If you want to go into blogging and probably wondering what platform to use for your blog, this article will give you a clearer picture of the two blogging giants- BlogSpot (Blogger) and WordPress.
On May 27, 2003, the first version of WordPress was announced by one of its creator Matt Mullenweg, and it was welcomed by the blogging community, overtime WordPress captured the heart of bloggers all over the world, and several of them have migrated from blogger to WordPress which now begs the question; why?
In May 2004, WordPress 1.2 version came with Plugin Architecture which gave developers and users the opportunity to extend the functionality of WordPress by writing their customized plugins and sharing them with the rest of the community.*
WordPress allows users and developers to be creative; this endears more users to the platform.
Overview of the blogging platforms
To get the basics of both platforms, check out their functionality and designs;
Designs
If you are looking for a variety of designs to pick for your blog, Google BlogSpot isn’t for you; BlogSpot has gadgets and less attractive interface.
WordPress has thousands of designs; Various designs are only available in the paid version. in other words, if you want access to amazing designs, you need to pay a monthly or yearly fee.
Ownership
Using WordPress as your blogging platform means you are the owner of your apartment (URL), although you are entirely responsible for maintenance including security, spam protection, and backup.
However, BlogSpot owns the apartment; you rent the apartment while it takes care of maintenance for you.
Popularity
WordPress beats BlogSpot hands down regarding usage; BlogSpot only powers 0.9% of all websites online while WordPress powers 29.2%. More than 75 million people and brands including CNN, Mozilla, Facebook, eBay, etc. use WordPress to create an extensive range of impressive and beautiful sites.
Storage
BlogSpot provides 1gigabyte for its users, to increase the storage space, you can link it to your Google Plus account. WordPress, on the other hand, requires you to pay a monthly fee of $4.95 for hosting to enjoy unlimited storage space.
Customization
WordPress is more flexible compared to BlogSpot; it allows you to customize and modify your blog as you wish. BlogSpot enables you to customize templates but limits you by restricting access to File Advance Protocol (FTP).
Domain name
BlogSpot allows you to use your pre-registered domain name or create a URL ending with blogspot.com, e.g., myplatform.blogspot.com.
In WordPress, you cannot use a pre-registered domain, You have to register your domain name with a fee of $13 annually accept you are opting for the free but restricted free blog hosting service at WordPress.com
Monetization
WordPress users are not limited to monetizing their blog; they dictate how they monetize their blogs; from affiliate marketing to running banner adverts, whatever rocks their boat. BlogSpot is rigid in blog monetization; it integrates Google AdSense and Monetizes with Ads.
Plugins
This is one of the reasons most bloggers migrated from BlogSpot to WordPress; thousands of Plugins are available, and users can add any functionalities or features they desire.
Bloggers are free to add whatever Plugins they want; the only limitation is their imagination. BlogSpot provides a range of gadget, unlike WordPress, there are no Plugins for users.
Why is BlogSpot best for new Bloggers?
If you are new to blogging, BlogSpot is highly recommended to start with; BlogSpot takes care of your maintenance and helps you to integrate Adsense for blog monetization without you even trying.
If you don’t have money to run your blog, BlogSpot provides all your blogging tools for free; unlike WordPress, you have to pay a monthly or annual fee to enjoy some cool stuff.
Integration of Multiple Accounts
You can view your multiple accounts through BlogSpot dashboard that directly connects to your Google login. BlogSpot makes it easy to create ad management numerous blogs; you don’t need to hire a social media manager when using Blogspot as your blogging platform.
User-friendly
If you have zero ideas for web design/development or how to start a blog, BlogSpot provides all you need to set up a blog without hiring an expert to run your blog for you.
If you want to go into blogging full time but lack the funds to run your blog, BlogSpot makes it easy for you. No need for Hosting, it is entirely backed up by Google. You don’t have to pay to drive traffic to your blog; Google does that for you, all you have to do is create informative posts that will make people search for your blog.
However, you can migrate to WordPress after learning all you need to know about blogging. WordPress creates more than one ways to make money via your blog.
In conclusion, both blogging platforms are important; you can use BlogSpot as a boost to gain recognition in the blogging community (traffic), and when you are ready to earn money in more than one ways with your blog you can migrate to WordPress.
