One of the questions we’re often asked by clients is where they should host their blog. Free blogging platforms such as WordPress and Blogger make it possible to set-up a blog within a few minutes. The content, by default, is hosted by the software provider and accessed via their domain name, e.g. www.wordpress.com/blogforjoebloggs.

However, we always advise our clients to host their blogs on their own specific domains. This could be a stand-alone blog  such as www.blogforjoebloggs.com, or a new section on an existing website such as www.joebloggswebsite.com/blog.

Even though there are costs associated with buying specific domain names and paying for hosting space, the benefits make it a very worthwhile investment. The free blog sites are great up until a point, in that they enable you to start generating some traffic, but did you know that you don’t actually own the blog? While you own the content, one step out of line and your account could be closed, taking all of your hard work with it.

As your blog and your company expand and become more popular, you will find the flexibility of your own domain name incredibly important. By having your own domain name for your blog, or bolting it on to your main website, you will gain more credibility with your readers as well as enjoying complete control over your content and adding value to your business.