Are you considering starting a blog but unsure whether to go with WordPress or Blogger (also known as BlogSpot)? In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each platform to help you make an informed decision.
WordPress and Blogger (by Google) are two of the most popular blogging platforms. If you are just starting to explore the world of blogging, you might be wondering which one to pick.
Both platforms have their benefits and drawbacks, and the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and goals.
Self-hosted WordPress rules the blogosphere. It’s one of the most popular CMS (content management system) powering more than 1/3 of the Internet. WordPress is an open source, free tool for building your own websites and blogs.
Automattic, the company behind WordPress also provides a hosted website platform through WordPress.com. Do not confuse WordPress platform available for free download on WordPress.org with the hosted service at WordPress.com. When I say WordPress, I am referring to the open source software that you use with your own web hosting.
Free WordPress.com blog
If you plan to use the free version of WordPress.com, you will have very limited control over the blog. The choice of themes will be just a handful. Also, you won’t have the flexibility to customize your blog with plug-ins. This means you will not be able to add various desired functions or features in your blog.
A free blog on WordPress.com is not suitable for those who want to make money though their blogs.
Free WordPress.com blog is not recommended!
Free Blogger (BlogSpot) blog
Blogger is free and easy to use, making it a great choice for anyone on a tight budget. It is recommended for anyone looking to start a free blog.
You just go to Blogger.com and create a new account (or use your existing Google account). You will be presented with an easy process to pick your blog name, a free URL address such as myblog.blogspot.com, and your blog is ready. You can also customize your blog with free templates and display Google AdSense ads to monetize it.
No need to pay for hosting. You can also add your own custom domain with Blogger and make it look like a professional website or blog.
However, the biggest downside to Blogger is its limited SEO features, which was introduced fairly recently. You don’t have the same control over meta descriptions and other tags like self-hosted WordPress, which can severely limit your ability to compete with other bloggers in your niche.
Always start your Blogger.com blog with a custom domain name. You start blogging with an investment of just a few dollars spent on domain registration. When your blog grows and you start making money, move to a self-hosted WordPress blog.
If you have enough money to invest, get your own domain name and web hosting to set up your self-hosted WordPress blog.
Self-hosted WordPress blog
WordPress is one of the most popular blogging platforms out there, and for good reason. It’s highly customizable, with a wide range of themes and plugins available to enhance your blog’s functionality. However, if you choose to go with the free version of WordPress.com, you’ll have limited control over your blog and may struggle to monetize it through advertising.
WordPress is an open source blogging platform, available for free. You can download and host it on your on web hosting server, and use it freely for commercial and personal purposes under the GNU Public License.
You will need to register a domain name (GoDaddy, Namecheap or any good registrar) and web hosting. It will cost around $100 to buy web hosting and register a domain for your self-hosted WordPress blog. You don’t need to buy themes as free WP themes are great too.
Is it worth spending $100 to get your self-hosted WordPress blog up and running?
Yes. Self-hosted WordPress is the recommended method for starting your blog. (This blog is also powered by the WordPress CMS platform.)
$100 may seem like a steep cost, but consider the time and effort you’ll be putting into your blog. Investing in your own website will yield better results for your hard work and enable you to grow faster. By skimping on a good platform, you could be missing out on opportunities to earn thousands of dollars a month.
Search engine optimization (SEO) is also important for any blog, and WordPress makes it easy to optimize your content for search engines with its range of SEO plugins.
WordPress vs Blogger: Who’s the Winner?
So, which platform is the winner in the WordPress vs Blogger battle? Ultimately, it depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re short on cash, a free BlogSpot blog might be the way to go. However, if you’re serious about blogging and willing to invest a little money upfront, a self-hosted WordPress blog is the recommended option.
Whichever platform you choose, remember that success in blogging requires discipline, perseverance, and hard work. So, pick your winner and get to blogging!