How to create a blog

 

Step 1: Choose which software you want to use to manage your blog

There are 3 popular FREE blogging tools we recommend: Wordpress, TextPattern, and Nucleus. Wordpress is the most popular blog tool,usually preferred for both being easy to work with and very powerful in terms of functionality. That is why if you don't really have any preferences or expectations, we recommend you to go with WordPress.
Need to consult someone? Talk to our customer service to help you choose your software.

Step 2: Find a host that supports your chosen software

By all means, you will need hosting to go live with your blog. The key to finding the right host is to get one specialized in supporting the software you like. There are three questions you can ask the hosts you are checking in order to determine if they are good to host your software:

• Do you install Wordpress/Nucleus/TextPattern?
Most hosts will say yes to this one. In their control panels, most hosting providers have included Fantastico or Softaculous or another script auto-installer, which allows you to install more than 100 scripts ready to go, one of which would be the script you chose. Some good hosts will also offer professional installation by their support, which might be free or paid. We at SiteGround both offer 1-click installation with Softaculous and free professional installation of any of the scripts you have chosen.

• Do you install themes for Wordpress/Nucleus/TextPattern?
Not many hosts will say yes to this one, but good ones will. SiteGround will install Wordpress themes for free and Nucleus and Textpattern templates for an affordable fee.

• Do you support Wordpress/Nucleus/TextPattern if there is a problem with the blog that is not hosting-related?
Most hosts will say no to this one. Only specialized hosts, like the one you should be looking for, are willing to go the extra mile and assist you with answers and fixes to problems you encounter when managing your blog. SiteGround has specialized in hosting various blog tools and our tech support will gladly assist you with any blog issue that might pop up.

Step 3: Choose a theme for your blog

Your basic blog software installation always comes with a default theme, which means you have your design ready. If you don't like it or you are looking for something unique, there are plenty of free (and of course paid) themes for your blog that you may choose from.

• WordPress Themes
• TextPattern Templates
In case you are not going to use the services of your host, here are tutorials on how to install a theme on your own from the backend of your software.

• Wordpress theme installation tutorial
• TextPattern template installation tutorial

Step 4: Start blogging!

Well, you have it all set and you are ready to go blogging. To add content using your newly installed software, you might need help once in a while. Here are the best step-by-step tutorials to consult:

• WordPressTutorial
• TextPatternTutorial

Cleaning

This can include heavy duty work such as outdoor cleaning, or it can be indoor cleaning. It can also be as specific as cleaning offices. Cleaning is just like landscaping-it's something that needs to be done, and most

 people hate doing it, so they'll be glad to pay you to do it for them. If you're going to do this, you may need to bring your own equipment-especially for outdoor cleaning. You may need a rake, trash bags, gloves, and window cleaner. For indoor cleaning, you may need an all purpose cleaner, broom, dust pan, rags or small towels, trash bags, a mop, and furniture polish. As far as your pricing, check to see what other companies similar to yours are charging, and what people in your area are willing to pay. Make sure you charge enough to make a profit! Check out : http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/businessideas/startupkits/article41426.html?vm=r

Landscaping

If you are the outdoorsy type, this can be your thing! Everyone needs yard work done, and they will be willing to pay you to do it since most people hate doing it themselves. You can rake yards, cut grass, plant,
 and trim bushes for a nice profit. Starting this kind of business may cost more money than the others because you may need to bring your own yard equipment-which can be expensive to buy. Maybe you can arrange a way to use your customer's yard equipment. For example, if they have a lawn mower, agree to bring the gas to put in it. As far as your pricing, check to see what other landscaping businesses in your area charge for their services, and what people in your area are willing to pay. Check out www.lawncaredirectory.com for more tips on starting this kind of business.

Computer repair

 Let's face it: There are still plenty of adults out there who can barely boot up their computer, let alone tackle sticky issues like spam and anti-virus upgrades. Running a service business where you simply help diagnose problems -- like when the CEO can't connect to the Internet or figure out why his or her computer is running slow -- can be lucrative, because startup costs are essentially zero.

Professional blogging

If you have some knowledge or passion that you would love to share with others and still make money from
that, then blogging is the way to go. Start a blog and keep publishing valuable content consistently. In a few months, your efforts should start paying off.

Graphic designing

Website and blog owners need graphic designers for professional banners and logos. Companies and other businesses need them for logos and print advertising. Publishers need them for book cover designing. In
short, they are in high demand. If you have the required skills, then working as a graphic design could make you lots of cash.

Freelance writing

If you are very good and creative with words, then you can start a freelance writing business. Freelance
writers are in high demand because people are in constant need of blog posts, articles, business proposals, website content, ghostwriting services, sales copies, press releases, business plans, and so on.