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newbie needs tips on saving costs please

by snarfling
39 replies
hey everyone!

I'm new to marketing and learning the ropes in the hope of starting my own blog soon.

However, i don't have much spare cash right now and I'm hoping for some tips for saving money until i start earning. I have looked up in google but I'm hoping for some help from people who have experience and know what they're talking about (aka you guys). So I'm looking for advice on cheap/free..

security for the blog
autoresponders
cloud storage/back up

i understand i will need to pay to get the best services but for now I'm just hoping to save money until i can start making it

thank you
#advice #costs #newbie #saving #tips
  • Profile picture of the author TrevorGreenfield
    Going for the free route I'd recommend;

    For security on a Wordpress blog take a daily back-up of your site so that you can restore if you have a problem.
    For your autoresponder I'd recommend imnicamail.com. Their service is free for up to 1000 subscribers and they offer a good service.
    I don't use cloud storage but others may have personal experience of this.
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    • Profile picture of the author snarfling
      Originally Posted by TrevorGreenfield View Post

      Going for the free route I'd recommend;

      For security on a Wordpress blog take a daily back-up of your site so that you can restore if you have a problem.
      For your autoresponder I'd recommend imnicamail.com. Their service is free for up to 1000 subscribers and they offer a good service.
      I don't use cloud storage but others may have personal experience of this.
      thank you for the reply!
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve B
      At the very minimum, I would suggest
      1. Getting your own domain name (there are always promotions around for $1.99 or even .99 for the first year).
      2. Getting a good autoresponder like aWeber or similar (sometimes you can get the first month free)
      3. Using a WordPress platform for your blog and find a free premium WP theme (there are many here: Free Premium WP Themes)
      If you can't afford to get this minimum set up (that will help you to look professional) - I'm sorry - you shouldn't be in business. Borrow the money from your great aunt Hilda, sell a pint of blood for $50, or hawk you latest Xbox game on eBay.

      Steve
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      • Profile picture of the author snarfling
        Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

        At the very minimum, I would suggest
        1. Getting your own domain name (there are always promotions around for $1.99 or even .99 for the first year).
        2. Getting a good autoresponder like aWeber or similar (sometimes you can get the first month free)
        3. Using a WordPress platform for your blog and find a free premium WP theme (there are many here: Free Premium WP Themes)
        If you can't afford to get this minimum set up (that will help you to look professional) - I'm sorry - you shouldn't be in business. Borrow the money from your great aunt Hilda, sell a pint of blood for $50, or hawk you latest Xbox game on eBay.

        Steve
        thanks i was expecting the costs for hosting and domain name etc and have budgeted for at least the first year, i was just hoping to save as much as i can for security, autoresponder and back up until the blog is up and running and able to hold its own
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  • Profile picture of the author The Warlock
    WordPress Security
    Use free themes or purchased themes or plugins never go to nulled plugins unless you know what you're doing. Install Wordfence security, TAC plugins.

    Cloud Storage :
    Take regular backups for your site using backup plugins into Dropbox account.

    Hope this helps
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    • Profile picture of the author snarfling
      Originally Posted by The Warlock View Post

      WordPress Security
      Use free themes or purchased themes or plugins never go to nulled plugins unless you know what you're doing. Install Wordfence security, TAC plugins.

      Cloud Storage :
      Take regular backups for your site using backup plugins into Dropbox account.

      Hope this helps
      thank you that's great!
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  • Profile picture of the author DWaters
    1. Getting your own domain name (there are always promotions around for $1.99 or even .99 for the first year).
    2. Getting a good autoresponder like aWeber or similar (sometimes you can get the first month free)
    3. Using a WordPress platform for your blog and find a free premium WP theme
    This is all good advice. Namecheap.com is a place to consider for getting the domain. GetResponse is another good autoresponder.

    WordPress themes and plugins can be obtained for free and should help with security and other functions.
    Dreamstime.com is a place for getting images for your site.
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    • Profile picture of the author snarfling
      thank you for the reply!
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  • Profile picture of the author Everett and Carol
    Two places in which you need to spend money are hosting and for an autoresponder. If you go on the cheapon those 2, it will be costly in the end.

    For the other things you can look for free/cheap options and still be O.K.
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    • Profile picture of the author snarfling
      Originally Posted by Southern Infotality View Post

      Two places in which you need to spend money are hosting and for an autoresponder. If you go on the cheapon those 2, it will be costly in the end.

      For the other things you can look for free/cheap options and still be O.K.
      thats great thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul M Smith
    Because you haven't specified which platform you will choose for your blog I will make the assumption that it is Wordpress. Here are some links to the questions you've asked for wordpress.

    Security:
    WordPress › WP Security Audit Log « WordPress Plugins
    WordPress › Wordfence Security « WordPress Plugins
    WordPress › BulletProof Security « WordPress Plugins

    Auto Responders:
    Free Autoresponder Script
    Infinite Responder - Free Autoresponder Script
    Parabots Autoresponder System
    Wordpress Auto Responder Plugins:
    √ G-Lock EasyMail â†' In-house Email Marketing Software ® GLOCKSOFT
    WP Infinity Responder | Plugin Review Network
    WordPress › [GWA] AutoResponder « WordPress Plugins

    Backup/Cloud:
    WordPress › Backup « WordPress Plugins
    WordPress › Ready! Backup « WordPress Plugins
    WordPress › UpdraftPlus Backup and Restoration for WordPress « WordPress Plugins
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  • Profile picture of the author Raelyn Tan
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author snarfling
      Originally Posted by Raelyn Tan View Post

      Hey! I get some of my domain names from 1&1.com, domain names are only $0.99 for the first year! This website is hands on the cheapest registrar I've seen. Hope this saves some time and money on your side.

      Sincerely,
      Raelyn
      thank you will check that out
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  • Profile picture of the author rihan123
    you can use get response free trail for 30 days as an autoresponder .
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  • Profile picture of the author snarfling
    thanks guys everyones been really helpful
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  • Profile picture of the author LuckyIMer
    Get a domain name and a web hosting and the rest you can find for free.
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnZ
    For the start, consider using WordPress. This popular content management system includes everything you need to have your blog up and running. It comes with lots of widgets, plugins, themes, contact forms, and security features.
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  • Profile picture of the author Graham Maddison
    This is NOT an affiliate link,

    http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...-time-wso.html

    But I think this is something you may want to consider. .. I must say however, the warrior who owns this has had a heart attack recently and the support issues are a bit slow as a result, but still worth considering.

    Domain + Hosting + AutoResponder all in one simple pack
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  • Profile picture of the author alertmakemoney4738
    I use blogspot from Google.

    They have all the gadget for you.

    You can customize it with drop and drag.

    It is quite long process but you can figure it out from just playing around.

    I can show you if you PM me but it is not really necessary.

    Auto responder: I don't use it.

    It is like talking to the machine.

    You can try Get Response because it is free for trial.

    Or, Mailchimp is completely free but I have no idea about how these work.

    These machines marketing don't work for me.
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    Currently on mode of looking for growing traffic. If you have an offer, contact me by email: blastor555@gmail.com

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  • Profile picture of the author goodmast3r
    For beginner, I think you can skip security and cloud storage/back up. If you have good hosting, they can help you with the security (server) and backup. Just remember to upgrade Wordpress. You can buy domain and hosting for $20 /year and install Wordpress. For Autoresponder can try wordpress plugin
    Signature
    cheap custom wordpress only $399 for now
    http://odihost.com/convert-html-to-wordpress/, start from $399
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  • Profile picture of the author Kerryrus
    I'm agree with Steve

    Don't use a cheap/free autoresponder! BIG mistake.

    Your email list is the BEST asset you'll ever build for your online business! Don't cut back on this for the sake of a few dollars.

    And Aweber, which in my honest opinion is the best service provider, is only $1 for the first 30 days...

    And after that it's just $19 a month until you've hit the 500 subscriber mark.

    For security, I use the free version of WordFence. It's a great security plugin. Already it's saved my blog from several hackers - phew!

    For backup, I use Dropbox. Again, the free account.

    Kerry

    P.S I'd only recommend not using a free blogging service like WordPress.com - you're restricted by their terms of service - and they can delete your site anytime, with or without warning and cause.
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  • Profile picture of the author georgeuk
    There are hosting providers that cost $5/month or so, they even give free domain registration + ad vouchers for google/fb.

    You can find many premium wordpress themes for free. Installing is not difficult, most hosting providers use cpanel which has automated solutions like fantastico.

    For security there are many wp plugins out there, generally I install cloudflare. They're good against attacks, but I honestly wouldn't worry about that at an early level. Good Luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author Javisito
    As for autoresponders whatever you fo don't go with free ones.

    You email list is your number 1 asset. Do you really want it to be low of quality?
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  • Profile picture of the author alexandermadison
    I think you need to try to increase your site traffic & autoresponder.
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    Do not be crazy.

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    • Profile picture of the author wiifm
      You can get quality hosting for $1 a month at NoSupportLinuxHosting and they do have excellent support, they just discourage the time wasting trivial questions you can find on Google.

      When just getting started, what's wrong with just using Gmail groups for your emails?
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Here's my tips:

    SAVING ON COSTS FOR INTERNET BUSINESS

    1) Get good autoresponder ($1, 30-day trial for aweber)

    2) Freehostia and 1&1 domain

    3) Get a Blogger.com blog (not the best, but just trying to get you started)

    4) Search online for some good WP security plugins

    If you need some recurring money every week there are some things that you can do in your local neighborhood:

    EXTRA PAPER

    1) Get a job

    2) Give plasma

    3) Give sperm (sorry if this offends you...don't know if you're a female or not)

    4) Cut grass or shovel snow for neighbors

    5) Sell the xbox and flatscreen on Ebay

    SAVING COSTS

    1) Stick to a rice and beans plan everyday (dave ramsey tip)

    2) Stick to a pop-tart plan everyday (randall magwood tip)

    3) Don't start an intimate relationship

    4) Divorce your spouse (haha just kidding )

    5) Always make sure you spend the minimum on gas whenever traveling.
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  • Profile picture of the author AzizA1
    Hi,

    These are what i would use if i was starting out & looking to save money (i use even at the point where i am at the mo!)

    WordPress Security: Acunetix WP Security (free to use)

    WordPress/Blog Backup: Backup to DropBox

    Autosponder: (Cant speak for other autosponders but i use Aweber & I've been very happy. They may not be the cheapest on the market, but for the quality of service offered, its a great price. You can start a trial for just $1 & see what you think.

    Az
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    If you have a minute or 2 to spare, stop by the my Blog for some free tips :-)

    ==> 7 Days to $1000 Blog
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  • Profile picture of the author SEO Power
    A simple Google search would have given you the answers to your questions. Anyways, there are some really helpful responses above.

    My advice: Once you start making some money, dump those free tools for their paid counterparts.
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  • Profile picture of the author sr.20
    If you have no money

    I would start blogging daily and have a landing page setup (both free) then post some adds in classifieds to build a list and through article writing and forums

    Then i would start creating free "how to content" to the market

    Learn as much as possible on one subject , get some results and testimonials then teach others what you do for free - yes for free then when you come to make a product for sale then you will get a lot more sales as you built the trust


    Then you just go from there

    This will build a lot of interest and when




    (400th Post)
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  • Profile picture of the author Samy Starburst
    Here are 2 free hosting providers, but honestly I wouldn't go for free hosting as you have no guarantee at all.
    https://www.freehosting.com
    Free Hosting in UK with PHP and MySQL, Website Builder, No Ads

    For securing your Wordpress blog I would do everything manually. Using some types of plugins can be a security risk itself.

    Since you're just starting out you can use the autoresponder in your cPanel. It's not so comprehensive as a standard autoresponder but you can easily transfer your list somewhere else.
    About Listwire I read that it's free but they inject their own products with your messages. This wmight give people a spammy feeling.
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  • Profile picture of the author alertmakemoney4738
    Hey goodmast3r, I think it is really good for a blog.

    I don’t know how you can find the plug-in for Wordpress.

    I think it is for premium account.

    If you really need email list and real email for your audience to contact, an auto responder is the best.

    That is why I use feedburner.

    Still good tho.
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    Currently on mode of looking for growing traffic. If you have an offer, contact me by email: blastor555@gmail.com

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  • Profile picture of the author alertmakemoney4738
    Hey Kerry, I agree that WordPress is terrible.

    It takes me 2 hours for all the design.
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    Currently on mode of looking for growing traffic. If you have an offer, contact me by email: blastor555@gmail.com

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  • Profile picture of the author alertmakemoney4738
    Thanks Javisito for the advice.

    I really want to some advice on what and how to use the auto responder.

    I don’t know much about it.
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    Currently on mode of looking for growing traffic. If you have an offer, contact me by email: blastor555@gmail.com

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  • Profile picture of the author alertmakemoney4738
    Hey wiifm, people don’t use Google group that much.

    If you have a check, most of the groups are inactive.
    Signature

    Currently on mode of looking for growing traffic. If you have an offer, contact me by email: blastor555@gmail.com

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  • Profile picture of the author itzikshviro
    Hi,
    I am also making my first steps in the market (just got my website running).
    Can somone please explain what is the - "autoresponders" and what do they do?
    Provide me a mailing list maybe? thats all i got.
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  • Profile picture of the author ukcharliee
    I find operating on a tight budget to actually be more effective in the long-run, because you have to do things yourself instead of just outsourcing them to others. Therefore, I've learned many new skills just by being skint!

    However, make sure to use a reliable host/autoresponder and also always opt for a top-level domain.
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  • Profile picture of the author agmccall
    A domain, hosting, and autoresponder is only around 20-30 bucks a month. You should be able to swing that. If not then you should not be in business right now

    al
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    "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Thomas Edison

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    • Profile picture of the author oadvantage
      Here you go bud.

      1. Security for the blog: Ithemes security wp- plugin. You can block your /wp-admin and it is 100% Free.

      2. Autoresponders: Someone already gave you a great place for 100 subs free.

      3. Cloud storage/back up: Ithemes will backup your site for you. But, if you are looking for 50GB of FREE storage, trying Adrive.com. They have 50GB free.

      William Twiner
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