Table of Contents
Introduction
People blog for various reasons. It serves as an outlet for self-expression and provides a space free from editorial constraints and deadlines. Professionals and businesses use blogging to share their knowledge, gain exposure, build a network, and even generate revenue. On the other hand, hobbyists often blog to share their personal lives in a more meaningful format than social media allows.
Starting a blog is incredibly accessible, even for those with minimal technical experience. All you need is a domain, web hosting, and blogging software. Most hosting providers offer assistance throughout the setup process, making it easy for beginners to get started. In this article, we’ll explore the features of the top blog hosting platforms and discuss the most popular blogging platforms available.
Features of the Top Blog Hosting Platforms
The hosting providers in the market for beginner website owners and aspiring bloggers go to great lengths to simplify the process of creating a new website. Most hosting providers offer one-click installations of the top blogging platforms, with some even providing pre-installed WordPress options. Here are some common features offered by these hosting platforms:
- One-click installations for popular blogging software
- Free domain for your new blog
- Unlimited storage for your content and media
- Website builders with customizable site templates
- Marketing tools to promote your blog
Most Popular Blogging Platforms
While WordPress is the dominant player in the blogging world, there are other options worth exploring. WordPress powers roughly a third of all websites and sees the creation of at least 500 new WordPress sites every day. However, platforms like b2evolution, Medium, and the blogging tools offered by site builders are also worth considering.
WordPress Blog Hosting
WordPress offers two different hosting options. Signing up through WordPress.com gives you a free account and a basic blog hosted at YourName.WordPress.com. If you want more features and control over your site and brand, you should go through WordPress.org. This open-source software requires a web hosting plan but provides access to an unlimited supply of themes, plugins, and website functionality.
You can install WordPress on any hosting plan, but some providers specialize in optimizing their infrastructure and support specifically for WordPress. InMotion Hosting and WPEngine are reputable hosts known for their WordPress offerings. InMotion Hosting uses ultra-fast SSDs to power their infrastructure, while WPEngine provides caching, security monitoring, and a staging area.
b2evolution Blog Hosting
b2evolution is a comprehensive tool developed from the same project as WordPress. It includes features such as anti-spam, analytics, digital marketing, and SEO tools in its core code, eliminating the need for third-party plugins or updates. SiteGround is a hosting provider that optimizes blog hosting for b2evolution. They offer free domain names, transfers, email, and simple b2evolution installations through Softaculous. SiteGround’s customized server setup and use of SSD storage and a free CDN ensure fast page loads.
Free Blog Hosting Sites
While free web hosting sites do exist, it’s generally not recommended to use them. Investing in a reputable hosting provider offers faster and more reliable websites, along with 24/7 support. If you want to test web hosting and blogging tools without spending any money, you can try Wix. This popular drag-and-drop site builder platform offers a free Wix domain and 500MB of storage to get started. However, upgrading to a paid account provides more features, storage, and unlimited bandwidth.
Best Blog Hosting Reviews Overall
Most shared hosting plans offer similar features like one-click installations, advertising credits, and 24/7 support. Hosting providers differentiate themselves through ease-of-use, price, and marketing tools. Here are some of the best blog hosting options based on these criteria:
Easiest Blog Hosting: Wix
Wix is a top recommendation for first-time site owners due to its low barrier to entry and ease of use. The website editor is intuitive and provides easy access to blogging tools and other integrated apps.
Cheapest Blog Hosting: iPage
iPage, a sister company of Bluehost and HostGator, offers an impressive range of features at an affordable price. For around $2 per month, iPage provides three site builders and dozens of automatic installations. If you choose WordPress for your blog, iPage offers curated themes, pre-installed caching, and social media plugins.
Best Blog Platform for SEO: WPEngine
WPEngine is known for its optimized WordPress hosting, but it also offers a free Weebly site builder and blogging tools. Both platforms come with search engine marketing credits and built-in tools to optimize search performance.
Best Blogging Platforms For Professionals or Hobbyists
Blogging is an effective tool for various types of users. Professionals can grow their audience and authority on a particular topic, while enthusiasts can share their passions and advocate for specific causes. Here are some hosting recommendations for different types of bloggers:
For Writers: InMotion Hosting
InMotion Hosting is a top choice for professional writers or those with aspirations to create great works of literature. While it may come at a slightly higher price than other shared hosting plans, InMotion Hosting offers excellent support, powerful hardware, and ultimate reliability.
For Travelers: Wix
Wix’s drag-and-drop website builder makes it a popular choice for sharing travel adventures. With over 90 million users and 45,000 new signups daily, Wix offers hundreds of modern templates specifically designed for traveling and photography. Their robust mobile app allows for easy blog management on the go.
For Entrepreneurs: SiteGround
SiteGround is a luxury host that offers top-tier solutions for all levels of hosting packages. Their managed WordPress offering is optimized for speed, security, and compatibility with WordPress. SiteGround’s GoGeek plan includes free PCI compliance and premium SSL certificates, making it ideal for entrepreneurs looking to start a business or monetize their blog.
Conclusion
Regardless of your goals or inspirations for blogging, finding the right hosting solution is crucial. Whether you’re a casual blogger sharing your life with friends and family or a professional writer looking to showcase your work, the hosting platforms mentioned in this article offer a range of features to suit your needs. Consider your requirements, budget, and the specific features you’re looking for to make an informed decision. Happy blogging!