I’ve been working with several clients recently on the hows and whys of setting up a WordPress blog. I am a huge advocate of WordPress as both a blogging platform and a simple content management system. It’s easy to install and use for the novice, and it gives you the ability to set-up a good looking website with very little effort. It’s also easy to take your website or blog to the next level with the use of themes for a stylized look and feel and plugins for additional functionality.
WordPress can be hosted in two environments – WordPress hosted and self-hosted. Here is the difference:
- WordPress hosted: It’s easy to set-up a free blog hosted on the WordPress server. This service enables you to set-up a blog quickly without a hosting server.
Pros: It’s easy to set-up (there is essentially no set-up). It’s totally free. Upgrades are handled through WordPress.
Cons: WordPress.com offers limited functionality. You can’t add third party plugins. You are limited to one custom domain (otherwise your site will be hosted under “yourname.wordpress.com”.
- Self-hosted WordPress: In an hour or two, you can upload a copy of WordPress onto your server, configure it and start adding themes, plugins, etc. All you need is hosting space (this can be purchased cheaply through any hosting company. I prefer GearHost out of Colorado), an FTP program and some time. Using a few easy steps and WordPress’s “Famous 5-Minute Installation“, you will be up and running in no time.
Pros: You have complete control over your blog, data and its code. You have the ability to add third party themes and plugins. You can add other statistical tracking services for more detailed stats.
Cons: It takes a little technical know-how to set up the blog…but not much. If you can follow directions, you can set it up. You have to upgrade the blog software when necessary…and this can be a little complicated. Luckily, WordPress doesn’t upgrade that often.
So, if you are thinking about blogging, take a look at WordPress. I am happy to answer any questions you might have – just comment below. Tomorrow I’ll be covering how to install WordPress on your server, so get ready to get hands on!
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