Start a blog
No site yet? Here are two options to get started. You can begin with a free WordPress site (this site is WordPress powered). There are two versions, the first they host for you and the second you install or have installed at your own domain.
The latter, installing at a web host with your domain name allows you more options for expanding and adding functionality. Some may argue it also allows you to obtain better search engine results if the site is under your domain. If you decide to install yourself I also recommend a hosting company and if you would like the additional control of having WordPress installed under your own domain on your own host, I also list a resource for finding someone to install it for you. Options are listed below.
Option 1
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Free Hosting & WordPress Site WordPress provides their publishing platform for free, fully hosted, all you do is sign up and you are up and running. You are able to get started immediately, however you will not have your own domain name. You may however upgrade and pay a fee to have your own domain name mapped to their site. You can sign up here for free at WordPress. |
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Option 2
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First Download Free WordPress Site Software WordPress also allows you to download their application and place it on your own server. You can maintain control which allows you to have more options as your site grows and you wish to add functionality. You can download the most recent version for free. |
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One of my favorite sites to get any programming I need is Scriptlance. Scriptlance is a marketplace for programmers and those that need something programmed. I have used the site for years. Find a programmer her to install and set up WordPress exactly the way you want it. |
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So you have the WordPress software, a developer to set it up for you, now you need hosting and a domain name. To get a year of hosting and your own domain name for only one payment of $42.40 go here to this site for instructions. This is an excellent price to cover a year of hosting and get a domain name. (follow these instructions for the promotion). |
And get a godaddy coupon here to save on domain name registrations from a top registrar.
Comment by James Mann on 28 December 2007 :
Currently I purchase domains at GoDaddy and host most of my websites on HostGator. To this point I have not experienced any problems with either company.
Once I have a domain it only takes a few minutes to setup a new WordPress theme and I am in business. Of course I usually don’t stick with the default theme if my blog is to make money online so I have a number of WordPress themes that are search engine optimized along with a few important plugins.
Gotta love WordPress
Comment by rainyl on 29 December 2007 :
I think this is a very good article. I have several blogs and YEs I am making nice money with them.
Comment by Henry on 20 January 2008 :
Hi Brian
I have one blog using WordPress. I would like to allow people to give comments with hyperlink embedded in text or insert image. Do you or anybody know any WordPress plugin with such features.
Thanks
Comment by Brian on 21 January 2008 :
Hi Henry,
I have not found one myself, but honestly did not look that hard. A great resource is WordPress itself, they have over 1,400 plugins at the WordPress plugin page.
Twitter: www.onlinemeetingblog.com
Comment by Cristine on 15 November 2008 :
Oh wow, I’ve just emailed you. I’m so excited!!
regards,
Cristine