This is a list of the things I am using for Community Inspire and I would recommend if you are looking to do similar things.
Website/blog:
When I learned what a blog was and realized I wanted to create one, hands down, the best thing I read was from ChristianPF.com- How to Make Money with a Blog. Check it out! I decided to use WordPress.org I’ve been super impressed with it. It turns out, a lot of high end websites are actually WordPress websites (Huffington Post, KatyPerry.com, etc).
Why WordPress.org?
- I didn’t do blogger.com or WordPress.com because I wanted my own url. (ex. I have CommunityInspire.org not CommunityInspire.blogspot.com). I want to eventually be able to make money with this one day and WordPress.org was the most professional and easy to use.
- It’s very customizable. Most other platforms are templitated. I wanted to the capability to do whatever I wanted to with my site.
Domain Name:
For my website, I used GoDaddy.com. They were really simple and they came highly recommended to me.
Hosting:
Hostgator.com. Their customer service has really been awesome. Don’t get hosting from Godaddy.com. You get what you pay for and Godaddy.com’s hosting is very cheap.
Making the site:
Builder is a program I bought from iThemes and it helped a TON. I have ZERO experience programming, making website, or blogging. Heck, I didn’t even know what a blog was until a few weeks before launching my own! I thought blogs were just what 14 year old girls would write on to talk about their drama filled lives! Since I no nothing about code, Builder is a program that helped making this website super easy!
Camera and Equipment:
- I just use my iPhone 4s (video). I was planning on buying a camcorder, but when I heard the iPhone 4s had high definition video, I was all about that! Other equipment I use is a camera adapter and an external mic from Amazon.com
- Iphone Camera Stand and Holder: It’s like.. $4? Great investment! It works for any iPhone or Ipod. It also adapts to a full size tripod. This is a must!
- 3 Softbox Lighting Kit Set: My videography friend (his work) recommended this to me. This is the cheapest most quality lighting kit he’s found. I’m so glad I bought this! It makes your videos look so much more professional, more sharp and clear, and adds that extra “something” to the shot. The iPhone doesn’t have a light on it and works best with a well lit area.
Video Editing Software:
So far, I’m just using iMovie. Very simple and very user friendly. Outside of jr. high and high school projects, I have absolutely no video experience. iMovie is perfect for me being a newb to video. iMovie: So simple, even an Asian can use it :)
Church:
A great church to check out is LifeChurch.tv. Pastor Craig is really authentic and so passionate about reaching people. They have 13 different locations, a gazillion network churches, and even church online that reaches people all over the world!
