In this day and age, anyone who has an internet connection is able to start up a blog.  Even those technically-challenged individuals will find that starting a blog can be as easy as signing up for a free email account and sending out an email. 

Fundamentally, there are two ways to set up a blog.  You can use a hosted service or you can host your own blog on your own domain. 

1. Hosted Services

There are many blog hosting platforms available online for individuals who want the simplicity of being able to set up a blog quickly and easily with the minimum of technical knowledge required.  Such hosted services are usually free, although there are paid versions for a little more service and features.  Some hosted services include blog platforms like Blogger, TypePad, and Live Journal.

These blog platforms take care of all the technical upkeep of the blog so all the blogger has to be concerned about is writing blog posts and making a few simple tweaks on the blog’s appearance.  With these blog platforms, any Tom, Dick or Harry can be ready to start their own blog in just minutes after signing up for an account.  While most services are offered free, like Blogger, there are some, like TypePad, which charge a minimal amount for monthly service fee.

2. Self-Hosted

Self-hosted blogs require web hosting and a domain upon which to host the blog.  These blogs require a little more technical know-how, although there are several web hosting services that have simplified this process.  Hosts, such as Bluehost, offer a “one click” blog setup, making the whole process of starting your own self-hosted blog a very simple procedure.  The blog software available to individuals seeking to host their own blogs are Movable Type, Textpattern and WordPress.

Although self-hosted blogs come with the cumbersome requirement of maintenance, there are advantages of having a blog hosted on your own domain.  For instance, if you are running a blog for your business, having a blog on your own domain is infinitely more professional than a blog that sits on a free host.  Additionally, if you use your blog to make money, changes in the terms and conditions of the free host may affect your future revenue.  These are just a few of the advantages of a self-hosted blog.

Before starting your own blog, it is worthwhile considering the future applications for your blog and whether a self-hosted blog might be worth the investment or if a free hosted blog is sufficient for your needs.  Blog migration can be a very cumbersome procedure should you decide to make a change after starting your blog - not to mention a loss of readership with the change of your blog’s address.