So You Wanna Start a Blog

I have had several people tell me, over the course of my blogging, that they are interested in starting a blog they just had no idea where to start. Now I am no blog guru for sure, but maybe that makes me an even better person to break it down as simply as possible and then direct you to the guru's.
First off, if you are reading this because you are thinking about starting your own blog let me say I highly doubt you will regret this decision. It is a blast writing about anything and everything and connecting with people who actually connect with what you are writing. It is very rewarding.
Okay, so now on to the meat. Where the heck do I even start?
1) Why do you want to blog?
This is an important question you need to answer for yourself before you even start this process. Are you promoting your business? Love writing? Blogging to make a side income?
What kind of blogger do you want to be? Lifestyle {:code for I write about anything that pops into my random mind:}, DIY, fashion, art, travel, media. You get the idea.
2) Come up with a blog name.
In the excitement and anticipation of starting your blog it is easy to pick a blog title hastily and then hate it 2 weeks into your blog. Choose a title that reflects you and your content. Many people will choose to visit your blog based on whether or not your blog title peeks their interest.
3) Choose your hosting sight.
What website are you choosing to host your blog? The two most popular are Blogger and Wordpress. I went with blogger because frankly I didn't even know Wordpress existed when I started my blog. I'm not the knowledgable but this post lays out the pros and cons of both sites for you to decide what will best suit you.
4) Think about your address
If you are creating a blog using blogger on of the first questions it will ask you is for your address. Your address is what people type into their browser bar. For example, if you used blogger, yours might be sunshineandpearls.blogspot.com. Often times people use their blog name as their address. It makes it easier for people to find your blog. If you are not sold on your blog name yet go for something like your name. Example: susiesmith.blogspot.com
3) Choosing a design for your blog.
You will either love this part or hate it. I for on never knew HTML coding could give me such a thrill. If you aren't into that, blogger allows you to make it as simple or as complex as you would like. You may choose to use a pre-made blog design. You can find some here and here and here. You may choose someone to create a custom design for you. You can find people who create blog designs on Etsy. {:Mine was made by Clarke Designs.:}
If you're more adventurous and the thought of creating your own design with HTML coding then I say go for it. I loved doing it. If you are interested in this route, google and YouTube have tons of resources that will walk you step by step through the process. Just type in what you are looking to create {:header, welcome image, etc.:}

4) Write your first post.
This is your coming out party. Have fun. Find your voice. I
t will all more than likely evolve over time but give yourself a pat on the back. YOU HAVE A BLOG
5) Let Google be your best friend. As you start blogging and looking at other peoples blogs you are going to wonder how to get "that" on your own blog. Google it. They have very explicit instructions for practically anything you could possibly want on your blog.
Once you have started writing posts my post on Things I Wish I Knew Sooner About Blogging may be of some help too.