How Much Does a Blog Cost? – Technologist

Starting a blog can be an exciting journey. Whether you’re looking to generate revenue or simply build a community around your writing hobby, starting a blog is a step in the right direction. Blogs have been popular for decades, and while new types of content pop up all the time, it’s hard to beat a classic written blog for reach, engagement, and simplicity.

However, before you jump into starting a blog of your own, it’s important to understand the common costs of starting a blog. Beyond the time it takes you to set up a website and write content, blog costs can include purchasing your domain name, hosting services, advertising, and a whole lot more. 

How Much Does It Cost To Start A Blog?

When you first start a blog, there are some initial costs you’ll need to cover. Some of these will be one-time expenses, while others will need renewals later on.

Domain Registration

When it comes to blogging, your domain is basically your brand. Your domain name is the URL that your blog will live at for the foreseeable future, and it’s completely unique to your website. It’s important to have your own domain so you can have full control over the content, better SEO results, and email addresses with your domain name attached. It can also make your website look more professional.

The exact cost of your domain name will vary, but usually, they are anywhere from $5 to $50 per year. While this may seem like a relatively small purchase, your domain name is going to be a part of your brand, so it’s important to pick a good one.

Web Hosting Services

Some blogging platforms include hosting in their subscriptions, so the cost of hosting is already included. Some examples of hosted platforms include Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify. These platforms usually cost more per month to use than self-hosted platforms because they include that service in each package.

Other platforms are self-hosted, like WordPress. If you choose a self-hosted platform, you’ll need to use a web host to make your website’s content easy to access. For basic shared hosting, you may be able to find options as low as $1 a month.

With web hosting, you often get what you pay for. Before you choose a service provider, evaluate your needs for server location, tech support, website backups, and other helpful features.

Web Design and Templates

There are tons of free designs out there, but you’ll see them in use on a lot of existing blogs. If you want something a little more unique or customizable, you may want to invest in a pre-made template or hire a designer. Existing templates usually cost under $100, while professional web design costs can easily climb into the thousands.

Whatever route you decide to take for your blog, make sure your website’s design is easy to read, navigate, and load on a variety of device types.