To create a blog, one needs blogging software. They are mostly free for hosting.
Examples:
WordPress
Blogger
Different blogging software programs provide different features to users although all provide the basic elements needed by casual bloggers. The composing window that is in-built in all the blogging platforms is more or less same.
Additionally, some blogging software programs can be hosted for free through the software provider while others require you to host the software through a third party blog host, which will require payment to that blog host.
The term ‘blogging software’ can also be referred to as ‘blogging platform’.
Different Blogging Platforms:
WordPress.com is free blogging software that provides a limited amount of customization by way of free templates that you can download for your blog. WordPress.com does not allow you to monetize with ads of any kind on blogs, so monetizing your free WordPress blog through advertising is not an option.
If you are using wordpress platform, your blog URL will be: acnecreamsreviewed.wordpress.com
That is only a sample URL friend.
Third party hosted blog
WordPress.org (WP) also offers free blogging software, but you must have your own domain and hosting account. The diverse customization options make WP very powerful and business bloggers with good experience prefer WP blogging platform. You need to buy your own domain and hosting account from hosting companies that include, Go Daddy, Blue Host and Host Gator etc.
Blogger is undoubtedly the easiest blogging software available. All new bloggers should start their first blogs with Blogger. It’s free and also easy to use. Blogger allows you to publish ads. It is totally free. It is owned by Google.
Free Hosting of your custom domain
With blogger, you can also have them host you’re your blog with your own custom domain for free. This means, instead of a blog address that ends with blogsoit.com, your blog address (URL) will be yourdomainname.com
Example:
acnecreamsreviewed.blogspot.com
Here, the hosting is completely free, but you will have to pay for your own domain which is at present $10 per year. Yes, you will have to renew your domain every year at the prevailing rates.
You can buy the domain through Google itself though you can also buy elsewhere and point your DNS servers to Google. Since this involves a bit of technical work, but Google has published an easy to implement tutorial.
Moveable Type is great blogging software, but it requires users to obtain pricey licenses. The installation process is cumbersome and the features are not as rich as other blogging software programs provide. Many people like Moveable Type because it supports multiple blogs without having to install the software again and again.
LiveJournal requires users to pay a monthly hosting fee, and it provides a limited amount of features and customization.
Summary:
So, if you are looking for free blogging software that allows monetization, then Blogger hosting is the best choice. No downloading, no fees whatsoever.
If monetization is not important to you, then WordPress.com hosting is the choice. No downloading, no fees whatsoever.
For bloggers who want full customization and advanced features and aren’t afraid of technical challenges and out-of-pocket expenses, WordPress.org hosting is the best choice.
You must download the wordpress blogging software and upload it in your hosting server and point to your domain.
The cost of having your blog in wordpress will be:
$10 per year towards domain registration
$6.00 per month towards hosting.
There, I have given you the facts about various blogging platforms and the cost involved! Choose one that suits your wallet’s thickness.
