Tools and Services that I Use for Self-Hosted Blogs
Introduction
If you’re looking to start your own self-hosted blog, you’ll need a domain name, a hosting provider, and blogging software. Many friends have asked about the setup I use for my blogs, including dannytam.com. Below, I’ll break down the key components and services I rely on.
Disclaimer
Before we proceed, I want to clarify that I am not affiliated with any of the services mentioned in this post. The discount coupon for SimpleSonic (WHT40OFF) is publicly available on the Web Hosting Talk forum and is not an exclusive or referral-based offer. My recommendations are based solely on personal experience.
1. Domain Registration
A domain name is your blog’s address on the internet (e.g., yourblog.com). I use Porkbun.com as my domain registrar. They offer:
- Competitive pricing (June 2025: around U$12/year for a .com domain)
- Free WHOIS privacy protection
- Reliable management dashboard
Porkbun has been my go-to registrar for years, and I recommend it for its affordability and user-friendly interface.
2. Web Hosting
Your blog needs a server to host its files. I use Simplesonic.com, which provides:
- Shared hosting with cPanel or DirectAdmin (easy-to-use control panels)
- Affordable pricing, especially with the WHT40OFF coupon (recurring 40% discount) As of June 2025, the annual cost for the lowest tier Cpanel shared hosting server is US$21/year. Note that prices will be increased by 40% starting July 1, 2025.
- Reliable uptime and support
Shared hosting is a cost-effective option for beginners, and Simplesonic offers a good balance of performance and price.
3. Blogging Software
The platform you choose will determine how you create and manage content. I use two main solutions:
A. WordPress
- The most popular Content Management System (CMS), powering over 40% of websites
- Installed easily via cPanel/DirectAdmin (often with one-click installers)
- Highly customizable with themes and plugins
- Ideal for dynamic blogs that require frequent updates
B. Publii (Static Site Generator)
- Publii is a freely available open-source desktop-based static site generator (used for dannytam.com)
- Generates fast, secure, and lightweight HTML files
- No database required, reducing server load
- Good for those who prefer offline editing and simple deployment
Final Thoughts
Setting up a self-hosted blog involves three key steps:
- Register a domain (e.g., via Porkbun)
- Choose a hosting provider (I recommend Simplesonic for affordability)
- Install blogging software (WordPress for flexibility or Publii for simplicity)
Each of these tools offers a balance of cost, ease of use, and functionality. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced blogger, this setup provides a solid foundation for a professional, self-hosted blog.
I hope that this brief introduction to self-hosted websites will be helpful in getting you started on the exciting journey into the exciting world of the Indieweb.