Hello there!
It’s been one month since I moved self-hosted and I thought it’s time for some reflection. If you are not familiar with my blog, here are some facts to share:
- I started my first blog BrushAndNeedle on 25th February 2017;
- for three months I got more than 500 followers;
- I also had almost 3,000 views for May;
Needless to say, I had no idea that my blog would bring me to the point where I am right now.
I was not expecting that there would be so many people who clicked the follow button absolutely voluntary so they could read my content.
I was not expecting to get so much support from super random and amazing people from all around the world.
I was not even planning to tell my friends about my ‘hobby‘.
Yet it all happened and although it might sound a bit stupid for you – my blog helped me grow. That’s why I decided to help it grow too. I finally got the courage to move self-hosted.
1. Picking a new blog name:
I had to pick a new name for my blog, as Brush and Needle wasn’t entirely matching my content any more. I think this decision was one of the toughest, because I’m incredibly indecisive! Anyway, after asking everybody I know, including you guys, I picked Siyana Online and I love it so far. I think if I still use it 10 years from now, I won’t be embarrassed.
2. Choosing a hosting platform:
Although it’s called ‘self-hosted’, you still need a hosting platform to look after your site. There are quite a lot on the market, but my decision here was easy. I read a few articles here and there and decided that I’ll be using *Site Ground. I’m not going to give you tons of statistical information about how SG is better than anything else, but will share why I personally liked it.
First, I thought their prices were quite reasonable. I got a two years contract for £90 (including my domain purchase for £12), which is about £3 per month. I mean, it’s not that expensive, I can save those money by skipping a cup of coffee once a month.
Second, their live chat assistance was fab. I got to text with one guy, who also happened to be Bulgarian and it was so much fun! He was extremely helpful and managed to move all of my content from Brush and Needle to Siyana Online for a few minutes. I’ve read that a lot of people struggled with this migration and I’m grateful that it happened so easy for me.
Third, everything happened really fast. I decided that I wanted my blog at 9PM and had it all done by 1AM. I honestly believe that’s incredible.
*Now, I have a reference link if you want to use it and help me. I’m going to get a small commission in return, but that’s not going to affect the price you will be going to pay anyway.
3. Personalizing your theme:
I’m using a free theme now, but picking all the widgets and plug-ins was really exciting for me! You start from a scratch, because none of your layout can be moved, but I honestly very much liked that. I’ll most likely invest in a theme in the future, but I’m happy with mine at the moment.
4. Migrating all of your followers:
That was easy as well, there is an option in the WordPress panel to migrate followers. And to be honest, I still happen migrate followers from my old blog, as there are people who keep following it 😀
5. Anything has changed?
I can say that my views are fluctuating quite a lot, but my subscribers and comments rates fell significantly. I even start to think that people are afraid to engage with bloggers with their own domain. We are not that scary, I promise.
6. Anything I regret?
Blog wise – no, I very much like how my blog looks right now. However, I think that I should have moved self-hosted even earlier, as many people are confused by my change now.
That was my personal experience and I can say it was definitelt a positive one. Let me know if you would like me to write something more in depth, such as how to pick a blog name, how to choose a hosting platform, is it worth moving self-hosted, must-have widgets, or anything like that. I’ve read a lot on these topics, and I’d love to share my experience as well! Also, I’d love to read your stories!
Thank you for reading as always,
60 Comments
This was a really great read Siyana! I’ve heard quite a few good things about Siteground so I’m definitely considering going with them. It’s good to know that someone can move the bulk of the blog over for me, as I’m not quite sure how to go about it myself. And wow, four hours! That’s not too long at all 😀
July 3, 2017 at 6:16 amThey are so helpful, I’m sure you will have amazing experience with them! And I can’t wait to see you bringing your blog to the next level!
July 3, 2017 at 8:03 amHi babe, congrats on having a self-hosted blog. In my opinion, self-hosted is more interesting. Happy blogging!
https://www.noovihandayani.com/
July 3, 2017 at 6:29 amYou are absolutely right!
July 3, 2017 at 8:03 amWhat are benefits of being self hosted?
July 3, 2017 at 6:30 amThat’s a lovely question! I will be doing a post on that, but basically you can customize your blog how you wish, and you can also monetize it. You can put ads or affiliate links which are otherwise prohibited. 🙂
July 3, 2017 at 11:05 amOkay, I look forward to it 😊
July 3, 2017 at 5:30 pmOmg thanks for this Siyana! Coincidentally, I was planning to post something about going self-hosted in a couple of days lol.
July 3, 2017 at 2:35 pmOh well, great minds think alike, you know 😂I can’t wait to read about your experience!! x
July 3, 2017 at 3:03 pmHiya, thanks for any and every way you might have supported me in my blogging journey! I have just nominated you for the Mystery Blogger Award! Do check it out:
July 3, 2017 at 4:08 pmhttps://kanishkasdiary.wordpress.com/2017/07/03/mystery-blogger-award/
Lots of love, Kanishka.
Thank you, I very much appreciate it 😊
July 3, 2017 at 4:10 pmYou are welcome sweets Xoxo
July 3, 2017 at 4:24 pmI’m unsure about going self-hosted, I’m trying to weigh up the pros and cons. Love your blog!
July 3, 2017 at 10:00 pmLiv x
livslack.blogspot.co.uk
I’m going to do a post on the benefits of going self hosted soon, hope that would help x
July 4, 2017 at 1:38 pmGreat write up! I think going self hosted is a bit like moving out of a dormitory and into your own apartment. In a dormitory, it used to be that all your friends would be right down the hall and you got shared services like the cafeteria and washrooms. But in your own apartment, you had to create everything on your own – sure, you can decorate it any way you want, but it’s a bit lonelier unless you throw a party or meet people at the pub.
July 3, 2017 at 10:50 pmI myself didn’t go self hosted, instead I opted for a premium package off WP. I feel it’s a happy medium for me as I got my own domain and have the ability to customize a bit. I also only very recently (after being on premium plan for over a year!) that I have access to all of the premium themes! I am quite attached to my theme just due to the sizing of my photos fit the size so I’m reluctant to change.
I’m glad your overall experience has been a good one!
Your definition is spot on! 😁
July 4, 2017 at 1:42 pmI’m going to do a post on the benefits of being self hosted soon, and one should definitely weight the pros and cons for themselves. For me, the premium package was still too restrictive, and I decided to finally move out 😁No regrets so far, but it also depends on the blog itself. Your looks amazing, so well done!
Being self hosted myself I totally understand this! And it’s amazing that you’ve grown so much! xxx
July 4, 2017 at 9:52 amThank you! Going self hosted is very exciting xx
July 4, 2017 at 1:45 pmI love how you structured this! I have been really nervous considering the idea of going self hosted because it seems like a ‘big bad world out there’ but you explained everything so well. I have no idea how to go about it yet so my gut feeling is to wait it out until I think my blog is ready! Also, I don’t know anything about the WordPress premium option that allows you to monetize use SEO etc… Do people use that? xxx
July 4, 2017 at 7:09 pmThank you, Ella 😊The premium version costs 8.25 and going self hosted is around 3, but still providing you with the same and more amazing features. Will do a more detailed post on that soon x
July 4, 2017 at 7:41 pmThis was such a good post to read because I’ve also been thinking about moving to self-hosted.
Have an awesome day!
xx Kris
https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com
July 4, 2017 at 10:20 pmHey Siyana!
July 4, 2017 at 10:39 pmI’m so glad you were able to go self hosted so easily, I’ve read some really scary stuff about the process haha!
Anyways, I would love to know what the difference is between going self hosted or using the WordPress premium version?
This was a great read and I’m looking forward to your post about the benefits of going self hosted!☺️💕💕
Thank you for your support, I’ll make sure the following posts are extra informative and useful! <3
July 5, 2017 at 11:15 amAhh I keep debating whether or not to do this! I actually tried about a month ago, but for the life of me I could NOT figure out how to transfer all my content. I’m glad it’s working out so well for you — I really wish I could add plugins to my blog.
July 5, 2017 at 10:34 pmYou really need to get full advantage of all the services these platforms are providing! Did you get the premium package then? x
July 6, 2017 at 10:36 amYes I did
July 6, 2017 at 12:43 pmGreat post! I just recently went self-hosted and the transition was certainly more complicated than I anticipated but after working on my patience (lol) I got everything figured out and it seems to have been a good move! Hopefully my blog will continue to grow and I can like you! 🙂 xoxo
July 6, 2017 at 7:06 pmThank you, Brittney 🙂 it’s definitely exciting to switch platforms! I’m absolutely sure that your blog will grow, if you keep putting so much thought and effort x
July 6, 2017 at 7:39 pmI love your blog! Congratulations on your successes! I recently started my own blog and it’s certainly been an adventure! I’m loving it. 😊 Sending you good vibes!
July 7, 2017 at 6:18 pmJen
http://www.wavesandwillows.com
Thank you, Jen 😊 Starting a new blog is always exciting, and I wish you good luck with it 🌸
July 7, 2017 at 10:34 pmThis was helpful, thank you! I’m considering moving to self-hosted as well. There is so much to know and learn!
July 7, 2017 at 7:34 pmGlad I could give you some insight! I’ll be posting some more tips in the future, so stay tuned! x
July 7, 2017 at 10:35 pmVery informative! Thanks!!! (Congrats on your move too!)
July 8, 2017 at 3:38 amThank you 😊
July 8, 2017 at 10:22 am[…] I’ve told you in my previous post about my experience going self-hosted, switching platforms cost me about $3 per month, or skipping a cup of coffee for two days. Nothing […]
July 8, 2017 at 3:59 pm[…] I’ve told you in my previous post about my experience going self-hosted, switching platforms cost me about $3 per month, or skipping a cup of coffee for two days. Nothing […]
July 9, 2017 at 10:22 amI also moved my blog to a new host! It was hard but so worth it!
Anastasia,
July 9, 2017 at 4:36 pmhttp://www.cashmereconfessions.com
It’s absolutely worth it indeed 🤗
July 9, 2017 at 4:38 pmWell done on going self hosted, your blog looks amazing-so professional! I’d love to go self hosted to give me the freedom of customisation. However I’ve only been blogging a month and don’t think I have enough followers to make it worth while (yet). You said that you would have gone self hosted earlier, how much earlier were you meaning? x
July 12, 2017 at 7:33 amThank you, that’s a really nice thing to say! I just feel that you should start building your ‘brand’ from the beginning because sometimes this transition is confusing for your readers. But that’s really a personal preference and your fans will keep following you no matter what you decide! x
July 12, 2017 at 10:56 amHey girl! Great post! I too had a huge difference when I moved to Self hosted as far as engagement goes. So, I’m glad I’m not alone in this. Great blog! 🙂
July 15, 2017 at 12:12 amWe all struggle 😁Thank you🌸
July 15, 2017 at 11:16 amYes! For months I was worried that ppl couldn’t actually see my blog. Haha!
July 15, 2017 at 3:18 pmYour blog is so aesthetically pleasing. It’s gorgeous! You are very talented!! I think your blog name is cute.
July 18, 2017 at 12:17 pmThank you so much, it’s very nice of you to say!! 🌸
July 18, 2017 at 12:24 pmYou’re welcome chicka!! 🙂
July 18, 2017 at 12:26 pm[…] My experience moving self-hosted – I saw a lot of people wondering about going self-hosted. That’s a big step and it’s alright to be scared of it. That’s why I shared my experience and again, people were interested to read about what it’s like. […]
July 30, 2017 at 6:45 pmYou know i am really evaluating my options.. either to move to self-hosted site or to upgrade in WordPress!!?? Did you consider this before moving to self hosted one?
August 3, 2017 at 10:19 amI was absolutely sure I wanted to go self-hosted as WordPress was too restrictive for me. Depends on what your intentions are, but I think I did the right thing (for me). 🙂
August 3, 2017 at 12:45 pm🙂 🙂
August 3, 2017 at 1:54 pm[…] Favourite Post: My Experience After Moving Self-Hosted […]
August 20, 2017 at 6:22 pm[…] On the 25th of February, I published my first ever post on my old blog – Brush and Needle. I’m not encouraging you to read it, as I’m not very proud of it, but I still keep it for sentimental purposes 😀 Since then, many things changed – including me getting my own domain!! […]
August 25, 2017 at 4:05 pmHey love I went self hosted also about a year ago. My overall views have gained but likes on WordPress and comments have lessened so I agree with you on maybe the intimidation factor. How did you change the likes or comment issue?
October 16, 2017 at 1:17 amI also get less comment because people are too lazy to click and get to a post outside of the reader… it’s really difficult dealing with that, just try to comment on as many posts as possible and hope that other bloggers will return the favor 🌸
October 16, 2017 at 10:16 amThanks love for the advice I really appreciate it
October 17, 2017 at 2:31 amThank you for all of this information, it’s so useful! Did you self host at the 3 month mark or was it a while after? Also, is there a point when you would advise doing it? x
January 29, 2018 at 7:13 pmI think it was exactly three months after I started, I just felt like it was the moment. I had some views and plenty of followers, and I thought that blogging is something that I’m not gonna dump after a week. If you feel like blogging is a passion of yours, then don’t hesitate to move self-hosted! But at the same time, don’t feel pressured if you are not ready to. x
January 29, 2018 at 8:00 pmOkay thank you!
January 29, 2018 at 8:19 pmIn the same way babies take steps, the same can be said about blogging. It happens in stages and you’ll be amazed by some of the other changes that can come. To me blogging is equal to evolution so good for you on this major blogging step, it’s all good:)
February 7, 2018 at 7:37 pmAbsolutely, I see my blog as a little child, it needs to be looked after to grow properly 🙂
February 7, 2018 at 7:43 pm