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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 largely dependent on the individual blogger's requirements. With that stated, I've compiled a list of pros and cons of the two primary platform choices below.
Hosted Platforms
Hosted platforms refer to services whereby a service provider grants you access to their software, network connection, and hardware, and you setup a blogging account for use on that service. With a hosted blog, you have access to a control panel for your blog, and that's it.
Standard hosted platforms include solutions like Typepad, LiveJournal, and Blogger.
Advantages of Hosted Platforms
1. Economical: most are free; some (like TypePad) are offered with multiple price points
2. Simple 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. Inflexible: there are fewer customization options with hosted platforms.
2. Limited design choices: you typically only get to choose from a limited number of average designs, and you often can't make updates to them
3. Generic URL: some hosted platforms don't offer the option to use your own URL
4. Lack of 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 a web hosting account you establish with a host, and the blogging software you install on the host's server. With a self-hosted blog, you have access to a management panel for your blog, but you also have access to a server account and the blog software where you can do nigh anything.
Popular self-hosted software includes WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
Advantages of Self-hosted Platforms
1. Design flexibility: you have full control over layout and design
2. Great software: killer software exists on self-hosted platforms
3. Custom URL: custom URL's are common on self-hosted platforms
4. Adaptability: you can change your blog as your needs change
5. Easy migration: should you ever want to move to a different platform or another server, moving 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 largely dependent on the individual blogger's requirements. With that stated, I've compiled a list of pros and cons of the two primary platform choices below.
Hosted Platforms
Hosted platforms refer to services whereby a service provider grants you access to their software, network connection, and hardware, and you setup a blogging account for use on that service. With a hosted blog, you have access to a control panel for your blog, and that's it.
Standard hosted platforms include solutions like Typepad, LiveJournal, and Blogger.
Advantages of Hosted Platforms
1. Economical: most are free; some (like TypePad) are offered with multiple price points
2. Simple 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. Inflexible: there are fewer customization options with hosted platforms.
2. Limited design choices: you typically only get to choose from a limited number of average designs, and you often can't make updates to them
3. Generic URL: some hosted platforms don't offer the option to use your own URL
4. Lack of 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 a web hosting account you establish with a host, and the blogging software you install on the host's server. With a self-hosted blog, you have access to a management panel for your blog, but you also have access to a server account and the blog software where you can do nigh anything.
Popular self-hosted software includes WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
Advantages of Self-hosted Platforms
1. Design flexibility: you have full control over layout and design
2. Great software: killer software exists on self-hosted platforms
3. Custom URL: custom URL's are common on self-hosted platforms
4. Adaptability: you can change your blog as your needs change
5. Easy migration: should you ever want to move to a different platform or another server, moving 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 developer of a blog extension 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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