After much deliberation, I bit the bullet. I decided to finally commit and self host my blog. It was something I’d been thinking about for awhile, but never took enough time to figure out how to do. I had a hard time articulating exactly why I wanted to switch to a self hosted blog, which was part of my hesitation. While I’m still figuring out all the bits and pieces, here is a bit about why I finally decided to self host and how I got started. I’m breaking this into two parts since I have a lot to say and don’t want this post to be pages and pages long 🙂 Here’s part one. NOTE: I work exclusively through WordPress, and so can only speak to how to make these changes on that platform. If you use Blogger, Tumblr, etc., some of this may be helpful but you will probably have to do some more digging before getting started.
First, let’s get the basics out of the way. What is self hosting? Self hosting simply means that you own your domain name (i.e. “eatprayrundc.com”) and you are not using a free site to “house” your blog. To continue with the house metaphor, let’s say that your domain is your address and the platform where your blog lives is your house. Before I began self hosting, I purchased my domain name (for tips on how to do this with wordpress, check out this helpful instruction article here) and the address of this blog changed from project30in2012.wordpress.com to eatprayrundc.com. Purchasing your domain name allows you to get rid of that “.wordpress.com” portion. Even if you choose not to self host, I recommend purchasing your domain name. When you self host, you own your domain name and either know enough about coding, etc to host your blog yourself (not very common in my running / fitness blogger community) OR pay a company to host your blog (the most common approach – I use Bluehost to host my blog and am very happy with their service).
The number one question I had as I alluded to earlier was why I should self host – why pay for another company to host my blog when I was completely happy on free wordpress*. Well, here the top 3 reasons I decided to self host:
- I wanted to have complete control over the look and feel of my blog. Using free wordpress, I wasn’t able to track my stats using google analytics. I also wanted to be able to have sponsored posts or run ads if I so chose (you can’t do that on free wordpress). I’m not sure I will do these things, but I wanted the options.
- Unlimited plugins and themes. WordPress.org (NOT to be confused with wordpress.com – which is used for blogs that are NOT self hosted) has hundreds of thousands of plugins (plugins are neat things you can add to your blog — like the commentluv button you/’ll see at the end of this post) to choose from. I’m a bit overwhelmed by all of them and still figuring out which ones I want to utilize on my blog.
- I wanted to own my content.With free blogs, you don’t necessarily own your content – your blog could be shut down at any minute and as I’ve become more serious about my blog, I didn’t want that risk. I work hard on my blog and wanted to reflect that hard work by truly owning all my content.
So, how’d I do it? Come back tomorrow for part two and learn more!
* Do you know the difference between free wordpress (wordpress.com) and wordpress.org? WordPress.com blogs are hosted by wordpress. WordPress.org is the platform utilized by self hosted blogs – my blog WAS hosted by wordpress.com but now that it is self hosted, I utilize wordpress.org to manage my blog. Check out part two here!
Are you self hosted? Why or why not?
Definitely best decision I ever made to go self hosted! Love all the features even if I don’t ever use them 😉 but I wanted the control and content.
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Running and Football: Lotsa Recapping!
I wholeheartedly agree — you were a total inspiration since your blog turned out so well 🙂
aww 🙂 thanks!!
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Running and Football: Lotsa Recapping!
I’ll be interested to hear about the cost, technical difficulty and time involved in self-hosting. I hadn’t thought about the “own your content” aspect….definitely something I want to consider as I think about starting a blog. Thanks for sharing – and sounds like your training is going well, congrats!
Thanks for weighing in, Melissa. I’ll make sure to address those issues in part two!
Really looking forward to tomorrow’s post on the logistics of moving your blog over. I created a blog for work on wordpress.org and use BlueHost to host it. It’s been a great experience and Bluehost has amazing customer service.
I’ve been considering moving my personal blog over even though I do own the domain name like you mention, so I’ve already gotten rid of the .wordpress part of the URL. Still, point one you made is something I’ve considered. Also, I never thought about the third aspect, but that’s a really good point.
Will be keeping an eye out for your next post on this! Thanks for sharing!
Colleen L recently posted…Acumen Race for a Cause 8k Race Recap
Glad this was somewhat helpful — I’m pleased so far and really wish I had unlimited time to play around and continue to learn! There are so many different options that I find I’m getting lost in my blog — but in a fun way 🙂 Let me know if you have any specific questions!
Wahooo, congrats on making the transition! I switched to self hosting last year and am so happy that I did… Although, I did it with help from a professional 😛 Knowing myself, if I messed up I would have had a panic attack.
Allison @ Life’s a Bowl recently posted…What is Instagram? // Insta Likes #1
Thanks Allison! I’m quite happy with the switch and it’s been fun exploring this brand new world! Especially for someone like me who isn’t super computer savvy! 🙂
Soooo… about that 😉
I have to work on this one. lol
Cori @ olivetorun recently posted…A Whole Lot of Comfy Pants
Yep, I hear you — took me months to finally decide 🙂
I might have to look into this… Would also be interested to know how much it costs? Maybe on your next blog?
Betsy recently posted…365/289: Sugar Bands Review!
Check back tomorrow 🙂
I just finished my transition to self hosted! It was (and still is) a little confusing..but I’m slowly working my way through all of the new options available to me!
Me too! Well worth the effort, I think! 🙂
Yay for owning your own “house!”
thanks emma — i kinda love it 🙂
So glad I found this post! I am considering self-hosting and have been looking more into the details. Your information is extremely helpful! I didn’t know there was a difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org! Haha
Nikki @ grab your kicks recently posted…Let’s Do the Card!
I REALLY need to do this. I have been struggling with how to do it and where to start. I’ve got to just bite the bullet and do it. I think I have to move to .org and then do the self hosting. HELP!!!
Francine recently posted…Regrets vs. Reward…I Choose Reward!
Start here: http://eatprayrundc.com/2013/10/16/learning-how-to-self-host-part-two/ first step will be purchasing your domain name if you haven’t already. If you have, then you are good to go w/the steps in the link above. If you haven’t, do that first! 🙂
I was just reading your post on how pinterest had increased your blog traffic…then I found this post on your group pinterest board.
I was on blogger before but I just made the move to self hosted over Christmas. I’ve been pretty happy with the switch so far. I also had to comment on your theme…I love it…I have the same one!
Thanks for all of your blogging tips!
Leana recently posted…Goofy Challenge Tips and Tricks
love it — congrats on the switch and obviously i love your blog design. it’s so clean and functional. and the best part is our blog design looks great on a phone! 🙂 happy new year and have fun in disney (so jealous!!)