Here you are on the second step to starting your own blog! Now you get to make some decisions about the direction your blog is going to take. Are you going to use free or paid web hosting? If you are more interested in just getting your voice out there, but not as interested in making money, then one of these free options for web hosting might work for you.
***Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links, which means as an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.***
Free Web Hosting
Here’s a list for you to check out. As you read about the options, note whether or not a domain name is included. If you start out with a free service but hope to migrate to a paid hosting service later, how easy would that be? Those are just a couple of things to consider when making your choice. Please keep in mind these free offers may be subject to additional terms.
| Blogger |
Very easy to use, rarely updated, customer support is okay. Site name includes blogspot.com.
|
| Medium |
Designed for people who just want to write, there is already a built-in audience. Site name includes medium.com
|
| Weebly |
Easy to use, connects with Square for ecommerce, updated frequently, good customer support. Site name includes weebly.com
|
| Wix |
Somewhat easy to use, updated frequently, good customer support. Site name includes wix.com.
|
| WordPress.com |
Easy to use, updated frequently, good customer support. Site name includes wordpress.com.
|
There are a few drawbacks with free web hosting. Your domain name usually includes the name of the hosting company. There are usually going to be ads on your site, placed there by the hosting company. Also, if you plan on selling a product through your website, most free hosting plans do not include that option. Depending on your purpose for creating a website, you might find a free hosting company meets your needs. If not, here are some low-cost web hosting options.
Low-Cost Web Hosting: Great Deals!
The following web hosting companies offer low-cost hosting for a monthly or yearly fee. Depending on the company, they may have some very appealing offers for first-time customers. Some may include a free domain for the first year. Check them out and see what you think.
BlueHost (This is the hosting company I started with and used successfully for 3 years. It was a great place to start. Includes domain name for 1 year.)
NameHero (When my website gained more traffic and my 3-year bargain with Bluehost ran out, NameHero gave me great site speed at a very nice price. They did an excellent job of transitioning my site from Bluehost. It was easy and seamless with no downtime. I highly recommend it, especially if you are considering switching hosting services.)
Siteground ( I have heard great things about this company’s customer service, and they also have a reputation for offering fast website loading speed.)
Here is the pricing information so you can compare, accurate as of this writing:
| Bluehost | Basic shared hosting for 1 site, $2.95/month, 12 month term | $8.99/month, 3 year term |
| Dreamhost | Basic shared hosting for 1 site, $2.95/month, 12 month term or 36 month term | $5.99/month, term unspecified |
| Namecheap | Basic shared hosting for 3 sites, $1.88/month, 12 month term | $84.88, 2 year term |
| SiteGround | Basic shared hosting for 1 site, $3.99/month, term not specified | $14.99/month, term unspecified |
| NameHero | Basic shared hosting for 1 site, $2.69/month, 36 month term | $8.95/month, term unspecified |
| A2 | Basic shared hosting for 1 site, $2.99/month, 36 month term | $10.99/month, term unspecified |
There are advantages to paying for a hosting service. You will not have any ads from the hosting company on your site. Your domain name will be listed by itself in a web address, without the hosting company’s name. It’s also easier to set up online commerce if you choose to go with a paid hosting company.
Website Builders (Drag and Drop) With Web Hosting
If you are concerned about your lack of technical skills, the web hosts below offer drag and drop editors, which some consider easier to use when building a website:
| GoDaddy | Basic shared hosting for 1 site, $2.99/month, 12 month term |
| HostGator | Basic shared hosting for 1 site, $2.75/month, 12 month term |
| Hostinger | Basic shared hosting for 1 site, $3.49/month, 12 month term |
| NameHero | Basic shared hosting for 1 site, $2.69/month, 36 month term |
For a more detailed look at other features of the best web hosts for blogs, check out the ultimate guide in the Best Web Hosting Sites for Bloggers post.
If you become overwhelmed by the choices, remember, you can always switch hosting companies if you wish. Have fun exploring!
Take Me To Step Three!