No matter which method you use to set up your website, you’re going to need a custom domain name (like yoursite.com). There are dozens of “registrars” where you can register your own domain name—I use GoDaddy for mine.
Once you’ve acquired a domain, it’s time to get crackin! Explore the methods below to see which one is right for you.
Method 1: Tumblr
In my opinion, using Tumblr is the easiest way to start your own website. It also happens to be the cheapest.
Tumblr itself is completely free, and it’s extremely easy to use. With this setup, the only thing you’ll pay for is the cost of your domain, which is generally about $10/yr.
The only potentially tricky part of this setup is configuring your custom domain name; if you registered with GoDaddy, this will be easy.
Yearly Cost: $10
Ease of Setup:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Strength:
Privacy and Control:
Method 2: WordPress.com
Much like Tumblr, WordPress.com offers free websites without the hassles of web hosting (more on that in the next section). However, unlike Tumblr, WordPress.com charges $12/yr for custom domain mapping.
Also, WordPress.com offers better search engine optimization than Tumblr, but in my opinion, the benefits here are offset by WordPress’ less-than-stellar privacy concerns.
Yearly Cost: $17–$22
Ease of Setup:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Strength:
Privacy and Control:
Method 3: Self-hosted WordPress.org
Although a self-hosted WordPress.org website is more complicated than simply using Tumblr or WordPress.com, it offers the most compelling benefits and will result in the most professional website.
The complication comes from the added layer of website hosting, which is a concept that catches many people by surprise.
Both Tumblr and WordPress.com eliminate the hosting element from the website equation, but what you gain in simplicity with these methods, you lose in SEO impact, privacy, and control.
If you want total control over your website, you need to purchase your own hosting and set up WordPress on your own server. Fortunately, this is easier than it sounds :D
The following web hosts offer low prices and 1-click WordPress installations:
Yearly Cost: $82+
Ease of Setup:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Strength:
Privacy and Control:
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