| There is more than one way to start your own | | | | Usually, these software need database and PHP |
| blog. In fact, with so many blog solutions | | | | or Perl support (scripting languages) in the |
| out there, you can easily get lost. That's | | | | web server. Most standard hosts already have |
| why it's important to pick the right solution | | | | support for those features out of the |
| for each business. There is nothing more | | | | box.What makes this type of platform so |
| annoying than having to handle countless of | | | | popular among businesses is the flexibility |
| problems and decisions when you suddenly find | | | | and control you get from owning one. You can |
| you need to switch blog platforms after you | | | | host the blog on your own domain with your |
| already have a blog up and running.Of the | | | | existing web site; customize the template to |
| various blog hosting and services, they all | | | | inherit the color and navigation (look and |
| have their own particular benefits and | | | | feel) from the rest of your website, and so |
| drawbacks. All of them share some basic | | | | on.Additionally you can have the blog |
| characteristics that make blogging easy and | | | | software modified to suit your needs, and |
| fun, although some platforms may require more | | | | maybe even install some plug-ins to expand |
| technical knowledge than others. That should | | | | functionalities that are not available on |
| not be the barrier though, because it | | | | standard package. If the blog software |
| actually is not as difficult as you may | | | | includes source code and the term of use lets |
| imagine.There are basically three common blog | | | | you modify it, you can even let a programmer |
| platforms.1) Hosted weblog platformThis type | | | | fix something if you find a bug - and if you |
| of blog is the easiest way to start. It's | | | | release the bug fix into the community, you |
| actually similar to creating a free service | | | | have made a meaningful contribution |
| account online, where you only need to enter | | | | back.Obviously, this option involves more |
| your information into the sign up form and | | | | work than using a hosted solution. And unlike |
| click submit. If you know how to create your | | | | the first solution, if you need to add |
| own web mail account such as Yahoo! Mail, | | | | features then you have to upgrade it your own |
| Gmail or Hotmail account, you know more than | | | | or hire people who know how to do it.Like a |
| enough to get started.This is the only blog | | | | hosted blog, standalone weblog software |
| solution that allows you to get up and | | | | usually has a management screen where you can |
| running in a few minutes.In this type of | | | | conduct various administrative tasks using |
| solution, you don't need to install any type | | | | relatively easy interfaces.Examples: |
| of software or script to get going. Some | | | | WordPress, Movable Type, GreyMatter, |
| providers even allow you to use their hosting | | | | PMachine, ExpressionEngine, B2Evolution.3) |
| service for free. All you need to do is | | | | Remote hosted weblog platformCurrent web and |
| select the options you want and start posting | | | | Internet technologies allow certain blog |
| to your blog.The URL to your blog is usually | | | | platforms to expand flexibility, creating a |
| in the following format:1. 2. | | | | hybrid of some of the features of standalone |
| blogname.example.org | | | | weblog software and hosted weblog provider. |
| | | | It takes the best of two worlds and bundle |
| 3. example.com/blognameAs you have probably | | | | them into an elegant solution.This is |
| noticed, the biggest benefit of using this | | | | generally how it works: you create an |
| type of blog platform is you don't have to | | | | account, post and manage your entries through |
| take responsibility for anything more than | | | | the blog solution website, but the results |
| writing and managing your posts. The host | | | | are transferred to your own chosen domain.You |
| providers will organize everything so that no | | | | have to enter your web hosting (or a separate |
| technical skills are required for it to | | | | FTP account) login details for it to work |
| operate properly.Of course, to fully use one | | | | properly, i.e. uploading content pages to |
| of these blogs, you still have to understand | | | | your hosting server.Example: Blogger.Finally, |
| what to do to accomplish certain tasks from | | | | if you are still confused, I would recommend |
| the back-end of the blog, or sometimes also | | | | going with either the second or third option. |
| called administration area or | | | | Having your own domain not only means you own |
| dashboard.Still, these types of platform | | | | it, but it also gives you more control, |
| hosts will make sure their servers run | | | | flexibility and credibility. Those are |
| smoothly and securely. And if they are | | | | critical to your business that you don't want |
| proactive and customer centered, they will | | | | to give away.Copyright 2006 Hendry LeeHendry |
| add features, upgrade new software and | | | | Lee helps business owners integrate |
| support you if you have problems.Examples: | | | | technology into their marketing. He actively |
| Blogger, TypePad, Blogware, 2) Standalone | | | | blogs about Small Business Blogging. |
| weblog softwareStandalone weblog software | | | | Subscribe to Blog Tips for Business to |
| platform requires you to install software or | | | | receive short and practical tips to start and |
| script into your web hosting account. | | | | get the most out of your blog. |