something you feel you can work with.
Also check out their screen shots, see if you like them? Because you will be seeing a lot their site if your going to be blogging with them.
I hope this helps you start your blog site and let me know how you get on. If you have any suggestions i.e. new blogging sites, or you have had a good/bad experience with a site please e-mail me or leave a comment.
