How To Choose The Best Blogging Platform In 2024?

First thing first… 

There are two aspects to consider when choosing a blogging platform:

• Either you want to make money. 
• Or you are not doing it for money.

Based on that, you define the features you need for a successful blog. But before you actually get into the considerations, let’s quickly see the choices to have.

Top Blogging Platforms To Choose

Here is the list of blogging platforms to choose from.

Okay, now that you know the blogging platforms are available to you, the question is, How do you choose the best blogging platform?

Consideration-1: Assess Your Budget

Outlining your financial parameters will significantly narrow your choices. Are you willing to pay for ads or a subscription? Would you prefer a platform that cuts your share of the ad revenue? 

WordPress.org and platforms like Ghost, which require you to arrange your hosting, may initially seem pricier. However, they can work out cheaper if you grow your blog to a point where traffic starts significantly impacting your hosting cost. 

(i) Free Options Are Great for Beginners And Minimalists 

For those averse to monetary commitments, free platforms like Blogger, WordPress.com, Medium, Write.as etc., offer a no-cost start. They’re especially great for writers who want to focus on content and aren’t overly concerned with advanced site customization. 

(ii) Paid Platforms Offer More Control And Monetization 

Recognize that you often get what you pay for. Subscriptions to services like Squarespace, Medium’s Partner Program, and custom self-hosted solutions unlock premium features and, in some cases, a revenue stream. 

Consideration-2: Define Your Blog’s Purpose And Long-Term Goals

Before you sign up for anything, it’s essential to nail down why you want to blog in the first place. Is it a personal passion project, an extension of your professional services, or a focused business venture? 

(i) Hobbyists And Casual Bloggers – Free Platforms Can Be Ideal 

If you’re blogging just for the love of it, platforms like Blogger and WordPress.com offer free, easy-to-use setups. They’re a great training ground and, depending on the niche can be sufficient for a small, engaged readership. 

(ii) Semi-Professional Bloggers – Think About Upgrading 

Those looking for a more personal yet professional edge should consider the restrictions of a free platform. Upgrading to hosted WordPress, or services like Wix and Squarespace, can offer the next level of control, branding, and analytics tools. 

(iii) Pro Bloggers – A Paid Platform Could Be A Wiser Investment 

For serious bloggers and businesses, the freedom of a self-hosted site on a CMS like WordPress.org or a specialized platform like Substack could be worth the annual fee. Not only do you get to be ad-free, but you have far more flexibility and complete ownership of your content. 

Consideration-3: Consider Themes And Templates

Your platform’s look and feel greatly affect user perception. Most bloggers aren’t web designers, so making pre-built designs and flexibility are key factors. 

(i) Customizability Is King For Professional Ambitions 

Platforms like WordPress and Joomla allow for extensive theming with plenty of free and premium templates. Those with HTML and CSS skills might enjoy Craft CMS, offering the flexibility to create a unique look from scratch. 

(ii) Out-of-the-Box Aesthetics Can Be Sufficient For Beginners 

Beginners might appreciate the set-and-forget ease of Blogger, Wix, and Squarespace. Here, a well-crafted template means less time spent tweaking and more time publishing. 

Consideration-4: Content Editor — Your Blog’s Command Center

Your writing and editing experience can define your daily blogging happiness. A user-friendly content editor with advanced features might tip the scales for some. 

(i) WYSIWYG Editors Are Blogger-Friendly 

If drag-and-drop simplicity is your thing, Wix and Squarespace provide some of the easiest editors to use. WordPress isn’t far behind, with a reputation for straightforward content management that’s hard to beat. 

(ii) Advanced Bloggers Might Opt For Markdown And HTML 

For tech-savvy creators who want full control, platforms like Contently or Craft CMS, which allow Markdown and even code-based editing, can be very compelling. 

Consideration-5: SEO Features And Tools

No platform will do the SEO heavy lifting for you, but some offer more supportive frameworks than others. 

(i) Content Optimization At Your Fingertips 

WordPress reigns supreme in its suite of SEO plugins, such as Yoast SEO or All In One SEO Pack. These tools guide you through optimizing your content for search engines. Thus making it a favourite for those serious about growing their blog through organic traffic.

Consideration-6: Integrations — Extending Your Blog’s Capabilities

Extensions and third-party integrations are the cherry on top of your blogging sundae. They can range from analytics and email marketing to e-commerce and community building.

E-Commerce, Analytics, And More 

Platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix offer extensive marketplaces for various plug-ins and integrations, including e-commerce solutions and in-depth analytics services. 

Over To You – Which Is The Right Blogging Platform For You? 

Well, we have already shared the considerations. Now, it’s up to you.

Take a pen and paper.

Write down all the considerations. Then, jot down the top 5 blogging platforms according to your requirements.

Then, get deeper into your requirements and eliminate the choices. Going this way will help you reach one or two options.

Boom! You are good to go.

Read Also:

• How To Pick A Profitable Blog Niche?
• 63 Blogging Tools For 2024 And Beyond
• The Future Of Blogging After ChatGPT: Is Blogging Still Relevant?