If you're new to the blogging world, it will soon become apparent to you that there are two methods of Wordpress blogging out there.
The first is
www.wordpress.com. If you want to create a free blog, this is a good way to go. The domain name that users will see when they visit is something like
http://yourblog.wordpress.com. (Not a real bog) Keep in mind that if you are blogging for your VA practice, this method does not allow integration into your current website. You can link to your blog, but it is not part of your webspace, and readers will have to leave your website to visit your blog.
This is a good option if you want to dip your toes into the world of blogging without too much commitment. The blog is still customizable with themes and graphics, but again, you are not effectively driving traffic to your business website.
The second is
www.wordpress.org. This method allows you to host your blog on your own domain. For example,
www.yourVAsite.com/blog (Not a real site). This method of blogging allows your blog to become part of your website, helping to drive traffic back into your website. This method is also more professional looking, as it effectively connects your blog with your website's domain name. It can make it easier for users to find your website, and will help with search engine rankings if you keep it loaded with content.
This option involves an installation process, so it's a good idea to be comfortable with FTPing files, manipulating graphics, and fiddling with HTML code so you can get your blog and template just the way you want it. It's also more flexible as far as customization. You can create an entire website with Wordpress, much like my VA website.
Keep in mind, there's more of a commitment involved in this method, as it's much more difficult to remove the blog from your website than it is to cancel your Wordpress.com account.
Either way you go, Wordpress is an excellent blogging tool. There are hundreds of plugins that can help you create a dynamic blog or Wordpress-based website.
If you aren't interested in setting up a full-blown Wordpress site or blog, there are webby people out there who will do it for you for a fee.
Now, Wordpress has its own set of quirks, and I intend to post tips and advice for manipulating text, images, and files in Wordpress as times goes on. If anyone has any specific questions they would like addressed, feel free to ask!
I'm so excited to be the blogging moderator! Ask away!