It’s a common question: “Do I need a web host to run a successful blog?” For those just entering the blogging world, the short answer is “No, you don’t.” You can easily set up a blog with WordPress (free) or Blogger (free) and start blogging immediately.
But for existing sites and those looking to create a polished blog for profit, the answer is more complex. Although you don’t need a web host to start a blog, you do need one to make it successful. Without a proper web host, you won’t be able to secure your blog with the reliability needed to draw in readers and retain them once you do.
What is a web host? Simply put, a web host is where your site’s content is stored when it’s published online. As your site’s content editor, you have complete control over the look and feel of your blog, including the domain name and web hosting service you will use. Once you have completed the sign-up process with a web host, you can “pull” your blog’s content to your own computer for editing and later publication online.
What kind of web host do I need to run a blog? It depends on how you intend to use the blog and how much you want to spend each month on hosting fees. If you are looking for a free option, consider the widely available services of WordPress or Blogger. If you are looking for a more professional-looking blog, with additional features and enhanced functionality, then you should consider opting for a premium web host.
Why should you opt for a premium web host?
There are several reasons why you might want to consider opting for a premium web host over a free option like WordPress or Blogger. The first two reasons are features and functionality. A premium web host will usually offer additional features and enhanced functionality that make it much easier to manage and publish content on your blog. A premium web host also typically offers Dedicated IP Addresses, which allow you to create multiple blogs with your single sign-on. This is a major plus if you are a business or professional blogger looking to establish yourself as an expert in your industry.
Another reason to opt for a premium web host is security. You must remember that your blog’s content is publicly available and anyone could potentially access it if you aren’t careful. Since premium web hosts are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for your site’s content, they can offer you additional protection measures. For example, if you opt for a premium host, you can take advantage of their malware protection and ensure that your blog is free from malicious software or viruses. Many premium web hosts will also offer you SSL security, which encrypts your site’s transactions, preventing anyone from snooping or tracking your purchases.
What is the best web hosting plan?
The short answer to this question is: It depends on what you want out of your blog. For those looking for a free option, WordPress and Blogger both offer exceptionally easy-to-use platforms that make setting up and running a blog simple. Plus, they’re both free!
If you’re looking for a way to quickly and easily establish yourself as an authoritative voice in your industry, then Blogger might be the right fit. It’s designed for beginners and established content creators alike, and offers many features that allow you to produce and maintain a professional-looking blog. But Blogger’s limitation is that it’s free, and you’ll need to pay for traffic and bandwidth each month.
If you’re looking for a more complicated or feature-rich platform, then consider the various plans offered by WordPress. You can start an all-inclusive plan for as little as $2.95 per month, and then pay as you go for additional features and functionality you need. Plus, WordPress is one of the most popular and highly regarded platforms out there, with a huge community of bloggers, authors, and industry experts waiting to help you get started.
Now that you’re equipped with the basics of what a web host is and what kind of web host you should opt for, let’s discuss how to deploy and manage your blog. For those looking to get started with a blog, I recommend using WordPress. With WordPress, the setup is incredibly simple and easy to use, and once you have it set up, maintaining a blog will be a piece of cake. But before you start coding, you should consider purchasing a premium plan from WordPress. This will allow you to take advantage of their numerous features and functionality, as well as speed up your site’s loading time.