Do you want to start a blog but don’t know where to begin?
To start a successful blog, you need to choose the right blogging platform. But, what is a blogging platform, and which one should you choose?
In this post, we’ll explain what a blogging platform is and what features to look for when choosing one. We’ll also see the best blogging platforms.
So, whether you’re just starting out or are looking for a new platform, keep reading to learn more!
What is a blogging platform?
A blogging platform is a software application that allows users to create and publish blog posts. It provides the user with an interface for creating and editing content, as well as managing comments and other features. Some of the popular blogging platforms include WordPress, Blogger, and Tumblr.
How do blogging platforms work?
Blogging platforms work by providing users with an interface for creating and editing content. They also offer features for managing comments and other aspects of the blog. Some platforms also allow users to customize their blog’s design and functionality.
Blogging software like WordPress can be extended with the use of plugins to create forums, online stores for ecommerce, and learning management systems for courses.
Types of Blogging Platforms
There are two main types of blogging platforms: self-hosted and hosted.
Self Hosted Platforms
Platforms that are self-hosted, like WordPress, give users complete control over their blogs.
Users must host their own website and manage their server which will cost $2.95 per month.
The main advantage is you have an unlimited number of features that you can add to your blog with the help of plugins.
Hosted Platforms
Platforms that are hosted for you, like Blogger, Wix, and Tumblr, provide users with an interface for creating and editing content.
The platform manages the hosting and the technical details so you can get started for free. Some platforms like Wix require you to upgrade to their paid plan to unlock all the features.
This option is best for people who want to start blogging quickly and easily without having to worry about technical details.
But a free platform is very limited in terms of features and functionality. Some of these platforms limit how you can monetize your blog and won’t let you use a custom domain name unless you pay.
Your blog also has the risk of getting deleted without notice.
Best Blogging Platforms of 2024
There are many different blogging platforms and blogging sites. Below you will find some of the best blogging platforms for you to start a blog.
WordPress.org
WordPress is the best free blogging platform with a 60.8% market share. It is a self-hosted content management system (CMS) which means you need to get your own hosting and a domain name.
Self-hosted WordPress is a popular platform because there are thousands of wordpress plugins you can install which will allow you to add any possible feature to your WordPress blog.
WordPress is easy to use and has a ton of features. It also has a large community of users who can help you get started. It is the perfect platform to build an online presence.
Additionally, WordPress is free and open-source software which means you can customize it to your needs.
You have complete control and ownership of your blog and you can monetize it however you want. You can add affiliate links or use Google Adsense. You can easily do Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and install Google Analytics to track your traffic.
You can install a wordpress theme to make your blogging site look the way you want. You can also install premium wordpress themes.
Self-hosted WordPress is free, but you will need to get your own hosting and a domain name. The cost of hosting starts at $2.95 per month which includes hosting and a free domain name for the first year. You can get started with Bluehost.
Check out our guide How to Start a Blog & Make Money Online for a step-by-step guide to starting a WordPress blog.
WordPress.com
WordPress.com is hosted for you which means you don’t need to get your own hosting and domain name.
It is owned by the same company that owns WordPress.org but it is a different product.
While WordPress.org is a free blogging platform and open-source software, WordPress.com is a commercial platform with limited features and customization options in its free plan.
WordPress.com is best suited for people who want to create a blog quickly without having to worry about technical details. It is also good for people who don’t want to spend any money on their blogs.
However, it is very limited in terms of features and functionality. You will need to upgrade to a paid plan to unlock all the features.
In the free plan, WordPress.com will automatically show ads on your blog and you won’t make any money from it. You will need to upgrade to the paid plan to remove all the ads.
Blogger
Blogger is a free blogging platform owned by Google known for its simplicity and ease of use.
It is a good choice if you want to make your blog quickly and easily. It is ideal for personal blogs with no monetization angle.
However, it is very limited in terms of features and functionality. You can’t add your own plugins or themes. You can only create a simple blog.
Despite being owned by Google, Blogger blogs don’t rank well in the search engines. So even if your content is great, your blogger blog won’t rank well in the search engines limiting your traffic and income potential.
Medium
Medium is another free blogging platform where people can share their stories and ideas.
Medium allows users to write articles, create blogs, and build an audience.
Medium is sort of like YouTube but for blog posts where content is discovered organically by people through the Medium algorithm.
Medium makes money by charging its readers a monthly subscription fee. They share a portion of their earnings with their writers through the medium partner program who get paid based on the number of views their blog posts get.
The main problem with Medium is that you are limited in how you can make money with your Medium blog. You cannot sell your own courses or affiliate marketing products.
You are also not building your own brand or email list when you blog on Medium. However, when you are just getting started your Medium blog can be a good way to find your voice and what you like.
Wix
Wix is a website builder that allows you to create a website or blog without having to code.
It is an all-in-one platform that provides everything you need to create a website or blog.
You can choose from over 500 templates and designs to create your site. Wix also provides hosting and a free domain name for your website.
The main problem with Wix is that it is not very flexible. You can’t add your own plugins or themes. And if you want to change your template, you have to start from scratch which can be very time-consuming.
Also, you are greatly limited in features in the free plan. You will have to upgrade to their expensive paid plan to just add a domain.
Ghost
Ghost is a free and open-source blogging platform. You can use it as a self-hosted content management system similar to WordPress.org.
It is known for its ease of use and is a good choice for people who want to start a blog quickly without having to worry about technical details.
It is very similar to WordPress.org but it is much simpler and easier to use. Like WordPress.org, you will need to get your own hosting and domain name. But once you set it up, it is very easy to use.
The main problem with Ghost is that it doesn’t have as many features and plugins as WordPress.org. So if you want a lot of features and customization options, then Ghost is not the right platform for you.
Also, even though it is open-source, there is not a huge community of developers creating plugins and themes for Ghost. So if you want to create a unique looking site, it will take more effort.
Tumblr
Tumblr is a free to use social media platform and microblogging platform which allows users to post text, images, videos, audio, and more.
While it can be used as a blogging platform, it is very limited in terms of features and functionality similar to Blogger.
You can’t add your own plugins or themes and your blog won’t rank well in the search engines.
However, it is very easy to use and you can start a blog quickly. Tumblr is a good option if you want to write short-form content.
Advantages of Blogging Platforms
There are a few advantages of using a blog platform:
- They are easy to use. You don’t need any technical skills or knowledge to set up a blog.
- You can monetize and make money from your blog by showing ads, promoting affiliate products, or selling courses and books. If you build your blog on WordPress, you can build an entire business online.
- They are very versatile. You can use them for a wide variety of purposes such as sharing your stories, ideas, thoughts, or promoting your business.
- You can get free traffic if the blogging platform is optimized for search engines.
- It is affordable. Most blogging platforms are free or have very low monthly fees.
How to Start a Blog in 2024
To start a blog, you will need to purchase a .com domain name and web hosting. You can then install WordPress in your web host to create your blog.
If you are interested in starting your own blog, check out our step-by-step guide on how to start a blog that will help you get started.
If you want to master blogging, then check out all our learning resources in the blogging hub.
What Next?
Choosing the best blogging platform can be overwhelming. There are so many platforms to choose from, and each one has its own unique set of features. But the success of your blog depends on the platform you use to publish.
We just explored some of the best blogging platforms and we hope it helped you decide on the best platform for your blog.
Have you started your blog yet? Which blogging platform have you chosen? Let us know in the comments below.
Share this post with your friends & followers:
