Starting a blog/website has been so much harder a tiny bit more difficult than I thought it would be. It took over a month to get this site exactly the way I wanted it, but that may or may not have something to do with me being a perfectionist who changes her mind too much and my tech genius friend not being available 24/7 because he has a real job… Of course now that I’ve been blogging for over two years we have had a complete site redesign and I am so thankful!
ANYWAY, for those of you who are thinking about starting a blog there are many options out there for you to think about. Here is a very short list of 5 Tips For The Teen Blogger:
1) Blogger or WordPress?
There is a TON of information on the web so I won’t bore you here, and there are many other options other than the two I have mentioned. A common theme is that Blogger makes it super easy to get started (and is owned by Google) and that WordPress has more advanced options if your blog grows. I chose WordPress because I’m optimistic…and since I’ve been blogging for all of three days, I will have to let you know how it all works out if I ever get past Blogging 101.
2) Free or Paid?
My cat Tommy sits at my desk and helps me blog. And by that I mean he bothers me until I get up and feed him…
Both WordPress and Blogger have completely free options. If you use the free option your blog domain name will be followed with either wordpress.com or blogspot.com. If you want your own domain name without those then you will have to purchase it. If you just want to document the daily happenings in your cat’s life it might be best to go with the free option, but that’s entirely up to you.
3) Purchase a domain name!
I recommend purchasing a domain name for one main reason. If you don’t, then you do not ‘own’ your blog. If you are using a free service they control your blog and it could be removed at any time for any reason. Not likely but I didn’t want to take that chance. You can get a domain name for less than $10. We used GoDaddy and I will say that their customer service has been excellent – they even called my mom to see if we had any questions after we signed up. Keep in mind, there are TONS of options so do a little research.
4) Find a Host
If you purchase your own domain then you have to buy hosting services. Again – there are many companies that offer these services. Go Daddy, HostGator, FatCow (included that one because I think the name is hysterical!) and bluehost are just a few. I’ve heard good things about them all. You pay a monthly or yearly fee for them to ‘store’ your site on their servers. You may want to sign up for emails from some of the companies because it seems like they are constantly sending out special discounts and deals and you want to get the best price. You can also check out WebHostingSearch – they do all of the work and compare the different options for you. Definitely worth a look!
5) Get started!
Sometimes, you just have to start. Make a few decisions and go for it!
So…do you already have a blog? If not, consider starting one today!
Thank you for the good article, Eva. In fact, we’re getting with someone this week to start a blog too, best of wishes to you with yours! 🙂
That is great! What type of blog are you planning? If you have any questions just let me know – can’t wait to hear about your new site!
I can’t think that what should I take something to start my blog….please suggest me….
What do you like to do the most? What are you good at? Either of those would be a great starting point for coming up with blog ideas!
This is brilliant Sunshine! As you know, I’ve got time management issues, and I’m certainly going to try out this technique and see if it helps me. I’m so excited! (And I’m sure my mom will be, too;))
Keep up the awesome tips- I can’t wait to read more!
Thanks Abbi! I think you meant to put this on the Pomodoro post. Let me know if using the Pomodoro Technique helps you. It may not work for everyone, but it has made a huge difference for me!
I’ve really loved using this technique! I started using it my first week back to school, and it’s helped loads already! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I’m so glad that The Pomodoro Technique is working for you Christina! I have been using it every day and I get finished with my school work much faster now – I love it!
Thank you for some great ideas to start off my new year….I am far from being a teen, but the ideas work for all of us!
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great article Eva, I want to know how much time you put into blogging and how you keep up with the studies??
I have a question! I’m thinking about starting a blog and I have been for awhile. I think I’ve got a general idea of what I want to do. As I was looking through some other “Teen Tips” articles, I came across one geared toward parents. It said not to mention your actual name, email address, or anything that can be related back to you. Is it actually a problem to put some of my information on the internet? Thanks!
Hi Kaity. I do think it can be a huge problem to put personal info out for anyone to find. When I first started blogging everything went through my mom first, then to me. She wanted to protect me from anything ugly that someone might send. You will notice that most of the TeensGotCents team members who write for the site only use their first name. This is a way that we can protect their privacy. It’s a good idea to talk with your parents about all of this and never give anyone your contact info if you don’t know them in real life!
this was very helpful! unfortunately due to my age I can’t currently purchase my own domain name, but words are my favourite part of life…when I type it’s as though words flow out of my fingers and onto the page. people often come to me for advice, and I thought that a way to control my OCD for words would be to start a blog! thank you!
Hey Eva I have always wanted to start a blog about faith but what do you think about this topic? should I start on something easier?
Hi Ava,
I think it is a great idea. So many teens struggle with issues of faith and need encouragement. Email me at eva@teensgotcents.com and I’d be happy to talk with you more about it!
i have made a blog named “teening up” , but it is not shown when i find it on google ……and i guess it is not going that well !!! please help
I’m not sure Himani. I searched for the website and couldn’t find it. Can you give me the specific link so I can check it out?
Nice post and good direction for teen age blogger for starting they are blog.
Thank you! 🙂
The free blogging platform is a good place to start so anyone can gain that experience. But to stay there and try to build a serious business? Oh no way. Best choice is to buy hosting and purchase a domain name , install WordPress on your dedicated server, and start creating content.
I agree. Thank you! 🙂
Thank you for the information! If you want to check out my blog, it’s discoverlearnprogress.wordpress.com 🙂 any feedback really appreciated!
I will check it out! Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
Nice post and good direction for teen age blogger for starting they are blog.
Thank you. Teen bloggers are the best! 😉
Thanks so much Eva this was really helpful. I am thinking of starting a blog myself!
Glad it helped Livvy. What type of blog do you want to start?
Good tips for teens but think of bills to pay as well
Thanks for these awesome tips. Honestly, this is a great list. The internet needed something like this. Thank you for giving me ways to pay for college.