Blogging is a major aspect of the internet in the 21st century. A blog is a short form for the word weblog which means an online journal that anybody can write based on any topic. These can be creative content, opinions, stories, photos, videos and other types of writings. Blogs are a way of directly expressing an opinion or sharing content online and getting regular viewers and feedback for the content. There are two options on starting a blog that new bloggers can choose based on their preferences. The bloggers can either start a blog using a blogging platform or simply starting a blog by creating a website with their domain name.
Blogging Platform
A blogging platform is a website that offers bloggers a platform to create and publish their blog directly through the site. They can publish content in the form of a blog on these websites to get a blog name and a blog id that can be searched on search engines through such a platform. Different types of blogging platforms are available online with different features and benefits for blogging and new bloggers should use such blogging platforms as they are convenient to use. The following are some of the best blogging platforms available and the details about the features, pros, and cons of each option:
WordPress
One of the best blogging platforms on the internet is WordPress. This is a top choice among many bloggers all over the world and is especially popular with hobby bloggers, new bloggers, bloggers looking for a readymade setup and bloggers who do not want to invest money into blogging. This is one of the easiest blogging platforms to work with on the internet as there are no setup costs and the platform is free. Many bloggers first start on WordPress and then eventually start a blog under their domain name.
Pros & Cons of WordPress
Bloggers with no coding experience or web designing knowledge can simply set up a blog on WordPress. WordPress software can be used to create a self-hosted WordPress blog but bloggers then have to pay third-party hosting fees every month. There are many features, layout designs, themes, and plug-ins available to choose from on WordPress making it an attractive option. When it comes to the drawbacks the main drawback is the “.wordpress” in the domain name making it look less professional than other blogs. WordPress charges for better functionality upgrades and also owns the blogs and so has control over the revenue system for blogs on the website.
Blogger
Google is one of the main companies on the internet and Blogger is a Google-owned blogging website online. Bloggers who want to make money online but do not want to invest money into starting a blog, getting a domain name and investing in the blog can use Blogger. It is a free platform and is a leading choice with hobby bloggers and bloggers who do not know much about blogging and are looking to learn more about the concept.
Pros and Cons of Blogger
The main benefit of this blogging platform is that it is free to use. The Blogger website gives bloggers access to Google AdSense which helps them place ads on their blog to make money. Google Analytics is another tool available with Blogger. Blogger website gives access to the HTML code and the blog on this website has a customization option. Blogger has a few cons as well and the main problem is fewer themes and lesser storage space in comparison to other blogging platforms. There is no self-hosting component and so all the Blogger blogs will have “.blogspot” in their title or website address.
Tumblr
Tumblr is a website that is a mix between a blogging platform and a social media and networking site. Many times bloggers like to read and reshare blogs belonging to other bloggers and also communicate and provide feedback on other people’s blogs. This is a great platform for microbloggers and is popular with new bloggers looking to write short blogs for a start.
Pros & Cons of Tumblr
The bloggers on Tumblr get access to HTML and CSS for customizing their blogs which is a major advantage of Tumblr. Another key advantage is that there is unlimited storage space for Tumblr bloggers in comparison to other platforms. There are over 1000 themes to choose from but a drawback is that the plug-ins options are limited. It is difficult to backup the blog and importing content is also difficult from other sites.
TypePad
One of the blogging platforms that charge a fee every month but is popular online is TypePad. Generally, this blog is used by business professionals and brand builders who want a professional-looking blog and do not mind paying a monthly fee for it. TypePad faces competition from self-hosted WordPress blogs but many bloggers prefer TypePad to the former option.
Pros & Cons of TypePad
The top advantage or benefit of choosing Typepad is that they let the bloggers own their blogs and also at the same time hosting the blogs on their servers. There is unlimited storage space on this type of blog on TypePad which is a major point on the pros list of the blogging platform. It is easy to use but the customization options are limited and a major drawback is that this is not a free blogging platform.
WIX
Many companies, brands, professionals and commercial bloggers choose WIX. It is an ideal platform for e-commerce and business bloggers and has many functions that cater to these fields. Building an e-commerce website is easier using platforms like WIX.
Pros & Cons of WIX
WIX is a platform that is easy to use with large storage space. It is catered to a more professional blogging crowd and has professional-looking templates ideal for business blogs. It has domain registration options, ad integration and has unlimited bandwidth. WIX, however, is not free and comes with a monthly fee, also has fewer customizing options and its e-commerce tools are not very advanced.
As it is shown above, there are many good blogging platforms available online for different types of bloggers. These platforms are designed to help bloggers attract audiences, earn revenue and also create a following for the blog online.
