Marketing Tips, Tricks And Strategies

I was thinking about starting my own Blog, but I'm a bit confused about how the hosting works. If I have Blog that gets relatively medium to high traffic, then is it wise to get a pay for host provider for my blog? I want to create my own blog, but I don't want to deal with down-times and slow page loads. I was thinking about going with blogger, also - any tips on the best blogging clients? I know html, I've got my hands wet with some css, and I know blogging is a journal like tool that you use to post articles, links, pics, ect. I was just wondering how well the free blogs work if you get high amounts of traffic. Do you need a host?????
Improve your mind