1. Choosing the Right Blog Software
There are 4 types of blogging platforms to choose from:
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1. Free Versions
A great option if you’re new to blogging with a budget of $0 and zero technology knowledge.
They are perfect for:
- New blogger
- A Curious blogger (someone who wants to test the waters)
- Anyone who’s not comfortable with writing but wants to practice
- With no budget (looking for a free solution)
- Not very techie (no IT knowledge whatsoever)
They Have Certain Limitations:
- Some of them don’t let you use a custom blog URL (ex: http://yourname.wordpress.com). So if you really want to use your own domain name, you might have to consider other alternatives.
- Limited file storage
- You don’t own your content (read their policies!)
- Limited flexibility in terms of adding new features
- Some might show ads
- Limited support (mainly via help sections or community)
- and many more
Nonetheless, it’s a still a great way to get started with those platforms especially if you’re new to blogging.
Some platforms such as Medium or Tumblr offer you blog post tagging features which will make them discoverable through their social networks. Generating traffic to your new blog can be a challenge. Using some of those free versions will allow you to drive interest to your content by leveraging the social network aspect of the blog platform.
List of Free blogging platforms
WordPress.com (My recommendation for this challenge)
Tumblr.com (I used this for my first ever blog Lifebehinda.com)
Svbtle.com (never used it but it’s becoming popular)
Blogger.com (owned by Google, among the oldest platforms)
Medium.com (co-founder of Twitter launched it.)
Linkedin.com (a new feature where now you can write a post on Linkedin)
2. Paid Limited Versions
A great option if you want more flexibility with your blog without having to deal with much technology challenges and you’re willing to spend between $8.25-$11/month USD
Perfect for:
- New blogger
- With limited budget
- Wants to customize look and feel
- Using your own blog domain name
- Not very techie (no IT knowledge whatsoever)
List of blogging platforms
WordPress.com (Features & Pricing) (My recommendation)
3. Self-Hosted Versions
A great option if you want extensive flexibility, own your content, don’t mind dealing with IT stuff and willing to spend between $5-$15/month USD
Perfect for:
- New blogger with IT knowledge
- A bit more serious bloggers
- Budget is somewhat limited
- Wants to customize look and feel
- Using your own blog domain name
Note that you will need a hosting account. I recommend Bluehost Hosting (I’m an affiliate partner). I’ve been using for 4 years and it’s a platform recommended by all experts (ex: Michael Hyatt & Pat Flynn) including WordPress themselves.
List of Free blogging platforms
WordPress.org (My recommendation)
4. Paid Outsourced Versions
A perfect solution for those that want extensive flexibility, own your content and not have to deal with any IT related matters. It will cost between $25-$95/month USD
List of Free blogging platforms
The following companies offer WordPress only hosting and support:
WebSynthesis (My recommendation)
I currently use WebSynthesis for my AlaaHassan.com website and my OptimizeandProfit.com blog. They have amazing support!
I always recommend BlueHost as a great solution for your hosting needs but I never tried their WordPress only option.
I discovered this company recently and I’ve been hearing great things about them. I’ve never used them yet but do plan on testing their WordPress only hosting solution which seems to be differentiating itself as a simple to use platform.
I currently use NewRainmaker for passionTribe.com. It’s more expensive and comes all sorts of bells & whistles such as memberships, podcasting, landing pages and so on. If you plan on making money with your blog, it’s a great solution but you need might need to be more established before making it a worthwhile investment. They have amazing support!