30 May 09 How to Start a Blog?

From its original status as a web log (web-based diary) to the most reliable source of information, blogging has come a long way. Blogging has broken the entire web landscape into small interest-based fragments, which we call niches. On the last count, the total number of blogs has crossed the mark of 150 million. This figure includes self-hosted blogs as well as the blogs that are hosted on sub-domains. This guide will tell you what you need to start your own blog.

Step 1: Get a Domain Name

A domain name is necessary if you want to start a self-hosted blog like domainname.com. If you want you can also start with hosting your blog on sub-domains on the blog network websites like WordPress, blogger etc. If you go for the sun-domain you will get names like you.wordpress.com, you.blogger.com etc.

Step 2: Choose a Blog Platform

There are number of blogging platforms freely available on the Internet. You can choose one from them. I will suggest you to go for WordPress. By using WordPress, you will be leveraging the power of huge plug-ins, themes and other resources created by the WordPress user communities.

Step 3: Buy Web space

If you are planning to go for a self-hosted blog then you will need web space where you can host your blog. Buy a web space from a reliable web hosting company. I will suggest you to go for a web hosting company that offers one-click WordPress installation With Fantastico.

Step 4: Choose a Theme

Once the WordPress is installed, you should choose a theme from the hundreds of freely available free-to-use WordPress themes on the Internet. If you want, you can also customized the theme you choose, and make it look personal.

Step 5: install Plug-ins

Plug-ins are must. They increase your blog’s capability, and safeguard your blog from SPAMS. Some important plugins are: Akismet, All-in-one SEO, Sociable or any social bookmarking plug-in, related post,etc.

This is it. You blog is up and running. Now, you need to start uploading content. Make sure the contents are unique, and have not been lifted from any other source.