I had no idea that it could be so expensive to blog.

Let me qualify the statement above though.  If you are just blogging as a writing experience with no goal to monetize or no expectation to expand from blogging, then there shouldn’t be any cost to you.

For the rest…it can be expensive.

Here are some examples of the cost to blog that you might have not factored in or thought of before:

Domain Name

Actually a minimal cost as a domain name is not very expensive at all.

Logo

Having a logo is optional, but you will find that most bloggers who are successful will have a logo.  A logo will help you brand yourself and enable you to carry that brand to all your social media mediums, your business cards, blog site, etc.

Blog Host

There are free hosts such as WordPress.com and various others, but if you want flexibility with your design and want to include advertisements, then a hosting provider, such as BlueHost, is your best bet.

Blog Design

There are many free templates available, but again, if you want flexibility, you will have to either purchase a more premium template or hire a Designer.  I would suggest that you make your list of “must have’s” and “wants” and do your homework.

Email Host

Completely optional, but it will enable you to use your name @ your domain name such as denise@denisedesigned.com.  Google Mail for Businesses is a great option.

Software

There are many different software programs that you may want to purchase such as:

• Photoshop for pictures
• Viral Tag to schedule your pins
• HootSuite to schedule your FB and twitters updates
• many more

Business Cards

If you plan to attend any conferences or want to advertise your site when you meet people, you will want to have business cards handy.

General Graphics

Taking your own pictures is definitely important and always used for your posts, but there will be times when you will need to have a graphic designed.  You will need to pay someone to do those that you want to have a professional look and feel.

Blog Conferences

You never have to attend a blog conference, but if you are serious and want to build your network, a blog conference is most certainly helpful.  You learn great tips and tidbits of info and you also continue to meet people and network which will help you be more successful.

Webinars, Classes, Books, Etc

There will be so many things that you did not realize you needed to learn such as simple html coding, social media strategies and so much more.

Camera

A good camera is a must for those professional looking posts.  Many people will say, content is key. Content is key to keep your readers coming back, but how professional your site and posts look is also important.

Post Content

For someone like myself that does DIY or Design posts, there are things that I will need to buy.  For example, this season I want to highlight Fall Designs.  In the past I have not decorated for the fall. This year, however, I had to spend a little money so that I could decorate.  I could provide many other examples, but hopefully you get the point.  Not all blogs are those in which you will have to pay any monies for content, but definitely something to consider when you decide what you are going to blog about.

Advertising and Promotions

There are some benefits to promoting a post or your page on Facebook.  There are also benefits to providing giveaways on your site.  Until you have built your network, these will have some sort of cost associated with them.

Time

Blogging can be a full time job in itself.  Just typing out a post takes maybe an hour or two.  You may only post once a week.  If that is the case, then you won’t spend much time at all.  Most bloggers who are building their site, audience and network will blog more…anywhere from 3-5 times a week.  In addition to the posts though, there is the time spent on social media.  You don’t have to tackle all the mediums.  Whether you choose 1 or multiple, such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Google +, Youtube or any others, they take time.

Blogging can be very rewarding, helping you achieve your goals.  However, it can also cost a lot of money and time.

There are those that say, just wait until you get it up and running and then invest.  There are those that invest on the front end to, perhaps, get ahead sooner rather than later.  There is no right answer.  Whichever you choose, you will have to invest something.  But as long as you understand and recognize the potential costs, you will be much better prepared and successful.

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