What is a Blogging Platform?

Do you want to start a blog but don’t know where to begin?

In order 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 provide a few examples of the popular 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 platforms like WordPress can be extended with the use of plugins to create forums, e-commerce stores, 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

Self-hosted platforms, like WordPress, give users complete control over their blog.

Users must host their own website and manage their server which will cost $2.95 per month.

The main advantage is you an unlimited number of features that you can add in your blog with the help of plugins.

Hosted Platforms

Hosted platforms, 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 a blog quickly and easily without having to worry about technical details.

But it is very limited in terms of features and functionality. Some of these hosted platforms limit how you can monetize your blog.

Your blog also has the risk of getting deleted without notice.

Best Blogging Platforms

Below you will find some of the best blogging platforms for you to start a blog.

WordPress.org

WordPress.org is the most popular blogging platform with a 60.8% market share. It is a self-hosted platform which means you need to get your own hosting and a domain name.

Self-hosted WordPress is so popular because there are thousands of 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.

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.

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 a hosted platform 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 free 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 start 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 blog.

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 and easy to use blogging platform owned by Google.

It is a good choice for people who want to start a blog quickly and easily.

However, it is very limited in terms of features and functionality. You can’t add your own plugins or themes.

In spite of being owned by Google, Blogger blog’s 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 a 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 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 in 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.

It 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, since 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 social networking 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 blogging platforms:

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 2023

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.