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.

Create a Website

This is one of the ideas I’ve used lots. Create a website about a hobby you’re involved with, about your local town and community, something to do with a rising trend (I did a site on mini laptops in 2008 and sold it.) or something which you can consult in (see above). I’ve even wondered about doing something like a “How-to” parenting site by teens - a bit tongue-in-cheek but hey!

Also you can add Google Adsense on you website and make some extra money.

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T-Shirt Business

Everybody likes T-Shirts. The people who founded Threadless realized this and created an awesome community website. You, the designer, can submit a design which then gets thumbed up or down by the rest of the community. The most popular designs get made up and printed by Threadless to sell online and in their Chicago shop. The designer then gets paid $2,000 (!) with the chance to go on and various other community awards.

Not only are their excellent tutorials on Threadless to help you get started and prosper, but companion sites like Emptees.com will show you how to make drop-dead amazing t-shirts.

Errand Service

To imagine a world where along with pizza, everything gets delivered in home is pretty tough. Rather than the delivery boys, no one has the time to deliver the other goods to individual houses.

Time is the most important factor in today’s busy world. Everyone tries to save time for them. Time means and also makes money.

Well, this can be a good idea for the teens to run their own errand service. They can start with delivering small items such as stationeries, groceries, etc. They can easily start with their neighborhood and can earn their own pocket money and if everything goes in favor of them, this can be a nice source of income in their future.

Make Money From Facebook

Facebook isn't a secret money pile just waiting to be found, but it can be a reliable source of extra income with some work and a clever approach. Read the steps below to learn how to make money using Facebook.

Make great posts. The foundation of any successful plan to make money with social media is good content, and lots of it. On Facebook, that means a stream of interesting links, images, and updates every day. 

Make a commitment to earn. The only way to reliably make money using Facebook is through persistent work. Like any job, setting a schedule and sticking to it is the key.

Find an affiliate program. Affiliate programs provide you with a unique ID and marketing materials, and then pay you a commission based on how much business you generate. 

Promote your programs. Make posts for each of them daily, and maintain your accounts fastidiously. With luck, and a good central account with a lot of followers, your affiliate accounts will begin to get followers as well. Whenever anyone clicks your posts and buys something from one of your affiliates, you earn money.

ClickBank

As an affiliate, you’ll promote products that you’ve picked out especially for your audience. It’s much better than advertising programs, because you’re in control of the promotions that appear on your site. You’ll build your relationship with your audience by recommending downloadable products they’ll enjoy.

Clickbank is a well known, reliable affiliate network. It is known as the best place to earn fast money as an affiliate. Clickbanks fee is very reasonable and the tools and services they provide are great. All new affiliates are recommended to join Clickbank to start their business.
Clickbank deals with digital products which are downloadable on the internet. There is no requirement of any physical delivery. After you are registered with Clickbank as an affiliate, you can choose any product from the pool of available products to promote. There are more than ten thousand products currently available.
The sales commission offered by the merchants on Clickbank is usually very high and affiliates can make 50% per sale.
Thousands of affiliates have joined Clickbank and are earning an income on a regular basis. You shouldn’t hesitate in joining Clickbank if you want your business to take off.

- Promote Your Products in Forums
- Promote Your Products in E-mails
- Promote Your Products on a Website

Computer Tutor

Chances are, you’ve been using a computer for as long as you can remember. You know how to troubleshoot, how to organize files, and how to use Google to find whatever you need. Though these are essential modern skills, not everyone possesses them. Therefore, you have the opportunity to impart your knowledge and work as a computer tutor for older adults, teaching them how to set up an email account, navigate the Web, or sign up for RSS feeds.

How to Get Started: Talk to your local public library or community center about creating a computer tutoring class. Ask questions to find out what people need and want to learn. Often, residents will stop by such places that offer adult education to inquire or make requests for specific classes. You can also distribute flyers at senior centers or senior communities – just first check to see if they allow soliciting.

Google Adsense

Google Adsense is an easy and great way to earn money from your online content. Simply display relevant and engaging ads on your website, mobile sites, videos,blogs...

1. Sign into your AdSense account. Go to AdSense, and click on My ads in the upper left.
   • Create a new Ad unit. In the main screen area, under Content > Ad units, click the +New ad unit button.
     
     
2. Name your ad unit. This can be any name that suits you, but many find creating a standard naming format helps them manage large amounts of data.
   • For example, using [target site for the ad]_[ad size]_[ad date] is one approach, that would look like this: mywebsite.com_336x280_080112. Whatever format you decide to use for naming, make that your standard.
3. Pick a size. See "How to Do It" below for details, but Google has found best practices that generate more clicks.
4. Set your ad type. This determines the types of ads you will see on your website: text only; text and image/rich media; and image/rich media only.
5. Create a custom channel. A custom channel lets you group ad units however you choose, such as by size or location on a page.
   • You can track performance by custom channel, and turn your channel into a targetable ad placement so advertisers can target their ads to your ad units.
6. Create your ad style. This lets you choose colors for the various components of an ad: border, title, background, text, and URL. It also lets you choose corner styles, from square to very rounded, a font family, and a default font size.
   • It's good practice to create an ad style that harmonizes with the look and colors of your website.
   • You can use Google's presets, or use your own custom settings. In either case, a sample ad on the right will show you how your ad will appear
     
7.  Get the code for the ad. When you're done with the ad setup, either save your ad unit, or click the Save and get code button at the bottom to get the HTML code for your site.
   • If adding code to your site is a puzzle you want help with, click here for Google's code implementation guide.
     

Etsy Retailer

Do you know how to make awesome necklaces? Do you paint, knit scarves, take photographs, or make your own soap? Do you have a great eye when it comes to picking out vintage clothing?

Selling your artwork, jewelry, and other clothing and crafts on Etsy is a great way to earn money, and you can do it right from your home. There are plenty of artists who make enough on Etsy to ply their craft full-time, so if you’re “crafty,” selling on Etsy is worth considering.
How to Get Started: Take a look at the art, jewelry, clothing, or vintage items you have. Is it good enough to sell? If it’s something you like, then chances are that someone else will like it too. Keep in mind that you can also sell gourmet cookies, cupcakes, sauces, and candy and chocolate on Etsy.
If you do not currently create arts or crafts – but you would like to start – scour the web to search for easy DIY projects. For instance, fashion blog Honestly, WTF has an awesome DIY section, as well as BLDG 25.

Start an eBay Business

eBay is a great platform to learn to sell since it solves one of the biggest problems of finding and attracting buyers. You can tap into one of the worlds largest buying communities in a matter of minutes.

eBay and PayPal are in cahoots, and they don’t like under-18s running accounts. Even with sneaky tactics and misleading information, they catch you in the end when PayPal freezes your account (with your money in it) and asks for things like photo ID and utility bills and an appearance on a tv show etc etc. Then you’re screwed...

Please, from the outset, use a parent or trusted friend’s account (ideally setup a new one with a shared email address). Trade under their name with their permissions and it’s all good.
http://www.yourteenbusiness.com/starting-an-ebay-business.html

Web Marketing Consulting

Okay, that sounds a bit poncy... but I think there is a HUGE opportunity here for teenagers. We know Facebook. We know YouTube. And we know how people interact with all these kind of platforms. The great thing is there are businesses and organizations crazing your knowledge of how social media works, and how they can leverage Facebook and YouTube and all this stuff to help their businesses prosper.

They’re willing to pay handsomely for it as well. Marketing is the single most mis-understood, poorly executed part of most small businesses. Of course, you need some background knowledge into the marketing side of social media, but that’s no biggie - this is familiar territory which you use more or less every day.