Isn’t it exciting to start a blog? Well, it is but, along with this initial excitement you have many decisions to make. In line with these decisions is your decision to choose a blogging platform.
I am here to help you understand various aspects of blogging. Let me run through the various blogging platforms available for you:
Content
WordPress.com advantages
WordPress.com disadvantages
Self-Hosted WordPress Advantages
Self-Hosted WordPress Disadvantages
Blogger.com Advantages
Blogger.com Disadvantages
Tumblr Advantages
Tumblr Disadvantages
TypePad Advantages
TypePad Disadvantages
WIX Advantages
WIX Disadvantages
WordPress.com
This is a great platform for amateur bloggers, who don’t wish to invest money into blogging. WordPress doesn’t charge you for publishing content and host it on its servers, which also means that when you host a blog on WordPress you get to use limited functionalities of the CMS. You can also upgrade this non-paid platform to a self-hosted one.
wordpress.com for blogging
WordPress.com advantages
- No cost to set up the blog
- Extremely simple to use. You don’t need to have coding or design knowledge
- You have hundreds of interesting themes that you can choose from
WordPress.com disadvantages
- Functions available are limited unless you decide to pay for an upgrade
- The blogs on WordPress may look less professional
- Technically you don’t control the blog, so you cannot control the advertising revenue too. And remember WordPress can suspend your site anytime
- You cannot personalize your site, as the site will come with the .wordpress domain, example abcd.wordpress.com
WordPress.org (Self Hosted)
You can download WordPress CMS and host it on your own server. If you choose to host your website you can start with as low as $3 a month. I suggest you check pricing options for these three hosting providers SiteGround, DreamHost, and BlueHost.
You can choose a self-hosted WordPress blog, it uses the WP CMS on a third party server. You can install all the plugins that you want, also edit the HTML code and customize website per your requirement. This gives you a full control of your website and thus, you can give a professional look to your blog.
Self Host your WordPress Blog
If you are comfortable paying a few dollars per month then self-hosted WordPress is the best option for you. It’s ideal for professionals who want to build their brand, business owners, for bloggers who wish to give a professional look to their site and who look to further expand their business/ blog with customization.
Self-Hosted WordPress Advantages
- It has customization options and gives you full control of the blog.
- It is extremely user-friendly.
- It gives you access to around 20,000+ plugins and 1,500+ themes.
- Theme options that are available are search engine friendly
Self-Hosted WordPress Disadvantages
As you host your website on third party server and thus, it demands that you have at least some technical knowledge. You will need to maintain your website on these third party servers and pay a fee for hosting too. But, nothing to worry much as most hosts like SiteGround, DreamHost, and BlueHost give quality technical support.
As WordPress is a popular platform it is vulnerable to attacks by hackers.
Blogger
The platform is free of cost and since blogger is owned by Google, you have an access to its tools like AdSense, Google Analytics, etc. that are helpful. Remember blogger is not as flexible as WordPress.org.
But for amateurs and people who want to build their brand, this is an awesome platform. People who don’t wish to invest money but, wish to make money from their blog should choose this platform. As the platform is easy to use, it is great for beginners.
Blogger.com for blogging
Blogger.com Advantages
- It is a free platform, is uncomplicated and easy to use
- You can place AdSense ads and earn revenue through it
- You have an access to HTML code so that you can customize your design add JavaScripts to further enhance the user experience
Blogger.com Disadvantages
- The storage space offered is lesser than what is offered by WordPress.com
- Lesser themes are available as compared to WordPress.com
- This blog is not self-hosted so you have to depend on Blogger.com’s infrastructure and functionalities provided
- Your blog will have the domain that looks like abcd.blogspot.com
Tumblr
You don’t have to pay for hosting the blog on Tumblr.
It is easy to use and a good social platform. It is a perfect platform for bloggers, who love to reblog. I have found it interesting to reblog and it becomes a habit too. This is best for microbloggers. If you are looking to develop your blog further its not the best choice.
Tumblr for blogging
Tumblr Advantages
- It gives unlimited storage
- You have approximately 1,000 platforms to choose from
- You can customize through HTML and CSS
Tumblr Disadvantages
- Backing up your blog is difficult
- Importing content from other platforms isn’t easy either
- Plugin options are limited
- Monetizing is tough
TypePad
You have to pay $8.95+ per month to host your blog with TypePad.
Business, professionals and brand builders should opt for it. They are the ones who don’t mind investing money on the blog. With this price, it delivers more features and gives a professional look. Bloggers swear by self-hosted WordPress due to its large community, but TypePad is a great option too.
TypePad for blogging
TypePad Advantages
- Your blog will be hosted on TypePad’s servers, but you own your blog
- You get unlimited storage space
- It is easy and simple to use
TypePad Disadvantages
- It is a bit costlier than self-hosted WordPress
- Customization options are not as plenty
WIX
You have to pay $4.08 per month. WIX is a great option available to build your website and blog. WIX gives many design options to bloggers who run blogging as a business. It has some nice e-commerce functions too, it helps to build your entire e-commerce website. Although the full control of your online shopping is limited.
WIX for blogging
WIX Advantages
- It offers unlimited bandwidth
- It allows ad integration and allows you to earn revenue
- It is easy to use
- It gives domain registration options
- It provides 20 GB storage space
- You have a choice of hundreds of professional-looking templates
WIX Disadvantages
- The e-commerce tools that are available are not advanced
- It is costlier than self-hosted WordPress blog
- It gives you limited options for customization
Medium
Medium.com is also making some noise and you can consider publishing your blog on medium.com
Medium.com for blogging
Free options are great for amateurs, and hobby bloggers, who don’t wish to spend money. While paid options are great for business people. Which platforms you choose depends on what functions you need.
Do share with me which platform would you like to choose and start blogging.
Suggested hosting options:
SiteGround
BlueHost
DreamHost
Tags: blogger blogging blogging tips blogging101 medium platforms typepad wix wordpress
valuable blog for beginners..
thanks