I can't think of a more common concern or question among both novice and veteran bloggers alike: which blogging platform should I pick? Aside from learning how to blog, it's an almost universal concern.
And there is no one-size-fits-all answer. All bloggers NEED to own their domain names, but choice of the platform is mainly dependent on the specific blogger's requirements. That said, I've compiled a list of advantages and disadvantages of the two primary platform choices below.
Hosted Platforms
Hosted platforms refer to services whereby a service provider gives you access to their software, hardware, and network connection, and you create a blogging account to use on their platform. With a hosted blog, you have access to an administrative panel for your blog, and that's it.
Standard hosted platforms include solutions like Typepad, LiveJournal, and Blogger.
Advantages of Hosted Platforms
1. Cheap: many are free; some (like TypePad) are offered with multiple price points
2. Easy to get started: just signup for an account and then quickly learn how to create blog posts
3. Automatic updates: you needn't concern yourself with keeping hosted software patched and updated.
Disadvantages of Hosted Platforms
1. Rigid: there are fewer customization options with hosted platforms.
2. Fewer design options: you usually only get to select from a limited number of mediocre designs, and you often can't make improvements to them
3. Generic URL: some hosted platforms don't offer the option to use your own URL
4. Less control: you are at the mercy of the platform
5. Migration issues: migrating from many free hosted platforms results in a lot of effort and often the temporary loss of search engine rankings
Self-hosted Platforms
Self-hosted platforms consist of your own web hosting account with a host, and the blogging software you install on the host's server. With a self-hosted blog, you have access to an administrative panel for your blog, but you also have access to a server account and the blog software where you can do almost anything.
Popular self-hosted software includes WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
Advantages of Self-hosted Platforms
1. Design flexibility: you have full control over design and layout
2. Great software: the best software exists on self-hosted platforms
3. Custom URL: custom URL's are ubiquitous on self-hosted platforms
4. Adaptability: your blog can change as your needs change
5. Easy migration: should you ever need to migrate to a different platform or another server, migrating is a snap
Disadvantages of Self-hosted Platforms
1. Difficult setup: setup can sometimes be difficult, but this can be overcome with a good blogs how to
2. Cost: while the blogging software is free, the hosting platform will cost you money
3. Hosting issues: unless you choose a good host, you might have to suffer from down-time or poor support
4. Upgrades: you will need to keep your software patched
Most of of my blogs are self-hosted, and it's what I generally recommend to anyone looking to create a professional presence. There are too many benefits to turn down, and you usually have the choice to host many blogs and domains on one account, driving the cost per blog down to a small amount.
And there is no one-size-fits-all answer. All bloggers NEED to own their domain names, but choice of the platform is mainly dependent on the specific blogger's requirements. That said, I've compiled a list of advantages and disadvantages of the two primary platform choices below.
Hosted Platforms
Hosted platforms refer to services whereby a service provider gives you access to their software, hardware, and network connection, and you create a blogging account to use on their platform. With a hosted blog, you have access to an administrative panel for your blog, and that's it.
Standard hosted platforms include solutions like Typepad, LiveJournal, and Blogger.
Advantages of Hosted Platforms
1. Cheap: many are free; some (like TypePad) are offered with multiple price points
2. Easy to get started: just signup for an account and then quickly learn how to create blog posts
3. Automatic updates: you needn't concern yourself with keeping hosted software patched and updated.
Disadvantages of Hosted Platforms
1. Rigid: there are fewer customization options with hosted platforms.
2. Fewer design options: you usually only get to select from a limited number of mediocre designs, and you often can't make improvements to them
3. Generic URL: some hosted platforms don't offer the option to use your own URL
4. Less control: you are at the mercy of the platform
5. Migration issues: migrating from many free hosted platforms results in a lot of effort and often the temporary loss of search engine rankings
Self-hosted Platforms
Self-hosted platforms consist of your own web hosting account with a host, and the blogging software you install on the host's server. With a self-hosted blog, you have access to an administrative panel for your blog, but you also have access to a server account and the blog software where you can do almost anything.
Popular self-hosted software includes WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
Advantages of Self-hosted Platforms
1. Design flexibility: you have full control over design and layout
2. Great software: the best software exists on self-hosted platforms
3. Custom URL: custom URL's are ubiquitous on self-hosted platforms
4. Adaptability: your blog can change as your needs change
5. Easy migration: should you ever need to migrate to a different platform or another server, migrating is a snap
Disadvantages of Self-hosted Platforms
1. Difficult setup: setup can sometimes be difficult, but this can be overcome with a good blogs how to
2. Cost: while the blogging software is free, the hosting platform will cost you money
3. Hosting issues: unless you choose a good host, you might have to suffer from down-time or poor support
4. Upgrades: you will need to keep your software patched
Most of of my blogs are self-hosted, and it's what I generally recommend to anyone looking to create a professional presence. There are too many benefits to turn down, and you usually have the choice to host many blogs and domains on one account, driving the cost per blog down to a small amount.
About the Author:
Jared is the programmer of a popular plugin suite for WordPress blogs and a partner in the publishing company that created the best-selling blogging program Blogging in Action. Jared helps people learn how to create blog properties the right way, and coaches them on effective methods to bring traffic to blogs.
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