In today’s digital age, starting your own blog is just a few clicks away! In fact, we’re only about 14-15 taps or clicks away from launching your very own blog.
But let’s be real—starting a blog can feel overwhelming. Website/blog development, launching, or hosting can sound demanding. However, it should not stop you from starting your blog.
This blog will help you understand the basics that you should know to start your blog. From where to buy domains, selecting hosting providers – free or paid and a great alternative at the end that starts with the Letter W.
Name Becomes Domain Name
You have selected a niche and a name for your blog. Perfect!
Now it’s the time to transform it into a domain name. Basically, your domain name is the address of your website on the internet. It’s unique, meaning no two websites can have the same domain name.
If you want your own domain, you’ll need to purchase one through a domain registrar.
Check out the Best Domain Registrars of 2022 for some helpful options!
Here are a few tips for choosing your domain name:
- Opt for a “.com” domain: This is the most recognized and trusted domain extension.
- Keep it memorable and clear: A long or complicated domain name can deter potential visitors.
- Avoid hyphens: They can be easily forgotten, leading users to the wrong site.
If you’re not looking to buy a domain, there are options for free domains, but there’s a catch. Free domains often include the name of the hosting company.
For example, if you want “CapybaraWisdom.com” domain and own it for free through a domain registrar called “Honey Badger”, your domain would look like this: Capybarawisdom.HoneyBadger.com.
WordPress also includes “WordPress” in their free domain, but that’s not an issue since it’s a reputable company, and people won’t mistake it for a spam site, unlike HoneyBadger.
Let’s Host Your Domain Name
You have purchased/found a domain name. Great! But not to be the bearer of bad news, if you enter it into your browser right now, you’ll likely see an error message.
Why? Because, just like a house needs land, a website needs a hosting provider to function.
Hosting, or web hosting, is an online service that allocates space for websites on the internet. Hosting Service Providers (HSPs) offer this service, often at an affordable price.
When choosing a hosting provider, consider factors like security, speed, and bandwidth (the amount of information it can handle).
But as everything on the internet – well, almost everything on the internet – there’s a free version for every paid version.
Free vs. Paid Hosting Services
Both free and paid hosting services can provide similar levels of security and bandwidth. However, paid services often come with additional features such as more storage, better customer support, and enhanced security. If you’re just starting and don’t need those extras, free hosting might be a good fit for you.
Here are some popular free hosting providers you might consider:
- InfinityFree
- Wix
- ByetHost
- HyperPHP
- 000WebHost
What’s the Catch with Free Hosting Services?
While free hosting sounds appealing, there are a few downsides to keep in mind:
- Advertisements: Free hosting providers often display ads on your site, which can be intrusive and detract from your content.
- Unprofessional URLs: Free hosts may add funky extensions to your domain name, making it appear less credible.
- Visitor Limitations: Free hosting typically has resource limits, so if your blog gains traction, you might experience downtime or slow loading times.
Paid hosting services eliminate these issues and often provide additional features like enhanced security and customer support.
Introducing WordPress
If you’re looking for a premium hosting service that offers both free blog hosting and a domain name, look no further than WordPress! While you might encounter a few ads, they are generally less intrusive than those found on other free platforms.
Pros of Using WordPress
- Easy to Start: You can launch your blog with free minimal WordPress themes and customize it to fit your niche and brand.
- Essential Features: WordPress provides basic SEO tools, site statistics, and social media sharing options with their free domain.
- Storage: You get access to 1 GB of storage, along with image galleries and presentations.
- Spam Protection: Enjoy reliable hosting with built-in spam protection.
Cons of Using WordPress
- Limited Theme Options: If you want more comprehensive design options, you may need to upgrade to a paid version.
- No Plugins: You won’t have access to additional tools that plugins offer.
- Ads: While not overly intrusive, ads may appear below your blog posts.
Conclusion
Now you know what a domain name is, how to choose one, and the difference between free and paid web hosting. You’ve also learned why WordPress’s free offering is an excellent option for new content writers.
If you feel that WordPress isn’t the right fit for you, don’t hesitate to explore other platforms like Wix.
Happy blogging, and enjoy the journey of sharing your unique voice with the world!
I promise I’m not sponsored by WordPress, but hey, a man can dream.
