website

blog

Getting it online

All in all, websites are generally slightly simpler to put online than blogs - although they may require more design work at the page creation stage. However, even if you're a complete novice don't be put off - we've found several ways to create fully-functioning web pages without any technical knowledge at all.

Getting it online

Professional blogs aren't necessarily that easy to set up, especially if you're aiming to place ads on your site. However, absolute beginners can breathe a sigh of relief - we've found several ways to create fully-functioning blogs with no hassle at all.

Content

Although many websites need to be updated consistently, others, once completed, need very little further work. A well researched site on, say, the history of Tamla Motown records should remain relevant with minimum effort.

Content

Because blogs are like an online journal, users will expect updates on a very regular basis. You'll need to be sure you have the time and enthusiasm to keep your blog fresh and lively.

Do you enjoy designing?

If design and layout are likely to be key features of your online output, standard web pages tend to offer more flexibility than blogs.

Do you enjoy designing?

Although a blog can usually be customised with a choice of colour schemes, fonts and graphics, the standard layout is generally a rigid, box-like structure.

Do you enjoy writing?

Most websites have at least some text, but are flexible enough to feature any kind of content from image galleries to video. So if writing isn't your thing, or your web idea is more visual, a standard site is what you'll want to aim for.

Do you enjoy writing?

Blogs, almost without exception, depend on the written word. So it goes without saying that if you don't enjoy writing - or suspect you might not be very good at it - a blog probably isn't for you.

Updating

As we've said, not all websites need regular updating, but if they do, the task can be time-consuming and even perhaps a little tricky. This is especially the case if pages have complex layouts. And while not absolutely essential, a knowledge of html (a simple web code) and other coding languages is definitely an advantage.

Updating

Although, as we've said, blogs do require regular input, they generally have their own updating system, which means that adding new entries is very simple indeed. At more advanced levels, though, it can be difficult to move beyond the standard blog structure without at least some knowledge of html and other web codes.

Making money from your site

You'll almost certainly do this via advertising or product sales. Generally this involves just cutting and pasting coded text into your pages - don't panic, we'll show you how!

Ads or affiliate sales are the main income option for the vast majority of smaller websites.

Making money from your site

You'll usually do this via advertising or product sales. Generally this involves cutting and pasting coded text into your blog - just a little trickier than most standard web pages although we've found options where you don't need to go near code at all.

Other money-making opportunities for blog owners can include 'product placement' - where you're paid to promote items of merchandise - or even writing for other sites. However, you'll generally need a large audience to qualify for these opportunities.