What Is Self-Hosting?
Self-hosting means you run your website on your own server—or a server you rent from a third-party hosting company like Bluehost or SiteGround. You install and manage the website software yourself (usually WordPress.org), giving you complete control over your site. Here’s what self-hosting gives you:
-
Control: You own the software, server, and data.
-
Independence: Your site lives on a third-party server you choose, not WordPress.com’s.
-
Freedom: Install any plugins, themes, or custom code to customize and monetize your site fully.
-
Responsibility: You handle updates, security, and backups—or pay your host for assistance.
Think of self-hosting like owning a house: you buy the land (hosting) and build your house (WordPress site) exactly how you like.
Bluehost & WordPress.org: Self-Hosting in Practice
Using Bluehost with WordPress.org is classic self-hosting. You:
-
Choose your host: Bluehost provides the server space.
-
Install WordPress.org: This free, open-source software runs your site.
-
Maintain control: You manage plugins, ads, themes, code, and everything else.
Unlike WordPress.com, you’re not on a managed platform with limitations—you are fully independent.
Managed Platforms: WordPress.com and Blogger
Managed platforms like WordPress.com and Blogger handle the hosting and software for you.
-
Pros: Easier setup, built-in security, automatic updates.
-
Cons: Limited freedom, fewer monetization options, restricted customization.
-
Example: Free WordPress.com or Blogger blogs give you subdomains like
yourname.wordpress.comoryourblog.blogspot.com.
Common Question: Isn’t Bluehost Third-Party?
Yes, Bluehost is a third-party, but if you’re running WordPress.org on their servers, you are self-hosted. The key distinction: you control the WordPress software, not the host. The host is simply your server provider. In contrast, Blogger is a managed platform—Google hosts everything. You have limited control over server settings, code, and advanced customization.
Can You Make Money on Blogger?
Absolutely! Blogger supports monetization via AdSense, affiliate marketing, and selling products. The catch? A custom domain makes a huge difference for credibility, branding, and authority.
How to Monetize Blogger With a Custom Domain
-
Buy a Domain: Purchase from a registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap (e.g.,
myawesomeblog.com). -
Connect to Blogger: Point your domain to Blogger’s servers in settings—free setup.
-
Monetize: Add AdSense, affiliate links, or sell products as you would on a self-hosted site.
Why a Custom Domain Matters
-
Professionalism: Looks more credible than a free subdomain.
-
Branding: Builds your unique identity and reader trust.
-
Authority: Boosts domain authority, improving SEO and search rankings.
Even without paying for a hosting plan, a custom domain lets you earn revenue and grow your blog professionally. When combined with high-quality content, it’s a powerful step toward monetization.
Key Takeaways
-
Self-hosting (WordPress.org + Bluehost/SiteGround): Complete control, full monetization potential, full responsibility.
-
Managed platforms (WordPress.com, Blogger): Easier to start, less control, limited monetization—unless you add a custom domain.
-
Custom domains: Critical for branding, authority, and professional monetization, even on free platforms like Blogger.
Whether you’re self-hosting or leveraging a platform like Blogger, understanding hosting, control, and branding will set you up to build a blog that’s both meaningful and profitable.
May Your Bag Be Blessed,
Your Friendly Wellness Oracle | Brand Architect | Glow Strategist 💎🌺💼
.webp)
.png)
.gif)
.jpg)
Post a Comment