HOW TO START YOUR OWN WEBSITE
Are you running a small business that you are hoping to gain an online platform for? Or are you interested in starting a blog? If so you are probably wondering just how much this new endeavor will cost you. You may also wonder what options are available to you. When starting a blog or website there are many options available to you. Many of these options will not cost nearly as much as you had expected. So what factors do you need to consider before you start your own website?Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Choosing the best business and money making blog platforms and websites
Things can be confusing when you first start. You will have so many questions and feeling lost is a normal part of this starting a new project like this. I understand from the research that I have done that the best option is typically self-hosted.Some good self-hosted options would be Blue Host (My preferred web host) or Site Ground. Self-hosted is the best option due to the flexibility to customize and the ability to place advertising on your website. Placing Advertising is typically only allowed on self-hosted websites. Blue Host works great for me and I have used it since I began my blog in 2018. I have had no issues with Blue Host and overall using them as a web host has been a great experience. Blue Host is the hosting provider and uses WordPress to help you build your blog and customize it. I do not have any experience at all with Site Ground so I could not tell you how they are as a hosting Provider.Each websites prices vary from time to time so I encourage you to visit the actual website for more details. I feel the price for hosting was not expensive when I went with Blue Host for what I have received. I went with the one year plan for about $70 and renewed the next year for about $30.
Are there free blogging platforms available?
Absolutely. There are many free blogging platforms available to those who are interested in just running a website that they do not plan to use as a business. I actually used blogger in the past and for the blog I was using it for at the time it worked fine.Using one of these options is perfect for a more personal blog but does not offer the same flexibility and income earning potential that a website with a self-hosted provider can offer. When I decided to start Saving Joyfully my goal was to reach more people and to someday run it as a business which is why I chose to do a self-hosted blog.
Some great free blogging platforms
Go Daddy, Wix, Yola, Webself, WordPress, Blogger
Selecting a Niche
This is entirely a personal decision but I encourage you to consider these things very carefully. First of all some say a Niche is not really important and I disagree. People need to know what your website is about and why they would want to visit. There is nothing wrong with getting a little off topic or to write when inspired by something. I certainly do myself yet I believe that is just being real and being yourself. You want others to know why they would want to visit your website from the beginning. You also want to make sure that you know what you want to share with the world.I encourage you as Problogger encouraged me on his podcast to pick a topic you find it hard to get bored of or have plenty to share on. That way you do not run out of ideas and it is something you are truly passionate about. This will show in what you write and will encourage you to keep going even when you might experience some burnout.
Selecting a name for your blog
There is no magic formula for doing this and no one can tell you what name to choose. I do think there are a few things to consider though that may help you select a name that is a good fit and helps you get noticed.
Select a name that is memorable and catchy
Pick a professional sounding name if you are going for a professional blog
Make sure it is a name that you like and reflects your Niche if possible
Pick something that sets your website apart from other similar websites
Have fun selecting a name and make it something you can be proud of
Great advice on starting a money making blog
Check out ProBlogger.comDarren's website and podcast have helped me in so many ways since starting my own blog and the best part is it's completely FREE! So download the podcast and listen at work or on the go and check out the website in your spare time for tips for beginning bloggers.I have written a few other previous posts that may be helpful to new bloggers just starting out or even bloggers who have been around but may need some encouragement.Maintaining a successful blog, Best advice on starting a successful blog, Can you make money as a new blogger? Best free tools and resources for bloggers
