If you are thinking about starting a blog or you have recently started a blog, you most likely have many questions. In this beginner blogging FAQs, I hope to cover all your beginner blogging questions in time. So if you have any questions that are not on this list please do let me know.
1. Which is the Best Blogging Platform for a Blogger and Why?
The best blogging platform is WordPress. Using the ‘self-hosted’ version WordPress is your best choice because not only is it free to install but it also gives you the freedom to scale up your blog and add the widest possible range of features.
WordPress allows you to start simple but can also handle very complex websites such as online stores, membership sites, and online course websites.
2. Should I Pay for a Blogging Site or Should I Use a Free Service?
You should definitely pay for your blogging site. That is to say, you should pay for your own domain and hosting account and blog design too if it is within your budget.
The first reason is that you will have more reason to actually put in the effort to make your blog successful because you have invested in it.
The second reason is that blogging is all about exchanging with others. As a blogger, you exchange your knowledge and expertise and in return your audience exchanges by purchasing through your affiliate links or purchasing your products or services. Thus, you should also be willing to exchange with those whose products and services help you build a better blog. This way blogging is a win-win for everyone.
The third reason is that Free Blogging Services such as Wix, Squarespace, and others are not actually free. When you sign up for a free account you are actually signing up for a very limited service. You will still have to pay for your own domain if you don’t want to have Wix or Squarespace mentioned in your domain name and if you want additional features then you will have to pay for these. I don’t know of any free blog that has become successful.
Lastly, paying for your blog gives you control over your blog. If you use a free blogging service you are totally reliant on them. If you host your own blog you control your content fully and you are free to move to another hoster or blog designer at any time while keeping your content and blog design intact.
3. What does it mean to “self-host” a blog and is it the right option for me?
A ‘self-hosted’ blog is a blog that has its own hosting account. The most common and most popular self-hosted blogging software is WordPress. You can download the WordPress software from WordPress.org for free and install it on most hosting accounts from almost any hosting company.
In fact, most blog hosting companies have built-in software that will guide you through the WordPress installation process. Some hosting companies may even install WordPress for you making it even easier to setup.
4. How do I choose a domain name that works for my site?
If you are starting a personal blog then a popular op[tion is to use your own name for your blog. If you are comfortable with building a personal blog brand then this may be a good option.
Other options include using keywords or topics related to your niche within your domain name.
It is important to choose a .com domain name wherever possible and also to make sure you do not make your domain name too long or use trademarks or the names of others in your domain name.
Here is a more detailed article which covers how to choose a great domain name for your blog.
