What is the Best Blogging Platform? A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Platform for Your Blog.

Introduction

Are you ready to start your own blog but are having trouble deciding on the best blogging platform for your needs? We are here to help. Right now there are more choices than ever for starting a blog. In this article, we’ll help you choose the right blogging platform by giving you some things to consider beforehand. Plus we’ll give an overview of the most popular blogging sites out there – their pros and cons, features, pricing, and more.

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Blogging Platform

Not all blogging platforms are the same. WordPress is a versatile platform that can run an entire website as well as a blog but require a steeper learning curve for optimization. Other publishing platforms like Squarespace can handle all that technical stuff for you (domain, hosting, security, SEO, etc.) so you can concentrate more on creating content. And some blogging sites, like Tumblr, are more for social networking. So depending on your goals, the type of platform you choose will need to be able to handle them.

It is important to think long-term. You don’t want to join a platform that isn’t scalable to your future needs. You might find you will want to add more features to grow your blog and monetize it later. So it’s important you make sure the platform you choose offers these options.

Perhaps the biggest decision to make for your blog is hosting. Do you want to handle hosting your blog or do you want the platform to take care of that for you? If you want to go the self-hosted route, WordPress is hard to beat. But if you want a hosted platform, your options are more difficult. The most important difference between self-hosted platforms like WordPress and hosted platforms is that hosted platforms can be more limiting when it comes to adding customizations and functionality beyond the scope of the platform you choose. A hosted platform will definitely simplify the blogging experience initially, but choosing the wrong one may limit you in the future.

Hosted blogging platforms are typically cheaper than hosting a blog yourself depending on which you choose. Some hosted publishing platforms cost as little as $5 per month for a fully functional website with a personalized domain. And some self-hosted platforms can offer a free option. That being said, once you add hosting costs, premium plugins, and themes, the cost for a hosted website can get pretty pricey. Be careful of signing up for a cheaper all-in-one platform that will require paid upgrades later on. And, if you want to host your own site, consider hosting platforms that have plans that scale to your needs as your blog grows.

Another thing you should determine is how much control you need over your site’s design and layout. With self-hosted sites, you have ultimate control over which theme you use, the way it looks, and how it functions. With the hosted website builders, you’ll have limitations depending on the platform you choose. Some hosted website providers offer hundreds of templates to choose from, while others provide a few.

While there other considerations (overall traffic and user scaling, number of contributors, and so on), these should help you narrow down your choices considerably and let you choose the best blogging platform for you. With that in mind, let’s take a look at your options.

1. WordPress.org

WordPress.org is one of the most robust and flexible blogging platforms out there. WordPress can handle any needs a blogger would need. With built-in full site editing, a drag-and-drop block editor, countless themes and plugins, and like Divi, you can rest assured your blogging site will be easy to design and never lack the functionality you may need in the future. The WordPress CMS software is perhaps the best self-hosted blogging platform. It is free to use but to get your blog up and running, you’ll need to pay for a hosting provider yourself. However, with a good WordPress hosting platform like Bluehost or SiteGround, the sky is the limit for your blog. If you want the most control and flexibility over your blog, WordPress.org is the best choice. It’s perfect if…

• …you want to own and control your content without limitations.
• …you want to run any kind of website you want, from a simple blog to a complex eCommerce shop.
• …you don’t mind the learning curve to optimize and maintain your site.
• …you want the flexibility to add any theme or plugin to design your blog.
• …you want the power and control to customize your site using Divi or any other drag-and-drop builder.

2. WordPress.com

WordPress.com, although built by the same people, is quite a bit different from its .org counterpart. WordPress.com was initially created for people who want the features of WordPress.org without the hassle of all the technical issues (like hosting). For beginners, there are a few benefits to WordPress.com. First of all, it’s one of the best free blogging platforms out there. Plus, you can choose your own theme, add some plugins, customize the appearance, and add users. However, those features are quite a bit more limited than WordPress.org. There is no setup, it’s free for a basic account, and you can get started with your first blog post in a few minutes after signing up. The free plans are limited in what you can do and add, but for a monthly fee starting at around $5 USD, you can add your own URL, install (some) premium themes and plugins, and remove the WP.com advertising. JetPack is built-in, and offers site stats, backups, security features, and expanded search functionality which is perfect for bloggers. It’s perfect if…

• …you are a beginner that wants a more streamlined hassle-free blogging experience.
• …you are a blogger who wants to concentrate on writing and not deal with technical issues.
• …you want the power and flexibility of WordPress but without the cost and maintenance.
• …you want built-in features for marketing and analytics.
• …you don’t mind the limitations on design and functionality.

3. Squarespace

Squarespace is an all-in-one website builder and blogging platform geared toward eCommerce users. Best known for its eye-catching templates, Squarespace makes it easy to establish an online presence with ease, making it a big competitor to WordPress.com. They offer good value for those without much technical experience that want to be able to integrate social media, sell products, and customize their site effortlessly. Squarespace offers a fully functional blog post editing tool with over 45 modules to choose from including image galleries, newsletter opt-ins, custom code, accordion, charts, scheduling, and social media integrations. Users can connect social media accounts and the drag-and-drop editor gives bloggers a great way to personalize their posts and products to stand out from the competition. Users can choose from 100 premade sections, a portfolio page option, and pre-built color palettes to get those creative juices flowing. Squarespace offers some good marketing tools including email campaigns, promotional pop-ups for customer acquisition, an announcement bar, and social media promotions on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. It’s perfect if…

• …you prefer the hands-off approach. If you want to keep your focus on blogging or selling and not on the website itself, Squarespace will be a good fit.
• …you want a comprehensive platform to build and launch your online business or blog.
• …you want a blog that looks professionally designed out of the box.
• …you want powerful marketing tools to grow your audience and sales.
• …you want a simple and intuitive platform without the need for coding or technical knowledge.

4. Weebly

Weebly is a hosted website builder that can function as a full website or blog. In fact, Weebly now focuses on a built-in integration with Square (not to be confused with Squarespace) to take payments and work as an eCommerce platform to rival Shopify. If that’s part of your focus as well as blogging and content creation, Weebly might just be a good option. Plus, they have incredibly slick and well-made templates and themes, not to mention a robust plugin library. Weebly is aiming for a more professional user base than platforms like Blogger. Weebly’s no-code drag-and-drop editor is considered by some to be even easier to use than Squarespace. Creating and publishing a post is easy. Simply drag one of many elements into the page, then start typing. The writing process is quite similar to the WordPress block editor, so those familiar with how WordPress functions will find it quite simple to master. It’s perfect if…

• …you want a blog that looks like it was professionally designed out of the box. Weebly is easy to use, and you don’t need a lot of design experience to get it looking good. It is also a great option for adding an eCommerce store.
• …you’re looking for a simple blogging platform with a wide audience. Weebly is easy to use, and it has a great established audience that you can use to grow your following as a new blogger.
• …you don’t mind the limitations on design and functionality. Weebly is easy to use, but if you want more advanced customization and SEO options, consider other options on the list.

5. Wix.com

Wix.com is another well-known site builder and blogging platform that enables you to easily build your blog in a few clicks. While not as robust as Wix, it has plenty of attractive features. One of the best things about Wix.com is its ease of use, which is why some may prefer for simple sites. You can browse from a list of pre-made themes to build your site on, including those who wish to create a blogging site, and have your site up and running in a matter of minutes. Wix.com makes it easy to add content using its simple drag-and-drop builder. But, there aren’t a ton of options for content. You’ll get basic things like text, buttons, image galleries, sliders, form, and call-to-action blocks to name a few. The look and feel of Wix.com’s blog writing tool is similar to WordPress. This could be due to Wix.com’s WordPress hosting offerings. There aren’t a ton of editing tools, but that doesn’t seem to be an issue. The point of Wix.com is to make it easy to write and publish posts. It’s perfect if…

• …you are a beginner who wants to create a blog website that you want to market and monetize. There are a lot of built-in features that will help you grow your audience, scale your business, and keep track of leads, conversions, and email subscribers. But, if you want more advanced customization and SEO options, consider other options on the list.
• …you want a simple and intuitive platform without the need for coding or technical knowledge.
• …you don’t mind the limitations on design and functionality. Template designs aren’t as good as other platforms and can be difficult to integrate with other services.

6. Hubspot CMS

Hubspot CMS is a powerful and robust CMS platform built for marketing professionals as well as developers. Hubspot’s drag-and-drop website builder makes it easy for casual bloggers to benefit from HubSpot’s full-service marketing platform. HubSpot is a secure hosted platform where backups, marketing automation, subscriber management, email segmentation, and intuitive publishing tools are all standard. For customer management, you can gain new subscribers, build customer lists, and segment them. Additionally, you can create stunning email templates and newsletters, right within the platform. For those who would rather use WordPress for blogging, so you can still take advantage of WordPress plugins with HubSpot CMS. Creating a blog is easy with HubSpot’s drag-and-drop builder. You can choose from a number of themes in its Marketplace, which can be edited to match your branding. You can easily edit colors and fonts, and add forms or other elements. Setting up your blog is a simple process. HubSpot allows you to enter the details of your blog, choose a template, and publish content within a simple setup wizard that takes mere minutes to complete. The visual editor displays your blog content as your viewers will see it. All the elements of your theme are visible including the hero section, sidebar, navigation, and footer. For a simpler approach, the distraction-free mode promotes ease of writing. It’s perfect if…

• …you want a robust platform to grow your blog and business. HubSpot CMS offers a range of tools for marketing professionals to manage and scale their online presence.
• …you want an all-in-one platform that integrates all of your marketing tools and data in one place.
• …you don’t mind a higher cost and being locked into the HubSpot platform.

7. Medium

Medium is a microblogging platform that is popular for its social media-like features and visual focus. It is a unique platform on the list that offers a mix of blogging and social media capabilities, making it an ideal option for bloggers who want to share their content and connect with their audience in a visually appealing and interactive way. Perhaps the best feature of Medium is the ability to post several types of content. With Medium, users can create text posts, as well as share photos, quotes, links, chat, audio, or video files. Writing a post on Medium is easy. There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles, but there are enough to be effective. Aside from text, you can insert photos, video, and embed content from such media platforms such as Twitter. Plus, there’s a direct integration from Unsplash, which allows you to quickly link photos from their extensive royalty-free library. It’s perfect if…

• …you don’t need an individual website (yet) but want to start blogging to reach a wider audience. The no-frills approach makes it easy to publish content for a huge potential audience.
• …you are looking for a simple and intuitive platform without the need for coding or technical knowledge.

8. Ghost

Ghost started out primarily as a blogging platform, but has evolved over recent years. No longer just for bloggers, Ghost advertises itself as a service for creators. You can publish content, send newsletters, offer paid subscriptions, create popups and opt-ins, and more – all from the Ghost dashboard. At first glance, Ghost appears to be positioning itself as a competitor against other drag-and-drop website builders on our list. With a price point for any user, Ghost offers premium features for a much lower price point than other platforms. When it comes to blogging, Ghost makes it easy. The interface is comparable with WordPress’s Gutenberg, although there aren’t nearly as many options. You do have some choices for content including images, dividers, HTML, and some other common content types. Where Ghost shines is in the extras you’ll get for growing your audience. With the ability to add subscribers, create membership tiers, and accept payments, you’ll have everything you need to easily create a premium content delivery system. In addition to that, Ghost allows you to easily manage your memberships – both paid and free – through their handy membership management system. It’s perfect if…

• …you are a blogger who wants to grow your audience and easily monetize. Unlike other drag-and-drop website builders and blogging platforms, you’ll get membership and subscription tools built right in – even at the lowest price tier.
• …you want a more customized and unique blogging experience.

9. Web.com

Web.com is a popular website builder and blogging platform that enables you to easily build your blog in a few clicks. While not as robust as WordPress or Squarespace, it has plenty of attractive features. One of the best things about Web.com is its ease of use, which is why some may prefer it for simple sites. You can browse from a list of pre-made themes to build your site on, including those who wish to create a blogging site, and have your site up and running in a matter of minutes. Web.com makes it easy to add content using its simple drag-and-drop builder. But, there aren’t a ton of options for content. You’ll get basic things like text, buttons, image galleries, sliders, forms, and call-to-action blocks to name a few. The look and feel of Web.com’s blog writing tool are similar to WordPress. This could be due to Web.com’s WordPress hosting offerings. There aren’t a ton of editing tools, but that doesn’t seem to be an issue. The point of Web.com is to make it easy to write and publish posts. It’s perfect if…

• …you are a small business owner or blogger who’s looking for a super affordable option to start your blog. There are quite a few features included with their basic plan. Also, building a blog or website is super easy with Web.com. With a drag-and-drop editor, simple publishing tools, and marketing features, you’ll have your blog up and running in no time.
• …you’re looking for a simple and intuitive platform without the need for coding or technical knowledge.

10. Blogger (or Blogspot)

Blogger is Google’s free blogging platform. Although it’s not a full CMS, it can definitely be considered software. If you’re simply looking for a way to share your thoughts with the world, Blogger will do that with very little effort on your part. Similar to Google Docs, writing and posting content will seem intuitive. Even though Blogger is free, it does have quite a few features that are worth taking a look at. Blogger makes it easy to add content. The post editor looks and functions much like Word documents or Google docs. There aren’t a lot of options here other than the standard text, images, links, and videos. There are no integrations to use, no plugins, or add-ons. Blogger is simple, which makes it an attractive choice for beginners. And you can actually earn money using Blogger. A key advantage to using Blogger is its integration with other Google services such as Google Analytics and AdSense. So users can insert ads or affiliate links into their posts for monetization. With a CMS like WordPress, you add affiliate product links with an affiliate plugin like ThirstyAffiliates or display/insert ads using one of many ad management plugins (which can support more than only Adsense). But having this feature available in a free blogging platform is great for entry-level affiliate marketing. Plus, you can actually use your own domain free of charge, which is a nice feature. Lastly, if you decide to choose a different platform, such as WordPress, you can export your posts with very little effort. It’s perfect if…

• …you are looking for a simple blogging platform with a wide audience. Blogger is the oldest standalone blogging platform on the internet, so they have it down pat. And it is a great option for those who want to integrate other Google services and monetize their blog with ads and affiliates.
• …you are a beginner who wants a simple and intuitive platform without the need for coding or technical knowledge.

11. Tumblr

Tumblr is a microblogging platform that is popular for its social media-like features and visual focus. It is a unique platform on the list that offers a mix of blogging and social media capabilities, making it an ideal option for bloggers who want to share their content and connect with their audience in a visually appealing and interactive way. Perhaps the best feature of Tumblr is the ability to post several types of content. With Tumblr, users can create text posts, as well as share photos, quotes, links, chat, audio, or video files. Creating new posts is a straightforward and easy process. Simply add a title, write your body content, and click post now. That’s it. While there isn’t anything fancy about Tumblr, its ease of use makes it a popular platform. There’s no software to learn, no themes to choose from, and no integrations to fiddle with. What you see is what you get. It’s perfect if…

• …you’re looking for a more social media-like experience for blogging focused on visuals. Tumblr isn’t a social network, but it’s more like that than anything else. That being said, you can post a lot of different types of content, and you can easily chat with your readers. Plus, there are no fees, no software to set up, and no worries about SSL’s security or anything related to managing a stand-alone website.

What is the Best Blogging Platform? (The Verdict)

In conclusion, the best blogging platform for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you want the most control and flexibility, WordPress.org is the best choice. If you prefer a more hands-off approach and want a fully hosted platform, Squarespace or WordPress.com may be better options. For a simple and easy-to-use platform, Weebly and Wix.com are great choices. And for a social media-like experience, Medium and Tumblr are worth considering. Examine the features, pricing, and limitations of each platform to make the right decision for your blog.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the best blogging platform for beginners?
A: WordPress.com, Squarespace, Weebly, and Wix.com are all great options for beginners because they are easy to use and require no coding or technical knowledge.

Q: Can I start a blog for free?
A: Yes, many blogging platforms offer free plans that allow you to start a blog without any upfront costs. However, free plans often come with limitations and may include ads or branding from the platform.

Q: Can I make money from my blog?
A: Yes, you can monetize your blog through various methods such as display advertising, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and selling products or services.

Q: Can I switch blogging platforms later?
A: Yes, most blogging platforms allow you to export your content and move it to another platform. However, the process may require some manual work depending on the platforms involved.

Q: Do I need a custom domain for my blog?
A: While it’s not necessary to have a custom domain, having one can make your blog appear more professional and memorable. It’s recommended to register a domain that reflects your blog’s name or topic.

Q: Can I use my own design for my blog?
A: It depends on the blogging platform you choose. Self-hosted platforms like WordPress.org offer unlimited customization options, while hosted platforms like WordPress.com and Squarespace have limitations on design customization.

Q: Which blogging platform is the most SEO-friendly?
A: WordPress.org is considered the most SEO-friendly platform due to its flexibility, plugin options, and ability to optimize your site for search engines. However, other platforms like Squarespace and Ghost also offer strong SEO features.

Q: Can I migrate my existing blog to a new platform?
A: Yes, most blogging platforms offer tools or guides to help you migrate your content from one platform to another. However, depending on the complexity of your site, the process may require some technical knowledge or assistance.

Q: Can I have multiple authors on my blog?
A: Yes, many blogging platforms allow you to add multiple authors to your blog and assign them different roles and permissions.

Q: Can I sell products on my blog?
A: Yes, several platforms offer eCommerce features that allow you to sell products or services directly from your blog. Platforms like Shopify, WordPress.org with WooCommerce, and Squarespace are popular choices for eCommerce blogs.

Remember, the best blogging platform for you ultimately depends on your specific needs, goals, and budget. Consider the features, pricing, and limitations of each platform to make an informed decision. Good luck with your blogging journey!