The least expensive is NOT the "best" way to build your personal SFI Website in my opinion. However, let's cover the "least expensive" and then what I would consider the "best" way to build a personal SFI Website.
The least expensive way to establish a professional presence on the internet is to use one of the FREE blog services like:
WordPress.com (notice that the .com extension is used for the HOSTED version of WordPress)
Blogger.com
Tumblr.com
All three of the recommended services have excellent systems in place and will allow you to get up and running quickly in a professional manner. As a matter of fact, SFI uses WordPress.com for it's Official News Blog (news.sfimg.com) so that's an impressive testimonial all by itself.
I would consider the "best" way to build your personal SFI Website to be with the FREE self-hosted version of WordPress.
WordPress.org (notice that the .org extension is used for the SELF-HOSTED version of WordPress)
Unlike the above "least expensive" recommendation my "best" recommendation would require:
1) The purchase of a domain name (annual cost).
2) The purchase of a hosting service (monthly cost).
3) Optionally the purchase of a professionally programed "theme" for your WordPress site (one-time cost). A theme that uses "child" themes is a BIG plus. I strongly recommend a theme that has been optimized for SEO and is responsive to ALL devices that may access your site (Responsive Design is IMPORTANT). Also, I can't stress enough how SEO friendly a WordPress site can be with the right theme. I regularly see pages indexed by Google in just minutes after being published. Impressive!
4) Optionally the purchase of professionally programed "plug-ins" to add value-adding features to your WordPress site (one-time cost per plug-in).
I would also like to stress that there are tens of thousands of FREE plug-ins and themes for the self-installed version of WordPress. However, I've found that the professionally programmed/supported plug-ins and themes have a better pay-back in results.
If you go with the "best" recommendation then you have total control over all aspects of your site like setting up a forum, taking surveys or setting up highly customized forms just to name a few. You can add all the features you want! You have total control!
Remember to use the 80/20 rule and do not over complicate your site. Stay focused with one central theme per website. Use a/b split testing to improve your site. Focus on benefits!
BONUS RECOMMENDATION: Use three separate services, if possible, for your domain name, email service and website hosting. You want to avoid having a single point of failure. It just makes business sense!
