| So, you'd like to start a blog? But you're not sure if | | | | they began putting advertising on their blog - only to |
| you should go with a free platform - like blogger - or | | | | have it disappear and the free host they were with |
| get independently hosted with a program like | | | | cite this very reason. |
| WordPress? | | | | Bottom line - if you want to make any money off |
| Well, in order to make your decision, there are a few | | | | your blog, start on the right foot and get self-hosted |
| simple questions to ask yourself. | | | | from the beginning. |
| 1) Why do I want to blog? | | | | 3) How long do I see this blog lasting for? |
| This is the most important question of them all. | | | | Did you just suddenly think a blog would be a |
| Why? Do you have a passion that you want to | | | | fabulous idea, and want to rush right in? Whoa there, |
| share with the world? A message you want to get | | | | buster. If you're not sure if this is a plan for life, or |
| heard? A business to build? Or do you just want to | | | | just the next 48-hour fad, then take some time |
| think out loud about your life, the universe, and | | | | before taking the plunge. |
| everything? | | | | If you decide to start a blog, you should do so |
| Deciding on your motivation will go a long way | | | | because you've got something to say. Your topic |
| towards making this decision. If you're planning on | | | | should be something you are passionate about - and |
| blogging to build a business, or a community, then a | | | | something you can think and write about for a long |
| self-hosted blog is the way to go - that way you | | | | time to come. |
| have total control over how it looks, functions - and | | | | This is especially the case if you envisage making |
| what you put on it. | | | | money from your blog. It takes time to build a |
| If you envision your blog just as a public journal, | | | | readership, which equals traffic, which equals income. |
| where you share your thoughts, then a free platform | | | | Yaro Starak says you should not even think about |
| might be the way to go. Just sign up, and start | | | | making any money from your blog for the first six |
| writing! | | | | months - just focus on creating fantastic content and |
| 2) Do I want to monetize my blog - now or in the | | | | growing your readership. That's what will make your |
| future? | | | | blog a winner in the long run. |
| This is also a question you should consider from the | | | | So, if you plan on your blog being around for a while, |
| beginning - before you start your blog. The issue | | | | self-hosting is the best choice - again because you |
| here is control - if you go with a free service, they | | | | have complete control. |
| will have regulations regarding advertising and | | | | Conclusion |
| monetization that will limit you in your choices. | | | | So, remember - if you're ever planning on using your |
| By going self-hosted from the beginning, you can | | | | blog to earn income or build a business, you need a |
| choose to monetize any way you like - no-one can | | | | self-hosted blog like WordPress. But, if you just want |
| tell you yes or no. And no-one can shut down your | | | | to think out loud and express yourself, with no intent |
| blog without your consent because you breach policy! | | | | to make money, a free host will do you fine. Good |
| Many bloggers have had this happen to them when | | | | luck in your blogging ventures! |