How to Set Up a Blog
This resource highlights two ways to set up a blog and discusses the pros and cons of each.
1. Use a free service that provides software, hosting, and a domain name.
There are many free services available including Wordpress (.com), LiveJournal (on which basic accounts are free), and Blogger. What follows is more information about Blogger.
Learn how to set up a blog in Blogger by watching this video or by following the instructions at Blogger.
Pros
- The entire blog is free. There is no cost for the subdomain, hosting, or software.
- It’s easy to set up the blog and to add new content.
- Blogger offers pre-made additional features that can be easily added to the blog, for free.
- Blogger blogs can be integrated into your existing congregational domain name or another domain name which you own.
- Blogger blogs can be backed up. (For more information about what information is saved and how, please visit the relevant page at the Blogger Help Center).
Cons
- Blogger limits administrators’ access to the hosting environment.
- Blogger can be challenging to customize.
2. Use an open-source blogging software program, such as Wordpress.
Download the software from Wordpress (.org). Rent server space (via a hosting plan) and a domain name. Install Wordpress on your server. Configure your domain name settings to point to your server.
Learn how to set up a Wordpress blog on your server by following the instructions at Wordpress Please note that Wordpress.org differs from Wordpress.com.
Pros
- The software is free.
- It’s easy to add new content.
- Open-source software allows for a high-degree of customization and some open-source software can be used for a wide range of functions other than blogging.
- Open-source software can be installed on a hosting environment over which the blog administrator has a high degree of control.
- Blogs driven by open-source software can be integrated into your existing congregational domain name or another domain name which you own.
- Wordpress.org blogs can be backed up. (For more information about what information is saved and how, please visit the relevant page of the Wordpress Codex).
Cons
- A domain name and hosting package need to be purchased.
- Some technical skill is required to install the software and perform periodic updates.
Note
You may also choose to modify your existing congregational website to support a blog. The pros and cons of doing so will vary, depending on your existing website.
Last updated on Thursday, November 20, 2008.
