elifestyle andTechnology

Sometimes we're exposed to so much misinformation that we end up believing things that just aren't true.

For example, you may be under the impression that it's difficult to start a blog for your business. Or you may have read somewhere or other that you need advanced computer skills to start blogging.

Let me explain the different blogging programs to you and sort out a few facts from fiction.

Basically, there are three different types of blogging software.

1. Free Blogs

This is normally offered by large software organizations and whilst it may seem like a good deal and very appealing, it's worth pointing out a couple of drawbacks.

Free blogging programs have been known to close accounts with little or no warning. Imagine spending weeks, if not months, building your business blog, adding your valuable content then one day you try to log in... and it's gone. Very frustrating to say the least, it'll take time and a lot of effort to replace all your valuable content. Unfortunately, this has happened to many small business owners mainly because they haven't informed themselves of the terms and conditions which can often prohibit commercial usage.

2. Open Source Blogs

Open Source blog programs have been created by hundreds of people all over the world who work on their development, they are not owned any one company or organization. The free version has the same drawbacks I mentioned in the previous point. However, there is also a version where you can purchase hosting and have more control over your blog. Bear in mind you'll need some HTML programming knowledge to set up the blog and to maintain numerous security issues involved around Open Source software.

3. Privately Hosted Blogs

If you are a small business owner you need to feel secure that the terms and conditions of your business blog allows for commercial usage. Trading on the internet means adhering to certain regulations.

Privately hosted blog software companies have created 'user friendly' interface programs specifically for commercial users. Costs of hosting can work out to be just a few cents a day. This is a great advantage for new businesses owners who often struggle with costs and overheads in the first few critical months of trading.

Using privately hosted blogging software gives you complete control over your blog and more importantly, there is no fear of being closed down or having to take care of the security issues.