Blog Hosting is one type of web hosting. Blogs, also known as weblogs are websites that feature regular updates in the form of individual entries, or posts. With the many different blog hosting options available nowadays, getting your blog set up can often seem like an overwhelming task.
What is a Blog?
A blog is an abbreviated version of "weblog", which is a term used to describe websites that maintain an ongoing chronicle of information.
Watch this short video for a simple explanation for what a blog is.
Blog Hosting: Features
Blog hosting is all about the features that allow you to install and/or use a blog-software such as WordPress, Typepad, b2evolution, Nucleus, etc. These features will include:
- Scripting support (ie. PHP)
- Database support (ie. MySQL)
- Large amounts of storage space and bandwidth
- Easy one-click install (ie. Fantastico)
Blog Hosting: Choosting a Blog Host
The first step in choosing a blog host is deciding whether you want to create a blog with free web hosting or invest in a paid blog hosting provider. If you are creating a personal blog to keep in touch with your family and friends, then a free blog hosting service would likely be sufficient for your needs. Free blog hosts, such as Blogger and WordPress.com, offer easy-to-use interfaces that make it simple for people with limited technical skills to start blogging. There is no script installation or database configuration - as the blog software is all setup and ready for you.
Most free blog hosting options also provide a limited selection of templates so you can alter the look of your blog to better suit your personal tastes. You won't be able to remove ads from the site, however, since this is the primary way free blog hosts generate revenue.
For bloggers who are hoping to turn their blog into a source of supplemental income, it's best to invest in paid blog hosting. With a paid account, you will have your own domain and greater options for customizing your blog. If you want to run ads on your site, you will be the one who keeps the income generated. You will also be able to accommodate larger amounts of traffic. Many paid blog hosting providers offer easy one-click installation for major blog softwares, so you can get your blog up and running in just a few clicks.
Blog Hosting: WordPress
With the use of plugins, free and paid, you can extend your site and nearly anything that can be done within a web site, like a static website, forum, photo gallery, job boards, eCommerce site and more.
Check out 30 WordPress Based Websites That Don't Look Like Blogs
