When you first start blogging, you’ll probably go through many different types of free blogging platforms to help you get a feel of how things are done. Most free blogging platforms are simple and easy to use, no set-up hassles or the necessity to have you own host or domain name.

There are numerous free blogging platforms and I won’t go into detail with each one of them. Here are some of the most popular ones.

1. WordPress.com

It looks and works just like every WordPress blog, except unless you pay, you won’t have the privilege of tweaking the themes and monetizing your blog. You also can’t change the domain name to a private one without paying.

2. BlogSpot

Owner by google, this one allows a bit more customizability than WordPress.com. You can add Google Adsense, a few more money-making widgets, a bit of garnishing, and if you’re savvy enough, customize and personalize the theme completely. The downside is that the comments page is separate from the post itself. Also, it still has limited customizability compared to paid blogging platforms.

3. LiveJournal

LiveJournal has the most limited customizable features compared to the other two in this list. You can change the theme, but you have no option of adding monetization features even if you pay. The good thing about LJ is that you can form communities with other people of your own interest. Other than that, if you’re a serious blogger, I don’t think LJ is the place to stay.

And here are some examples of paid blogging platforms:

1. WordPress

Technically, WordPress is free. The reason why I put WP in the paid blogging platforms list is because you have to have your own host and domain name. You just have to download the software from their web site and install it on your host. It’s quite complicated the first time around, but you’ll get used to it. Many hosts, however, offer one-click installation of some popular software including WordPress. If you can’t afford to pay for your own host, you can use some free hosts which allow installation of WordPress such as (http://www.freehostia.com)FreeHostia. The bandwidth and disk space are limited, but they’re enough to help you get started. You can buy your own domain name and use it for FreeHostia too. For cheap domain names with Whois privacy, try (http://www.netfirms.com)Netfirms.

2. TypePad

Like WordPress, TypePad allows you to completely customize your blog according to your needs. You can tweak themes and add advertisements to your liking. The downside is that you have to pay to use the software. The most basic TypePad is priced at $4.95 a month. You can get a 30-day free trial, and if it floats your boat and you can afford it, then go for it.

3. Movable Type

Movable Type is a little different than TypePad with regards to fees. It grants anyone free software if the blog is for “Personal Use.” Anything other than that warrants fees depending on the license purchased.

The bottom line: I would recommend using a paid blogging platform in contrast with using a free one. Though a free platform works, using a paid one grants you complete autonomous rights to your software. Out of the three paid platforms mentioned here, I’d recommend WordPress, of course. At least all you have to worry about are your host and domain since WordPress doesn’t charge for the use of its software. Besides, as I said, many hosts offer one-click WordPress installation which makes your life (and everything else) a whole lot easier and who doesn’t want that?

This entry was posted on Monday, October 8th, 2007 at 2:07 pm and is filed under Wordpress. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

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