FREE BLOG SOFTWARE & HOSTING www.powertoearnmoney.com
If you're looking for a private, short-term or early practice blog, the free hosted sites will work. However, before you invest a lot of time and effort, you should know that they have limitations - especially for a business blog.
The two (2) most popular free ones are Blogger and WordPress.com
Blogger is a Google blogging tool and considered the easiest for a new blogger just starting up.
PROS:
- Tends to get indexed almost immediately
- No technical knowledge needed - get up and blogging in about 10 minutes
- Allows you to use your own URL, ie., http://www.yourownname.com
- Google allows you to use Google's analytical tools as well as Google AdSense on Blogger
CONS:
- Limited number of themes available
- Can be issues with finding service help if system or blog is down
- Since spammers find Blogger easy to use and republish content to attract traffic, these blogs are sometimes views with skepticism.
WordPress.com – is the "open source" tool provided and hosted by WordPress.org There is an active community of developers continually providing advanced options and updates.
PROS:
- Large selection of themes, plug-ins, and widgets
- Allows you to use your own URL, ie., http://www.yourownname.com
- Pages are typically indexed immediately
- More functional with visual editor (some technical skill may be required)
- Help available from WordPress community via forums, camps, meetings throughout the year held across the country.
CONS:
- Steeper learning curve
- Not built with business in mind
- No direct sale advertising allowed - but you can talk about your business products and services with a contact page
If a free blog doesn't meet your needs, and you find yourself requiring a self-hosted blog, read our post 'Getting Started' to answer the questions re what you need to set up a professional, business blog.
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