If you know what you want to write about, you can set up a blog in under five minutes – pinky swear.  Now, technically, there are a bunch of websites (aka platforms) that can help you do this, but thanks to Mojo40, you will never have to learn or care about them. Only two matter:

1. Blogger.com
2. WordPress.com Not to be confused for one nanosecond with wordpress.org – more about that further down

This page will take less than five minutes to read, so let’s get down to the pros and cons.

Pros for using blogger.com or wordpress.com:

1. Uber easy set up. With just a few clicks you can get started
2. Free
3. They have so many templates (technically called themes) to choose from, there is something you will like so there’s no need for a designer

Cons:

1. Whatever name you pick, blogspot or wordpress will appear in your URL (for example, YourName.wordpress.com)
2. If you want your own URL, you will have to go buy it (which takes some effort), and then pay extra to use it
3. Can’t install cool plug-ins or make custom changes
4. No unlimited advertising (There are restrictions to what type of advertising you can run and, at some point, they could decide to run ads on your blog if they want. Hey, you’re getting a great deal and it’s  totally fair.)

So what’s the difference between blogger.com and wordpress.com?

Not much but here are the minor distinctions:

1. You can add a Facebook like button to some blogger templates, but not to wordpress.com
2. Blogger.com is part of google.com.  You get google analytics and search built in
3. WordPress.com has more variety of templates (aka themes)
4. If you want to make your blog more of a website, wordpress.com makes it easier to add pages

Want to run with the big digital dogs?

Let’s say you want your own URL (www.WhateverNameIwant.com), the flexibility to change whatever you want, and run some advertising because you know you’re going to get a lot of traffic. Then there’s one choice:  wordpress.ORG (note – org  not .com).

Pros:

1. It’s still easy to create your blog (no coding background necessary)
2. You can tailor it exactly how you want
3. You can add the Facebook like button, email a friend, and whatever social icon you want with the plug-in
4. It works well as a great website, also
5. You add whatever ads and sponsorships you want

Cons:

1. You have to pay for your own hosting  (like with a company such as GoDaddy.com – about $75/year)
2. You have to pay for your own URL (very minor, sometimes free with hosting)
3. You will have to set everything up (not the end of the world, but it’s no 5 minutes)
4. For the customization, you will probably have to hire a web developer and a web designer.

What should you pick?

• Just want a super simple easy free blog (with few other pages)?  Blogger.com
• Want to a free blog but also want to include several other pages?  Go with wordpress.com
• Do you have to sell something (jewelry? a book? your services?)  go with wordpress.org

What if I need help?
No matter what you pick, you’re going to need help if you want this blog to be more than your online diary.  Here’s what you need to know:

1. Subscribe and religiously read copyblogger.com (tons of great content advice)
2. Whether you go for blogger.com or wordpress (org or com), go to their forums for advice and be generous thanking people or adding your own tips
3. Talk to other bloggers and get some great advice at webgrrls.com. There is probably a chapter in your city.  You don’t have to be a girl or even female to attend the events

Mojo Moves

1. Read 11 Ways a Blog Can Get You a Gig, a Job, a Career
2. Read a friend’s blog and leave a positive and sincere comment
3. Go to wordpress.com or blogger.com and set up a blog right now.  Don’t worry, you can delete whatever you write.  Just see how easy it is to do