So you want to start a Stampin’ blog but don’t know where to start?
There are many options for blogs or websites and it can be a bit overwhelming wading through the options and deciding what is best for you.
Popular platforms include Blogger, WordPress.com, Self-hosted WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Weebly to name but a few. (Told you it can be a bit much!)
So let me make it super simple for you! In reality there is 2 different ways – rented space or your own space!
Rented Space or Your Own Home
What do I mean but this? By signing up to or purchasing a space on a platform you will essentially “renting” a space on their server as a home for your blog. The rental spaces are often easier to set up, and offer simpler types of sites. However, you are limited, and also at risk of your “landlord” closing you down.
By going for a self-hosted option like WordPress.org you give yourself complete control. It doesn’t mean you need a server at home, connected to the web to power your site. But it does mean you buy a hosting package and a domain, and you own your website and all it’s data. You cannot be “kicked out” because someone decided to.
Rented Space Options
In the Rented space category there are a few options. There are a range of free or freemium platforms like Blogger, WordPress.com and Wix which essentially give you a relatively simple solution to getting online. However, often these platforms are limited in terms of design features and functionality. Let’s take a look at each one:
Blogger
Blogger, previously called Blogspot, is a free to use and as such appeals to new bloggers, but it’s important to note that “free’ always comes with limitations.
Pros
- It’s simple to set up
- Completely free – if using a yoursite.blogspot.com address for your site.
- Security handled by google.
Cons
- Limitations to design and often bloggers end up using a “template theme” and end up with a design that looks like many out there.
- You don’t have control and so your site can be suspended at any time.
- Very few updates and new features
WordPress.com
is a hosting service by one of the founders of WordPress. Often confused with the popular WordPress.org software. For a basic blog it is free, but should you want to grow your site in terms of traffic or size or functions, then you need to upgrade to the Business plan.
Pros
- It’s free (up to 3GB of space)
- WordPress takes care of updates and backups.
Cons
- Cannot add simple plugins which will help your site, e.g tracking visitor statistics with Google analytics.
- Cannot add custom themes so your website is limited in terms of design.
- You get a free domain – www.yourname.wordpress.com but would need to upgrade for a custom name.
Other “rented” options for this are Squarespace, Typepad, Wix and Weebly aqnd each share some similarities to the above options in terms of ease of set up, but lack of flexibility.
Your Own Space – self hosted WordPress.org
To be in complete control and own your Stampin’ blog in it’s entirety you need a self-hosted Wordpress site. It gives you as the business owner ultimate control. You pay a ‘hosting company” for a space on their server to host the WordPress.org software, but have unlimited features, functionality. Wordpress is the industry standard for blogs these days and is regularly updated.
Pros
- Full control of your Stampin’ blog – free to do anything and customise as much as you need. You can start with a basic blog and as your business grows you can add elements on like a shop for classes and tutorials.
- Due to the open source nature of wordpress.org, there is a good community of support
- You can customise your design as needed
- You can add powerful WordPress plugins and apps to your site – both free ones and paid ones to develop the functionality of your site. tools like Google analytics.
Cons
- WordPress.org requires a hosting package.
- You are responsible for updates, but this is simple to do once you know how.
- You are responsible for backups, but there are lots of plugins which can be used to create automatic backups.
So what to do?
If you want a basic blog and know that it will never become anything more, then one of the “rented space” options would do just fine.
If there is any chance you want to create a customised site, maybe add on a shop to sell classes or tutorials, even retired Stampin’ Up! Product, then I would recommend WordPress.org.
By using this platform for your Stampin’ Blog from the start you avoid the moment I see many Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators reach; a point where they are tired of the limitations of their current platform and then have the task of moving and transferring your site to wordpress.org. If you’re committed to blogging (see this post to see if a blog is for you) then by getting started with with a WordPress.org site straightaway you are in complete control from the beginning.
If you go for the long term strategy and decide WordPress.org is your platform of choice – great!
Don’t worry I’ve got your back! I have a course that teaches you how to build your Stampin’ Website from scratch in 5 modules. CLICK TO START YOUR BLOG TODAY
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