When you start your blog you will use what is called a "Blog Platform".There are a number of blog platforms to choose from in this post we will look at not only the popular platforms but also some of the lesser known and brand new platforms you can choose from.
Many of the top blog platforms are similar such as Blogger and Wordpress while some of the newer platforms are looking to attract a niche market.I guess we should start with the big two.
Blogger
Blogger is a totally free blog platform owned by web heavyweight Google.I say "Totally Free" as others like Wordpress as we will see next have free versions but also paid.For someone starting their first blogs I would think Blogger is a fantastic option.Blogger is also the popular choice for those looking to avail of the free option.
Blogger has come a long way in the last say five years.A total interface redesign was followed by a number of new features bringing what was becoming a tired platform up to date.
Blogger allows you to display ads and make money from your blog.Google AdSense is integrated into the platforms.
WordPress
Now as mentioned above Wordpress does have a free version but In this bloggers opinion it's what we call Rubbish.That may seem harsh but compared to the free Blogger it is totally limited.
If your willing to pay for some hosting to use the hosted WordPress it's a completely different ball game.Self hosted Wordpress is an exceptional platform with thousands of Theme and Plugins offering so many options in Design, SEO and so much more.With self hosted you will have to buy a domain which will only set you back around $10 per year.You will also have to buy hosting which will be more, a few few hundred bucks per year should cove it.
Self Hosted WordPress allows you to show ads and make money from the blog the free version does not.
Tumblr
Tumbler is a microblogging platform perfect for personal type blogs.Tumbler is a kinda Social Network blogging platform if that makes sense.Owned now by Yahoo choose Tumbler if you want a social blog to share your views.Not suited to a mainstream blog and ads are not permitted.
Some newcomers you might want to check out include :
Medium - Created by Even Williams of Twitter fame Medium is clean and fresh.
Ghost - Ghost is focused on being just for Bloggers, still in it's infancy who knows were it will go.
Sett - Sett is a blog platform looking to build around community and social engagement.
I suggest you check them all out and see what best fits your needs.Remember those that rate these kinda things are often biased so do your own homework.
Paul Crowe
I'm the owner and main author here on Brighter Blogs.I've been a full time Blogger and Web designer for over eight years.I have worked on thousands of projects and blogs over the years and I bring this information to you here on BB.Making every tutorial easy to follow for bloggers of all levels.
I have my blog on Wordpress with paid hosting and domain.I agree the free version of Wordpress is very limited, I have never used any of the others.
ReplyDeleteI remember the first time I tried out free WordPress just to see what it was like.I thought "This cant be it", it was so limited I would go as far as to say it's rubbish.Self hosted is the only way to go for WordPress.Thanks for your comment.
DeleteBlogger is great for newbie.
ReplyDeleteI agree Abdur I started on Blogger and for all except one blog I have used Blogger.When I started this site which will become one of my main sites I also choose Blogger.Thanks for your comment.
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