I have put a lot of thought into what I've learned my first year of blogging. I've put together a list of things that are not only important to know, but some of them are things I wish I would have known from day one. I wish I had known a few things or had someone to guide me more.
10 Tips for Starting a New Blog
1. Purchase a domain name. They are not expensive and only cost $10 or less per year. It is a small investment that is SO worth the money.
a. Blogger offers them w/privacy included. If you use Blogger for your blogging platform, just go to Settings in your dashboard to find the option.
b. GoDaddy has a wide variety of offers
c. HostGator is another popular one
2. Set up accounts on Facebook & Twitter. If you will be vlogging set up a YouTube account. I'm seeing a few other options than YouTube, I don't know enough about them to suggest any at this time. Hmm, maybe another post 
3. If this blog is business related set up an account on LinkedIn. If you want to do reviews you can make PR connections.
4. Don't get overwhelmed with to host or not to host. Blog for a while and see if you want to go that route. There are people that do very well without self-hosting.
5. If you self-host on WordPress.org style platform, consider using a premium theme. Even if it is something you work into. I started with a free theme and then purchased my theme later. We as a blogging community are finding that hackers can more easily set you up for viruses. Free plugins are also being targeted. Some of this can't be helped. You can't purchase everything you need. I just want you to be aware.
6. Premium themes are used with WordPress.org or self-hosted blogs. If you want to purchase a premium theme and don't know what premium themes are available, here is a list of ones I have seen or use. There may be more. These 3 offer a support forum also, which I have found very handy.
a. Genesis
b. Thesis
c. Headway
7. What is a Child Theme? Basically it is your design. Premium themes continue to work more efficiently if you create your designing elements on a separate CSS.
8. What is CSS? Cascading Style Sheet
9. Make contact and connections with others on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc. You might find a new friend, sponsor or business connection.
10. Join Communities with other bloggers. It is a great way to network and learn.
Most of all, Have Fun!
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Wow I was lucky to see this post! I just started blogging a few weeks ago and there are a few gems you have in here that I need to pursue. I wonder what a fair price for a theme is. There are a ton of sites out there selling premium fees. Thanks for the tips!
I understood from your comment, on my 10 Tips for Starting a Blog post, there may be a slight misunderstanding about “themes”.
I am not referring to a design like my header. A theme is how the page is set up. Options for how the main blog page shows my different content. As an example: I have the same “theme” as this site http://3boysandadog.com/ we both use Genesis framework with Lifestyle theme. They are both self-hosted WordPress blogs.
Thank you so very much for commenting. Please visit again.
Great information! I started self hosting after going to Savvy Blogging Summit 2010. Best thing I ever did. I have a second blog that I have yet to start, but I immediately went with self hosting. To me, it gives you an extra jump on your way up the blogging ladder.
If you have the right hosting package you can add more than one blog to it. I know several people that have it set up that way.
Great tips! I just transferred to self hosting WP. Learning all the tips and tricks takes a while, but I’m getting there.
Awesome tips! I love the genesis theme. I’ve been using it for a few months now!
Loving the tips!
Stopping by from BSMB FMFY.
Whirlwind of Surprises
Good tips! I didn’t know about the hacking into free templates and plug-ins
Now following on GFC {Lorri}
I just bought my own domain name and setting up wordpress on my Go Daddy account that I got through Blogelina’s Beginner’s class. There is a LOT to know I’m finding out!
This is such a great resource! I have been debating on whether or not I want to change my theme! I need more space on my sidebars but am so not ready to go through the design process again! I priced a few places when I was going through my move and was blown away by the prices– $500 & up! UH I don’t have a mortgage to take out! lol
I may have to link to these if you don’t mind?
You are welcome to link away
I have been considering taking a online class for design info. There are a couple of places that do them. Email me if you want the links. I also came across a website that gives HTML & CSS info. I’m planning to search Genesis support forum for info as well. I need more room. I know it can be done b/c I’ve seen other sites with similar themes to ours that are wider.