How To Make Money Blogging- Choosing Your Platform (Part 2)

Please note: this was written in June, 2008! Updated, June, 2010

First off, I really want to make it clear that I am NOT an expert at blogging, actually, I am just really getting started. (6/2008) If you’re wondering what am I doing writing a blog about blogging when I’m a new blogger (say that 5 times really fast) , so am I. What I am is a teacher, and a researcher. To clarify my purpose here, it’s to give you a concise outline to get started and point you to all the resources you need to make …GOOD…money blogging. I am happy to walk along side and compare notes as we go along, too!

OK, now that we have that out of the way…..Step 2. You should have your topic now, your next assignment is also one of the most important foundational steps you will take and that is deciding on your blogging platform. Here is where I have freedom to tell you my experiences with various platforms because no one is paying me to say what they want me to! In case you aren’t sure what I mean by ‘blogging platform’, then you are at the right place. This means you aren’t up on the latest CSS or HTML, or other alphabet software and you need a basic recommendation.

Choosing Your Platform

Ok, what’s a ‘platform’? It’s basically what you use to write and publish your blog. Also know as a ‘Content Management System’ or CMS, it’s one of the most important decisions you will make in your blogging journey. There are a number to choose from, and if you’d like to see a full list, Problogger has one posted here.

WordPress

We are only going to deal with the most popular  free programs. I discovered WordPress later in the game and absolutely LOVE it, and it’s 100%free. You have two options with WordPress, WordPress.org and WordPress.com. Many people confuse these two, but there is a  BIG difference. WP.com is the online version that is ideal if you have $0 money to start with. They will give you a domain name (actually, it will be a subdomain of WP like like ThisIsMe.wordpress.com) and walk you through step by step. You can purchase your own domain name and plug it in if you want.

Your other option is to obtain your own hosting and domain name and put it on your server yourself. This is called a ‘self-hosted blog’. Many hosting companies already have it installed on their system, and it’s a one or two click start up. Why would you go to all that trouble and expense if WordPress is willing to host it for you? Money. On WordPress.com you are limited not only to what you can do with design and the like, but if you get too commercialized (ie: advertising) they will shut you down. So if your object is to make money, it’s wise to start out with a self hosted blog. It’s not as difficult as it sounds, and some hosting companies are more than helpful in walking you through it. Blue Host has the best customer service IMHO, and was very patient with me in the early days. Believe me, I would not have been as patient with me. I had no idea what I was doing. They spent hours at a time helping me out.  iPowerWeb.com also has award winning customer service and is probably the most affordable option, including a free domain name.

Blogger

Blogger is Google’s baby,  and is easily set up with Google Adsense. However, being somewhat of a remnant child of the sixties, I have struggled with how big Google is getting, and thus a little too powerful. So I enjoy promoting the free spirited WordPress. That’s all I will say, in case Google is listening….. It’s also more difficult in my opinion to use on a day to day basis than WordPress, but they do make it easier to install some of the extras (like their Adsense).

Homeschool Blogger

Homeschool Blogger is a free blogging platform that is made for homeschoolers. They have recently done a MAJOR remodel, so be patient with them. It’s a great way to get to know other homeschool families.

The platform I started with came with my hosting package and was an installed WordPress application hosted on my Blue Host. I felt limited in what I could do at the time. I have blogs on all the platforms, I tried them all just so I could report back to you what works and what doesn’t.They all work, but I like WordPress the best, and Blogger the least.

Now (6-2010) I have several ‘self-hosted’ blogs and love all the options and the ease with updating and trying new things. I enjoy trying on different themes like some women enjoy trying on new clothes! (not recommended)

Would love to hear your experiences, please leave us a comment with your opinion. Thanks!

Read next: How to make money blogging – Part 3