Easy! You start by choosing your host site!
Starting a blog sounds
simple enough! You create a name, choose a genre or style of content and start planning out blog posts. Many people get
stuck at this point.
They know
what they want to write about,
how they want the blog to look and some even know what social media platforms they want to use to promote the blog ... but where to
host and
publish the blog can stump even the best of planners.
media update's Alrika Möller lists five blog hosting sites that will make the choice easier:
Wix is a popular blog hosting site with more than
110 million users across the world. It is highly recommended for beginners in the blogging world as it is easy to navigate and use.
The blogging site offers a wide range of
mobile-responsive templates and formats to choose from when designing your blog. The drag-and-drop website builder makes it
super easy to create the design you want
without needing any coding or design skills.
The platform's other features include:
- search engine optimisation — a process that improves the quality and quantity of traffic to a website or webpage
- reader analytics — giving an idea of your website demographic and most popular pages, and
- the option to have a professional designer create your site.
Most users start off by using the free version and switch to the paid version if they are looking for more advanced features or intricate designs.
If you are looking to start out and you are unsure about blogging long-term or professionally, Wix is
perfect for you.
Squarespace is a hosting site that is commonly used by bloggers that are willing to pay a
monthly or annual fee for specific features and to start building their site.
This site offers a great deal of
options regarding formats — along with regular blogs, websites and e-commerce websites — that can support various methods of online sales.
With flexible,
industry-level templates, designed fonts and a variety of colour palettes, you can create a beautiful blog that matches your style. This tool also allows you to link email and social media platforms for marketing and promoting purposes without any
muss or fuss.
A few more features to take note of are:
- email linking
- social media linking
- cascading style sheets, and
- mobile-specific design options.
Squarespace is
ideal for e-commerce sites and bloggers that are looking to invest a little more.
SiteGround is a blog hosting website that allows you to
publish,
host and
protect your blog, however, you will need to use a website creator such as WordPress to create the site of your dreams.
WordPress is a
free, open-source platform that allows you to
create and build your site. It provides a wide range of formats and designs that you can customise according to your needs.
Here are a few more commonly missed features:
- a free email inbox for site-specific communication
- daily site backups of both the design and content, and
- security protocols that ensure a secure and encrypted communication link between the web server and web browser.
SiteGround and WordPress is
the site for you if you are looking for a professional site with great security and high-tech features.
This host site allows you to
design and
host your blog with the addition of
managing its social accounts
all in one place.
The designs, templates and formats are professional looking with easy customisation. With a wide range of options for designing, you are sure to have a website that fits your vibe and ticks your boxes.
GoDaddy offers a
variety of plans, for all budget sizes. The unmetered bandwidth means that the blog will have room to grow as the content, clicks and traffic increase without upping the costs.
The site offers the following content-specific features:
- customisable layouts
- the option to add various categories
- the ability to link the blog to another platform
- email updates, and
- basic image editing.
GoDaddy is recommended for bloggers that want to grow their site with time and are ready for long-term commitments. If you are in it for the
long haul, this one's for you.
HostGator works along with
Gator Builder to give you the ability to build and host your website in a one-stop-shop.
The drag-and-drop website builder simplifies the website building experience and makes it
easily customisable.
Website backups, security and performance are all
handled by HostGator itself to make it easier for the website owner to run their website.
HostGator includes the following tools and features:
- the ability to start with or add on an e-commerce function
- mobile responsive design templates
- search engine optimisation, and
- an easy-to-use logo maker.
This particular hosting site is a
popular site to use for small businesses and creative endeavours.
Blogging can be a fun pastime or a serious profession! What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section below.
We make blogging easy and fun! Are you looking for more tips on blogging? Check out The four pillars of a great blog.
*Image courtesy of Canva