There are many ways you can get started – for instance, you can set up your own website or create a viral e-book. While these are pretty easy methods, they are not the simplest way to get started.

The absolute simplest way to get started is by blogging. Running a blog that you can install via fantastico is a new webmaster’s dream. With one click installation, all you have to do then is to add content. Wordpress.org is a great choice for a new blogger, but even if you can’t afford to get hosting or domain names yet, you can still get started blogging.

You can search for free blog hosting sites, like Blogger.com or Wordpress.com (which is hosted for you, as opposed to Wordpress.org which you have to download and install onto your own server). These free blog hosting sites usually come with free themes that are quite nice. The best part about using blogs is that they have automatic “ping” functions that notify blog services each time you add new content to your blog. Many of these services will syndicate your content which will bring you back links and plenty of public awareness.

While it may be easy, blogging isn’t necessarily for everyone. It requires a certain amount of dedication to constantly update your blog with new posts and information. This may not be your cup of tea. However, a blog is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get started immediately so give it a shot.

You can also add various revenue streams to your blog, such as the following (bear in mind that this list is not an exhaustive list but it’s a start):

• Google Adsense
• Contextual Links, e.g. Text-Link Ads, Kontera
• Write paid posts, e.g. Payperpost, Sponsored Reviews, Blogsvertise, Smorty
• Sell ad spaces on your blog

Before you begin, you will need to decide what to base your website on. Many experts on the subject of Niche Sites will tell you that you should pick high paying keywords only. However, there are so many searches being performed on a daily basis on various topics that you can get traffic and interest in just about any “sub” category you want. Don’t choose broad categories. Narrow down your topic and make it more specific. For instance, don’t make your website about sports – make it about rock climbing instead.

If you are struggling to come up with a topic or a niche for your website, a great tool to help you pick one is here:

http://www.nichebot.com/

You can sign up to get a 14 day trial membership for just $1. Nichebot allows you to get suggestions just by keying in a major keyword. You can also use it to help you identify your competition.

Your first website should be about something you enjoy. Writing on a topic just so you can get the keyword for it isn’t any fun, so pick a topic you know something about and just do it.

Part 1 - Setting Up Your Website
Part 3 - Picking a Topic