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.

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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:

1. Tends to get indexed almost immediately
2. No technical knowledge needed - get up and blogging in about 10 minutes
3. Allows you to use your own URL, ie., http://www.yourownname.com
4. Google allows you to use Google's analytical tools as well as Google AdSense on Blogger

CONS:

1. Limited number of themes available
2. Can be issues with finding service help if system or blog is down
3. Since spammers find Blogger easy to use and republish content to attract traffic, these blogs are sometimes views with skepticism.

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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:

1. Large selection of themes, plug-ins, and widgets
2. Allows you to use your own URL, ie., http://www.yourownname.com
3. Pages are typically indexed immediately
4. More functional with visual editor (some technical skill may be required)
5. Help available from WordPress community via forums, camps, meetings throughout the year held across the country.

CONS:

1. Steeper learning curve
2. Not built with business in mind
3. 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.