1. Budget
2. Choosing a Web Hosting Service
3. Blogging Terminology
4. Choosing a Topic

I would have to say that the most crucial step in starting a blog would be thinking of a Domain name (easy to remember and short and concise) and what your going to talk about (Do we really need another, ““Make Money Online”” blog?) Now you are asking what is a Domain ? Why do I need one? What on earth am I talking about?

A Domain name is essentially a signpost on the Internet. Almost every website you've ever been to, and every email you've ever composed, has used a Domain name in its address Hey don't let it fool you, it isn't as easy as you may think. They're a lot of things to consider before choosing a Domain name.

Long Or Short Domain Names?

Here is a tidbit that I wasn't aware of before I started this step. Domain names can be of any length, up to 67 characters. Now that gives a person a lot of option's. The problem it creates though is obscure. Some say a short, unique Domain name is better. Yet others state that a longer name makes it easier to remember. It is given truth that long. domain names that have your site keywords in them also have an advantage in that they fare better in a number of search engines

Hyphenated Names?

There are disadvantages and advantages to Hyphenated names.

Disadvantage:

It is terribly difficult to remember to put in the hyphens. Like Wendy's-OBA- Blog-Tips - Tricks When people recommend your site to their friends verbally, having hyphens in your domain name leads to more potential errors than when the name does not contain hyphens. It is a pain in the butt to type in all the hyphens.

Advantages:

Search engines can distinguish your keywords better and thus return your site more prominently in search results for those keywords occurring in your domain name. The non-hyphenated form may no longer be available. At least this way, you still get the domain name you want.

Generic Names Or Brand Name Domains?

Some others think that your domain name really must be some generic name like "cars.com" if you are selling cars. Personally I think that a Domain name match your brand name. The very name that you use to advertise your product is the name that you will want for your domain, because that is the first thing that people will try in their browser Your Domain Name Should Be Your Website Name. The simple reason for your Domain name be your website name is that when people think of your website, they'll think of it by name. It pays to have a domain name that reflects your site or business. What if you cannot get the domain name of your choice? Check up the " whois " information for the domain, and contact that person listed to see if they're willing to sell it. You probably should be aware that they are likely to want to charge a higher fee than you'll normally get when buying new domains.

COM, ORG, Or NET

You have to decide whether or not your website or business caters to the local community, then it would make sense to get a country specific Domain name. What if yours is a site or business that can benefit from an international audience? That is what my site does. For some, the ".org" extension actually describes the non-profit nature of their organization. Hence some Domains automatically register for the .org extension. Make sure that you promote your business or website with the full domain name. For example, if your domain name is "Fishfoodandfishgear.net", make sure that when you advertise your site or business, call it "Fishfoodandfishgear.net " not "Fishfoodandfishgear". Otherwise people will assume a ".com" extension and travel to the wrong place.

Get That Domain Name

before you start your site or business In closing, I again hope you found the information useful. Also, if I have missed anything at all, leave a comment and let me know. Have a great day and look for my next step.

1. Budget
2. Choosing a Web Hosting Service
3. Blogging Terminology
4. Choosing a Topic
5. Domain Names

You should be getting excited we've covered all the basics. Now that you have found your niche, decided where you want your blog hosted, chosen an Domain name and everything is falling into place.

What in creation do you do know? Here is a few tips I think you may find helpful.

The most important part of any blog is the “ Title ”. It is what makes a reader find your content via search engines and allows them to decide whether to view it or not

Once they arrive at your site you need to create a captive audience, encouraging them to stay.

The vital tip to survival is to be yourself. The best bloggers become the best bloggers because they are who they blog

People are attracted to positive energy. Create a blog filled with good content, positive perspectives, and meaningful content and you will attract readers. People want friends who are like them, but who also challenge them to be more.

What makes a Blog stand out from the crowd? Whew, what kind of question is that? Everyone says Content is King but there are so many other things to be considered when creating a blog.

For example:

Add visual interest, works well with longer posts or articles . Longer posts as well can be broke into sub- headings Most readers scan first and although some of the sub-headings may not attract them one or two may catch their attention.

Adding images or at least one image make your blog appealing and easy on the eyes

Put the “I” into what you write. By being personal or conversational keeps the reader interested. Ask questions of your readers and don't be afraid to express your point of view. Allows the reader to get to know you better.

Go over finished posts and add relevant links . T ry to spot opportunities to link out to other websites and blogs. It will add more depth and value to what you write. Even top bloggers will follow up a trackback with an interesting title, so linking out can be beneficial from a ''getting noticed'' perspective, too.

When settling down to write the first paragraph of your post, don''t launch into the content straight away. Instead, dedicate the first paragraph to words that will persuade the visitor to read

Stat tuned for the next step. Although at this time not sure what the heck it is going to be but I am sure you will give some tips and hints where I should be going.