How To Build A Blog

Before I share with you the simple steps into building one and important things to know from the get-go, it's best to clarify first what really is a blog. After all, not everybody is an internet wizard and if you are like me when I was starting, you'd perfectly understand.

There are many ways to describe what it is, but if you are looking for a simple definition, then a blog (a contraction of the term "web log") is basically a "type of website that is often maintained by an individual, who regularly makesentries either of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video".

Because of its simplicity and versatility, blogs are used for different purposes. It can help you market yourself or a certain person. It can help boost sales for a particular product or service. It can act as a communication portal between the customer service of a company and it's clients. Having one enables you to increase your network and meet new people. Some just do it for the sake of practicing their writing and communicating skills.

Clearly just the tip of the iceberg as there's more you can do, but I'm sure by now you already have an idea of what you want to accomplish with your own. 

Basic Steps Involved in Building a Blog.

1. Buy a Domain Name -I have to be frank here. If you haven't decided yet on the topic or purpose of your blog, then it will take all eternity for you to finish this step. Try to be both creative and consistent on what you want to convey to your readers. So for example, ifit's tips for the constant traveller around the world, you can get "travelerstips", "alwaystraveling", or "tipsforthejourney" - of course, depending on their availability.

Avoid using too many words or long words as the domain name serves as your image branding to the public (and you always want to give them a much easier way of recalling your address).

Domain names usually cost around $10 (for .com's) and some of the best can be found either at GoDaddy.com or Namecheap.com.

2. Buy Web Hosting -Now that you've bought an address for your blog (hopefully it didn't take 6-8 hours to get it done), the next step is to set-up a hosting account which will serve as webspace for all the content you'll be placing in it. Two of the most recommended services are BlueHost and HostGator.

Web hosting is usually a bit more expensive because you pay for it monthly, and the prices vary on the payment options as well as the amount of webspace you'll be securing. Normally, there is an economy option which is 10GB - more than enough for one to start any blog. Buying a full year of hosting would then cost around $5 per month.

3. Install Wordpress -Since you have a domain name, it's best to have the most professional and customizable blogging platform by your side. Wordpress is that tool which can help turn a good blog into a great one. It is currently the most popular blogging software online as well. Go to WordPress.org to download the latest software version. There are many detailed guides that can take you step by stepin doing this process, but it is not a hard one and the average set-up time usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes.

Paid or Free?

Having your own domain name and hosting account for a blog has its distinct advantages. On top of them is you have more control on what kind of content to place and how to place them in your blog.

But starting out with free versions are perfectly fine as well, if you want to get the hang of it. Sites such as blogger.com, squidoo.com, hubpages.com, and similar others offer free hosting for your blog. The trade-off is you have to use their name as well (e.g. "alwaystraveling.blogspot.com"; "squidoo.com/travelerstips") and you have to abide by their guidelines (which are constantly changing). It is therefore wise to check if thetopic you will be blogging about is ok for these free sites.

Generally though, most topics are allowed and even with a free blog, you can already have a professional online presence and earn a good amount of income. Best advise, when you start earning from your free blog or when you want to have a more professional look - get your own domain and do the steps outlined above.