You need a blogging software or blog engine that will host your blog. This can be open-source which means you can use it without usage limitations. A blog engine can also be proprietary. This means that you have to pay to be able to use it.

To get started with blogging, let’s take a look first at the different types of blog engines:

• TypePad - This blog engine is as simple as it can get. From adding content such as articles, images, links, and any other type of content, to customizing the blog to improve its overall look and feel for your readers, developer-hosted TypePad enables you to do these and more in just minutes. That is why even if you are a beginner in the blogging community, you can easily create your own site using TypePad. Promoting your blog is not that difficult since this type of blog engine is search engine-friendly. Spam? Don’t fret. As a TypePad user, ads spamming will not be a problem.

• B2evolution - If you already have a website and you want to add a blog, check out B2evolution, an open- source blogging software that can run alongside your existing site using your own domain. Easy installation and ease of use are some of the things that it can offer not only to blogging beginners but also to experts. B2evolution gives you the freedom to create the blog that you want.

• Nucleus - This is an open-source blogging software that has easy-to-use tools in setting up your blog.  It also makes creating more than one blog possible. What’s so great about this free blog engine is that it runs on your own server, enabling you to have full control over your blog. Also, you can customize the look of your forum - just choose from a wide array of skins and templates.

• EllisLab - This blog engine offers easy-to-use tools that allow you to monitor your blog and keep in touch with your readers by enabling them to post their comments about your content and site in general. EllisLab, previously referred to as pMachine, is search engine-friendly. Its optimized URLs will make it easier for you to promote your blog and share your ideas with the rest of the world. 

• Wordpress -  The worlds most popular blog platform. Many people refer to it as a complete CMS. Truth to be told, Wordpress just released their third version which took a giant leap towards a CMS but it's still a very long way to walk. If your web host have Fantastico 1-click installer then your Wordpress set up will be easy. There are thousands upon thousands plugins to this blog tool which makes it very versatile. From marketing plugins to speed performance.

These are just some of the blog engines available nowadays. Each has its own features and tools for any kind of blogger. Compare the features of several blog engines and choose what suits your requirements and preferences. You may also want to seek advice from other bloggers who are using the blog engines included in your shortlist.