Individuals and companies know that blogs can be powerful tools, but many are not sure exactly how to make a blog. In fact, creating a blog today is super simple.
Blog Platforms
There are two major blogging platforms or spaces where you can go to get started blogging. Those are Blogger and Wordpress, and both are free.
Blogger Blogs
Blogger, owned, by Google is a very basic blog platform with the most recent post listed at the top followed by a string of posts in order of publication such as at Barbecue Master. Blogger is in a two column format, although both free and paid templates can be uploaded to get more columns and for background customizations.
In addition, Google currently has a more robust design with three columns and a larger selection of backgrounds including custom options in beta for testing. Once the new options are rolled out, it will be possible to easily create fancier looking blogs at Blogger.
One plus with using Blogger is that blogs on Blogger can be monetized. Bloggers can run Google AdSense ads as well as affiliate ads including Amazon product ads.
WordPress Blogs
WordPress offers more robust options, and WP blogs can be customized so that it is difficult for a novice to identify that a blog platform is being used rather than actual web page design software. Catawba College recently shifted the student newspaper online to WordPress, and The Pioneer newspaper shows some of the many options for design in WordPress.
Unlike Blogger, Wordpress does not allow monetization. In other words, you can’t place ads of any type on a WordPress blog, unless you buy a host domain and shift the blog off the WordPress platform. The WP software can be used to create the blog, but anyone blogging to make money will have to find a host before including advertisements.
How to Make a Blog
Once a decision is made about which host to use (Blogger or WordPress), the initial set up is super simple. Just go to the home page and click the orange Create a Blog button at Blogger or the Sign Up Now button to the right at WordPress.
In both cases, the blog set up site pages involve clicking various options to build the blog. Setting up a blog is quite similar to installing new software. Just follow the directions step by step through completion. And, remember that choices are not set in stone. A blogger can go back to the dashboard later and make changes as needed or wanted.
After the Blog Set Up is Complete
Once the blog is set up, the blogger can immediately begin to write and post materials as well as add photos and videos. Blogger makes this especially easy, although it does not take long to master the slightly more complex WordPress set up.
Getting More Creative with a Blog
Most bloggers like to get a little (or a lot) fancier with blogs, and there are loads of widgets that can be added ranging from photo rotators to search word clouds and animated graphics. In some cases, bloggers learn additional HTML and make their own creations like the fancy header bars while others copy and paste free widgets readily available online or hire out custom design work for the blog.
Time to Start Blogging
Earlier on it was difficult to get online. Advanced level skills were required to build pages and have an online presence. Now it is very easy to set up and maintain a blog. Blogging is as simple as pressing a few buttons and then adding materials.
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Cyndi Allison - Southern born and fed, Cyndi Allison is a college lecturer and newspaper advisor as well as being a freelance writer. She writes on ...
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