1. Set up a blog. There are more choices than ever to set up a free blog. The most common options are to use hosted platforms like WordPress or Blogger, both of which you can set up in less than five minutes. WordPress actually has two options: a hosted service at WordPress.com and software you can install on your web host at WordPress.org if you prefer complete control over your blog. If you aren’t tech-savvy and don’t want to set up a blog and web host yourself, stick with the hosted platform for now.
2. Buy a domain name. If you have $10 to spare, I highly recommend you purchase a domain name for your blog rather than using the standard URLs: http://yourblogname.wordpress.com or http://yourblogname.blogspot.com. Domain names let you take your site with you, so to speak, if you ever switch web hosting companies or blogging platforms. A domain name is simply http://www.yourblogname.com. There’s no “wordpress” or “blogspot” in the URL. If this is just a trial run, having your own domain name isn’t as important, but if you want to use this as your business blog, it is worth the investment. Both WordPress and Blogger allow you to buy domain names through them during the sign up process.
3. Learn the vocabulary. Like with any specialized activity, blogging has its own terms you should be familiar with.
   • Permalink – A shorthand term for “permanent link,” or the URL of your individual blog post.
   • Trackback – If you reference someone else’s blog, your blog will notify them with a brief message that links back to your post.
   • Ping – Your blogging software may notify other sites by sending them a short message that you have updated your blog.
   • RSS feed – This is a special way that blogging software may format your content so it can be read in different internet browsers and RSS readers.
4. Create your first post. Decide what type of content you want to publish and start writing. If you are writing a business blog, you want to make sure your content is interesting, engaging or entertaining to your readers. What do they want to know about? Write in a conversational format and add personal touches throughout your content. Can you add a joke, anecdote or story to better communicate your message?
5. Discover your writer’s voice. The more you write, the better you will become, so don’t worry if your initial posts aren’t perfect. You don’t have to be Shakespeare to blog. Over time, you will discover your own style and writing will come easier to you.

It’s easy to set up your own blog, so don’t let that hold you back from getting started with blogging. If you don’t yet have a blogging account, take a few minutes right now to open one.

Microblogging Tools

Before I get into how to publish content, let’s talk about different blogging platforms. Right now, micro-blogging is the rage. Basically, microblogging is just like blogging, only the posts are much shorter. If you are new to blogging, you might want to join one of the microblogging sites and get a feel for blogging before you set up your own blog. Common microblogging sites include:

1. Twitter – Twitter is the most popular microblogging platform thanks to celebrity endorsements like Oprah, Shaq and Ashton Kutcher. The platform is simple to use and you can tell the world what you are doing in 140 characters or less.
2. Posterous – If you want a platform that allows you to publish more content, Posterous lets you make updates via email. Want to post pictures or video, just email Posterous and they will format your content so it looks nice on your blog page. Posterous will also update all of your social networking links like Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr that you’ve posted new content.
3. Tumblr – Tumblr is similar to Posterous but allows for more customization. Tumblr has been around longer and has more users than Posterous.

For a great comparison of Posterous and Tumblr, check out Mashable’s Posterous vs. Tumblr: A Head to Head.

Setting Up A Blog

Now that I’ve discussed microblogging, let’s get into how to set up a full-fledged blog for yourself or your business. If you want to test the waters, you can start with a free blog at:

1. Blogger.com – Owned by Google, Blogger is the quick, easy way to set up a blog in under a minute. You simply sign up for an account, decide if you want to purchase a domain name, choose the look you want, and start blogging.
2. WordPress.com – There are actually two versions of WordPress. WordPress.com is a lot like Blogger.com, only more feature-rich. Anyone can register for an account and start blogging. WordPress.org is free, open source software that anyone can download and install on their web host.
3. Weebly – If you want to set up a website and blog with drag-and-drop capabilities, Weebly is a great easy-to-use platform that allows anyone to set up their website and blog in minutes.

If you’ve been meaning to try blogging, now is a great time to start. With so many free tools to set up your own blog, you can start publishing content within minutes.