Blogging is everywhere, and as there are many types of blogs, there are also many types of blog platforms. Here are the five most popular blogging platforms to help make your decision a little easier.
Blogger.com -- As far as free blogging goes, Blogger is the most well known and user friendly. Owned by Google, Blogger makes it easy to get started. Just a few clicks, a name, and you're on your way. Most Blogger blogs have the URL "yourblog.blogspot.com," but bloggers can use a custom URL as well. Blogger also offers access to statistics and monetization through Google AdSense.
Blogger has come a long way in the past few years, offering more templates and customization options to their users. If you're looking for something simple, clean, and free, Blogger is an excellent choice.
Wordpress.com -- Another free platform, Wordpress.com also allows bloggers to get up and running in no time. Do not confuse it with Wordpress.org, which is discussed below. At wordpress.com, users get their own wordpress URL, yourblog.wordpress.com, but can also use a custom URL if preferred.
Wordpress offers hundreds of free and customizable themes for their blogs, as well as 3 gigs of storage space (about 2,500 pictures). Users also have access to a wide support system.
If you are looking for free blogging, but want a little more customization and more features, Wordpress.com might be for you.
tumblr -- One of the newer platforms out there, tumblr started for those who wanted to "microblog," or post smaller elements of content. Think quotes, short conversations, or a photo. Like Blogger and Wordpress.com, users are given a URL "yourblog.tumblr.com," but can also use a custom URL. Tumblr offers hundreds of themes, both free and premium, or users can create their own theme.
One drawback to tumblr is that users can "re-blog" other users' content. While the original blogger is always given credit, this duplicate content can have a negative effect on search engine results.
If you're looking to publish short posts, quotes, or photos with a user friendly interface, check out tumblr.
Wordpress.org -- Not to be confused with Wordpress.com, Wordpress.org offers the free downloadable Wordpress software, but users must secure their own Web hosting and domain. This gives users more control over their site and design and places more responsibility on the site owner.
Wordpress.org offers thousands of themes, both free or not, and gives users the ability to use hundreds of plugins and run ads on their site. If you are ready to take your blogging to the next level and host your own site, Wordpress.org is the option for you.
Other platform choices:
Typepad -- Start with a free version, or pay as little as $8.95 per month for ready made or customizable designs, user friendly interface, and professional support.
LiveJournal -- Each user has a journal page showing their most recent entries, with links to comments. LiveJournal also offers customizable templates and friends lists.
Posterous -- Another free site, Posterous makes creating a blog post as easy as sending an email. Much like Tumblr, Posterous is for the blogger who wants to share smaller content and photos.
Now that you've selected a platform that best suits your needs, get started with the basics of starting a blog and start sharing!
Leigh Ann Torres - Leigh Ann Torres is a freelance writer living in Austin, TX. A mother to three children ages three and under, including a set of identical ...
