The Casual Tech

Problem: You’ve been blogging on Blogger or Xanga (or any of those free services) but have found not everyone takes you as seriously as those who blog on their own domain. You want to blog on your own domain, but you’re just not exactly sure how to go about it. The whole process seems intimidating to you.

Solution: The Casual Tech’s Guide to Getting Your Own Domain for Blogging! I’ll show you how to get your blog on your own domain so you can start blogging with the “big boys”.

This is post three in the series. Go here for the rest of the series: Post One | Post Two | Post Four

There are four main elements involved with blogging on your own domain: domain name (duh), hosting, blogging software, and FTP. A common newcomer misconception is that once you register a domain name, you’re all set. Not true. A domain name is just that - a name. You own that name on the Internet. No one will see it, however, unless you also have the domain name hosted somewhere. The hosting is where all of your actual files for your website will reside. Your job is to tell the company you registered the domain name from where the hosting resides, so they can point it in the right direction. (I’m over simplifying here for the sake of, er, simplicity.)

If you’re just getting started, make sure you check out the first two posts in this series before continuing on to STEP THREE below:
STEP ONE - DOMAIN NAME
STEP TWO - HOSTING

STEP THREE - BLOGGING SOFTWARE

Now that you’ve bought your domain name, and secured hosting for your website, you need software that will allow you to maintain a blog. If you’ve chosen any of the hosts listed in Step Two and gone with their basic hosting packages, it will be easiest to use blogging software written in PHP. Fortunately, the most popular blogging software packages on the market right now are written in PHP, so this isn’t something you need to concern yourself with, especially if you’re not very tech savvy.

Here is The Casual Tech’s list of recommend blogging software packages:

• WordPress - Probably the most popular; it’s easy to install, upgrade, and maintain
• Moveable Type - Unrecommended, especially for newbies; Difficult to install, too many template files to customize and slow rebuilding after simple maintenance tasks make this one a turn off
• Expression Engine - Highly recommended around the blogosphere; its pricing models keep this one from being a favorite of mine
• Blogger - Although you won’t download this software and install it on a server, you could use Blogger’s free software and point it to your own domain. I’m not a Blogger fan, though, for a lot of reasons. I wouldn’t recommend this route, but I’d be remiss to not mention it as an option.
• b2evolution - Not as popular as the others, but this software has some cool features like file & photo management and multiple blog support
• Joomla! - This is much more than just blogging software - if you’re looking for a bigger, more comprehensive content management system - this is it. If you have no idea what I’m even talking about, stick with another product.
• Nucleus CMS - Similar to Joomla! - when you want more than just a blog
• Text Pattern - A little more unconventional, a little less user friendly, a lot more geeky than the more popular blogging software packages

There are a lot more options than these out there - I just chose the ones I consider to be the most popular. You can check out these external links to read more about other blogging software platforms.

Online Journalism Review’s Blog Software Comparison Chart - Not all are represented here, but still a good reference
Wikipedia - Weblog Software - In depth article
Blog Software Breakdown - Outdated, but still useful information here
OpenSource CMS - Let’s you try out popular blogging software packages without having to install them yourself

Choosing a software package can be a personal thing. Some people just feel more comfortable with certain systems, most likely choosing ones that seem the most familiar to them compared to other applications they use online. I strongly recommend WordPress for a few reasons:

• Sheer volume of clients using it means more chances that you can find someone to help you when needed
• It’s very easy to install, and a lot of hosts have a “one-button” installation and upgrade for it built in
• Themes are in abundant supply and are a breeze to switch
• It’s FREE

Once you’ve made your decision, the next step is to download the software to your computer (unless you are using Blogger OR your host provides the installation through their control panel). Using WordPress as an example, here are the steps to take to download:

From the Download page on WordPress.org, choose the download link that works best for your system. If you’ve opened .zip files on your computer before, the .ZIP link should work fine. Once you click on the link to download, you’ll be prompted to save or open the file:

Save the .zip file to a location on your computer. Once the file has completed downloading, open it and extract all of the files to a location that you’ll easily remember.

Congratulations! You’ve chosen blogging software and are officially done this step now. Continue on to Part Four - FTP.

Problem: You’ve been blogging on Blogger or Xanga (or any of those free services) but have found not everyone takes you as seriously as those who blog on their own domain. You want to blog on your own domain, but you’re just not exactly sure how to go about it. The whole process seems intimidating to you.

Solution: The Casual Tech’s Guide to Getting Your Own Domain for Blogging! I’ll show you how to get your blog on your own domain so you can start blogging with the “big boys”.

This is post two in the series. Go here for the rest of the series: Post One | Post Three | Post Four

There are four main elements involved with blogging on your own domain: domain name (duh), hosting, blogging software, and FTP. A common newcomer misconception is that once you register a domain name, you’re all set. Not true. A domain name is just that - a name. You own that name on the Internet. No one will see it, however, unless you also have the domain name hosted somewhere. The hosting is where all of your actual files for your website will reside. Your job is to tell the company you registered the domain name from where the hosting resides, so they can point it in the right direction. (I’m over simplifying here for the sake of, er, simplicity.)

If you’re just getting started, make sure you check out the first post in this series before continuing on to STEP TWO below:
STEP ONE - DOMAIN NAME

STEP TWO - HOSTING

Securing hosting for your website is the next step in the process to getting your own domain for blogging. Hosting simply means that someone with a large amount of storage space on a web server is letting you lease space on their hard drive to contain all of the files for your website. Just like with domain name registrars, there are a lot of companies out there who offer hosting for your website, and you need to exercise just as much caution here, too.

A lot of companies offer package deals for hosting and domain names, so look for these when you’re signing up - it could save you some cash. Keep in mind, however, that if your website’s domain name and hosting is with the same company and something goes awry with their service or business, you’ll have twice as much trouble getting things moved to a new place. I personally like to buy my domain name and hosting at separate companies, but I know lots of people who buy with one company without any problems.

There are a variety of different hosting options to choose from, and every company will have varying levels of services and prices for each. It can be a lot to figure out, especially if you’re brand new to this game. Let’s break down some of the basic hosting options and what they mean.

• Free Web Hosting - Your site files will be on a web server with lots of other people’s, and is typically ad-supported. You will most likely have banner ads that you can not control on your site if you choose this option. Limited functionality and control of your site usually comes with a free hosting solution, too. Avoid, if possible.
• Shared Web Hosting - This is the most common form of hosting for the average blogger. You site files will be on a web server with lots of other people’s. There are usually varying ranges of service for this option, mostly related to how robust of a site you plan to run. Most bloggers can choose the lower end or starter packages with no problems, at least when first starting.
• Dedicated Web Hosting - A great option if you have more money to spend and/or you are concerned about the performance of the web server for a shared hosting company. With dedicated hosting, your site will have its own web server, so you don’t have to share resources with hundreds or thousands of other users. If you are expecting a high traffic site, this is the best option for you.
• Reseller Hosting - This option allows you to serve as a web host for other people’s sites. Reseller hosting is an advanced option that the “Everyday Joe” blogger doesn’t need.
• Co-location Hosting - This option is for advanced users who have and want to retain control of their own web server.

Once you determine which type of hosting will work best for you, it’s time to shop hosting companies. Fortunately, a lot of people have done this work for us.

The List of Web Hosts is a great resource to search for your new hosting provider, allowing you to search by hosting type and services desired.

I’ve compiled a list of recommended hosting companies that work well for most basic bloggers, too. I have been a satisfied customer, or know people who have been a satisfied customer of each of these companies.

• HostGator - Shared Hosting Plans start at $6.95 per month
• iPowerWeb - Shared hosting plans start at $7.95 per month.
• DreamHost - Shared Hosting Plans start at $7.95 per month
• BlueHost - Shared Hosting Plans start at $6.95 per month.
• Verve - Shared Hosting Plans start at $5 per month
• GoDaddy - Shared Hosting Plans start at $3.99 per month
• Blogger - You need to sign up for a free Blogger account first. Shared Hosting is FREE, but you’re stuck with Blogger’s blogging software.

Once you have purchased hosting, the first thing you’ll need to do is have the domain name you purchased point to the the new host. Some hosting companies can take care of this for you during or after the registration process. If your host doesn’t provide this service, you will need to login to your domain name account and change the Name Servers settings. Your host will give you a list of name servers to replace the domain name’s default settings. These names will look something like this: ns1.hostingcompany.com.

Now that you’ve bought your own domain name and hosting, and have your domain name pointing to your new host, you’re ready to choose a blogging software package! Continue to Step Three to learn more about blogging software.

Problem: You’ve been blogging on Blogger or Xanga (or any of those free services) but have found not everyone takes you as seriously as those who blog on their own domain. You want to blog on your own domain, but you’re just not exactly sure how to go about it. The whole process seems intimidating to you.

Solution: The Casual Tech’s Guide to Getting Your Own Domain for Blogging! I’ll show you how to get your blog on your own domain so you can start blogging with the “big boys”.

This is post one in the series. Go here for the rest of the series: Post Two | Post Three | Post Four

STEP ONE - DOMAIN NAME

There are four main elements involved with blogging on your own domain: domain name (duh), hosting, blogging software, and FTP. A common newcomer misconception is that once you register a domain name, you’re all set. Not true. A domain name is just that - a name. You own that name on the Internet. No one will see it, however, unless you also have the domain name hosted somewhere. The hosting is where all of your actual files for your website will reside. Your job is to tell the company you registered the domain name from where the hosting resides, so they can point it in the right direction. (I’m over simplifying here for the sake of, er, simplicity.)

If you’re still confused, consider the following analogy. You just bought some land to build your dream home on. It’s going to be great when it’s finished, but right now it’s just a pile of dirt. It’s your pile of dirt, but it’s a pile of dirt nonetheless. This is your domain name. When people come by to see it, they’ll just see a pile of dirt (or the dreaded “Site Coming Soon!” message). Now you hire a builder and tell him where your pile of dirt is and tell him you want your home to go there. Fast forward a few months and your dream home is built, but you haven’t moved in yet. Now you’ve got some hosting. After you furnish the place and your family and things are all moved in - you have successfully loaded all of your content to the host’s server and you’re ready for life at your new home to begin.

Cheesy analogies behind us, let’s step through each of the elements for blogging on your own domain separately.

The first step, obviously, is getting your own domain name. You’ll need to figure out the domain name you want, find out if it’s available, and then register (purchase) it with a reliable registrar.

Finding the Perfect Name
If you’ve already got a name in mind for your domain - great! If not, there are a few sites out there to provide some creative help. These domain name generators are a great tool if you’ve got an idea or a word or two, but everything you’ve tried is already taken - or if you’re just flat out having a brain fart and can’t think what to call this blog of yours. Here are two nice ones that also show you if the domain you come up with is available for purchase:

• MakeWords.com
• NameBoy

Determining Availability
You’ve got the perfect domain name and you’re ready to get started - not so fast, though, you’ve got to make sure some one else has not beaten you to the punch. Most reputable registars have this step already built into the purchase process, so I usually use one of their tools:

• Network Solutions
• Go Daddy

Making the Purchase
Now that you are confident that you’ve got the domain name you want, and it’s available, it’s time to cement the deal. There are a lot of good deals out there on domain names, and some hosts offer a combination package if you decide to do both with them. (See Part Two for more on hosting.) A word of caution, though - sometimes you really do get what you pay for. I always use a reputable registrar when registering domains because I’ve heard horror stories from people who went with a no name. Even if you go with a bigger name, we’re not talking a lot of cash, and anyway you’re worth it, right? Right.

• Go Daddy - My preferred registrar. They make it easy to manage multiple domains and the cost is generally lower than the other big guys. The sales pitch is pretty thick as you’re going through the registration process, though. Just stick to the options you want - you really don’t need all the extras they want to give you, but some are nice if you’re interested.
• Network Solutions - Can be slightly more expensive than Go Daddy, but is one of the biggest domain registrars out there today.

Whew! You’ve got your own domain name registered. Continue to Step Two to delve into purchasing a hosting plan, and Step Three to choose a blogging software package.