Are you ready to start your blog but unsure how to choose the best blogging platform? Considering an array of possibilities, it may be daunting. How do you know which platform is right for your needs?
In the following article, we’ll lead you through electing the best CMS for blogging platforms by comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular solutions for you to get started. Plus, we’ll help you find the perfect platform to share your voice and make money from your blog, and if you want to learn How To Create A Successful Blog To Earn Money Online click here.
Let’s start with some eye-opening stats.
Out of nearly two billion websites worldwide, over 600 million are blogs. Every year, ventures and freelance writers write over three billion blog articles and their research on different channels. There’s something valuable happening here.
So, can you make money from blogging?
Absolutely!
However, it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme (and let’s be honest, you should steer clear of those). According to Indeed, the average US blogger earns around $31,000 annually. While that might not sound like much, many bloggers are finding ways to boost their income through smart strategies.
The money you earn as a blogger will be mainly dictated by the size of your audience and the volume of traffic you can produce. The larger your following, the more money you can potentially make. In fact, some bloggers earn upwards of $100,000 a year!
Curious how they do it? Be sure to check out our article on Types of Blogs that Make Money for insights.
That said, earning six figures is not the norm—especially for beginners. But here’s the catch: it won’t happen if you don’t choose the right blogging platform that aligns with your goals and needs.
Table of Contents
What Is a CMS or Blogging Platform?
A blogging platform is a tool or service that bloggers use to create, publish, and manage their content by writing and publishing articles. This content can range from traditional text-based blogs to more visual formats like images or videos.
Many blogging platforms allow users to build a complete website, often with a custom domain name, providing more flexibility for personalization and monetization opportunities. These platforms offer greater control over the look and functionality of your site.
On the other hand, some platforms keep bloggers within their ecosystem. While this limits customization, it offers the advantage of access to the platform’s existing audience, potentially boosting visibility.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Blogging Platform
When you’re setting out to create a blog that generates income, choosing the right blogging platform is crucial. Here are the key factors to consider when picking the best platform to meet your needs:
1. Monetization
Since you’re aiming to make money from your blog, monetization options should be a top priority. Not every platform makes it simple to convert your content into money. Depending on your strategy, you might want to monetize through various methods like:
- Offering subscription-based content
- Selling online courses
- Promoting affiliate products
- Selling ad space
Make sure the platform you choose supports the ways you plan to monetize your blog. Some platforms may limit your ability to implement specific strategies, so it’s essential to find one that aligns with your goals. You can also read The Comprehensive Guide to Monetization.
2. Customization
Do you need full control over your site’s design and functionality? Some bloggers prefer to build their websites from scratch, requiring access to the backend for custom coding and advanced features. Others might be happy with a more simplified, pre-built design. If you need to customize every aspect of your site, free blogging platforms may not offer the flexibility you need. Paid platforms often provide more robust customization options, letting you tailor your blog to your exact preferences.
3. Cost
Blogging can be free, but most serious bloggers encounter costs along the way. Fees for platforms, web hosting, themes, plugins, and marketing tools are common. Your chosen platform might bundle these into one payment, or they could come as add-ons. It’s important to choose a platform that fits your budget now, but also has the potential to grow as your blog scales.
4. Ease of Use
Some platforms are extremely user-friendly, requiring no technical skills, making them great for beginners. If you’re simply writing and publishing blog posts, a basic content management system (CMS) will do the job. But if you have a plan to integrate complex features like membership options or affiliate marketing plugins, you’ll need a platform that offers these capabilities—even if it’s a bit more challenging to use. Finding a balance between ease of use and functionality is key.
In summary, the right blogging platform for you depends on how you plan to make money, the level of control you want, your budget, and your technical abilities. AimfulMind provides an excellent resource for exploring the best options to help you achieve your blogging goals.
WordPress.org: The Leading Blogging Platform for 2024
WordPress.org is by far the most popular blogging platform in the world, powering over 43% of all websites on the internet since its launch in 2003. Many people need clarification on it with WordPress.com, although the two are different. WordPress.org is a self-hosted, open-source platform that gives you complete control over your website or blog. Want to know the difference? Check out our guide comparing WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com.
If you’re looking for a flexible, scalable blogging platform with the potential to grow, WordPress.org is the perfect choice.
Pros of WordPress.org:
- Complete Control: WordPress.org allows full customization, letting you scale your blog as your audience grows. You can add forums, paid memberships, online courses, or even an online store, making it ideal for monetizing your blog.
- Design Flexibility: With thousands of free WordPress themes, you can create a unique blog that stands out. These themes come with customization options for colors, fonts, and layout, giving you full creative control without needing to touch code.
- Tons of Plugins: With access to over 59,000 free plugins, you can easily add new features to your blog—like contact forms, image galleries, and social media integration. We recommend checking out our list of must-have WordPress plugins to get started.
- SEO Friendly: WordPress has been effectively optimized for search engines. You can create SEO-friendly URLs, tags, and categories, and boost your rankings with a variety of SEO plugins.
- Easy Analytics: Integrating Google Analytics into WordPress is simple, helping you track vital stats and grow your blog’s traffic and subscriber base.
- Drag-and-Drop Editor: WordPress’ intuitive editor allows you to create stunning multimedia content with ease. You can also embed videos, social media feeds, Google AdSense, and more, all without needing any technical skills.
Cons of WordPress.org:
- Learning Curve: Setting up and managing your own website requires some familiarity with the WordPress dashboard and backend. But don’t worry—once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to make the most of its powerful features.
- Backup and Security: You’re responsible for managing your own backups and security, but with the right plugins, this can be automated and hassle-free.
Pricing
While the WordPress software itself is free, you’ll need a domain name (typically around $14.99/year) and hosting (starting at about $7.99/month). However, if you’re just starting, you can get a special deal through Bluehost, an official WordPress recommended hosting provider, offering a discounted rate of $1.99/month plus a free domain name.
For a full guide on how to start your WordPress blog, check out our step-by-step tutorial.
Why WordPress is the Best Choice
It is for sure that WordPress.org is an excellent choice for personal and professional blogs for more than a decade. Many of the world’s top bloggers use WordPress due to its ease of use and the extensive functionality it offers. Beyond just blogging, you can also use WordPress to create small business websites or even a fully functional online store. For more details, see our complete guide on building a WordPress website.
WordPress.org remains the go-to platform for anyone serious about building a successful blog or online business.
2. Hostinger Website Builder: AI-Powered Simplicity for Your Blog or Website
Hostinger Website Builder is an all-in-one solution perfect for building a blog, small business site, portfolio, or online store. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), this platform makes creating a website incredibly easy. Just answer three questions, and Hostinger’s AI instantly generates a site for you, complete with customizable text and images. You can further personalize your site using a drag-and-drop editor to make it uniquely yours.
As one of the leading web hosting providers, Hostinger offers more than just a website builder. Most plans include web hosting, a free domain name, business email, and other essential features to get your site online quickly and easily.
Pros:
- AI-Powered Website Creation: Quickly build your blog or site using AI and 150+ pre-designed templates.
- Drag-and-Drop Editor: Easily customize layouts, add new features, and create additional pages.
- eCommerce Ready: Supports 20+ payment gateways without extra transaction fees for your online store.
- SEO Built-In: Optimize your site for search engines with built-in SEO tools for better Google rankings.
Cons:
- Limited Plugins/Add-ons: Unlike WordPress.org, Hostinger doesn’t offer third-party plugins for additional customization.
- Challenging Template Switches: Once you choose a template, switching to a new one can be difficult.
- No Free Plan: While there’s no free option, Hostinger offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pricing:
AimfulMind readers can access exclusive discounts, with the Premium plan starting at just $2.69 per month. This includes AI site creation, eCommerce support, and more. The Business subscription has additional capabilities and starts at $3.59 per month.
If you’re a small business or blogger looking for a user-friendly alternative to WordPress, Hostinger Website Builder is a great value-packed option.
3. Wix: Build a Stunning Blog with No Coding Needed
Wix is a widely-used hosted platform that offers an intuitive drag-and-drop website builder, perfect for small businesses and bloggers. Founded in 2006, Wix allows anyone—regardless of coding experience—to create a beautiful website or blog. With over 110 million users worldwide, it’s a top choice for beginners looking to establish an online presence quickly and effortlessly.
Pros:
- Customizable Templates: Choose from dozens of templates and third-party add-ons to tailor your site.
- No Coding Required: Use drag-and-drop tools to build your site without any HTML or technical knowledge.
- Quick Setup: Get your site live fast with Wix’s easy-to-use platform.
Cons:
- Free Version Limitations: The free plan includes Wix branding and ads, which might not be ideal for professional blogs.
- Limited Free Apps: Free third-party app options are restricted.
- Template Lock-In: Once you pick a template, you can’t switch to a different one later.
- E-commerce on Paid Plans: eCommerce features are only available on paid plans, and even then, they are somewhat limited.
For a detailed comparison of Wix and WordPress, check out our article on Wix vs. WordPress.
Pricing:
Wix offers a free plan, but you’ll be stuck with a Wix-branded subdomain (e.g., https://username.wixsite.com/example). To get a custom domain and unlock more features, their premium plans start at $16/month and go up to $159/month for more advanced options.
Wix is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a simple, drag-and-drop builder, though more advanced users may find it limiting for long-term growth.
4. HubSpot CMS: A Powerful All-in-One Blogging Platform
HubSpot CMS Hub offers a comprehensive solution for small, medium, and enterprise-level websites. It seamlessly integrates with HubSpot’s robust marketing and CRM tools, making it a top choice for businesses looking to streamline everything in one place. With HubSpot CMS, you can build your website, manage subscribers, send newsletters, and even track your customer base—all from a single platform.
The platform also allows you to easily customize your website’s design and layout. You can personalize the content based on user behavior, helping to improve engagement and conversions.
Pros:
- No Coding Required: Use the intuitive drag-and-drop builder to create a professional site without technical skills.
- Easy Setup: HubSpot handles hosting, so your site is up and running fast.
- Optimized for SEO: Built-in tools help you boost your search engine rankings and drive conversions.
- Free SSL Certificate: Comes with any plan for added security.
Cons:
- CMS Doesn’t Have a Free Version: While HubSpot offers free CRM tools, the CMS itself is paid.
- Pricing Can Get Expensive: As you scale your blog, the cost can increase significantly.
- Migration Can Be Time-Consuming: If you’re moving from another platform, the migration process may take some time.
Pricing:
The HubSpot CMS plan starts at $25 per month, which includes all the essentials for a secure, high-performing blog. For advanced SEO recommendations and more powerful features, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher tier. AimfulMind readers can take advantage of a free 14-day trial.
Pro Tip: If you’re using WordPress, you can integrate it with HubSpot’s free plugin to combine the power of WordPress with HubSpot’s marketing tools.
5. Web.com: Affordable and Easy-to-Use Website Builder
Web.com is a popular platform that makes it easy to add a blog section to your business site or online store. Designed for non-tech users, Web.com’s drag-and-drop builder requires no coding experience, making it accessible to just about anyone.
With dozens of customizable templates, Web.com also takes care of all the technical details, like hosting and security, so you can focus on creating content. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, with plans starting at just $1.95 per month.
Pros:
- Beginner-Friendly: Drag-and-drop tools make it easy for anyone to create a site without coding.
- Customizable Templates: Choose from a variety of beautiful blog templates and tailor them to fit your brand.
- Hassle-Free Setup: Web.com handles hosting and all technical aspects.
- Affordable Plans: Starting at just $1.95 per month, Web.com is one of the most budget-conscious options.
- Free Domain: All paid plans include a free domain.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Support from the company is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone, live chat, or email.
Cons:
- Limited Plugin Options: Compared to platforms like WordPress, Web.com’s third-party app ecosystem is smaller.
- Less Powerful Blogging Features: Web.com’s blogging tools aren’t as feature-rich as WordPress.
- Difficult to Switch Platforms: Since Web.com is proprietary, moving your site to another platform later can be challenging.
Pricing:
Web.com’s basic starter plan begins at just $1.95 per month, including a drag-and-drop builder, hundreds of templates, thousands of free stock images, and a free domain. To take advantage of improved SEO and eCommerce tools, sign up for the Marketing plan for $7.95 per month or the eCommerce plan for $13.95 per month.
6. Gator by HostGator: Simple & Effective Blog Building
Gator, a website builder from HostGator, offers a straightforward solution for building any website, from blogs to business sites and online stores. With a drag-and-drop interface, Gator is perfect for users who want an all-in-one platform without the complexity of WordPress. Keep in mind, this isn’t the same as HostGator’s hosting service—you can use HostGator hosting for WordPress, but Gator is a separate, non-WordPress option.
Pros:
- Easy Drag-and-Drop Builder: Customize your blog or website design effortlessly.
- Quick Setup: No technical experience is needed, making it beginner-friendly.
- Managed Hosting: HostGator handles backups, performance, and security for you.
- Free Domain & SSL: All plans include a free domain and SSL certificate for secure browsing.
- eCommerce Ready: Easily add an online store to your blog with a few clicks.
Cons:
- No Free Plan: While there’s no free option, they offer a 45-day money-back guarantee.
- Limited E-commerce Features: More advanced online store features are reserved for higher-tier plans.
- Fewer Apps & Extensions: Compared to WordPress, Gator offers fewer third-party integrations.
Pricing:
AimfulMind readers may get 55% off Gator builder plans. The Starter plan begins at $3.46/month, including all the essentials for a successful blog like a free domain and SSL certificate. Be sure to use the coupon code “aimfulmind” to unlock this exclusive discount.
7. WordPress.com: Easy Blog Hosting for Beginners
WordPress.com, offered by Automattic (the creators of WordPress.org), provides a simple blog hosting service. It’s a great option for users who don’t need the advanced features of a self-hosted WordPress blog.
Pros:
- No Setup Required: Get started with just a few clicks.
- User-Friendly: Easily manage your blog without technical knowledge.
- Free Plan Available: WordPress.com offers a free plan, but your site will have a WordPress subdomain like https://example.wordpress.com.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: You can’t use custom themes or plugins like on WordPress.org.
- Ads on Free Plan: WordPress.com displays ads on free websites, and you can’t run your own ads.
- Ownership Restrictions: WordPress.com can suspend your blog if you violate their terms, and you don’t fully own your blog.
Pricing:
The free plan includes WordPress.com ads and branding. To remove ads and get a custom domain, upgrade to the Personal plan for $4/month (billed annually). For additional design tools and more storage, opt for the Premium plan at $8/month (billed annually).
Many beginners confuse WordPress.com with WordPress.org, but as they discover the limitations, they often switch to WordPress.org for more control and flexibility.
8. Blogger: Google’s Free Blogging Platform
Blogger, one of the original blogging platforms, is owned by Google and offers a quick, easy way for non-tech users to start a simple blog. All you need is a Google account to launch a free blog with a Blogger subdomain.
Pros:
- Completely Free: No hidden costs to start blogging.
- Simple to Use: Manage your blog without technical skills.
- Backed by Google: You benefit from Google’s secure and reliable platform.
Cons:
- Limited Features: Blogger offers basic blogging tools, with no ability to add advanced features as your blog grows.
- Limited Design Options: Fewer templates are available, and third-party templates can be low quality.
- Infrequent Updates: Blogger doesn’t receive frequent updates or new features.
- Google’s Project History: Google has a track record of discontinuing services like FeedBurner, so Blogger’s future could be uncertain.
Pricing:
Blogger is completely free, but your blog will have a subdomain like https://example.blogspot.com. If you want a domain of your choice, you must buy it from a third-party domain registrar or you can buy it from AimfulMind.
Many users start on Blogger because it’s free, but as their blog grows, they often migrate to WordPress for more features, control, and scalability.
9. Medium: Simple Blogging for Writers and Creators
Launched in 2012, Medium has become a go-to platform for writers, bloggers, journalists, and industry experts. It’s known for its simplicity, making it easy for anyone to start publishing content. Medium operates similarly to a social networking site—you sign up, create an account, and start sharing your articles. Your user account (sub-domain) will seem like this: https://medium.com/@yourname, however, you cannot use your domain.
Pros:
- Effortless Setup: Medium is incredibly easy to use, requiring no coding or technical skills.
- Built-in Audience: The platform helps you reach a community of readers with similar interests.
- Focus on Writing: You can concentrate on your content without worrying about website design.
Cons:
- Limited Design & Branding: Medium offers minimal options to customize or build your brand.
- Platform Ownership: If Medium suspends your account, you lose both your content and followers.
- No Custom Domain: You’re limited to a Medium profile page URL.
- Restricted Monetization: You can’t run your ads, and revenue opportunities are confined to Medium’s Partner Program.
Pricing:
Medium is free to use, which makes it an attractive option for many new writers. However, the lack of monetization and limited control often prompts users to transition from Medium to more flexible platforms like WordPress.
10. Squarespace: Beautiful Websites for Small Businesses
Squarespace is a website builder that lets you create stunning, professional-looking sites using intuitive drag-and-drop tools. Founded in 2003, Squarespace is particularly popular among small business owners seeking an easy way to establish their online presence. Currently, millions of websites rely on Squarespace (according to CMS market share data).
Pros:
- Beginner-Friendly: Squarespace is simple enough for non-tech-savvy users to navigate.
- Gorgeous Templates: It offers professionally designed, visually appealing templates.
- Complete Package: Squarespace includes domain names, SSL certificates, and eCommerce functionality.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: You’re restricted to the features Squarespace offers, with fewer integration options compared to open-source platforms.
- Limited Third-Party Services: Integrations are confined to a handful of selected tools.
Pricing:
Squarespace’s Personal website plan is $23/month, or $16/month if invoiced annually. For businesses, prices jump to $33/month, or $23/month with an annual payment. eCommerce shop prices range from $27 to $49 per month.
Many users eventually switch from Squarespace to WordPress to reduce costs and expand functionality.
11. Ghost: A Minimalist Blogging Platform
Ghost is a streamlined blogging platform launched in 2013, focused solely on content creation, newsletters, and memberships. You can choose Ghost as a hosted platform or download and install the software yourself. Ghost’s simplicity is ideal for bloggers who want to focus on writing without distractions.
Pros:
- Content-Focused: Designed specifically for blogging and publishing.
- Speed & Simplicity: Written in JavaScript, Ghost is incredibly fast and easy to navigate.
- No Setup Required (Hosted Version): The hosted option requires zero technical knowledge.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: Ghost’s simple style comes with fewer customization possibilities.
- Few Themes: There aren’t many design templates to choose from.
- Complex Self-Hosting Setup: If you opt for the self-hosted version, the installation process can be challenging.
Pricing:
For the self-hosted version, you’ll need a custom domain (around $14.99/year) and web hosting (starting at $7.99/month). For the hosted version, pricing starts at $9/month for one user and up to 500 members. Without a custom domain, your site will have a Ghost subdomain ending in ghost.io.
Ghost appeals to users who prioritize writing over complex site design but often see users migrate to platforms like WordPress for more robust customization and management features.
12. Weebly: Simple Website Builder for Small Businesses
Weebly, now owned by Square, is a well-known website builder that offers intuitive tools for small businesses and eCommerce websites. It’s designed for ease of use, letting you quickly build a professional website with blogging capabilities. You can also seamlessly integrate Square’s payment platform, making it a great option for business owners.
Pros:
- Fully Hosted Solution: Weebly provides a hassle-free, fully hosted platform.
- Integrated Payment System: Works smoothly with Square for seamless transactions.
- No Setup Required: You don’t need any technical skills to get started.
Cons:
- Limited Free Plan: The free plan is restrictive, with ads and Weebly branding.
- Pricey Paid Plans: Weebly’s premium plans are expensive compared to other blogging platforms.
- Limited SEO Tools: Weebly’s blogging and SEO features aren’t as powerful as WordPress.
If you’re considering switching from Weebly to WordPress, we’ve created a detailed step-by-step guide to help you transition smoothly.
Pricing:
Weebly offers a limited free version that includes Weebly branding and ads. Paid plans commence at $10/month when billing yearly. The Professional plan costs $12/month, and the Performance plan goes for $26/month.
Our Pick for the Best Blogging Platform
After testing many blogging platforms, we strongly believe WordPress.org stands out as the best. It’s user-friendly, powerful, flexible, and affordable. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced blogger, WordPress gives you full control over your site with unmatched customization options.
To help you get started, check out our complete guide on starting a blog in 7 easy steps. If you need further assistance, AimfulMind.com offers free WordPress blog setup services.
For those seeking a WordPress alternative, we recommend Hostinger Website Builder or Wix. Both offer drag-and-drop website builders that make creating a blog, business site, or online store easy and affordable.
Blogging Platform FAQs
We’ve helped over 400,000 users create websites and have answered countless questions along the way. Here are some of the most common questions about blogging platforms:
Which is the best blogging platform for SEO?
Through our extensive research, WordPress ranks as the best platform for SEO. Its powerful SEO plugins, like All in One SEO, make it easy to optimize your blog for search engines and improve rankings.
Which is the best free blogging platform?
Several platforms offer free versions, but we believe WordPress offers the best free blogging experience. Since WordPress is free, CMS you’ll need to find a domain name and web hosting. With as low as $1.99/month on Bluehost, you can completely own and host your WordPress site.
What platforms do most bloggers use?
According to our data, most bloggers use WordPress. Furthermore, WordPress powers over 43% of all online blogs, and more than 70 million new blog entries originate on the platform each month.
How can I make my blog popular?
To grow your blog’s audience, focus on creating high-quality content that addresses your readers’ pain points. Promote your blog on social media and follow our 27 proven tips to increase blog traffic.
Which blog topics are best for earning money?
You can monetize just about any blog topic if you have an audience, but some niches tend to be more profitable. These areas include fitness and wellness, personal finance, fashion, leisure, business and marketing, and travel. For a more in-depth look, check out our guide on the best blogging niches and our tips for monetizing your blog.
When is the optimum time to write a blog post?
Studies show that Monday at 11 a.m. EST is ideal for traffic. However, the best time to post varies based on your audience’s location. We have a guide on how to find the best publishing time for your blog.
How long does it take for you to establish a successful blog?
Most blogs start gaining traction after 7-8 months, with long-term success typically occurring after 2-3 years. Don’t get discouraged if growth seems slow at first—it takes time to build an audience.
How often should I blog?
It’s more important to be consistent than to publish frequently. Start by posting once a week. After building that habit, you can gradually increase your output. On AimfulMind, we publish five days a week, but on some of our other blogs, we post just twice a week.
What are the top 3 best blog sites for beginners?
Our top three beginner-friendly blogging platforms are:
- WordPress (self-hosted): The best all-around option.
- Hostinger Website Builder: An affordable, easy-to-use alternative.
- Wix: A complete website builder and solid WordPress alternative.
We hope this guide helps you find the right blogging platform! For more tips, check out our guides on how to create an email newsletter and set up a professional email for your blog.
