In case you haven’t noticed, I made the switch from my free WordPress.com blog to pr-start.com using the WordPress.org software. So far, I’ve been very pleased with the switch and I’m also happy to find the same layout I had in my previous blog. If you’re considering the switch, or even starting off fresh, I’ve put this post together for you.

So, to start off, here are the main differences between the two forms of WordPress:

WordPress.com

• Using WordPress.com is absolutely free and so is the domain.
• Your site will always be (something).wordpress.com.
• Plugins come installed — spam protectors, stat counter, great choice of themes, etc. However, you cannot add any more plugins, which at times can be a drawback.
• The platform is very easy to use and management for those new to blogging. It might take some time to get used to everything, but the help forums are great and answered all the questions I had.
• This form is best for student and personal bloggers.

WordPress.org

• The WordPress.org software is free — you just have to purchase a domain and hosting for your site. I use Hostmonster for their high recommendation from others users, solid customer service and manageability.
• You can purchase any domain that is available and even add it on to existing domains.
• My favorite part is the limitless amount of plugins you can choose for your site. You can add sharing tools to increase the SEO value of your site as well as some pretty cool widgets. You can search for them here.
• The platform is virtually the same as WordPress.com, so making the transition is extremely easy and manageable.
• This form is best for advanced bloggers, organizations and companies.

Now, I would go into some detail as to how to make the switch, but there are two other places that do a much better job than I could. In fact, I used these two as references and my switch was relatively manageable. First, check out Amy Mengel’s post on how she made the transition. She links to some great guides as well. Then, hop on over to Blog Well where you can get a detailed guide.

I recommend making the switch for a couple of reasons:

• It’s great practice and gives you exposure to the dreaded world of programming. I don’t understand Web coding, nor do I ever want to, but making the switch gave me some great perspective and I know it will help me down the line working with a team of programmers creating a site.
• The flexibility in widgets is so worth it. There really is a widget for everything.
• Being able to put a Web site you made entirely by yourself on your resume is impressive — no matter what stage in your career you’re at. Even better is understanding the results and statistics for that, which is why I recommend you check out Google Analytics for your site.
• Finally, it demonstrates commitment to your readers that you’re not going anywhere. This is especially important for organizations and companies, so if you’re the PR intern starting off a blog, I’d recommend going all out right off the bat.

A good friend and new MSU PRSSA Chapter President is interning for a top-notch theatre in New York and this is her project for the summer. She asked for some tips on the differences between the two forms of WordPress. I recommended to her that she go all out with .org. What do you guys think? I know she would appreciate some help.

To blog or not to blog. I’ve seen a lot of other bloggers discuss why they blog, and I want to chip in my own two cents.

I blog simply because I want to help other students like me. While I try to provide my own perspective on things, I like sharing what I learn. I also like learning from other people – students, professionals and everyone in between.

If you’re looking to start a blog, here are some basic tips:

• Use wordpress.com. It’s free, easy and all around awesome. You can see how many people are looking at your blog, where your blog is being passed around, and a couple other useful pieces of information. Honestly, it’s cool to see how many people look at your blog, but also can be depressing. Don’t let it consume you!
• Name your blog. What’s your personal brand? It should apply to your blog. Make sure it’s SEO (search engine optimization) friendly.
• Think about what you want to blog about. It doesn’t need to advance yourself or your career, but find that niche that you can write about. Here is a post talking about finding a successful niche.
• Get involved with social media. Haven’t you heard me say this enough? Read other blogs, like a lot of other blogs, and start commenting on their blogs. Then get yours going. Start on Alltop.com and work your way around to find blogs that will actually help you out.
• Once you start blogging, it wouldn’t hurt to hire a copy editor. I hate when something slips through my young and inexperienced eyes, so I have a couple “lucky” people that get to check over my posts. Go Becky and Christina! They rock, but they don’t have their own blog (yet).
• Proof your work.
• Find communities to interact with. I found homes with PR Open Mic, Brazen Careerist and 20 Something Bloggers. Just remember that it takes a lot of time to build relationships in each community.
• Did I mention to proof your work?
• Are your ideas new and fresh? Keep on top of new trends and ideas in order to separate your blog from the rest. Hopefully mine doesn’t poop out too much – that’s what you’re reading it, right?
• Keep the party going. Try and post at least once per week. At the very least, keep on Tweeting and sharing to build credibility.

If you don’t like my ideas, here are some great posts on how to start a blog. They’re pros.

• One of my favorite posts from Penelope Trunk shows how to start a blog.. on her blog.
• Guest post on Chris Brogan’s site pointing out what bloggers are doing poorly and how they can learn from professional journalists.
• Scratch that. CB has a whole section on how to blog here.
• Here is what you don’t want to do as a new blogger from Jason Falls.
• For more tips on writing in a niche, check out Coppyblogger’s post here.
• A great guide on making your blog successful in 90 days from the Influential Marketing Blog.

So, whether you are an public relations student, a seasoned PR professional, an engineer, a mom or even a regular Joe, think about starting a blog. Clearly define what the blog is for, and start interacting. But don’t start a blog just to start a blog.

I’ve been surprised how much I’ve learned since entering the blogosphere. You can do it too. Honestly.

So what have you learned to be best practices since starting a blog? How do you find your nitch? If you have a new blog, post a comment – I would love to check it out.