Are you ready to start blogging but don't know where to begin? You're in the right place! There are a lot of different blogging platforms out there, so it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
I remembered when I fell in love with writing and i was looking forward to blogging. I just jumped into it with a lot of trials and errors. I tried almost all blogging platforms I could get my hands just looking for what would work out for me.
Each platform has its own unique advantages, I found mine and also you can find one that fits your needs and goals. In this post I will walk you through all the different kinds of platforms, from free and open-source solutions to powerful enterprise solutions.
I will try to make the post beginner friendly as possible, I will give some details on what sets each platform apart, so you can make an informed decision about which type of platform is best for you.
And when you get the hang you can check out my updated listing and recommendations.
Let's get started!
Introduction to Blogging Platforms
If you're looking to start your own blog, choosing the right blogging platform is the first step. Whether you are brand new to blogging or an experienced veteran, selecting the right platform can make or break your experience. This is a comprehensive overview of some of the top blogging platforms, so that you can find the one that's perfect for you.
The platforms selected in this post has served a large number of users, and to start off, let's consider a few key questions you should answer:
What kind of blog do you want to create?
What features do you need from your platform?
How much customizability will you require ?
Your answers here will help define what type of platform is best for you and narrow down your choices.
At the end of this post a cross-check would be done on your answer and I would give a tailored recommendation based on your possible answers to these key questions.
Now, it's time to look at the various options available to you to start blogging. You can't just jump to it unless you see the other cool stuff that could have worked for you.
Deciding without a list would be like grocery shopping on an empty stomach; you end up with a cart full of snacks and no idea how you got there! 🛒😅
This post will cover popular platforms like WordPress, Medium, Blogger and Tumblr as well as feature-rich tools like Wix and Ghost. Each has its own unique advantages, from cost and scalability to design and content management, that cater to different users and goals.
No matter your requirements or level of skill or technicality, there's a perfect blogging platform with all the features that fit your needs.
10 Top Best Blogging Platforms You Can Try
When it comes to blogging platforms, there are a lot of options, ranging from the popular and widely used WordPress to lesser known, yet still powerful blogging software.
WordPress
Wordpress by Automatic Inc is the most popular and widely used blogging platform. It is extremely user friendly, free to use and highly customizable. What's more, it has thousands of plugins available that can improve its functionality greatly. It is also SEO-friendly, meaning that it can help your blog posts get noticed by search engines.
You can start a free wordpress blog and you won’t pay anything for anything. Your site would be on a free sub-domain (yoursitename.wordpress.com). You have a beautiful rack of free wordpress templates and website designs to begin with.
43.4 % of the bloggers use WordPress as their preferred choice of the best blogging platform.
Anyone can jump into Wordpress and start off; Let's look at other cool worthy platforms.
Wix
Wix stands as a robust contender to WordPress, offering a comprehensive suite of features including blogging, portfolio, community forums, e-commerce capabilities, and much more. With its user-friendly interface and intuitive drag-and-drop editor, Wix empowers users to effortlessly build and customize their websites to suit their needs. Now also, Wix has their own Artificial Intelligence (A.I ) Site builder. You can bild your website hassel free with AI.
Whether you're a blogger, entrepreneur, or small business owner, Wix provides a platform that caters to a wide range of website types and industries.
Like Wordpress, I see Wix as a One platform, infinite possibilities. Additionally, Wix offers solutions like website analytics, and a CRM system . Wix requires little or No Technical Knowledge.
Wix also has a writers community platform called "Spaces" which serves as a social media network to all wix writers and audience.
Spaces is a dedicated mobile application for your site members to easily engage and stay updated with your site on the go.
Your members can connect with your website with the App, and can view all upcoming events, browse and shop online, read, share, and interact with blog posts or book services on the go. Also, they can invite people to join your site. also on your end you can see other sites and even follow just like your audience you can become an audience of another site. Would be familiar if you know medium, substack or tumblr.
Just know that when you are on wix you need to be serious. Wix free plan is okay for any beginner who wish to play and experiment with their intent of blogging to see how serious they can be. Wix would give a free sub-domain and limited features and when you get serious you can attach a custom domain like yourblogname.com, and also unlock all features.
Blogger
Hey this is the platform that hosts this site. Blogger is managed by Google amd the the ultimate free pure blogging platform. It offers a straightforward and accessible option for individuals looking to start a blog.
With its easy-to-use interface and integration with other Google services like Gmail, google analytics and Search Console. Blogger provides a hassle-free blogging experience.
Your free site on blogger would be hosted on yourblogname.blogspot.com. You can change it to your custom domain later for free.
Blogger might not have any complicated or advance features, but I can still say that the possibilities on blogger is not limited to blogging. Blogger allows you to edit your site front end in XML, HTML" CSS, Javascript; if you want to go technical.
Blogger is ideal for those who prioritize simplicity and ease of use. To me it is a reliable choice for those looking to quickly launch a blog with minimal setup and maintenance.
I suggest using blogger only as one of the easy, free and best blog sites for your early blogging to gain some experience.
When you use blogger your site is subjected to the google policies and make sure you do not go against it. When you do, you would receive an uncalled cancellation or suspension from Google without any warning. In short your site would be deactivated.
My Observation on Blogger is that being part of the Google ecosystem, Blogger sites are often favored in search engine rankings, providing bloggers with increased visibility and potential for reaching a wider audience.
Medium
I remembered how I got to know about medium;💭 during my school days, after treating a good pal of mine at the Cafeteria, he opened me up to medium (we actually treated each other 🍔🍕🌮 )
Medium is a popular platform that combines elements of a blogging platform and a social media network. It offers a clean and minimalist interface, making it easy for writers to focus on creating content without getting bogged down by complicated design elements.
To me, Medium is one of the most intelligent and neat communities of serious writers. I see it as a social media network with serious writing and networking opportunities. That is how it is on medium.
On medium your site would be hosted on your profile account like 'medium.com/yourname'. You can also change it to a sub domain to be like .yourname.medium.com. Connecting to a custom domain would require you to register to the medium paid segment. (a $5 per month membership which is totally worth.)
Medium emphasizes community engagement, allowing users to follow, recommend, and comment on posts, fostering a sense of connection and interaction among writers and readers.
Medium is just a user-friendly and collaborative platform for writers to share their ideas and connect with like-minded individuals.
Medium also have a and monetization opportunity or member writers.
One of its key features is the ability to distribute content to a broader audience through Medium's built-in network, potentially increasing visibility and engagement for writers. Additionally, Medium offers a Partner Program where writers can earn money based on the engagement their articles receive.
Tumblr
When it comes to best free blog platforms, Tumblr tops the first 3. I admire Tumblr for it is neat, clean, sharp and has Hetero-Communities and not just a community of bloggers.
Tumblr also by Automatic inc (Owners of WordPress), is a microblogging and social networking platform that allows users to post multimedia content and short-form blog posts.
It's known for its diverse user base and creative community, where users can share a wide range of content, including text, photos, videos, and GIFs.
Tumblr also features a reblogging system, which fosters engagement and allows content to spread virally across the platform. With its customizable themes and emphasis on creativity and self-expression, Tumblr appeals to individuals and communities with a wide range of interests and passions.
Weebly
Weebly is known for its user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy for users to create professional-looking websites without needing extensive technical knowledge. With Weebly, users can choose from a variety of customizable templates and easily add features like e-commerce functionality, contact forms, and galleries.
Overall, Weebly is a popular choice for individuals and small businesses looking to establish an online presence quickly and efficiently. I didn't explore it much.
Hashnode
If you are a geek you would love this one.
Similar to Medium, Hashnode is a popular platform for developers and technology enthusiasts to share knowledge, connect with others in the community, and build their personal brand.
It provides a space for writing and publishing technical blog posts, tutorials, and discussions on a wide range of topics related to programming, software development, and technology in general.
Hashnode offers features such as customizable blogs, a built-in audience, and the ability to participate in community-driven events like hackathons and AMA sessions.
Overall, Hashnode serves as a valuable resource for developers looking to learn, share, and collaborate within the tech community.
Ghost
Ghost is an open-source publishing platform designed for professional bloggers. It's known for its simplicity, speed, and focus on content creation.
Ghost provides a clean and minimalist writing interface, making it easy for users to focus on creating high-quality blog posts without distractions.
Additionally, it offers features such as built-in SEO tools, content scheduling, and membership and subscription options for monetization.
With its flexible design and customizable themes, Ghost caters to a wide range of bloggers and content creators looking for a streamlined and professional blogging experience.
Social Media
I see Social media as the ultimate blogging platform. You won't have to bother about design, audience, SEO etc. It is all packed amd ready for blogging or micro blogging, at the cost of your branding and customization.
Not all, but several social media platforms cater specifically for blogging or as a blogging platform :
Linkedin is a superb blogging platform for you if you’re a working professional or have a service or product to offer.
While primarily a professional networking platform, LinkedIn also offers publishing capabilities, allowing users to write and share long-form blog posts on topics related to their industry or expertise. It's a good option for B2B bloggers or those targeting a professional audience.
If you plan to use Linkedin as a free blogging platform, make sure you start with creating an outstanding Linkedin profile first. Readers are most likely to visit your profile if your content is useful.
If you’re consistently posting compelling content, chances are high that you’ll be noticed by Linkedin editors and get featured.
Facebook, while primarily a social networking platform, also serves as a valuable tool for bloggers to promote their content, engage with their audience, and build community. Here's how you as a blogger can leverage Facebook:
Facebook Pages: You can create a dedicated Facebook Page for your blog or brand, where you can share blog posts, updates, and announcements with followers. Pages allow bloggers to reach a wider audience and build a community around their blog.
Facebook Groups: You can also join or create Facebook Groups related to your blog's niche or topic. Groups provide a space for discussion, networking, and sharing resources with like-minded individuals. You can use this medium to create a group to foster community engagement and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Overall, Facebook offers bloggers a powerful platform for promoting content, engaging with audience, and growing your online presence.
You can download Meta Business Suite app to have features like editing posts, scheduling posts, checking analytics and managing comments. Check the app on Playstore or the Apple store.
Twitter X
'X' character limit makes it ideal for microblogging, where users can share brief thoughts, updates, and links to longer blog posts or articles. It's still a great platform for engaging with readers and other bloggers in real-time conversations.
Instagram:
While known for its focus on visual content, Instagram's caption feature allows users to include longer-form text with their posts, making it suitable for sharing blog-style content alongside photos or videos. IGTV also offers opportunities for longer video content. Yes you know instablog?
There is a limit of 2200 characters on blogger and make sure you have featured images or video that supplements your insta post.
Quora:
Quora is a vast community where you can easily find an audience by simply writing compelling content. It provides a platform for sharing your thoughts and passions without the hassle of designing or setup called "Spaces".
Quora spaces is ready for you to start writing immediately. While Quora used to have a dedicated blog section, it has now transitioned to "Spaces." To begin your own Space on Quora, you can apply through their platform.
Although you can't have your custom domain name, Quora Space is still perfect for beginner bloggers as promotion is less of a challenge; and also still equally beneficial for established bloggers seeking a larger audience.
The flip side of Social media publishing is not having a private space to blog. You’ll have your blog link on the social media domain only. Another thing is that you might not get the luxury of blogging tools like edit, perma-url, the scheduling option and so on.
Substack
I also left Substack out of the list. This platform is not too in the familiar in Nigeria, but I love how straight, direct and simple Substack is.
Substack is a platform that enables writers to create and distribute their own newsletters. It offers a straightforward way for writers to monetize their content through subscriptions. You can run your blog on subscription. readers would have to subscribe, and this way you could also use substack to build an email list.
Substack provides tools for writers to manage their subscriber lists, send out newsletters, and potentially earn revenue through paid subscriptions.
It has gained popularity among writers, journalists, and content creators as a way to connect directly with audience and generate income from writing.
And that is it, each of these platforms offers unique features, so it's worth exploring which one aligns best with your blogging goals and target audience.
Ultimately, when deciding which blogging platform to use for your blog, it's best to consider your own needs and requirements in order to find the perfect fit for you.
Rounding it up
Finding the ideal blogging platform can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With the myriad of blogging platforms out there, there is a solution for every niche, budget, and skill level.
The grocery shopping joke 🛒 seemed so off 🤧 I'm bad at written jokes anyway. If you don't remember the joke 😅 it's up ☝🏾👆🏾 there at the introduction to blogging platforms and I noted that I would share my tailored recommendation based on the answers to the key questions;
What kind of blog do you want to create?
What features do you need from your platform?
How much customizability will you require ?
This is to help you define what type of platform is best for you and narrow down your choices. You do not have to try them all like me.
What kind of blog do you want to create?
Personal or Hobby Blog:
If you're looking to share your personal experiences or hobbies, Blogger might be the perfect fit. It's user-friendly and free, making it ideal for casual blogging. You can as well go for Tumblr if your hobby is also in fun things like memes images and so on Tumblr is fun.
Professional or Business Blog:
For a professional or business blog, WordPress is highly recommended due to its extensive customization options and powerful SEO capabilities and infinite possibilities. Another contending alternative is Wix just make sure cash is not your problem.
What features do you need from your platform?
Monetization Features:
If you're planning to monetize your blog, WordPress offers numerous plugins for ads, affiliate marketing, and e-commerce. Other platforms also have their way.
on Blogger you can place ads like integrating an ad network like Google Adsense.
on Wix you can directly sell products through an online store, you can also offer paid memberships or subscriptions, or display ads using Wix AdSense.
Substack only allows users to offer paid subscriptions to exclusive content, accept donations from readers. if you ise substack, you can also collaborate with sponsors for sponsored content or ads externally.
Medium users are only open to monetize their Medium articles through the Medium Partner Program, where they earn money based on engagement from paying members. You can still explore sponsored content opportunities.
In a similar way, on Hashnode users earn through the "Hashnode Writers Program" by earning rewards for high-quality content, or offer premium content to subscribers.
Irrespective of the platform you choose, you can always monetise your blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored content or any external product. All you have to do is to add links { link to an sponsored ad, link to affiliate, link to external products like eBooks and course and so on. }.
Social Media Integration:
There is a way to implement this on every blogging platform. use this site Search function. Lets proceed the post is getting longer
How much customizability will you require?
High Customizability:
For those who need full control over their blog's design and functionality, WordPress stands out with its vast array of themes and plugins. You can also achieve such freedom on Blogger with coding / web design (HTML, CSS, Javascript ); you can hire a designer and there are even thousands of third party templates you can explore.
Moderate Customizability:
If you want a balance between ease of use and customization, Wix also has a number of templates and offers a drag-and-drop editor with plenty of design options. You can just drag and drop build your style or even make use of their new AI service.
Remember, the best platform is one that aligns with your blogging objectives, technical skills, and the type of content you wish to produce.
If you want to ask about which platform is simpler to use in terms of technicality, I'd say all on this list are actually simple to adapt to. Once you pick a platform to start blogging, you would get found and get used to it. Just the way I got used to blogger and did not consider WordPress
You can still take the time to explore each option and choose the one that feels right for your blogging aspirations.
No matter what platform you choose, the most important thing to consider is how you will use it to reach your goals and serve your audience. Here are some other tips and things to know to get you started with the right platform.
