by Ray Cook

Created on: March 13, 2009

So you want to be a blogger.

What platform should you use? The most popular blogging platforms are Blogger, MoveableType and WordPress.

I have tried a few platforms and WordPress is my blogging platform of choice. Why?

I have found that as an experienced IT professional that WordPress gives me the most flexibility, options, extensibility and configurability. I have also found that my posts turn up in search engines very quickly because there is an option for automatic search engine submission in WordPress which is very useful.

But anyone can easily start blogging with WordPress.

So let's look at a basic decision you have to make.

WordPress, like other platforms, allows you to make the choice between a standard free hosting on WordPress or hosting on your own server away from WordPress.

1. WordPress free blog hosting

This option hosts your blog on WordPress's own server and gives you an address like fredblogger.wordpress.com. You can sign up, choose a theme (of which more later) and be blogging in minutes.

This option requires absolutely no knowledge of the mechanics behind the blog and is ideal for the first-time blogger or anyone who doesn't want any hassle with downloading, FTP'ing, finding a host and paying for the hosting.

2. Own Hosted Option

You need to find a hosting company that meets the WordPress minimum requirements. These can be found on their site. Any mainstream hosting provider will meet these requirements, but make sure you check first. There is a helpful list of providers on the WordPress site.

If you go for this option you have to download the latest software and then upload it to your chosen host and then go through a simple set up routine. This basically creates the tables in the underlying MySQL table. It is not difficult at all, in fact, it's very simple and there is plenty of help on the WordPress website, forum and a million places on the web if you get stuck.

This option is not free because you have to pay for hosting, but this is the option I would recommend to any serious blogger because it offers far more options to personalise the blog to look like you want it to.

WordPress Admin

But first, let's look at the WordPress Admin where you create the posts and pages and other elements which enable you to have complete control over your blog. You call this the blog Control Center.

When you create your blog you will have created an Admin user and password and you will also know the URL or web address of your Admin log in. Make sure you bookmark this log

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>