23 Best Blogging Platforms in 2021

The benefits of blogging are numerous, whether you are blogging as partime or creating a blog for your business. It’s an excellent method to get people to visit your website.

According to our findings, Wix is the most refined blogging platform. Because it is straightforward to use, it includes over a thousand professionally designed templates.

To get you started, you’ll need a fully functional mobile app and an excellent free plan. In this article, we will tell you about the best blogging platforms.

What to Consider When Choosing a Blogging Platform

To select the most suitable blogging platform for your business. First, examine how well its capabilities match your goals and requirements.

Suppose your top priority is to get started publishing graphic material as soon as feasible. Then you might concentrate on finding a platform that allows for multi-media postings.

Let’s have a look at some of the essential features you could require for your blog. You may use this list to compare various blogging systems.

Editor of Content

Every blogging platform is built on the content editor. As a blogger, you may find yourself working in this editor daily.

As a result, be careful to pick a platform with a competent editor. You may construct a list of characteristics.

For example, your editor may require drag-and-drop capabilities as well as an auto-save option. In addition, it would be helpful to be able to preview how your article will look on different devices.

Templates and Themes

Themes and templates allow you to quickly and simply modify a blog when comparing different blogging platforms. Have a look at their theme and template offerings.

Do they have many choices for blogging in particular? Is there a mix of free and paid options? What is the typical cost of their premium themes?

Can you change the themes and templates to give your site a genuinely unique look?

You may also want the option of starting from scratch rather than using a pre-made theme.

This can assist you in selecting a platform with the design and customization choices you want.

SEO Tools and Features

It is critical to optimize your content for search to drive visitors to your site. Search Engine Journal reports.

Sites included on Google’s first SERP receive 91.5 percent of traffic for a keyword or phrase.

To make it to the first page. It would help if you ideally look for a platform that has tools to optimize your content. CMS Hub, for example, provides SEO suggestions as you write.

Suppose a platform lacks this level of sophisticated capability. Then, see whether you can add an SEO plugin or a third-party program.

Otherwise, you’ll need to brush up on SEO best practices. Also, be sure to include them within your blog.

The Best Blogging Platforms

You have a lot of good alternatives to select from. Some are free and may suffice. Others are compensated and allow you to accomplish a lot more.

To assist you in finding the most excellent match for your situation. We examined the twenty-three blogging systems available on the market today. Let’s have a look at the top blogging platforms for beginners.

1. WordPress.org

WordPress.org is the most popular blogging software in the world.

WordPress.org is a free and open-source blogging platform. It allows you to create a website or blog in minutes.

It is a solution that is self-hosted. It implies you’ll need to join up with a WordPress hosting company.

WordPress is an excellent choice if you desire complete control over the destiny of your site.

WordPress.org offers you complete control over your website. You may expand your blog and add new features.

As a result, WordPress is the most refined blogging platform for making money.

There are many free WordPress themes available. You will also get access to over 58,000 free WordPress plugins.

For your posts, you may quickly establish SEO-friendly URLs, categories, and tags.

Last but not least, the drag-and-drop editor in WordPress. It makes it simple to generate any sort of material for your blog.

You will be responsible for your backups and security.

WordPress software is available for free. You will, however, require a domain name and hosting.

2. Web.com

Web.com is a well-known platform for website creation. It includes the ability to create a blog area for your company’s website or online store.

Their drag-and-drop website builder tool is very user-friendly for non-technical users. In addition, they have relatively low starting costs ($1.95).

You may select from dozens of pre-made templates. Then, without writing any code, you may change your blog’s layout.

It includes all of the powerful features, such as SEO tools. It has blog security measures, as well as AutoSaves and backup.

A user-friendly drag-and-drop website builder for beginners. Dozens of fully customizable blog templates.

Simple to set up and maintain. Because Web.com handles all of the technical aspects of hosting your website.

You can start at $1.95 each month. It’s an excellent place to start. And it has all of the necessary characteristics.

All premium plans include a free domain. Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone, live chat, and email.

The ecosystem of extensions and apps is limited. As a result, there aren’t as many third-party plugins as there are for WordPress.

Blogging features are nowhere near as powerful as those found in WordPress because Web.com is a proprietary website builder.

It is tough to migrate your website to a different platform later on.

3. Wix

Wix is a well-known website-building platform. Their drag-and-drop website builder makes it simple for small companies to develop a website.

You can also incorporate a blog into your website by using the Wix Blog app.

You may personalize your site with a variety of themes and third-party tools.

Create your website using simple drag-and-drop tools. There is no need for coding knowledge. Setup is quick and straightforward.

The free account has a time restriction. And it displays Wix branding and advertisements on your site. There are just a few third-party apps that are accessible for free on the App Store.

Once you’ve selected a template, you can’t alter it.

4. Constant Contact Website Builder

Constant Communication Website Builder is a sophisticated A.I.-powered website builder. It enables you to set up a free blog or company website.

And even an online store in a matter of minutes.

You may begin by browsing their extensive template library. And you can easily alter your website design with a drag-and-drop interface. You will also get access to more valuable tools.

No technical knowledge is necessary to utilize this simple drag-and-drop website builder.

Setup is quick and straightforward because Constant Contact will host your website.

You may test out the service for free for 60 days. And even create an online store before making a purchase. All premium options include a free SSL certificate.

The development ecosystem is relatively tiny. As a result, there aren’t as many third-party plugins as there are for WordPress.

Integration with third-party platforms is limited. It is tough to export your site from the Constant Contact website builder to another platform.

5. Gator by HostGator

A website builder and blogging software, HostGator Gator is available for both Windows and Mac. Gator comes with a drag-and-drop tool for moving files around. Create any sort of website using it.

It would help if you didn’t mix up the Gator builder with HostGator website hosting. To establish a WordPress blog, you may use HostGator’s hosting service.

Suppose you’re searching for an all-in-one blog platform and hosting solution that isn’t WordPress. Then Gator is the ideal choice.

Customize your blog and website design with a simple drag-and-drop builder. Quick installation – no technical snafus.

HostGator manages backups, speed, and security (no headaches). A free domain and SSL certificate are included with all plans.

With a few clicks, you can simply add an online store to your blog.

No such thing as a free account exists. They do, however, provide a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Ecommerce capabilities are only available on higher-tiered subscriptions.

There are just a few applications and extensions available.

6. WordPress.com

Automattic’s WordPress.com is a blog hosting service. Matt Mullenweg, the co-founder of WordPress.org, founded this firm.

WordPress.com provides a free primary blog hosting solution. Additional options, such as a custom domain name, are available for purchase.

WordPress.com is an excellent blogging platform for users. This platform does not require any setup. It’s simple to set up and utilize.

If you’re content with a WordPress.com subdomain, it’s free. Your free website address is as follows: https://example.wordpress.com.

There are a few possibilities for expanding your site. Your blog cannot be customized with custom themes or plugins.

Advertisements are not permitted on your blog. Instead, WordPress.com will place advertisements on your free website.

WordPress.com has the authority to suspend your account. Suppose they discover that you violate their terms of service. Then they will terminate your account.

7. Blogger- the best blogging platform

Google Blogger is a free blogging service. It provides a quick and straightforward method to start a blog.

When blogging initially started to take off, Blogger was one of the first platforms to appear. Originally released in 1999 by Pyra Labs.

Later that year, in 2003, Google purchased Blogger. And then redesigned it, and it becomes the product we know today.

All you need is a Google account to create a free Blogger blog. Using and administering it requires no technological expertise.

You can only use essential blogging tools. And you won’t be able to add new features as your site develops in popularity.

With fewer templates available, design possibilities are limited. Third-party Blogger themes are frequently of poor quality.

8. Tumblr 

 

Tumblr is distinct from other blogging sites. It is a social networking platform with microblogging capabilities.

It contains features such as blog following, reblogging, built-in sharing tools, and more.

Tumblr is free if you have a Tumblr subdomain, such as https://example.tumblr.com. Also, a premium custom domain name can be connected to the site’s URL.

It is straightforward to set up and utilize. It has a social media component.

Tumblr has a restricted range of functions. You will be unable to expand as your blog grows.

Tumblr has a plethora of themes to choose from. However, they are unable to provide more features.

9. Medium Blogging platform 

Medium has evolved into a network of authors, bloggers, journalists, and specialists. It is a simple blogging platform with minimal social networking capabilities.

Medium functions similarly to a social networking platform. You may sign up for an account and begin publishing your articles.

This is your profile address once you’ve joined up. https://medium.com/@yourname.

However, you are not permitted to use your domain.

It enables you to connect with an established online community of individuals who share your interests.

In terms of design or brand building, features are severely constrained.

Medium owns your audience. As a result, losing your blog means losing all of your followers.

10. Squarespace

Squarespace is a website-creation platform. It enables you to design attractive websites with simple drag-and-drop tools. It is aimed at small company owners.

Those are seeking a simple approach to establishing an internet presence. Today, Squarespace runs millions of websites online.

It features professionally created templates that are both attractive and functional.

It provides domain names with SSL/HTTPS and eCommerce shops individually.

Squarespace’s functionalities are restricted to those built within its proprietary platform.

Integrations are restricted to a small number of services and technologies.

11. Ghost

Ghost is a straightforward blogging platform with features solely dedicated to the creation of blog articles. Ghost, which debuted in 2013, is now accessible as a hosted platform.

In addition, it is available as software that you may install and host yourself. We’ll look at both possibilities.

I’m primarily interested in blogging and writing. The user interface is simple, uncluttered, and easy to use.

It’s written in JavaScript, so it’s lightning quick. The hosted version requires no installation.

It is challenging to customize applications. Because of the reduced user interface, choices are severely constrained.

There aren’t enough themes to modify the look of your site. Installing it on your own is a complex process.

12. Weebly

Weebly is a well-known website building software. Square’s payment network owns that. They provide simple website construction solutions for company websites.

They also provide a blog function and free blog layouts. It is something you can put on your website.

It is a fully hosted website and blogging platform. Integration with the Square payment platform is seamless. The hosted version requires no installation.

The free package offers restricted features and bandwidth. It also has Weebly branding.

Paid subscriptions are costly when compared to leading blogging websites.

The blogging and SEO tools are not as robust as those found in WordPress.

13. LinkedIn

Creating a blog on LinkedIn is a simple process that just needs a profile. It’s only a question of clicking on a Facebook link from there. And you can write an article.

LinkedIn, like Medium, has a Gutenberg-style editor. That is quite simple to use. It was also handy for our panel.

It’s also essential to understand the distinctions between a LinkedIn post and an article.

A post is a brief update that you would publish with your feed and contacts. Consider providing a quick story or pro advice. They are restricted to 1,300 characters or around five lines.

Of course, articles are lengthier and more in-depth. They would be of interest to the larger LinkedIn audience.

While LinkedIn provides several chances for developing your brand. There are certain instances where it falls short.

For starters, there is no easy method for others to browse an archive of your previous pieces. Similar to what you’d see on Medium or a standard Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress blog.

The article will instead appear in your Activity stream. This necessitates a click on your profile.

Then go to your Activity stream, and finally to your article. That’s a lot of work simply to discover one piece.

14. Jekyll

Jekyll’s most recent version (4.2) is a “simple, blog-aware, static site generator.” TXT files are used to store content. That is then organized into folders.

Then you construct your site using Liquid language templates. Jekyll then merges the material. A website is created. That may then be uploaded to a server.

It is for those who require a host. There is a connection with Jekyll to host the website on GitHub for free.

While the Jekyll website contains a thorough “quick-start tutorial,” It doesn’t have the ease of use other rival blogging systems have.

It can accomplish all of this using a web interface. The sophisticated features that Jekyll provides are the perks.

15. Typepad

Typepad is a complete blogging platform. It is intended for professional bloggers. It provides a lot of versatility, such as

• The option to publish from email
• A web browser
• Or a mobile device

It also connects effortlessly with Google Analytics. It also has its affiliate program.

Typepad allows for design customization through the use of a Theme Builder to create a unique appearance. In addition, you have the option of building your unique template.

Alternatively, custom CSS may be used to change a theme. Typepad is also wholly hosted. And there is help accessible.

And following the first 14-day trial period. Plans begin at $8.95 a month (£8) for up to four blogs with unlimited storage.

16. Strikingly – blogging platform

Strikingly is another excellent platform for establishing a solid brand.

Strikingly is popular among artists and designers for its ease of use in creating blogs and other web pages. It’s simple as that. But it still produces jaw-dropping beauty.

In less than an hour, you can construct a great website using the template-based editor. There is no need for coding.

You are given many clean, elegant templates to work with. Then there’s the simple control of changing out pictures and adding text areas.

Also, you have control over the buttons and the positioning of everything on the page.

As part of using their platform, Strikingly will also host your website. This is an excellent value for a variety of reasons:

• It’s a blessing to get hosting and a blogging platform in one fell swoop because it reduces the number of steps required to set up.

And it does not need you to spend money on it individually.

• Second, you won’t have to mess around with backend servers. Determine which host is ideal for your blog. And other technical aspects you don’t want to be concerned with.

This frees you up to concentrate solely on content creation. alternatively, focus on showing your unique work

And it is precisely what the majority of creatives want from a platform like this—the capacity to produce something lovely quickly.

17. LiveJournal

LiveJournal was formerly considered one of the greatest free blogging sites. However, it has evolved into a platform for people.

It is for individuals who simply blog as a pastime. It’s also not a suitable fit for businesses or people looking to generate money from their websites.

Top of the list for writing blog posts. You may send and receive private messages, as well as use social networking tools. You may also join communities.

Available in a plethora of languages, allowing you to make your website multilingual.

LiveJournal ads must be displayed on free sites. There are no professional templates available.

LiveJournal is not appropriate for professional or business blogs.

18. CMS Hub

CMS Hub is wholly integrated with HubSpot’s marketing, sales, and customer service tools. It includes a built-in CRM.

That means you’ll be able to establish a fully functional and customized blog.

You may begin by choosing a pre-designed theme. Alternatively, you may create your unique piece.

You can quickly generate blog entries. That is optimized for search engines. CTAs, forms. And other interactive components can be created.

You may also translate your blog entries into different languages. Before you publish, be sure to test how your posts and pages will look on various devices.

19. Craft CMS

Craft CMS is a blogging platform for web developers, designers, and professionals. With the help of Craft’s customized content modeling.

You have access to the code of your blog as well as sophisticated templating. You have total control over the look and operation of your website if you have the required experience.

Craft CMS also has an image editor, collaborative tools, and a function for localization. This allows you to convert your material into different languages.

To assess the performance of your material. Craft CMS’s dashboard can be linked to Google Analytics.

A free version is available for a single administrator account, with robust website creation tools and templates.

When you’re ready to begin advertising, connect your social network profiles to your blog.

As a result, fresh blog articles will be immediately shared on your social networks.

20. Contently

Contently is a well-developed blogging platform. This is suitable for huge enterprises with different pricing. However, there are limited internal editorial resources.

Contently allows you to manage your entire content creation process from start to finish in one place. You can create.

And you can visualize your editorial strategy with their customizable production calendar tool. You can also use their tagging function to arrange your blog entries.

You can communicate efficiently by utilizing their powerful workflow features. You may even pay Contently’s pre-screened freelancers to write part of this material for you.

Before you post your material, Contently’s intelligent content assessment tools will guarantee that your material is consistent with your brand.

21. Joomla

Joomla is an open-source content management system (CMS) with powerful content management capabilities. It’s integrated right into the platform.

For example:-

• It enables the creation of custom post kinds.
• It can manage hundreds of users.
• And publish material in different languages straight away.

As a result, it is an ideal WordPress substitute.

Joomla has a higher learning curve than WordPress due to its rich built-in features. As a result, it will take extra time to set up.

It also has a less number of themes and extensions than WordPress. As a result, your customization choices may be limited.

There are several excellent blogging plugins included in this list.

22. Drupal

Drupal is a powerful open-source content management system (CMS). That works best for giant, complicated blogs.

Drupal comes with hundreds of built-in features and modules. Suppose you’re not sure how to use them. And they don’t have time to study.

They can be difficult and restrict your blogging attempts. However, if you know how or have the time to learn.

Drupal, on the other hand, will provide you with greater control than other open-source systems.

Drupal, in particular, provides a broad range of content types, page layouts, blocks, and views. And much more for producing and managing a wide range of materials.

It also lights on essential user permissions. As a result, you may supply site admins and content editors.

23. Write.as

Write. as is a simple blogging platform. This is perfect for people who want to make essential blogs with a minimalist style—providing a bare-bones editor with nothing.

Write. as, on the other hand, has an auto-save option and provides the sensation of writing in a virtual diary.

Write. as does need the usage of Markdown. A syntax for formatting text with special characters. The syntax is simple to learn.

However, it may take some practice. If you’d instead construct bullet lists or add hyperlinks with a single click, you may do so.

Write. as is a free service that does not accept advertisements.

Our Choice for the Best Blogging Platform

In our perspective, WordPress.org beats all other blogging systems. It has a lot of power, is easy to operate, and is reasonably priced. And the most adaptable of all blogging systems available.

If you require assistance, then WPBeginner’s team of professionals can even assist you with setting up your blog for free.

Suppose you’re seeking a WordPress substitute. Web.com is our second choice for the most refined blogging platform.

Their drag-and-drop website builder makes it simple at a minimal cost. You may create any website, from a blog to a company website to an online store.

Conclusion

It is the most reliable approach for discovering the most effective blogging platform. Or perhaps you want to know how free blogging services and self-hosted WordPress work.

Your budget and customization capabilities will also influence your decision. Also, consider the simplicity of use of the program you intend to employ.

We have informed you about all the features through this guide. And you now understand how to get started with each of them.