This blog, Cheap Is The New Classy, is my first blog. I started it in late 2011 as a hobby, but it has since turned into my full time job. I also own two other blogs, one that I started on my own and one that I purchased from another blogger. Sometimes people ask me how to start a blog so I will tell you about my experiences.
There are several things that you need to consider when starting a blog. On the personal side, you need to think about what you want your blog to be about. I mean, if you start a blog and name it after a favorite sports team, but then you only post about coupons, that doesn’t really fit does it? So, really put some thought into what you are interested in talking about. A lot.
As far as the technical side, here are some other things to consider. They don’t always have to come in any certain order, though. For instance, I had my first blog’s name before hosting, but it was the opposite way for my 2nd. Just make sure you read through all of the “How To Start A Blog” tips so that you know what to expect.
How To Start A Blog: Pick A Domain Name
If you don’t already have a domain name, you can generally get one with your host. I find this to be the best option because it’s easy to forget when things need to be renewed if they are all over the place. Think of a cool name and then check to see if it’s already in use. If it is, just change it up a bit. Try really hard to use something different from anyone else, though. You don’t want someone fighting you for your name later. Also, be sure it’s a name you can live with, possibly for a very long time.
How To Start A Blog: Hosting
I started Cheap Is The New Classy on one of the freebie hosts. This can be a good thing to do if you want your blog as a hobby. However, I have talked to PR people who have told me that many companies don’t prefer to work with those who do not have paid hosting. Perhaps it’s because when you pay for hosting, you probably have intentions of sticking to blogging for a while.
I chose to switch to paid hosting quickly because I learned that when you have your blog on a free site, you may not actually own it. So, if you do something that defies the terms of service, they can take down your blog, and you can lose all your hard work. What?! Honestly, the stress of worrying about that was way too much for me to deal with.
So, after 3 months, I moved my Cheap Is The New Classy blog to paid hosting. One great option for paid hosting is Bluehost. You don’t want to pay top dollar for hosting when you first start out because, hey, what if it’s not for you? You definitely don’t want to be out a lot of cash, right?
If you are unsure of what hosting is, think of it as your blog’s date to an invite only party. Your blog can’t be there without it.
BlueHost has plans starting at $4.95/month which include unlimited domains, hosting space, file transfer, unlimited emails and free domain registration.
How To Start A Blog: Launch Your WordPress Blog
You can chose to do this yourself or you can hire a professional. If you like to save money, then doing it yourself might be the way to go. Bluehost, the #1 host recommended by WordPress, offers one-click WordPress installation and they also have Weebly. This has a drag-and-drop builder that you can use.
How To Start A Blog: Know When To Ask For Help
Starting a blog isn’t terribly difficult. Like I said, I have started two myself. However, sometimes you need to ask for help. If you don’t have a knowledgeable friend who can help you out of a jam, you can always call tech support. Bluehost offers 24/7 tech support in the US. You can reach them via telephone, online chat, or email for assistance.
There is a lot more to know to running a blog but these are just some basic tips to help get you started. I hope they help. 🙂
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What Other Tips Would You Like To Share With Blogging Novices?
Great information, and wish I’d had it when I first started my blog!
I wish I had looked up starting a blog bf I just jumped in on Blogger.com. It was a huge learning curve.
Great info. I learned everything by trial and error. Painful to say the least.
Oh me too. It was so stressful when I switched from the free site to paid because the person I paid to transfer my site didn’t do as good of a job as I would have liked. I wish I had just started with paid hosting to begin with – and I did with my second site. You live and you learn.
I also started with a free site, mainly because I wasn’t sure I was going to stick with it. But now I love it and have switched!
Great advice about choosing a blog name that is different. That name will help you stand out in the crowd.
I started on a free site. So happy to have my own domain. Very good advice.
I agree, I started off on bloggers and stayed there for years but moving to WP was the best blogging decision I ever made. It has helped not only my stats but it has increased paid opps.
The difference was like night and day when I moved.
I wish I had started blogging on WordPress! Blogger since 2002!
Wow! You have been blogging for a long time. You can always move. 😉
Very cool post for newbie bloggers. I think owning your own site and hosting is essential to be considered serious.
I was CLUELESS about blogging. Wish I’d seen posts like yours early on!
I started my blog on one of the free sites as well then was afraid to move away from it. Honest… I JUST moved this past December even though I’ve been blogging since 2007. Great information you’ve provided for people just starting out!
That is exactly how I felt. I was terrified to move. From my own experience, I think if anyone starts a blog, they should start on paid hosting if they think there is even the slightest chance they will want to be there at all one day. Why give yourself something else to worry about?
Blog about what you love.
I wish I had all this info when I first started, my first blog was just for fun to share and post beauty pics since I love make up and slowly evolved.
I actually don’t pay and I take my blog very seriously. Guess it all depends on the blogger. These are great tips for those starting out and wanting advice on how to start.
We can all tell you do that know you. 🙂 But paying for hosting does make it obvious to outsiders and PR people who don’t know you {who will make assumptions}. Wouldn’t you agree?
I second Lisa, blog about what you love.
This is excellent advice for anyone wanting to start a blog. I know I was confused about all the different options out there when I first started.
Thanks. I was, too. There really is a learning curve to it.
Great information. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
This is really good info for when your first starting up and super easy to read! I wish I would have seen this before I started my blog! Your writing is so sweet and inviting! Keep up the awesome advise!
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