Last Updated on September 19, 2022 by Arif Chowdhury
A blogging platform such as WordPress uses CMS (Content Management System), and you have complete control over it. Other blogging platforms exist, for example, Medium or HubPages. However, you have minimal control over these platforms. They may be excellent if you want quick cash from display ads. There are many other ways to earn income through blogging, but this is just a tiny taste.
In 2021, the definition of blogging had already shifted owing to the explosive expansion of the blogging industry. Twitter and Tumblr, two microblogging networks that recently included payment options, now allow bloggers to publish their work. Writers searching for alternatives to blogging may be interested in hybrid blogs like Substack’s mailing features.
So, it might be tough to focus your search when so many blogging options are available. So, in this guide, we will show you how to identify the best blogging platform to make money based on your needs and budget.
WordPress Platform is No#1.
WordPress is a well-known free, open-source platform. WordPress is often used as a blogging and landing page. It has a broad appeal since it is a non-technical platform—many small and large businesses, such as Fortune 500, utilize WordPress.
You may also use Medium, Vocal, and other readymade-profitable blogging platforms, but you do not have any control there. However, if you want to publish a guest post, these platforms can be a possible choice.
But if you want to build a blogging business, then WordPress should be your final decision.
Should I use Blogger or WordPress?
Blogger is the best choice for newbie writers; I mean those who want to do causal blogging. However, WordPress is an excellent alternative to Blogger because of its available features regarding serious blogging. In addition, WordPress is the most refined platform for generating money or for building a serious business.
Blogger Platform.
Blogger, previously known as BlogSpot, makes it simple to create a blog and publish and share content with the world. BlogSpot is the ideal choice if you don’t want to generate money from your blog and don’t have a lot of technological expertise.
Although it has several functional and SEO constraints, BlogSpot is the best option if you only need a platform to begin a blog for very little money.
BlogSpot isn’t the best platform for making money from your blog, establishing authority, or enhancing your brand. Therefore, if you plan to make money for a long time or make a living from it, then don’t choose Blogger.
Quick Note: Do not distract from free blogging platforms; if you want to earn money full-time from blogging, then paid platform is the best. They offer the best website builder, Google analytics integration, affiliate links promotions, and simple drag-and-drop solution for whole blogging management.
WordPress Platform.
One of the best blogging platforms is WordPress.org. WordPress is the best option for those who desire total control over their blog.
You can do whatever you want with it, such as store your data, display ads, sell your goods, and utilize it for business purposes.
It is possible to add SEO-enhancing plugins to your blog, giving you even more control over your site’s visibility. For example, a plugin like Yoast may help you use the newest SEO techniques.
Using WordPress, you are free to do what you choose.
You need to have a hosting server, though. A WordPress blog hosted on your server is entirely up to you regarding setup and maintenance.
No matter how difficult anything first seems to be, the unrivaled degree of assistance provided by the community of WordPress users and developers will quickly teach you everything you want.
Quick Note: WordPress.org and WordPress.com are two separate websites. WordPress.org offers you 100% ownership of your blog, while WordPress.com is like Wix or Blogger sites. For your affiliate marketing, Google AdSense, banner advertisement, and all other freedom can only be achievable by WordPress.org, which can be installed on any hosting platform.
How do I start a WordPress blog?
To start a WordPress blog, follow our step-by-step guidelines.
Step #1: Hosting service and domain name.
When making money using a blog, choosing a profitable niche is vital. Besides, you must do two other actions to make your blog search engine optimized or available to people worldwide.
- Hosting – is the home of your website. If you look closely enough, you can find a hosting company behind any website. A reliable and fast hosting service is essential to rank higher in search engines.
- Domain – your blog’s URL will always be accessible from this location. Take a look at cliobra.com as an example. If you’re having trouble picking on a name or understanding how a domain name functions and choosing one, read our guide below.
Recommended Reading: How to Choose a Domain Name for Your Business? (Practical Guide)
Step #2: Most hosting platforms offer a 1-click WordPress install.
You must download and install the WordPress platform to start a blog.
However, it is simple to get started with WordPress, even if you do not have any experience.
When you finished the registration procedure, the most popular hosting service may have sent you an email with instructions on how to access your cPanel. From there, you can install WordPress with a click of a mouse button.
Step #3: Start writing content.
As you learn more about WordPress blogs, you may be tempted to start one. So why not publish your first article?
First, let’s publish 5-10 pieces of blog content. Then, after two weeks, when you become more familiar with WordPress, customize it and give it a professional look.
Step #4: Customize your WordPress blog.
As a WordPress user, you’ll be given access to various arsenals, such as themes and add-ons (plugins). There is a slew of distinctions between the two concepts.
- Themes – the overall look of your website depends on it.
- Plugins – you can add additional features with this function.
A theme is pre-installed on your blog when you first create it. The setup process will display it as well. However, you can change it any time you want.
Step #5: Some essential customization options.
WordPress themes tend to focus more on the design and aesthetics of your site. However, for better functions, this is where plugins come in.
To start with WordPress, you can publish new blog posts or create new pages.
For example, if you utilize plugins, you may add more features. Here are some essential plugins you should install.
- Contact forms for your customers.
- Social media share buttons.
- Site backup (although most hosting provider has a built-in backup option.)
- SEO tools (such as Yoast.)
Recommended Reading: 7 Easy Steps How to Build a WordPress Website from Scratch
Is WordPress hard to learn?
Generally speaking, it entirely depends on your capability and skills. Experienced bloggers will say it is easy to learn, while newbies will say it is hard. WordPress development is much more difficult for a novice than an experienced one, even though a beginner may create a website with minimal technical knowledge.
However, building a WordPress site vs. utilizing it is a huge difference.
Is Wix or WordPress better?
In a nutshell, if you are a newbie or don’t bother to take complete control of your site, then Wix might be a better choice for you than WordPress. But, at the same time, those who want total control of their site should choose WordPress.
Choosing between Wix and WordPress for your website-building requirements is entirely up to you.
Wix is an excellent option for individuals who want a package solution but lack the technical ability to make it work. However, a CMS like WordPress is your best choice if you wish for creative flexibility and admin control.
To provide you with an accurate view of the benefits and drawbacks of each platform, we’ve combined our expertise in designing websites with in-depth market research.
Wix pricing range: $4.5 – $24.5/month
There is a free plan with Wix. However, we don’t advocate it because of many reasons.
- They will display ads on your site without any permission from you.
- You cannot purchase a domain name; instead, they will force you to use their subdomain.
- No selling options; thus, you cannot sell your product online.
- Regular support services, no priority, unlike other paid plans.
Here you will find the Wix subscription plan and various features that may be beneficial and some you do not need.
WordPress average cost: $0 – $150
You may use WordPress since it is a free content management system. Although a content management system (CMS) is essential, beginning an online business takes a lot more. Unlike Wix and other website builders, you must host it on a hosting server with WordPress and other CMSs.
- Hosting service – average cost $6 per month.
- Domain name – average cost $13 per month.
To add any more functionality, you’ll have to put up a significant amount of cash.
- Premium theme – average cost $25 – $149 (one-time)
- Free and premium plugins – average cost $0 – $50 per plugin
To get a working WordPress site up and operating, even though it is free, you must spend between $0 and $150 upfront and between $10 and $30 every month.
Compared to WordPress, Wix offers more package choices for beginners and advanced users, making it a superior alternative. However, WordPress is the way to go if you’re an experienced web developer trying to build a large brand.