Starting a website is like starting any business. Before you start you need to think of all aspects including marketing plan , implementation, and budget.
In terms of implementation:
- You need to measure the programming that is needed, if any. There are a lot of platforms like wordpress.com for blogs that wont cost you anything.
- You should get a proper graphic design, by hiring a freelancer or do it yourself.
- A website characterization is needed in terms of content placements, and user usability.
Marketing- There are mainly 2 methods of online website promotion:
- Paid promotion- using google.com/adsense or buying other paid placements.
- Free promotion- Be involved in online communities, and get your site link everywhere you can without spamming. Google "online guerrilla marketing" for more info.
Budget- Depends on the things you can do yourself (programming, web design, promotion) and on the costs needed to build your site, plan your budget correctly, insert partners if needed.