Over the past year I have had quite a few people approach me and asked about what blogging is and how to get started.  With the new media and buzz of “professional bloggers” ringing in 6 figure incomes I can see why there has been such an increase in interest.  There are ton of reasons why you would want to start a blog.  Maybe you have some pertinent information you want to get out, a cool way for friends and family to keep up with you, cyber therapy, or (my favorite) for business.  Whatever the reason may be I set up this page for you… to give you the basics on starting a blog.

Before we get started on setting up a blog I figured I should spend a quick second on the question, “What’s a blog?”.  Glad you asked!!!  A blog is basically a website with a layout and functionality that makes updated and posting new content VERY EASY.  Basic blogging takes little to no web programming knowledge and the many blog providers have set up everything you need to pour your heart out.  Blogs are fully customizable and anything you can do on a traditional website you can pretty much do on a blog.  (This, however, will take web design knowledge)

There are a few blog providers out there like Google’s Blogger and WordPress.com.  I’ve personally used both of them and both will get the job done for basic blogging.  Customization is a bit limited but color schemes and themes are available (mostly free) to provide you with some uniqueness.  I’d recommend just going this route if you just want to try out blogging or do it leisurely.

If you’re looking to take your blog a bit more serious then there a few other things I recommend for you.  And by serious I mean if you’re looking to profit from it (Why not!?), have full ownership, and/or just want it to look more legit.  There are 3 things you’re going to need… Your own domain name, web hosting, and a fresh design or theme.  All are extremely cheap to be had and is all you’ll need to have a world class blog that will have you looking like a pro in no time!

So here it is… in 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Get a domain name: I recommend Godaddy… cheap and reliable… I get all my domain names from them… (FYI No need to purchase any of the “extras” they offer…) just the domain name of your liking. Oh and make sure your domain is relevant to your topic or business.  At the very least you should own your own name. (i.e. jarmardupas.com)

Step 2: Get Web Hosting:  I recommend HostGator… again inexpensive, reliable, and pretty much unlimited EVERYTHING… customer service is always available and you don’t have you worry about your site not being there.  Oh and they also have seamless WordPress.org integration which is what I use.  (WordPress.org & WordPress.com are two different things)

Step 3: Get a cool design or theme:  If you go with the web host I recommend or anyone with WordPress.org integration there are tons of cool, robust, yet free themes to choose from.  There are also great customizable designs available for purchase all over the net.  I’m lucky because my wife is a web designer… hehe… tell her I sent you and maybe she’ll give you a discount.

That’s it… all you have to do now is add content!  Oh and let me leave you with one more thing… If you have a business idea and/or a subject you love but aren’t sure how to get things rolling to capitalize on it… start a  blog.  Here’s a quick marketing plan for you…

Step 1: Create your blog using the previous 3 steps.

Step 2: Create relative content that’s invaluable to your readership.

Step 3: Market relative products and/or services to your readership who now love and trust you!

There’s your simple formula to success… (Can you tell I like simple “Steps”?)  So get started… Go Go Go!!!

Jarmar………………….

P.S.

Don’t forget to share and feel free to post any questions you may have here in the comment section.  That would help everyone because you may have a similar question that someone may be wondering about…