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 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.