Launching Your Blog and Making $1000 in 30 Days
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First Things First
1. Choose Your Blog System
There are hosted systems, like Blogger, TypePad, and WordPress.com, but I don’t recommend them. Some hosted services are free, but others (like TypePad) can cost as much as hosting your own site. If you’re serious about making money with your blog, you’ll want to have your own domain name. I recommend using free software like Textpattern or WordPress (you can research and demo a number of systems at opensourceCMS). Since I use WordPress, I’ll be talking about how to launch a WordPress blog.
2. Register Your Domain
Don’t put this off; you’ll be amazed at how many of the ingenious names you come up with are already taken. I register my domains with GoDaddy, and that’s as good a place as any to do your research. But don’t register your name yet; many hosts offer one free domain registration.
3. Find a Host
I’ve already written about this elsewhere. Be sure to get a host with a good affiliate program. I use AN Hosting. They’re inexpensive at only $4.95 per month and offer a generous 500 GB of storage and 5 TB of bandwidth, 24/7 phone support, and a free domain for life. Plus they have all the tools you will need to get going quickly like one click wordpress installations and superb backup tools.
4. Get Statistics
Your web host will offer statistics packages, but you’re better off with one of the free services. I useAddFreeStats and StatCounter to get a quick hit on what’s happening and Google Analytics for an in-depth view.
Getting Started With Wordpress
5. Install Wordpress
It only takes 5 minutes.
6. Find a Theme
WordPress makes it easy to change the look of your template; just upload and select a WordPress theme. Thousands of free themes are available. Start at the Theme Viewer.
7. Edit Your Theme
Most themes work fine out-of-the-box, but you’ll probably want to make a few minor tweaks. Instructions are usually included with a theme. WordPress is fairly easy to learn, and thedocumentation is excellent.
8. Install Your Statistics Tracking Code
To use stats like Google Analytics, you’ll need to paste a snippet of code into your template.
