When you're starting a blog, the first question that pops into your head is probably, "What's the best blogging platform to get started with?"
Let's dive into that.
What is a Blogging Platform?
Basically, a blogging platform is the software or service you use to put your content out there on the internet as a blog. It's a kind of CMS, or Content Management System. Blogs can be their own website, or just a small part of a bigger site – like a company's blog where they post updates about their industry or products.
Why do I need a Blogging Platform?
Remember, a blogging platform is a CMS. A CMS is web software that helps you manage your digital stuff. You don't need to know any coding to install or change things with a CMS. That's a big win for a blogging platform. If you're great at design but not so much with the coding side of things, a blogging platform makes it way easier to manage your content. You can organize your posts, schedule them, and just generally keep your blog running smoothly without needing a developer on standby.
What Blogging Platform Should I use?
There are so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed! But don't worry, we've got it figured out. The most popular blogging platforms out there are WordPress and Blogger.
They both have cool features and designs, and they're pretty good for beginners to jump into.
Comparing WordPress with Blogger: Which one to opt for?
Blogger:
Blogger is owned by Google. It comes with built-in features like Adwords, Adsense, and Analytics, which can make your site more powerful. Blogger is also free to use, which is a huge draw for new bloggers. It's got a user-friendly interface with easy-to-use widgets.
Since it's part of Google's services, you can log in using your Google account.
- You can customize it to look like a website or a blog.
- It's a SAAS (Software as a Service) based service, meaning the dashboard updates automatically. You don't have to worry about manual updates, which is super convenient.
- You can create a maximum of 10 pages.
- It supports widgets.
- Your blog is created on a subdomain (like myblog.blogspot.com).
- It can be migrated to a main domain later on. This usually involves setting up a custom domain and potentially redirecting your old subdomain, which might take a few extra steps or cost a bit.
- Multiple authors can contribute.
WordPress:
WordPress is its own thing, and it has two main options: self-hosted WordPress (usually called wordpress.org) or the hosted version on wordpress.com (like mysite.wordpress.com).
They are different.
Let's break down WordPress.com and WordPress.org, and see which might be better for someone like Maxie.
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org
WordPress.com:
WordPress.com is a free platform to start with. You can register and begin blogging without paying anything. Just sign up with any email provider, confirm your email, and you're good to go. However, it does come with some limitations, similar to Blogger. Your blog will be on a subdomain, and you can't install plugins to add extra functionality. Storage is also limited to 3GB for all your media.
They also offer premium features with a custom domain for a monthly fee. You can also buy themes for a one-time cost. The specific features you get in the paid versions really depend on the plan you pick. For example, plans might offer more storage, advanced customization options, or the ability to use your own domain name.
If you go for WordPress's VIP Program, you can get full control over plugins, themes, custom coding, and a main domain name.
WordPress.org:
WordPress.org is what you'll typically use for a self-hosted WordPress site.
What is a Self-Hosted Website?
A self-hosted website means you buy your own web hosting and domain name. You can get both from the same provider, like HostGator, or from different ones.
What are the Requirements for a Self-Hosted WordPress Site?
Besides a domain name, the main thing you need is web hosting. Some hosting providers even offer dedicated WordPress hosting, which is pretty streamlined.
Once you've got your hosting set up on your domain, you can usually use a "One Click Install" option that comes with your hosting's cPanel. cPanel is basically a control panel that helps you manage your website's hosting. Alternatively, you can download the setup from the wordpress.org website and install it yourself.
After WordPress is installed, it's time to get started.
The cool thing about self-hosted WordPress is you get access to tons of themes and plugins from the WordPress directory. For premium stuff, you can buy directly from the developer or from marketplaces. A big perk of buying a theme or plugin is often lifetime free upgrades. It's worth noting that free themes and plugins from the official WordPress directory also get updates, but premium ones usually come with direct support from the developer and potentially more frequent new features.
The best platform for you really depends on what you need. I tend to lean towards self-hosted WordPress because it's so flexible for adding extra features with plugins.
