What
is a blog? This is a question that I get asked by people who have never blogged
or done any writing for the web. According to Google search, a blog is “a
regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or
small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.”
Webopedia defines it as “a Web page that serves
as a publicly accessible personal journal for an individual. Typically updated
daily, blogs often reflect the personality of the author.”
Daily Blog Tips defines it as, “… a type of website,
like a forum or a social bookmarking site. As such it is defined by the
technical aspects and features around it, and not by the content published
inside it.”
With
these few definitions, I think you now understand what a blog is about. I will
like you to know that blog is not just about writing personal content. It can also be
used to write about or promote your work and other subjects that interest you.
The
question I will like to answer here today are five ways that you can start a
blog with $0 down, meaning, no financial commitment but just your time.
- Blogger: Open a blogger account
at www.blogger.com and start your blog. After setting it
up, which is very simple, create your first post. If you are having trouble,
there are lots of resources on Google. In fact, Blogger has a help section,
where you can learn more about this platform. The good thing about using blogger
is the fact that it is a google product, so you will enjoy the search engine
optimization of your site.
- WordPress: Sign up for a
WordPress account at www.wordpress.com. WordPress has some free
templates that you can use for your blogs. The downside to having WordPress is
that you have to really work hard to get your site optimized. You may have to
buy some templates like the Genesis Framework to help you with your free
WordPress site. So, as you can see, you may have to spend some money. But the
purpose of this blog is to show you how not to spend a dime if you don’t have
or don’t want to.
- Facebook: Make use of
your Facebook “Notes” page. The “Notes” page is designed for you to write a
long entry. You can start your blog that way. The good news about that is the
fact that you have a captive audience already. Your friends and your friend’s
friend may see your blog entry. The bonus you get in addition is that, you can
even get comments and shares really quickly. Smart
Rebrander, wrote an in-depth article on Facebook “Notes” and how to use it.
You can click on this link to read http://www.smartrebrander.com/Home/VisitourBlog/tabid/139/entryid/87/How-to-Use-The-Notes-Application-on-a-Facebook-Page-as-Your-Blog.aspx.
- Instagram: Start using
your Instagram as a blog site. Instagram is set up for pictures, so it is a
bonus for you if image has a lot to do with your blogs. You have the luxury of
using unlimited characters under your image description. So, what are you
waiting for, turn it to your blog and use pictures. Picture is one of the ways
that makes blogs popular, so take advantage of this free platform to starting
“Photo blogging.”
- YouTube: Open a YouTube
account. There are so many people using YouTube for personal or business
communications. That is another interesting way that you can start your blog
without a penny commitment. Plus, you can share your video on other platforms
and you can get subscribers.
Do
you know any other way that a person can start blogging without paying a dime?
Share your comments below.
Thanks
for reading, until next time.
