So you decided on writing a blog, but what’s the first step? You will need a domain name, the title of your newly found web empire, and someone to actually host the site, because the domain name in itself does not go anywhere. The other consideration, what software to use, wordpress, blogger, or typepad being among  the most popular…

If you are a total novice it may be worth buying a domain name of your choice, and signing up for a google blogger account, then linking them together. That is the easiest way of doing it. But if you are serious, I strongly recommend getting a web hosting account, and taking full control with a platform like wordpress. It is that platform that this blog will focus on most, not least because I know more about it!

I’ll admit I made mistakes when I first became a webmaster a year ago. I jumped in too early and the focus of my sites became muddled, with confusion between hosting accounts and domains This is why I took the decision to start again with a new domain. It’s a brave step I realise, having to start over after losing all my previous comments and incoming links. But the beauty of my position is readers can chart my progress as I go along!

I advise against separate domain accounts, and using them to point to your web host. It’s far clearer and makes more sense in the first stages to concentrate on finding a suitable host. Most hosts will offer you a free first domain to work with, so you can administer everything from one control panel. But make sure your new host will allow you to run other domains on the same hosting plan at affordable cost, always looking at the “ongoing fees” if there are any. Over time, you may well want to administer more than one domain, so make sure in advance your host is in a position to administer them.

It does no harm to go over the first steps in detail. Because, believe me, the first steps you take in anything are the most important ones! All the very best of luck!