WordPress is a popular choice for bloggers as it is highly customizable and can be easily incorporated into existing websites. But before you start your own blog, take the time to consider which of the many hosting options is best for you.
What Is Your Blog For?
First, ask yourself what the primary function of your blog is going to be. There are many reasons for both individuals and businesses to blog, including:
• meeting and connecting with people who share common interests.
• having an open forum to discuss news and ideas.
• keeping customers in the loop with up-to-date product information.
• driving traffic to a business website by providing fresh, organic content.
Whatever your reason for blogging is, you should choose a host that meets both your needs and skill level.
User-Friendly Hosts
If you’re uncomfortable with trying to handle a lot of files or are unfamiliar with database creation, the easiest way to install WordPress is through One-Click Installation. There are many web hosts that offer the One-Click option. Familiar names include GoDaddy and Hostgator, but there are also sites optimized for WordPress hosting, like WPWebHost and GreenGeeks. With One-Click, you simply fill out a few forms and let the host do the detail work for you.
Hosting For Advanced Users
WordPress has a lot to offer for more experienced users. You can even build your entire website using WordPress as a platform. Familiarity with CSS and web design opens up a whole new world of possibilities. If you know what you’re doing, you can take control of your WordPress installation with these hosts:
• iPage, a hosting company that offers $25/year blog-specific hosting.
• Laughing Squid, a small, independently-owned host for creative bloggers, nonprofits, and small businesses.
• Blue Host, recommended by WordPress, offers hosting packages with unlimited disk storage and bandwidth.
These and other blog-friendly hosting services allow you to unleash your inner creativity and make use of the many features of WordPress with little restriction.
But Don’t Overdo!
Whether you need simple or advanced installation, keep in mind what your blog is for as you browse through various hosting options. If your blog is going to be a small, personal page, you don’t want to waste money on a hosting package that would better suite an e-commerce business. On the other hand, don’t keep your business underpowered if you plan to use your blog as a marketing tool. The right host should fill all your needs without a lot of extra bells and whistles so that you can blog without hassle.
