Are you interested in starting a blog but unsure of how to pick the best blogging platform? Since there are so many different blogging platforms available, making a decision is difficult. How do you determine which is best for you?
By discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the most well-known blogging platforms, we'll help you select the best blogging platform in this article.
The popular blogging platforms that we will be comparing in this article are listed below. You can use the link to advance in the article if you're interested in a specific platform.
Choosing The Best Blogging Platform – What to Look for?
It is useful to be aware of your needs before looking through the list of blogging platforms.
You should choose a blogging platform that is simple to set up, has a short learning curve, and doesn't require any coding knowledge if you're a beginner.
You should consider the kind of blog you want to start now and in the future.
You might want to update your blog's design and add additional functions as your readership expands. Therefore, it's critical to pick a blogging platform that is adaptable and has room for expansion.
It can be very challenging to switch platforms later if you start on the wrong one.
Finally, even if you don't currently plan to earn money through blogging, it's shrewd to ensure that you will have the choice to do so in the future.
Let's compare the top blogging platforms for newbies keeping everything in mind.
1. WordPress.org
The most widely used blogging platform worldwide is WordPress.org. More than 43% of all websites on the internet are now powered by WordPress, which launched in 2003.
You can quickly create a website or blog using the open source, free WordPress.org blogging platform.
Since it is a self-hosted option, you will have to register with a WordPress hosting company. If you want to have complete control over your blog's future, WordPress is a fantastic option.
Pros
- You have complete control over every element of your website with WordPress.org.
- Your blog can expand as you add new features, such as forums, an online store, paid memberships, and the ability to sell online courses. WordPress is therefore the best free blogging platform for generating income.
- For WordPress, thousands of free themes are available. This enables you to design a stunning website that stands out from the competition. The majority of well-liked WordPress themes have options for built-in customization that give you complete design control without modifying any CSS code.
- More than 59,000 free WordPress plugins are also available to you. For your WordPress blog, these plugins act as apps that let you add features like galleries and contact forms. Check out our list of essential WordPress plugins for every website.
- WordPress is optimised for search engines. You can easily make categories, tags, and URLs for your posts that are search engine friendly. Additionally, there are many excellent SEO plugins available for further optimisation.
- In order to see the stats that matter, you can easily enable Google Analytics-powered website analytics in WordPress. This increases the number of readers and subscribers to your new blog.
- Last but not least, creating any type of content for your blog site is simple with WordPress' drag-and-drop editor. Additionally, without any coding knowledge, it offers the option to embed dynamic content like videos, social media feeds, Google AdSense, graphs, charts, and more.
Cons
- There is a small learning curve involved in running your own website because you must become familiar with the WordPress admin backend.
- You'll be responsible for handling your own security and backups.
Pricing
WordPress software is free, but you'll also need hosting (which typically starts at $7.99/month) and a domain name (about $14.99/year).
Any kind of website can be started with web hosting and a domain name.
Users of WPBeginner can get started with Hostinger, an official WPBeginner recommended hosting provider, for just $2.69 per month. They are providing our users with a FREE domain name as well as web hosting discounts of up to 81%.
For detailed, step-by-step instructions, see our guide on how to launch a WordPress blog.
Overall, WordPress is a great platform for both professional and personal blogs.
Because WordPress is user-friendly and has all the functionality you'll need to build a successful blog, the majority of well-known bloggers on the internet use it as their content management system.
Bonus: WordPress can be used to build a small business website and an online store in addition to blogs. See our comprehensive guide on creating a WordPress website for more information.
2. Web.com
The popular website builder platform Web.com has a built-in feature that allows you to add a blog section to your company website or online store.
For non-technical users, their drag and drop website builder platform is incredibly simple to use, and they charge very little to get started ($1.95).
Without writing any code, you can select from dozens of their pre-made templates and then alter the design of your blog. It includes all the essential features, including blog security features, analytics, autosave & backup, and SEO tools.
Pros
- Drag and drop website builder for beginners (no coding required).
- dozens of templates for your blog that are fully customizable.
- Since Web.com handles all the technical aspects of hosting your website, setup is simple and hassle-free.
- Starting at a low monthly cost of $1.95, it offers all the necessary features.
- All paid plans come with a free domain.
- Available via phone, live chat, and email around-the-clock customer service.
Cons
- Because the ecosystem for extensions and apps is small, there aren't as many third-party plugins as there are for WordPress.
- WordPress has far more powerful blogging features.
- It is challenging to later switch your website to another platform because Web.com is a proprietary website builder.
Pricing
Pricing for Web.com's website starter plan, which includes a drag and drop site builder, blogging platform, hundreds of lovely templates, thousands of free stock images, and a free domain, starts at $1.95 per month.
WPBeginner readers can get this price with our Web.com coupon offer. Simply click on our link to take advantage of this discounted price.
Upgrade to their Marketing plan starting at $7.95 per month or their eCommerce plan starting at $13.95 per month if you want their robust SEO tools or eCommerce features.
Given everything you get for the price, Web.com is the next best option for small businesses who don't want to use WordPress.
3. Wix
Wix is a well-liked hosted platform for website creation. They provide a way for small businesses to quickly create a website with their drag-and-drop website builder. By including the Wix Blog app, you can also add a blog to your website.
Wix.com was established in 2006 as a platform that allowed anyone to easily build a beautiful website without the need for coding knowledge. Currently, there are more than 110 million users using it worldwide.
Pros
- With the help of dozens of templates and third party add-ons, you can customise your website.
- No coding or HTML expertise is needed; simply drag and drop elements to create your website.
- It takes little time to set up.
Cons
- The free account has restrictions and places Wix branding and advertisements on your website.
- There are only a few free third-party apps.
- You cannot alter a template once you have selected it.
- Only paid plans offer ecommerce features, and even those are constrained.
Pricing
Wix offers a free, basic website builder. You will receive a Wix subdomain with a free Wix account that appears as follows: https://username.wixsite.com/example.
For $4.50 per month, you can, however, add a custom domain. Their premium plans range in price from $16 per month to $159 per month.
4. HubSpot CMS
An all-in-one blogging platform for small, medium, and enterprise websites is HubSpot CMS Hub.
You can use a single platform to build a website, increase your subscriber count, send newsletters, manage your customer list, and more because it is built on top of HubSpot's marketing and CRM tools.
You can easily alter the design layout of your website using their website builder, and you can even tailor the content that visitors see based on their prior behaviour.
Pros
- a simple drag and drop website builder that doesn't require coding knowledge.
- Since HubSpot will host your website for you, setup is quick and simple.
- fully optimised for conversions and SEO.
- Included is a free SSL certificate.
Cons
- Although the CMS does not have a free version, the HubSpot CRM itself includes free tools (like contact management, email marketing, and forms).
- Moving up the tiers may result in steep pricing.
- Depending on your previous provider, the migration process from another blogging platform may take a while.
Pricing
All the essential features for having a safe, beautifully designed blog are included in the HubSpot CMS plan, which starts at $25 per month. It also includes the marketing tools you'll need to expand it.
Upgrade to the higher tiers if you want the advanced features and custom SEO recommendations.
A 14-day free trial is available to WPBeginner readers.
Note: WordPress and the free HubSpot plugin can be used to combine the best blogging platform and marketing tools.
5. Gator by HostGator
HostGator, a well-known web hosting service that we previously used to host the WPBeginner website, has created Gator, a website builder and blogging platform. You can create any kind of website with Gator's drag-and-drop builder, including blogs, business websites, and even an online store.
It's critical to distinguish between the Gator builder and HostGator website hosting. Like we did, you can start a WordPress blog using the HostGator hosting service.
Gator, on the other hand, is the best choice if you're looking for a non-WordPress all-in-one blog platform and hosting solution.
Pros
- To easily customise the look of your blog and website, use a drag and drop builder.
- Simple setup; no technical difficulties.
- HostGator manages performance, security, and backups, so there are no hassles.
- In all plans, a free domain and SSL certificate are offered.
- can quickly and easily add an online store to your blog.
Cons
- The company offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, but there is no free account option.
- Ecommerce features are only available with higher plans.
- a small number of extensions and apps.
Pricing
All Gator Builder plans are discounted by 55% for WPBeginner users. All the features you need to launch a profitable blog are included in the $3.46/month Starter plan, which also includes a free domain and SSL certificate.
To receive a 55% discount, simply use the Gator Website Builder promo code: wpbeginner.
6. WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a blog hosting service provided by Automattic, a business founded by Matt Mullenweg, a co-founder of WordPress.org.
Free basic blog hosting is available from WordPress.com. A custom domain name, more storage space, and other premium services are available as add-ons.
WordPress.com, which was launched in 2005 with the intention of making WordPress experience more accessible to a wider audience, is a good blogging platform for users who don't require the sophisticated features of self-hosted WordPress.
Pros
- No setup is necessary.
- simple to use and control.
- If you are content with a WordPress.com subdomain, it is totally free. The address of your free website is https://example.wordpress.com.
Cons
- few options for expanding your own site. Custom plugins and themes cannot be used to personalise your blog.
- Your blog is not allowed to run advertisements. Instead, on your free website, WordPress.com will display their ads.
- Your blog is not yours, and WordPress.com has the right to suspend your account if they determine that you are infringing on their terms of service.
Pricing
WordPress.com branding and advertisements are present in the free basic account.
If you want to get rid of the WordPress.com logo and advertisements from your website, you can upgrade to their Personal plan for $4/month (billed annually). Additionally, you receive a custom domain (like www.yoursite.com).
You can add more design tools and storage for $8/month (billed annually).
Beginners frequently start with WordPress.com thinking they are getting the robust WordPress.org software because of the names' similarity. Users frequently decide to switch from WordPress.com to WordPress.org in order to have more features, ease of use, and control over their website after realising the restrictions.
7. Blogger
Google offers a free blogging platform called Blogger. It offers non-technical users a quick and simple way to start a blog.
One of the earliest blogging platforms still in use is Blogger. Pyra Labs introduced it for the first time in 1999. Later in 2003, Google bought Blogger and remade it into the product we are familiar with today.
All you need to start a free blog on Blogger is a Google account.
Pros
- Blogspot are free.
- Without any technical knowledge, it's simple to use and manage.
- has the added benefit of Google's reliable and strong secure platform.
Cons
- You are only allowed to use the most fundamental blogging tools; you cannot add new functions as your blog gains popularity.
- Fewer templates are available, and design options are constrained. The quality of third-party Blogger templates is frequently poor.
- There aren't many updates or new features added to Blogger.
- Google has the right to revoke Blogger service altogether or suspend your blog at any time. (They have a track record of abruptly ending projects like FeedBurner.)
See our comparison of WordPress vs. Blogger (Pros and cons) for more advantages and disadvantages of Blogger.
Some users choose Blogger at first because it's free, but as their blog gains popularity, they decide to switch to WordPress in order to gain access to more features and more control over their website.
Pricing
A Blogger subdomain like https://example.blogspot.com is free to use. You must purchase a custom domain from a third-party domain registrar if you want to use one.
8. Tumblr
Comparing Tumblr to other blogging platforms, there are some differences. It is a microblogging platform with social networking tools built in, such as sharing tools, the ability to follow other blogs, and more.
Pros
- With a Tumblr subdomain like https://example.tumblr.com, Tumblr is cost-free. Additionally, a premium custom domain name is connectable.
- It is very simple to use and set up.
- Due to the built-in audience provided by the integrated social media platform, discoverability is facilitated.
- Tumblr makes it simple to quickly blog video, GIF, image, and audio formats as a microblogging platform.
Cons
- Tumblr has a constrained feature set out of the box that you are unable to expand as your blog gets bigger.
- There are many Tumblr themes available, but they are unable to provide extra features.
- It can be challenging to export or import your Tumblr blog to other platforms (see our guide on how to switch from Tumblr to WordPress).
Pricing
The use of Tumblr is free. For your Tumblr blog, you can use a custom domain that you separately purchase. You can also buy third-party themes and apps.
9. Medium
Since its 2012 launch, Medium has developed into a network of authors, bloggers, journalists, and professionals. With few social networking features, it is a simple-to-use blogging platform.
Similar to a social networking site, Medium allows you to register and start publishing your articles. You'll have a profile address similar to this after signing up: https://medium.com/@yourname. However, you are unable to use your own domain.
Pros
- With no setup needed and no coding knowledge required, Medium is simple to use.
- You can connect with an already-existing online group of people who share your interests.
- Instead of concentrating on website design, you can just write.
Cons
- In terms of design or creating a brand, features are very constrained.
- Your followers are owned by Medium, so losing your blog means losing every single one of them.
- Your own domain name is ineligible for use. Simply put, you'll receive a profile page similar to Facebook's, such as https://medium.com/@yourname.
- Since their partner programme is the only avenue for monetization, you cannot run your own advertisements to generate income.
Pricing
Use of Medium is free.
Although the platform initially seems appealing, the lack of monetization and control causes the majority of users to switch from Medium to WordPress.
10. Squarespace
You can build stunning websites using simple drag-and-drop tools with Squarespace, a website building service. Small business owners seeking an easy way to establish an online presence are the main target audience.
Squarespace, founded in 2003, is currently the engine behind millions of websites (source: CMS market share).
Pros
- For new users who aren't very tech savvy, Squarespace is straightforward and simple to use.
- It has lovely templates that were expertly created.
- It offers both eCommerce stores and domain names with SSL/HTTPs separately.
Cons
- The features included in Squarespace's proprietary platform are all that are available.
- Only a few services and tools allow integrations.
For a more thorough comparison, visit our article on WordPress vs. Squarespace.
Pricing
Different pricing tiers are available for websites and online shops on Squarespace.
Their Personal website plan costs $23 per month, or $16 per month if you pay for the entire year up front. Pricing for the Business plan begins at $33 per month, or $23 per month if paid annually.
In contrast, the cost of an online store can range from $27 to $49 per month.
Users frequently decide to switch from Squarespace to WordPress in order to reduce costs and increase the number of features on their websites.
11. Ghost
Ghost is a straightforward blogging platform with only tools for creating blog posts. Ghost, which debuted in 2013, is a hosted platform as well as software that you can install and host on your own. We'll examine both possibilities.
Pros
- centred on writing and blogging.
- Simple, uncluttered, and easy to use interface.
- It is very quick because it was written in JavaScript.
- The hosted version doesn't need to be set up.
Cons
- Using apps to customise is difficult.
- Options are very constrained because of the streamlined user interface.
- There aren't enough themes to alter the look of your website.
- difficult installation if you do it yourself.
For more information, look at our comparison of WordPress and Ghost.
Pricing
The self-hosted version requires a unique domain, which costs around $14.99/year, and web hosting, which costs around $7.99/month.
The hosted version's starting price is $25 per month for two staff members with a cap of 100k page views. Your blog will be a Ghost subdomain with the ending ghost.io unless you purchase a unique domain from a third-party domain registrar.
12. Weebly
The well-known website builder Weebly is a property of Square's payment system. They provide simple-to-use website building tools for eCommerce stores and business websites.
You can also add their blog feature and free blog templates to your website.
Pros
- Website and blogging platform that is fully hosted.
- integration with the Square payment platform is seamless.
- The hosted version doesn't need to be set up.
Cons
- Free plans have constrained bandwidth and features. Additionally, Weebly branding is present.
- Paid subscriptions are pricey in comparison to the best blogging platforms.
- WordPress offers more robust blogging and SEO features.
For more information on the subject, look at our Weebly vs. WordPress comparison.
We have written a thorough, step-by-step tutorial on how to successfully switch from Weebly to WordPress if you're looking to do so.
Pricing
They offer a restricted free version with ads and Weebly branding.
Their monthly paid plans start at $10 if paid annually. Their performance plan is $26 per month, while the professional plan is $12.
Our Pick for the Best Blogging Platform
We think WordPress.org performs better than all other blogging platforms. Of all the blogging platforms available, it is the most flexible, powerful, and reasonably priced. Here are all the justifications for using WordPress.
We have put together a thorough tutorial on how to start a blog in just 7 simple steps to assist you in creating your own WordPress website.
If you require assistance, the team of professionals at WPBeginner can even set up your blog at no cost to you. Find out more about the free WordPress blog setup we offer.
Web.com or Wix would be our second choice for the best blogging platform if you're looking for a WordPress substitute.
Their drag and drop website builder makes it simple to create any type of website at an extremely low cost, from a blog to a business website to an online store.
Blogging Platform FAQs
In the process of assisting more than 400,000 users in the launch of their websites, we have addressed a sizable number of inquiries. The most popular queries about blogging platforms are listed below.
Which is the best blogging platform for SEO?
Because it has strong SEO plugins like All in One SEO that you can use to increase your blog's rankings, WordPress is by far the best blogging platform for SEO, according to all of our marketing research.
Which is the best free blogging platform?
A free version is available for the majority of the blogging platforms we've listed above, but in our opinion, WordPress is the best free blogging platform. WordPress is used by more than 43% of all websites for a reason.
Even though WordPress is free, you still need a domain name and web hosting, which are both expensive. Web hosting is where your files are kept, and a domain is the name of your website on the internet (for example, wpbeginner.com).
You can get free hosting from some blogging platforms like Blogger or Medium, but they will display advertisements on your website, which is not ideal.
This is why we advise making a small monthly payment of $2.69 to fully own your WordPress-powered blog.
You may also be interested in reading our explanation of why WordPress is free and what the catch is.
What platforms do most bloggers use?
The majority of bloggers create their blogs using WordPress, which also powers over 43% of all websites on the internet, according to our research on blogging.
Every month, more than 70 million new blog posts are created on WordPress.
To learn more about the development of different blogging platforms, you might also find our article on the history of blogging to be useful.
How can I make my blog popular?
The best way to gain popularity for your blog and expand your readership is to produce top-notch content and advertise it on social media platforms. You must comprehend the issues your target audience is facing before assisting them in resolving them.
Check out the 27 tried-and-true tips in our comprehensive guide to growing your blog's audience.
Which blog topic is the best for earning money?
As long as your blog has a readership, you can earn money from almost any topic, but some blogging markets are more lucrative than others. The most popular blog topics are travel, business & marketing, fashion, personal finance, and health & fitness.
See our guide to the best blogging niches as well as our tried-and-true blog monetization advice for a complete list.
What is the best time to publish a blog post?
The best time to publish a blog post for the most traffic is Monday around 11 a.m. EST, according to research and studies.
However, the actual response is that it depends on your audience and where they are. For instance, 11 a.m. EST would not be appropriate if the majority of your audience is in Australia.
On how to test the ideal publishing time for your blog, we have a comprehensive guide.
How long does it take before a blog becomes popular?
All too frequently, amateur bloggers expect their blogs to take off right away. Our experience has shown that most blogs take at least 7 to 8 months to see a respectable amount of traffic, with the true long-term results appearing after 2-3 years.
This holds true for virtually every creator-based business model, including a YouTube channel or course.
Undoubtedly, there will be some instances where a creator can experience immediate success, but those are the exceptions.
For instance, the world's highest earning blog, WPBeginner, which we operate, was founded in 2009. View the income report from WPBeginner.
How many times a week should I blog?
The consistency of your output is more crucial than its frequency. We advise you to start by consistently posting one blog entry each week. If you can sustain that for three weeks straight, try doing two, and then step up the intensity.
We publish 5 days a week (Monday through Friday) at the WPBeginner blog.
But we only post twice a week on our other business blogs.
What are the top 3 best blog sites for beginners?
Our top three picks for the best blogs for beginners are as follows:
- The most effective blogging platform overall is WordPress - self-hosted with WordPress.
- Web.com is a free alternative to WordPress that provides small businesses with a way to create websites.
- A good WordPress substitute is Wix, a complete platform for website creation.
This article should have assisted you in selecting the best blogging platform for your upcoming blog. To increase the number of people who subscribe to your blog, you might also want to read our guides on how to make an email newsletter and how to set up a business email address for your blog.
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