Choosing The Right Blogging Platform For Your Blog
It is very frequent to see bloggers
face dilemma when it comes to selecting the right blog platform. Should you
host your blog on its own domain or on a free blogging platform like
WordPress.com? Unfortunately, there is no fix answer for the question as
different bloggers require different blogging features. Some blog platforms are
much more suited for the hobby bloggers and others to more professional
blogging application. Fact is there are both pros and cons for both. With that
being said, I am not going to tell you which blog platform you be supposed to
use. Instead, I am going to compare both choices and let you make a decision
for yourself.
Blogs are a great way to give your
employees a voice and an outlet for them to air grievances and issues.
Most executives and human resources professionals find this a very helpful
tool, and it definitely doesn't take a masters degree in organizational
leadership to know
this.
Free Blogging
Platforms
Free blogging
platforms are websites
that offer free hosting service that comes with blogging tools. Blog hosted on
free blogging platforms normally runs on a third level domain name (something
like http://www.blogname.blogspot.com). Many bloggers start out with free
blogging platform as they are easy and free to use. It requires minimum IT
knowledge to publish web content and there are little web maintenance job to be
done. WordPress, Blogger, Blogster, and Bravenet are some of the names that
offer free blogging platform.
It’s worth noting that not all hosted
blogs (blog hosted by others, on a third level domain) are running free. Blogs
on TypePad for example, require monthly subscription fees.
Blog on Its Own
Hosting and Domain
The other sort of blog platform is the
kind of blog that hosted on its own domain/web server and is run on a stand
alone blogging platform. WordPress.org (different from WordPress.com),
B2Evolution, Greymatter, and TextPattern are some of the big names for such
service. These services normally come free along with your hosting package and
can be installed easily.
What’s Good About
Free Blogging Platforms?
The biggest advantage of a free
blogging platform is that it requires zero operation cost. Blogging platforms
like WordPress.com and Blogger.com are totally free of charge. On the other
hand, blogs running on its own domain/hosting comes with domain registration
and web hosting cost.
Free blogging platforms are often
recommended for the hobby bloggers as it requires minimum maintenance. You
don’t have to go detail with the hosting as things are all settled by the
admin. Database setup, blogging tools installation, server configuration – all
these are none of your business when you pick up free blogging platform. All
you need to do is select your blog name and start writing.
How About Blog on
Its Own Hosting/Domain?
While blog on its own hosting/domain
requires extra time and money; there are several advantages that free blogs
can’t offer. Generally, these type of blogs work better when it comes to
monetization and advance web designs.
Blog running on its
own hosting/domain allows advance web designs and developments as
server usage is more flexible. For example access of .ht-access enable website
redirects; robots.txt enable search engine bots control, and access of cgi bin
allows bloggers to install advance web features on their blogs.
Some free blogging platforms
(WordPress.com for example) prohibit their users to monetize their blog. You
will not have such problem with blog on its own hosting/domain. Also, a blog
with its own hosting/domain is better when it comes to branding and web
marketing. A free blog long URL is hard to remember and it gives the image of
part-timer. Many advertisers are reluctant to buy ads on a free blog and most
webmasters are unwilling to joint venture with free blog owners.
What is The Right
Option for You?
Back to our question: which blogging
platform should you go with? The answer is in your hand. Are you a hobby
blogger? What is the goal of your blog? Do you plan to blog for long term? Do
you plan to sell your blog in future? Do you wish to monetize your blog? Do you
have extra budget if you wish to host your blog on its own domain? These are
the questions to ask before you make up your mind.
Generally, a free blog is best for
those who do not wish to spend much time and money; while blog with its own
hosting/domain is for those who are more serious about blogging.
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